Software to track moving object

[Jairo]

Is there an autoguide software that can track a fast object like a satellite or airplane? Thanks.

[swampyankee]

Sure, in things like surface-to-air missiles.

[Jairo]

Are such softwares discouraged because of their belic application?

[swampyankee]

I would expect that they're not discouraged so much as not cost-effective for non-military applications. On the other hand, Zdenek Kalal has developed some as has been released as open-source. It may need some work to get to track satellites or aircraft.

[RickJ]

It's more a function of software for a particular mount. My Paramount with The Sky 6 Pro or now The Sky X does this easily -- see my post of the NEO of a few days ago for an example. But that is a very costly route. Over the years various software programs for the LX200 fork mount have come and gone for this purpose. All my links seem dead except this one.
http://www.astronomylog.co.uk/2009/0...llite-tracker/. I can't recall seeing software for other mounts however.

Rick

[glappkaeft]

The old (DOS 5.5) PC-TCS system we have running on an 386 can also do it. Ofcourse the OGS mount it came with is also, just like the Paramount, a pro-grade mount.

[Jairo]

I have a Meade LXD75 mount. Is it suitable to be controled by a software for visual tracking of satellites? Do you know if this has been done before with this kind of mount?

[RickJ]

Software I've seen was for the LX200 fork only.

Rick

[Jairo]

I think I found this one which wouldn't work on my LXD75.

By the way, I forgot to check another thing: what about normal guiding for deep space photography? Would programs like Watchdog and PHD Guide work on an LXD75?

[RickJ]

I don't know watchdog but PHD should work fine with it with the correct drivers. Do use an external battery. The D cells are so so for visual use but not DSO imaging. Gets expensive fast as well, especially in cold weather.

A GEM has problems tracking satellites. They usually go through the meridian. This could cause a scope to crash into the tripod. Usually only fork mounts like the LX200 are recommended for satellite tracking. Thus most software will ignore GEM mounts.

Rick

[Jairo]

I understand this problem. Usually I use 60 degree passes, and I review the movement the telescope will do. I tracked and saw the ISS before, but it was an open loop tracking with the LXD75 functions. It was far from perfect, but I could recenter it with the directional from time to time.