=================================================================
PC-TRACK VERSION 2.14
=================================================================

What is PC-TRACK?

PC-TRACK is a simple but sophisticated means of tracking
earth orbiting satellites. PC-TRACK is capable of tracking up to
8 satellites simultaneously in 4D! (Using the x, y, z axes and
Time.)

PC-TRACK is useful to amateur radio and weather satellite users,
science teachers, experimenters, and serious satellite users.
Use it for demonstrating orbital mechanics, predicting
availability times, making presentations, performing satellite
constellation studies, and general orbital analyses. PC-TRACK
uses satellite data readily available from NASA and other
sources.

PC-TRACK offers the following features.


PROGRAM FEATURES

- Can track in 3D on spherical world projections.
- Can track up to 8 satellites simultaneously.
- Text screen tracking for users with no EGA capability.
- Large (nearly full screen) maps included.
- Rapid graphics screen redraw.
- Informative satellite position display.
- Quick start-up.
- Downlink frequency display, showing doppler shift.
- Current Orbital Phase, based on current mean anomaly.
- Multiple maps of world and continents available.
- AUTOMAP feature available during track which selects appropriate map
or globe view for current position of selected satellite.
- All stations in database displayed on the maps and globes.
- Can be configured to track using UTC time or LOCAL time
(without changing time zones).
- Can be configured to display distances using metric or english system.
- Separate data paths for maps.
- Satellites can be tracked with or without ground track.
- Full control of Date, Time, and Interval used to predict object data.
- DOS real time clock can be set while tracking.
- Object and Observer files sorted by name.
- Can use custom named observer and object data files from command line.
- Disk errors reported to user.
- Can print computed data for any one of the 8 tracked objects.
- Can print either all points or just those in range of the observer.
- Simple option selection (by single letter).
- Uses overlay file to use less system RAM.
- Overlay uses EMS 4.0 memory if available to reduce conventional
memory usage.
- Can store data for up to 200 objects and 200 observers.
- Includes conversion program for NASA 2 line Orbital Elements.



G E T T I N G S T A R T E D
=============================================================================

WHAT YOU NEED...

In order to run properly, PC-TRACK needs...

any 8088, 8086, 80286, 80386SX, 80386, 80486 processor based
system.
(A math coprocessor significantly improves performance, but is not
necessary to run.)

640K RAM. (Must have at least 500K available.) (will also use
EMS 4.0 memory for the overlay file.

at least 2MB of disk space.

MS-DOS or PC-DOS version 3.0 or greater.

EGA Color Video (Required for graphics use. Any lesser video
standard will work using the TEXT track capability).

an optional printer capable of printing 6 and at least 12
Characters Per Inch (CPI);

The operational files included on the Distribution Disk.

WHAT TO DO...

A] Change directory to PCTRACK by typing "CD \PCTRACK"

B] Print The Users Guide...

I recommend you print out the users guide provided on the
distribution disk in the PROGRAM.EXE file. It was installed
in the same subdirectory as the main program. It explains
how to use PC-TRACK. To print out the PC-TRACK Manual, just
type:

COPY USERGIDE.DOC PRN .

C] Start PCTRACK by typing "PCT"




HOW TO GET SATELLITE DATA
================================================================


PC-TRACK contains in the file OBJECTS.DAT information on
several weather and amateur satellites. You may wish to track
other satellites and in time the included data will become out of
date. It will be necessary in any case to update this
information. The satellite information required can be obtained
by requesting the "NASA PREDICTION BULLETIN" or the "TWO LINE
ORBITAL ELEMENTS" for each of the objects desired, referenced by
CATALOG NUMBER from:

PROJECT OPERATIONS BRANCH (CODE 513)
NASA/GODDARD SPACE FLIGHT CENTER
GREENBELT, MD. 20771

You may also request a package of prediction bulletins for
certain categories of objects such as weather or amateur radio
satellites rather than by individual CATALOG NUMBERS.

If you do not know the CATALOG NUMBER of the satellites you wish
to order data for, you can request the current "SATELLITE
SITUATION REPORT". To the best of my knowledge there is no charge
for this document and it can also be obtained from the above
address.

The Satellite Situation Report lists almost every object
currently in orbit. Each object is cataloged by the International
Designation and by Catalog number. It also lists the name, launch
date, orbital period in minutes, inclination, apogee, perigee,
and transmitting frequency. By using this document you can
determine the catalog numbers of the objects you wish to track
with PC-TRACK.

CELESTIAL BULLETIN BOARD SYSTEM

The Celestial BBS is a public domain Bulletin Board System (BBS)
designed to facilitate communications between individuals with
interests in the space sciences (Astronomy, Astrodynamics,
Astrophysics, Celestial Mechanics, and Satellite Technology) and
related computer applications. The BBS may be used to pass
information and ask questions on these and related subjects. The
BBS is intended to provide a Public Domain Software Exchange
(PDSE) primarily for applications relating to the space sciences,
as well as general utilities. All contributions are welcome!


The Celestial BBS receives calls at
(513) 427-0674.

The SYSOP is T.S. Kelso.

The mailing address is:

Celestial BBS
2340 Raider Drive
Fairborn, OH 45324-2001