README for KTRACK

Thanks you for trying out ktrack. Please be informed that this software is
still considered as ALPHA - it runs fine on my system, but that doesn't mean
that it does so on your system. If you have a problem - feature request,
simply send me a mail about your issue. There mails will encourage me to
work on the package. Without feedback it could just die ;-)

Requisites

The Program needs at least QT3 and kdelibs-3.x.x Installed. It would be
fine if you have also kdebase-3.x.x installed, but it _should_ run without
that. You also need to have an recent version of xplanet. Xplanet is used
to create the map display.

Installing


0. Get hamlib. You will need at least an 1.1.4 Release. I suggest you get the
   CVS Version as described below.

1. Get an CVS version of hamlib. The Current stable is not recent enough for
   ktrack:

   cvs -d:pserver:anonymous@cvs.hamlib.sourceforge.net:/cvsroot/hamlib login

   (if prompted for the password, simply hit <RETURN>

   cvs -z3 -d:pserver:anonymous@cvs.hamlib.sourceforge.net:/cvsroot/hamlib co hamlib

   go to the hamlib directory, enter 'sh ./autogen.sh && make && make install'
   to install hamlib

2. Get an recent version of xplanet --> http://xplanet.sourceforge.net

   If you compile xplanet yourself, supply the -without-x option to configure.
   By doing so, you will not be able to use xplanet by itself to make you a
   nice desktop background, but ktrack will use much less cpu resources on
   your system!


3. Install ktrack

   ./configure --prefix=`kde-config --prefix` && make && make install
   

Usage:

First get a recent set of Kepler elements, and put them into ~/.kde/share/apps/ktrack or
<KDEPREFIX>/share/apps/ktrack - the latter is for all users, the first one only for the
current user. I suggest downloading them from www.celestrak.com, as they do work without
modification.

Name must be 'nasa.tle'

Configure your devices --> open Options - Rig control, put in the values you need
Configure your location -->     Options - Groundstation data

Select the satellites you will be able to track --> Satellite - Selection

Define the transponders on the satellite --> Satellite - Transponder definition
  IMPORTANT: All frequencies have to be entered in Hz!

General operating:

In the main screen you will see the Transceiver panel, the map and the list of satellites.
To track a satellite klick on it on the list. The first transponder definition will be
transferred to the Transceiver. From now on, the frequencies will be corrected for doppler
shift. You can pause this correction by activiating 'Pause Correction' If you only want
to update the uplink, deactivate 'Correct Downlink'

You can use the 'correction Box' to compensate drifts.

Note: Use your transceiver to tune on the transponder - it is the best interface you can get


Infos for application developers:


DCOP Interface:
---------------


Object: DCOPInterface

  double getUplinkFrequency()
  double getDownlinkFrequency()
  QString getMode()
  QString getSatellite()

  // retrieves data from the transceiver status


Luc
luc@1409.org
