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Radarspotting

Forum Info => Welcome to Radarspotting.com => Topic started by: geekyhawkes on November 23, 2013, 03:31:57 PM

Title: Hello and technical questions post 1!
Post by: geekyhawkes on November 23, 2013, 03:31:57 PM
Hello,

I am interested in trying to cue my telescope to mode s returns so I can look at the jets flying over head.  My longer term aim is to try and get some photos using my setup as well.

My main question is does any of the software you guys use with mode s trackers give an elevation angle and heading to the track? I am trying to avoid having to do the maths myself as I figure I would have missed the jet by the time I work out the elevation angle!

I have a Gps receiver already working on my laptop so I can point my telescope if I drive out of the city,  but figured it would be fun to try and catch the odd jet heading over in the day sometimes.

Thanks for your help,

Andy
Title: Re: Hello and technical questions post 1!
Post by: Anmer on November 23, 2013, 04:23:06 PM
Welcome.

An interesting question to which I don't have an answer, other than the aircraft should provide a heading/track and position.

Is there a utility that will work out the angle using the scope's location and the aircraft's position and height?
Title: Re: Hello and technical questions post 1!
Post by: Smudger98 on November 24, 2013, 08:25:40 AM
The best i can do is rotate a couple of my SBS screen tabs to mirror what i can see through the patio doors, then i know exactly what i see on the laptop is what is due to be out of the window.
Title: Re: Hello and technical questions post 1!
Post by: Breitling on November 24, 2013, 12:11:04 PM
Maybe you're looking for something like PP does with "My Sky View", azimut and elevation of the selected aircraft:

(http://www.coaa.co.uk/myskygrab.jpg)
Title: Re: Hello and technical questions post 1!
Post by: geekyhawkes on November 24, 2013, 04:01:10 PM
Azimuth and elevation is perfect! Which software is PP your using?

Thanks

Andy
Title: Re: Hello and technical questions post 1!
Post by: Breitling on November 24, 2013, 06:25:50 PM
PP is PlanePlotter:  http://www.coaa.co.uk/planeplotter.htm
Title: Re: Hello and technical questions post 1!
Post by: Triple7 on November 24, 2013, 07:50:03 PM
I'm guessing you are looking to be able to drive your telescope from a software ADS-B package. I have a Celestron NexStar 'scope that allows for slewing (GoTo) and tracking that has an RS232 interface. I think you are looking for something to be able to tell your telescope where to point.

I am sure there is software that comes with the scope that allows you to use it with a Laptop. However, I don't know how you would interface that with plane tracking software - PlanePlotter for example. Maybe an email to Bev the author of PP might yield some information. Knowing that Bev is also an astronomer of note, he may be able to output the information required to drive the telescope to the intended location.

Perhaps email:  info [at] coaa [dot] co [dot] uk

Tim



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