Since I use MacLoggerDX for my station log, I liked that MacDoppler will write log info into MacLoggerDX without any extra effort.Ĭoming from the Linux/HAMLIB world, I was a little underwhelmed by the number of radios supported, although my IC-9100 is there, so it hasn't been a problem. While there's a way to use it with OS-X I thought I'd give some support to mac developers and buy MacDoppler. I started out on satellites when I was running Linux, so I used the excellent program GPredict. If you come the Dayton Hamvention visit the AMSAT booth, meet the author, and see it in action. However, it is in my opinion the best software for this purpose currently available and I give it a 5 out 5 for the first class features (being improved and updated all the time), the author’s personal support and the way it helps AMSAT. Now, like all software it is a work in progress. This helps AMSAT and gets more satellites going. One of the things that I really appreciate is that the author makes the software available at a discount through the AMSAT store. For our ARISS telebridge station (VE4ISS) it is invaluable, since we can go through a full pre-test of the station before the actual International Space Station appearance on the horizon. It lets you pre-run a complete cycle including doppler control and rotor control in real time and you know exactly when what happens. One of the previous reviewers was commenting on the slider in the main window. As an FYI, I ran this program on a 2006 Mac Mini with a Core 2 Duo Intel processor and OS X Snow Leopard from a major auction site for $120. Now folks always say that a Mac is too expensive etc. The Yahoo forum for Mac Doppler is a great resource. What is even more important for me is the ability to work with the software developer and have my requests and questions being addressed within 24 hours. It is a very user-friendly program that takes away the guessing and some of the manual file editing seen in other programs. ![]() Satellites can be added and operational frequencies can be set via the configuration. I ran it on a big screen and it blows folks away when they see it the first time. The graphics are outstanding in 2D and 3D mode and from a presentation perspective are first class. Using a Yaesu G-5500 or as part of our ARISS telebridge station a SpidRAS az/el rotor the manual flip mode takes full advantage of the 180 degrees elevation rotor without being tied down by north or south switch mode settings like other programs. One of the big enhancements (for me) is the manual flip mode for rotor control. It is my favourite amateur radio satellite tracking program and the new features make it even better. MacDoppler is now available as v2.16 for OS X (10.6.8+). Try the free trial and you will soon purchase the version without the timer. Lastly, Don (the owner) does a GREAT job with customer service that is above and beyond the usual customer service. We use a HUGE plasma TV at out school's satellite tracking station and it is VERY, VERY impressive. I love the many useful features of this program: (1) 2D and 3D color screens, (2) awesome automatic doppler shift and a fine tune shift that you can control, (3) Time shift slider that allows you to see a pass before it gets to you so you can test your hardware (radio and rotators) (4) Easy data entry for the satellites you are tracking (5) Provision to allows an output frequency shift via an external RF converter with still doing the correct doppler shift (6) colorful display. I have been using this product at my home satellite tracking station and at our school's satellite tracking station for several years. ![]() If you own a Mac and do Satellite Tracking this is THE program you need to get. Professional Satellite Tracking Program for MACs Read more about my experience with these two programs at What a great combination of two superb programs. But the great feature for me is using the log window to record all your QSO information and then press "log it" and it's all entered into MacLoggerDX. Plus, it takes care of many things that you need to do manually with SatPC32. MacDoppler combined with MacLoggerDX makes it all happen.Īs many have stated in these reviews, MacDoppler is superb with its stellar user interface. But I longed for a simple way to move satellite QSO data into my logging program. ![]() When I started working satellites, I installed SatPC32, which works just fine and is the standard program in this area. I've always loved MacLoggerDX and continued to use it as my main database combinging all contacts from various programs. I'm currently moving my ham station back to Apple OS after several years doing N1MM+ and other Windows programs.
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