[amsat-bb] SatPC32 Vs. AMSAT Predictions

[R.T.Liddy]

SatPC32 Users,
While running WinAOS printouts for my upcoming Grid Expedition,
I checked them out versus the AMSAT On-Line Predictions to see
if they jibed. Upon comparison, I noticed a variation in AOS/LOS
and Azimuths. It isn't all that much, but sometimes I can be OCD
when I'm out in the hinterlands and I'm not hearing the Birds when
I think I should. The data I give each program are exactly the same.

It's more than likely that the two Programs use slightly different formulae
to make their calculations and that would account for the differences,
but I was just wondering.

As long as I'm wondering, I have a basic question. When I update the
Keps in PC32, do I choose Satellites nasa.all and Download Keps
www.amsat.........../nasa.all?  Or, do I choose Satellites amateur.txt
and Download Keps www.celestrak.........amateur.txt? Or, can it be
a combination of the two, or doesn't it matter?  AND, when I run the
Program, do I choose Satellites nasa.all or amateur.txt from the Source
Files listing? I'm easily confused at my age - HIHI.

TNX/73,      Bob  K8BL