logajan@ns.network.com (John Logajan) (06/08/90)
I have just released version 2 of my graphic earth satellite tracking program. It is available either in GFA Basic 3.07 source, or it is available pre-compiled and ready to run on any ST class computer. It is available as we speak on terminator.cc.umich.edu in the applications subdirectory of the atari directory. Two files exist -- norad.arc and noradsc.arc. Noradsc.arc is the source code listing, norad.arc is the compiled version. I also sent it to the comp.binaries and comp.sources.atart.st moderator, so it should be distributed thru those channels in the near future. Brag on -- It is so cool to turn on the local radar mode and watch a mess of satellite trails develop all around your location. Brag off -- Facts on -- This program supposedly is giving you true and CURRENT real time info. However, although it has been compared against a few other satellite prediction models, it's predictions do not always with those other models. The proof is in the pudding however. I have never actually seen a satellite as predicted by the program. I do live near city lights and I didn't spend a great deal of time looking, nor did I have an accurate method of determing which direction and angle I was looking at. So I guess this is a plea for verification from you all. Facts off -- -- - John Logajan @ Network Systems; 7600 Boone Ave; Brooklyn Park, MN 55428 - logajan@ns.network.com, john@logajan.mn.org, 612-424-4888, Fax 424-2853
logajan@ns.network.com (John Logajan) (06/08/90)
Oh, by the way, the reason for the version 2 release of NORAD (the earth artifical satellite tracker) are: 1.) To fix a 60 minute discrepency in the sidereal time determination (blush) of version 1. This tended to put satellites 2/3 of the way around the world of where they should have been. (sorry, it slipped in at the last second and only took me half a year to discover -- hee hee) 2.) To add a check for sunlight/in-shadow. This tells you if you have any chance at all of seeing the beasties. 3.) To add local radar mode -- which gives an instant visual indication of what's above the horizon, and in which direction to look. -- - John Logajan @ Network Systems; 7600 Boone Ave; Brooklyn Park, MN 55428 - logajan@ns.network.com, john@logajan.mn.org, 612-424-4888, Fax 424-2853