SatPC32 V.12.8a upgrade available for download

Erich, DK1TB has uploaded an upgrade of SatPC32
(V. 12.8a) on his website http://www.dk1tb.de.

The V.12.8a update includes the following:

1. The main program SatPC32 can now manage up to 4 different configurations.

Configuration #1, for example, could steer a single satellite transceiver to work the normal V/U and U/V satellites.

Configuration #2, for example, could steer a separate radio (FT-817, IC-706MKIIG) as RX and the satellite transceiver as TX. This configuration is useful for AO-51, mode V/S. Most users will receive S-band with a 13cm/2m down converter and a 2m RX. Configuration #1 would not work because the satellite transceiver cannot simultaneously receive and transmit on the same band (2m).

The Keplerian data only needs to be updated with one configuration. The new data will be used by the all configurations.

The configurations can be switched via mouse click in menu 'Setup', 'Configurations'.

2. In 'Real Time' mode the program updates it's calculations once per second. With previous versions the update interval could not be changed.

Now the speed can be increased by 5 and 10 fold (menu 'CAT'). On the higher bands the Doppler shift can change by 50 Hertz per second and more. That will cause scale effects on the received signal. Due to the narrow filters CW signals even can be lost. Increasing the update speed can prevent these effects.

3. In menu 'CAT' a bottom line has been added. It displays the complete data line from file Doppler.SQF. So, the optional comments at the end of a data line can also be seen. That is particularly helpful with satellites that provide multiple modes (i.e. AO-51 and ISS) and therefore require multiple data lines in Doppler.SQF.

4. CAT steering of the Icom radios IC-706MKIIG, IC-7000 and IC-910H has been simplified. With previous program versions the IC-706MKIIG and IC-7000 required an extra line between the radio's ACC jacket and the PC's COM port to inhibit frequency changes while the radio is transmitting (because that would cause frequency errors). The IC-910H
required the line with SatPC32ISS. This line is no longer necessary.

5. The programs now works flawlessly on 64-bit Windows systems, except rotor steering with the interfaces FODTrack, KCT, IF-100 and RifPC. The kernel driver that is used to output data to these interfaces is a 32-bit version. A 64-bit version is not available yet. The KCT and RifPC could not be used anyhow with 64-bit systems because they require an ISA slot which is no longer supported by newer PCs.

The program also works flawlessly under Windows 7. It supports the 96-dpi (100%) and the 120-dpi 125%) fonts. It does not work properly with the new 144-dpi (150%) fonts. Program versions 12.8 and older work only with the 96-dpi fonts.

6. The CD and the Internet Setup File now include the tool
DataBackup.Exe. Via a single mouse click, the program can generate a backup copy or restore the entire SatPC32 data folder (all personal settings). That is particularly helpful when the program is upgraded.

7. Some bugs have been fixed (concerning, i.e., downlink correction and transverter operation).

THANK YOU to Erich Eichmann DK1TB for creating and
continuously enhancing SatPC32 for the global amateur satellite community, and for donating it to AMSAT-DL, AMSAT-NA, and AMSAT-UK.

SatPC32 is surely the most lucrative fund raising item for these AMSAT groups.

Please support these AMSAT groups by registering your copy of SatPC32.

AMSAT-DL
AMSAT-NA
AMSAT-UK