Best satellite tracking software

Steve - K5FR

I'm considering using my EME array to track satellites and was wondering which software you serious satellite guys are using. I've researched Nova and SatPC32 and it looks like Nova would be the best choice, but wanted to get a consensus of opinions . I'm using a Yaesu 5500 AZ/EL rotor and GS232B interface.

Rick

I'd go with SatPC32. Nova I think is a much older piece of software. Most of us on the satellites use SatPC32. There are 2 really goo articles concerning the use of this software with Flex radios about to come out in the next issue of the AMSAT Journal. Have fun! 73 Rick, W2JAZ

Steve - K5FR

Thanks Rick, I'll check out SatPC32 further.

dlwarnberg

Second for SatPC32.. hands down the best out there I've found

Steve - K5FR

I'm also looking for an RF change-over relay like Salvador showed in his drawing that's capable of 70 - 100 watts.

Steve - K5FR

Thanks David!

Alan WA4SCA

Steve,

SatPC32 is used by the AMSAT-NA command stations for its reliability and performance.  The interface is a bit dated, but its performance is not!

Note that you can download a free test version.  Fully functional, except you will need to enter your QTH position on each start.

73s,

Alan
WA4SCA

dlwarnberg

FYI.. Avoid HRD, not that it's bad just not good.. it does not handle linear inverting SATS correctly, others are fine.. I found a little latency with frequency changes.. this is with a ICOM-9100

KF4HR

 I prefer Nova for Windows.  It has excellent graphics.

Rick

As for RF relays check out Henry Radio.
Rick, W2JAZ

Rick

I couldn't agree more. 
Rick

Rick

The other nice thing about SatPC32 which is important if you plan to use the Flex with a 2nd radio for uplink is that SatPC32 supports the control of 2 radios simultaneously. In this case Radio 1 in the setup screen is always the downlink and Radio 2 the uplink. Rick

dlwarnberg

So hate to bring up an old thread but have discovered something about HRD. I was using HRD's radio control but switched to DDutil and set up HRD to use it for radio control. This cleans up the lag when tracking a satellite as well as allows me to track both TX and RX in separate slices as well as use a new rotor to auto track and turn some new antennas I have coming, just testing now. Now the question is I'm trying to get the same thing to work under satpc32 I just can't seem to get satpc32 to track both RX and TX with 2 slices A and B... has anyone been able to accomplish this? If so how did you setup the radio or radios in satpc32? Thanks David KK4QOE

Rick

I hate to be the bearer of bad tidings but it's mu understanding this won't work. This is why I use two radios or transverters to get around this. 
73
Rick, W2JAZ

dlwarnberg

Not sure I understand, I have 2 transverters.. I'm just looking to see if it's possible for satpc32 to control 2 slices at the same time regardless of frequency.

Rick

I believe so....write to W5RKN or W0DHB and they'll fix you up. 
Rick

Sergey R5AU

I use SatPC32 without issue with my 6700, SatPC32 driving 2 separated slices as two separated radios -> two COM ports in CATssdr

dlwarnberg

Thanks... I got it.. not sure why it didn't work the last time I tried but it's working now

Sergey R5AU

dlwarnberg

Thanks again... got my rotor setup and testing (G-450A), transverters are working great on the egg **** antenna's but replacing them with the leo 2 pack from M2..

just getting my ducks all in a row when everything gets here.. one step at a time

What antenna antenna's are you using?  Do you think I will need the preamps (I have 2 ar2 preamps I wasam using with the egg beaters)?

Thanks

David
KK4QOE

Sergey R5AU

Great David!  well i also use Leo Pack from M2 + G5500 + tracker from AMSAT but both Ant's with preamps:  http://www.ssb.de/amplifiers/preamplifier/vox/more-500w/remote-power1  
why over 500watts - simple reason such preamp more protected from static or lightening and compensate losses in my long cables (over 40meters) 

Peter Wilson