Satellite Pass Prediction Software

There are quite a few satellite pass prediction software packages for you to choose from.  The one I use the most is PocketSat+.  This runs on a Palm Pilot PDA.  I have run it on both a Z22 and a TX model.  I found the features worked better on a TX in terms of the map function that you see to the left.  The TX is a little more expensive than the Z22.  It just depends on how much functionality you are looking for.

I have found that keeping the software as simple as possible will get it to run the best.  The first thing is to register the software.  This will support AMSAT and the author of the application.  The thing that you will see is that it will run the calculations much faster.  I go through the unfiled list and uncheck all the birds that I dont have an interest in and run the pass calculations from there.  I ran into a minor problem where having multiple satellite lists to work from would occasionally cause the software to not display the azimuth bearings for each step of the satellite pass.  While I do use the other satellite tracking software packages that are out there, this one is handy to have with you when operating out in the field or at a demo.

Nova is the first pc based satellite tracking application that I used when I first started working the satellites.  ThIs one allows me to have multiple "views".  I have one window that is nothing but the FM birds, another that is the SSB birds, etc.  The pass prediction function for printing out to take with you isnt as easy to read as I would like.  This is a good package to use.  Again, buy it through AMSAT to help support the operations

Satscape is a program that is transitioning from a standard PC executable to a Java based application.  I hope that they keep the PC app around for a while.  It has the best pass prediction printout I have seen.  In time, the Java version will probably get there, I just have a tendency to stick with what works for me.  For those on a very tight budget, this one has the right price - "free".  There are other ways you can support the author and I would encourage that you do so.  I wrote shareware for BBS systems at some point and being able to defray some of the cost of compiler purchases and upgrades is appreciated.


SatPC32 is a tracking package that I have just started working with.  When I started to learn to work the SSB birds, I quickly found out that keeping the rotor/antennas pointed towards the satellite and adjusting the radios for the doppler shift and keeping a QSO running could be a little overwhelming.  SatPC32 in conjunction with the CI or CAT interface present on most of the radios that can be used for satellite work should make this a little easier.  There is a learning curve to this software but you will find that there is a lot of goo help on the AMSAT-BB forums.  If you buy this through AMSAT, you will get a discount over purchasing it direct and you will get your activation key while you are on the phone with Martha.

Copyright KA4KYI Questions ? Contact KA4KYI