=================================================================
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 <RETURN>. 

  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
