[50mhz] GJTRACKER new windows tracking program for use with CALL3.TXT

[LANCE COLLISTER]

Hello VHFers!

After 35 years, I have finally rewritten my moontracking program in Visual Basic 
6.0 so it will run on these newfangled Windows operating systems ;-)  I received a 
suggestion to provide calculation of common moon windows between two horizon-only 
stations and you will now find that common window times are determined by variable 
elevation windows at both stations.  This should be especially useful for 
horizon-only stations, although any other elevation constraints (such as higher 
elevations for dishes) can also be specified.  Some of the other annoying glitches 
in the old DOS program have been removed.

Depending on your particular computer, there may be some additional files from 
Microsoft that you need to install, and I have included information in the pdf 
User Guide/Help file, as well as in the GJREADME.TXT file.  I even included two of 
the most likely extra Microsoft files you might need along with all the program 
files (including my copy of CALL3.TXT) ;-)  As of this afternoon, it can be 
downloaded here:

http://bigskyspaces.com/w7gj/GJTRACKER.zip

I think you will find it to be a very handy tool if you take the time to install 
whatever extra files are required.  Many of the features of the old DOS TRACKER 
version are included in this new version, along with many new ones.  Details of 
the program are included in the illustrated Help file, but I think most people 
will find it very simple to get up and running either in the Planning or Real-Time 
modes.

The program now also permits addition, deletion or changing of data for any 
CALL3.TXT stations as well as browsing through the file CALL3.TXT to hunt for 
stations.  However, if you already have a highly personaized CALL3.TXT file, you 
might want to be careful not to overwrite your file with this installation.  In 
the PLANNING MODE, all the output is sent to a text file, so you have the ability 
to view it, save it, print it or email it somebody else.

I ran some comparisons to values provided by WSJT, and found the tracking 
coordinates within 1/10 degree agreement.  GJTRACKER currently uses a very 
approximate sky noise calculation which is usually within about 1 dB of the values 
provided by WSJT.

GL and I hope to see you off the moon!  VY 73, Lance
-- 
Lance Collister, W7GJ (ex: WN3GPL, WA3GPL, WA1JXN, WA1JXN/C6A, ZF2OC/ZF8)
P.O. Box 73
Frenchtown, MT  59834  USA
QTH: DN27UB
TEL: (406) 626-5728   URL: http://www.bigskyspaces.com/w7gj
2m DXCC #11, 6m DXCC #815

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