[amsat-bb] satellite los footprints

2013-03-25 Thread Joseph Armbruster
I can not decide how to implement ground footprints with my google earth satellite tracker. I figured, since I can't make up my mind, I should get a second (and third, and fourth) opinion. For this thread, I would like to discuss how satellite ground-footprints should be implemented. A

[amsat-bb] Re: satellite los footprints

2013-03-25 Thread Gus
I would suggest you go with #1 or #2. The added complexity of method #3 probably won't pay any significant dividends in practical terms. You could always implement #3 for version II. :-) Will you be considering squint? Frankly, I'm not sure any current satellites are using antennas where

[amsat-bb] Hawaii-FO-29

2013-03-25 Thread John Fickes
Any Hawaii hams around for FO-29 pass today (3-25) 19:30utc to Iowa EN31 Thanks John KC0BMF ___ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite

[amsat-bb] Re: satellite los footprints

2013-03-25 Thread Paul Williamson
On Mar 25, 2013, at 8:15 AM, Joseph Armbruster josepharmbrus...@gmail.com wrote: I can not decide how to implement ground footprints with my google earth satellite tracker. InstantTrack uses a spherical Earth model for ground footprints. option 3 : use a digital elevation model and an

[amsat-bb] Re: satellite los footprints

2013-03-25 Thread Ken Ernandes
My humble suggestion: 1. Implement option 1 for the satellite footprint. 2. If you decide to give the users the ability to input their location, them the option to provide either a single minimum elevation angle or a local map -- i.e., 360 individual minimum elevations as a function of

[amsat-bb] gpredict and ft-817 cat control

2013-03-25 Thread Richard Ferryman
Does anyone know a way around the problem that gpredict can only control the FT-817 downlink frequency. I suspect there is a limitation in the hamlib control for this rig. The gpredict manual says 'the TX frequency can not be adjusted via the CAT interface (e.g. Yaesu FT-817)' but SatPC32 on

[amsat-bb] FT-857D Satellite File Request

2013-03-25 Thread Les Rayburn
I'd like to try some very limited satellite operation from my mobile, using an FT-857D. I know this rig is not ideal for satellite ops, because it lacks full duplex capability. But it is all mode, and should allow me to operate several different satellites using portable antennas from the

[amsat-bb] Re: satellite los footprints

2013-03-25 Thread Greg D
Further to what Gus writes, I think Method #3 will suffer from two assumptions, giving an impression of precision when less should be expected. First, you are highlighting the shadows that mountains and other terrain should give, but which are only applicable to visible light. Radio waves bend

[amsat-bb] Re: Hawaii-FO-29

2013-03-25 Thread Dave WØDHB
John Don't think you can get Robert NH7WN he needs 13 deg. Elevation to get this way. You could email Tom K4XV on Kauai, he is getting is station together and also has access to the Kauai College Station. His email is good on qrz.com. Dave W0DHB -Original Message- From:

[amsat-bb] Re: satellite los footprints

2013-03-25 Thread Brenton Salmi
There is so much variability in the footprint that #1 or #2 would probably suffice. Working satellites on the fringes of AOS and LOS wheigh heavily on your location, surroundings, and equipments that it's impractical, it's just a visual references that shows relative satellite reception. Hope

[amsat-bb] predict client example in python

2013-03-25 Thread Phil
I've recently become interested in python and, as an exercise, I thought I might attempt to port my C++ predict client to python. The problem is that I haven't advanced far enough yet to know how to use python sockets. I'd like to know how to connect to the predict server. Can anyone point me