                    D E S C R I P T I O N    A N D
                   --------------------------------

                  A U T H O R    I N F O R M A T I O N
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                      Last updated:  APR 1995


This file includes sample descriptions which you may use to describe
the PC-Track package.

Disk Vendors and Distributors and BBS sysops refer to the VENDIFO.DIZ
file for distribution information.


----------------------------------------------------------------------
              P r o g r a m   I n f o r m a t i o n : 
----------------------------------------------------------------------


-------------------------------
File Name for Distribution
-------------------------------

PC-TRACK is distributed in one zip file. For consistency and 
to help users locate the files, please use the following file name:

   PCTRK31.ZIP   PC-TRACK Version 3.1

The contents of this file is contained in the VENDINFO.DIZ file.



---------------------------------
Program Name, Category, Keywords:
---------------------------------

   Name :              PC-Track 3.1
   Category :          Astronomy, Science, Education, Ham Radio
   Sub-Category :      Satellite Tracking
   Keywords:           Satellite, Visualization, Tracking, 
                       Ephemeris, Astrodynamics


------------------------------------------
One-line  Description:
------------------------------------------

3 dimensional object-oriented, windowed satellite tracking package.


-------------------------------------
Short Description:
-------------------------------------


PC-TRACK is a 3D object-oriented, windowed satellite tracking package.
Tracks up to 300 satellites simultaneously. Provides a colorful, graphical 
means of visualizing satellite orbits both in stunning three dimensional 
spherical displays and flat map displays. Has integrated mutual 
visibility pass scan capability for future in-range passes. Can capture
graphics screen displays to PCX files. Uses SGP4/SDP4 propagation.


---------------------------------
Long Description:
---------------------------------

Capabilities


PC-TRACK is a powerful tool, utilizing the latest in object-oriented 
technology and double-precision calculations to accurately compute 
required data. PC-TRACK is capable of computing:

*    Fields of view for any of the earth sites
     provided or any user-defined site.

*    Positions and velocities for any/all of the 
     satellites provided and any user-defined
     satellites.

*    Doppler shifted downlink frequencies

*    Viewing angles

*    Ranges and range rates.

*    Future mutually visible passes and associated data
     (including acquisition of signal time (AOS), loss
     of signal time (LOS), time in range (TIR), maximum
     elevation (MAX EL), and sun illumination.

*    Passes illuminated by the sun. 

*    Satellites visible at a particular time.

Graphics

PC-TRACK takes advantage of the standard VGA 640x480
resolution mode for graphics displays. With any
available mode PC-TRACK is capable of displaying the
following for both tracking and mutual visibility pass
scans:

*    Simultaneously the positions of any or all of the
     satellites provided or any user defined
     satellites.

*    Line of site lines from all active sites to all
     active satellites.

*    Altitude lines for all satellites.

*    Visibility footprints for all active satellites.

*    Satellite space position (with or without trail)

*    Sub-satellite point position (with or without
     trail)

*    Geographic features of the earth

*    Any combination of coasts, islands, countries,
     states, rivers and lakes (with MAPGEN, provided to
     registered users).

*    Latitude and longitude lines.

*    Mercator flat map projections.

*    Earth Centered Fixed (ECF) 3D projections

*    Ground Site viewing angles

*    Points of passes illuminated by sun.

*    Current tracking date, time and interval as either
     UTC or Local time with 3 different date formats

*    Site and satellite names

*    Metric or English distances



Features

With PC-TRACK you have the latest in satellite tracking
technology for your IBM compatible PC. PC-TRACK provides:


*    Runs in DOS Protected mode, which removes the 
     640K memory barrier. Utilizes up to 16 MB of memory.

*    Includes a Dynamic Link Library that contains
     SGP4/SDP4 propagation algorithms.

*    Complete control over all display attributes
     (including those described above), colors, site
     and satellite selection to make displays as simple
     or detailed as necessary.

*    Simple update of orbital elements through direct
     import of data from:
          NASA/NORAD two-line element files
          AMSAT keplerian element files
          PC-TRACK 1.x & 2.x object data files

*    Multiple "personalities" through the use of
     user-defined parameter files which define display
     attributes, colors, viewpoints, active sites,
     active satellites, etc.

*    User friendly menu driven windowed interface.






----------------------------------------
System Requirements:
----------------------------------------

In order to use PC-Track most effectively, you should
have a computer system that has the following features:

CPU         any  80386SX, 80386,  80486 processor based system.
            (A math coprocessor SIGNIFICANTLY improves performance, 
            but is not necessary to run.)

RAM         2 - 16 MB

DISK        at least 5MB of disk space.

DOS         MS-DOS or PC-DOS version 5.0 or greater.

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

PRINTER     Printer (optional)

MOUSE       A mouse will allow you to take advantage of
            many convenient features of PC-Track, and is
            much easier to use if you have one, but you
            can get by without one.
            If you do wish to use a mouse, the following
            is required for proper operation:
               -Microsoft Mouse version 6.1 or later,
                or any mouse compatible with this.
               -Logitech Mouse version 3.4 or later.
               -Mouse Systems PC Mouse version 6.22 or
                later.
               -IMSI mouse version 6.11 or later.
            The mouse driver must be loaded before
            running PC-Track.

KEYBOARD    A standard 101 key "AT" style keyboard
            (sometimes referred to as an "Extended"
            keyboard) is recommended.





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R e g i s t r a t i o n   I n f o r m a t i o n :
-------------------------------------------------

For complete user registration information and prices please refer
to the REGISTER.TXT text file.


-------------------------------------------------
O t h e r   P r o d u c t s
-------------------------------------------------

See the file called PRODUCTS.TXT for details about other products 
from Johnson Scientific International.

****** VISIT OUR WORLD WIDE WEB SITE *******

        http://www.jsci.com/

********************************************




-------------------------------------------------
Author/Publisher Information:
-------------------------------------------------

Thomas C. Johnson is a Computer Systems Analyst for the world's largest 
employer and has been producing user-friendly, practical software for the 
shareware market since 1989. 

He has also been involved in custom programming / systems consulting since 
1982, encompasing a wide variety of fields. He is the owner of 
Johnson Scientific International, formerly Acme Workshops.

Please feel free to contact him any time if you have any questions, comments, 
suggestions, or custom programming needs. He can be reached at the 
following address:

       Thomas C. Johnson
       9746 US Route 36
       St. Paris, Oh. 43072 U.S.A.
       Voice: 513-663-0032
       FAX:   513-663-0462       

       Compuserve Id:
       71371,1257

       Internet:
       71371.1257@compuserve.com
