[amsat-bb] Re: Android Sat Apps

[Patrick STODDARD (WD9EWK/VA7EWK)]

Hi Clint!

> What apps for the Android platform are you pleased with?
> Satellite prediction, compass,
> anything satellite-related that comes to mind.

I'm a recent convert to Android, buying a Nexus 4 mobile phone
and a Nexus 7 tablet in the past month or so.  For satellite pass
predictions, I use HamSatDroid.  It has worked well on both
devices.  I don't have a compass on either, since I have a
compass in my radio bag.  I have installed the "GPS Status" app
to see location and other GPS-related data.  The Nexus 7 tablet
works only with the US GPS system, where the Nexus 4 phone
works with both GPS and the Russian GLONASS systems.  I can
use the GPS Status app in both devices without an Internet
connection, and it does not take long to get a lock on the signals
and start displaying location data.  The Nexus 4 takes less time
to acquire the signals to calculate my location, with access to two
different navigation systems, compared to the Nexus 7 tablet.

So far, these are the only apps I have installed specific to my
satellite operating.  Both are free apps from the Google Play
store.  I still use a Sony digital audio recorder, instead of an
app on either of these devices to record the audio from passes
I work.  The Nexus 4's camera will record 720p or 1080p video,
and I might make use of that in the future.  I still have an iPod,
and now plan to have the iPod and these new Nexus devices
with me for hamfest demonstrations, to show off examples of
apps in either environment.

73!





Patrick WD9EWK/VA7EWK
http://www.wd9ewk.net/