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Software for satellite observing ?



 
 
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  #1  
Old September 4th 05, 09:42 PM
MalcolmP
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Default Software for satellite observing ?

Hi,

What software do you find good to use for predictions and starchart plots ?

After several years gap I have returned to satellite watching.
(last night got 2 pass of ISS plus SeaSat1 and Lacross 4 with the help of
Heavens Above). Tonight I am clouded out

Something like what Heavens Above use but running on my PC (for when I
can't dialup HA because the phone is in use by the household staff !! )
would be ideal

Thanks.
  #2  
Old September 11th 05, 01:09 AM
astrobrock
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I use guide 8 for sat observing.

http://www.projectpluto.com

I also have starry night 5, but it''s satellite predictions are
slightly off from what guide 8 gives. I know guide 8 is good, as I
have tested it agaist satellite passes I have captured on video

Sat video at

http://www.kfetter.com/satvideo

Kevin

  #3  
Old September 11th 05, 06:50 AM
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Default

On 10 Sep 2005 17:09:24 -0700, "astrobrock" wrote:

I use guide 8 for sat observing.

http://www.projectpluto.com

I also have starry night 5, but it''s satellite predictions are
slightly off from what guide 8 gives. I know guide 8 is good, as I
have tested it agaist satellite passes I have captured on video

Sat video at

http://www.kfetter.com/satvideo

Kevin


Greatt videos. What kind of setup do you use for doing this?
  #4  
Old September 11th 05, 01:18 PM
astrobrock
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See

http://www.kfetter.100megs26.com/images/videosetup.htm

for my toys, I used

I record the video on a dvd recorder. Then I play it back to my
computer, to edit it.

I have a laptop computer for use in the warm months, for star hoping to
the right area.

In winter I have to keep the computer inside, so I use my desktop
computer for predictions. After I see where the sat will be, run
outside and aim the scope there.

Kevin

  #5  
Old September 11th 05, 11:42 PM
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On 11 Sep 2005 05:18:29 -0700, "astrobrock" wrote:

See

http://www.kfetter.100megs26.com/images/videosetup.htm

for my toys, I used

I record the video on a dvd recorder. Then I play it back to my
computer, to edit it.

I have a laptop computer for use in the warm months, for star hoping to
the right area.

In winter I have to keep the computer inside, so I use my desktop
computer for predictions. After I see where the sat will be, run
outside and aim the scope there.

Kevin


Thanks much. I was guessing you took the video through the
scope, but I gather the scope is mainly a vehicle for pointing the
attached camera, which uses its own separate lens. Neat arrangement.
  #6  
Old September 12th 05, 02:04 AM
astrobrock
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Default

I use the video camera, for star hoping. I just match the stars shown
on the tv, to what the computer shows.

To me beats using the plastic finder, are any finder scope like a
telread.

Using the camera with it's own lens, gives me a wider feild of view. So
a nicer view, of the sky, to watch the satellite pass by.

I just waiting for my new scope to arrive, a celestron nextar 102 SLT.
Then I will use the camera on top of it, are through it, to capture
satellite video

  #7  
Old September 13th 05, 10:00 AM
MalcolmP
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On 10 Sep 2005 17:09:24 -0700, astrobrock wrote:
I use guide 8 for sat observing.
http://www.projectpluto.com
I also have starry night 5, but it''s satellite predictions are
slightly off from what guide 8 gives. I know guide 8 is good, as I
have tested it agaist satellite passes I have captured on video
Sat video at
http://www.kfetter.com/satvideo
Kevin


Thanks for the suggestion Kevin. I'll check out projectpluto.

Since I posted I have found Cartes du Ciel and SkyMap(DOS),
both freeware. SkyMap (by Rob Matson) is giving good results,
CdC is looking good but it is a steep learning curve

I've not looked at your satvideos yet, all my recent dialup time has been
consumed by downloading the HST Guide Star Cat :-!)
That is an interesting setup you've got.
  #8  
Old October 14th 05, 11:16 AM
Merv
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MalcolmP wrote:
Hi,

What software do you find good to use for predictions and starchart plots ?

After several years gap I have returned to satellite watching.
(last night got 2 pass of ISS plus SeaSat1 and Lacross 4 with the help of
Heavens Above). Tonight I am clouded out

Something like what Heavens Above use but running on my PC (for when I
can't dialup HA because the phone is in use by the household staff !! )
would be ideal

Thanks.


http://www.stoff.pl/
 




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