D E S C R I P T I O N A N D -------------------------------- A U T H O R I N F O R M A T I O N -------------------------------------- Last updated: APR 1995 This file includes sample descriptions which you may use to describe the PC-Track package. Disk Vendors and Distributors and BBS sysops refer to the VENDIFO.DIZ file for distribution information. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- P r o g r a m I n f o r m a t i o n : ---------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------- File Name for Distribution ------------------------------- PC-TRACK is distributed in one zip file. For consistency and to help users locate the files, please use the following file name: PCTRK31.ZIP PC-TRACK Version 3.1 The contents of this file is contained in the VENDINFO.DIZ file. --------------------------------- Program Name, Category, Keywords: --------------------------------- Name : PC-Track 3.1 Category : Astronomy, Science, Education, Ham Radio Sub-Category : Satellite Tracking Keywords: Satellite, Visualization, Tracking, Ephemeris, Astrodynamics ------------------------------------------ One-line Description: ------------------------------------------ 3 dimensional object-oriented, windowed satellite tracking package. ------------------------------------- Short Description: ------------------------------------- PC-TRACK is a 3D object-oriented, windowed satellite tracking package. Tracks up to 300 satellites simultaneously. Provides a colorful, graphical means of visualizing satellite orbits both in stunning three dimensional spherical displays and flat map displays. Has integrated mutual visibility pass scan capability for future in-range passes. Can capture graphics screen displays to PCX files. Uses SGP4/SDP4 propagation. --------------------------------- Long Description: --------------------------------- Capabilities PC-TRACK is a powerful tool, utilizing the latest in object-oriented technology and double-precision calculations to accurately compute required data. PC-TRACK is capable of computing: * Fields of view for any of the earth sites provided or any user-defined site. * Positions and velocities for any/all of the satellites provided and any user-defined satellites. * Doppler shifted downlink frequencies * Viewing angles * Ranges and range rates. * Future mutually visible passes and associated data (including acquisition of signal time (AOS), loss of signal time (LOS), time in range (TIR), maximum elevation (MAX EL), and sun illumination. * Passes illuminated by the sun. * Satellites visible at a particular time. Graphics PC-TRACK takes advantage of the standard VGA 640x480 resolution mode for graphics displays. With any available mode PC-TRACK is capable of displaying the following for both tracking and mutual visibility pass scans: * Simultaneously the positions of any or all of the satellites provided or any user defined satellites. * Line of site lines from all active sites to all active satellites. * Altitude lines for all satellites. * Visibility footprints for all active satellites. * Satellite space position (with or without trail) * Sub-satellite point position (with or without trail) * Geographic features of the earth * Any combination of coasts, islands, countries, states, rivers and lakes (with MAPGEN, provided to registered users). * Latitude and longitude lines. * Mercator flat map projections. * Earth Centered Fixed (ECF) 3D projections * Ground Site viewing angles * Points of passes illuminated by sun. * Current tracking date, time and interval as either UTC or Local time with 3 different date formats * Site and satellite names * Metric or English distances Features With PC-TRACK you have the latest in satellite tracking technology for your IBM compatible PC. PC-TRACK provides: * Runs in DOS Protected mode, which removes the 640K memory barrier. Utilizes up to 16 MB of memory. * Includes a Dynamic Link Library that contains SGP4/SDP4 propagation algorithms. * Complete control over all display attributes (including those described above), colors, site and satellite selection to make displays as simple or detailed as necessary. * Simple update of orbital elements through direct import of data from: NASA/NORAD two-line element files AMSAT keplerian element files PC-TRACK 1.x & 2.x object data files * Multiple "personalities" through the use of user-defined parameter files which define display attributes, colors, viewpoints, active sites, active satellites, etc. * User friendly menu driven windowed interface. ---------------------------------------- System Requirements: ---------------------------------------- In order to use PC-Track most effectively, you should have a computer system that has the following features: CPU any 80386SX, 80386, 80486 processor based system. (A math coprocessor SIGNIFICANTLY improves performance, but is not necessary to run.) RAM 2 - 16 MB DISK at least 5MB of disk space. DOS MS-DOS or PC-DOS version 5.0 or greater. VIDEO VGA Color Video (Required for graphics use. Any lesser video standard will work using the TEXT track capability). PRINTER Printer (optional) MOUSE A mouse will allow you to take advantage of many convenient features of PC-Track, and is much easier to use if you have one, but you can get by without one. If you do wish to use a mouse, the following is required for proper operation: -Microsoft Mouse version 6.1 or later, or any mouse compatible with this. -Logitech Mouse version 3.4 or later. -Mouse Systems PC Mouse version 6.22 or later. -IMSI mouse version 6.11 or later. The mouse driver must be loaded before running PC-Track. KEYBOARD A standard 101 key "AT" style keyboard (sometimes referred to as an "Extended" keyboard) is recommended. ------------------------------------------------- R e g i s t r a t i o n I n f o r m a t i o n : ------------------------------------------------- For complete user registration information and prices please refer to the REGISTER.TXT text file. ------------------------------------------------- O t h e r P r o d u c t s ------------------------------------------------- See the file called PRODUCTS.TXT for details about other products from Johnson Scientific International. ****** VISIT OUR WORLD WIDE WEB SITE ******* http://www.jsci.com/ ******************************************** ------------------------------------------------- Author/Publisher Information: ------------------------------------------------- Thomas C. Johnson is a Computer Systems Analyst for the world's largest employer and has been producing user-friendly, practical software for the shareware market since 1989. He has also been involved in custom programming / systems consulting since 1982, encompasing a wide variety of fields. He is the owner of Johnson Scientific International, formerly Acme Workshops. Please feel free to contact him any time if you have any questions, comments, suggestions, or custom programming needs. He can be reached at the following address: Thomas C. Johnson 9746 US Route 36 St. Paris, Oh. 43072 U.S.A. Voice: 513-663-0032 FAX: 513-663-0462 Compuserve Id: 71371,1257 Internet: 71371.1257@compuserve.com