[amsat-bb] Rant about Mentoring new Satellite Operators

John Brier johnbrier at gmail.com
Mon Jun 8 21:15:24 UTC 2020


I have paid for SatPC32 and am grateful for Erich and AMSAT for making it
available to the sat community and for improving it regularly.

At the same time I find it could use many improvements. I have no problem
editing text files but it is obviously not something everyone gets.

The question should be, what do we lose by having a way to edit that in the
GUI?

I also find it counter intuitive in ways. For example, there are text box
fields where you can put a cursor inside it and highlight the text, and
this text is something you might want to adjust, but it is just for
display.

Just checked the program to make sure my memory is correct. One example is
Rotor Setup > Time Interval. Yes there are arrows to adjust it right next
to it but why is it highlightable?

73, John Brier KG4AKV

On Mon, Jun 8, 2020, 16:42 Thomas Schaefer via AMSAT-BB <amsat-bb at amsat.org>
wrote:

> Absolutely true. I too appreciate the complexity of the task that SatPC32
> is trying to do well, But we do it and everyone that uses it a disservice
> to treat it as a sacred cow above suggestions for improvement. The concept
> of going to a text file and manually editing it to add a new satellite in a
> Windows program is 2020 is mind-boggling. That is certainly not any
> definition of user-friendly. While Erich tries to make it easy to find it
> by using the menus to open the text files, focusing on a decent editor
> rather than a new radio would be a boon to user the user experience.
>
> No doubt I will be flamed immediately for daring to write this, and people
> are welcome to use a different program (MacDoppler,etc), let’s not jump all
> over a newer (and not so new) user for having the temerity to question if
> this is as good as it gets to manually edit text files. No doubt I will
> soon be banished to the realm of those that dare to criticize anything
> related to SatPC32, but let’s be honest.
>
> Before I am accused of not thanking Erich for his donation of SatPC32, I
> do appreciate it. And while I could say think of all the new operators that
> would have a better experience if SatPC32 was just a little bit easier to
> use, I am also cognizant that adding new users may not be in the best
> interest  of some—especially those that immediately jump upon any user for
> the first mistake they make (calling them a LID, bad mounting them on this
> reflector and social media, etc).
>
> Go ahead..let me have it.
>
> Regards,
>
> Tom Schaefer, NY4I
> Blog: www.ny4i.com
> Madeira Beach, FL (Grid: EL87ot)
>
>
>
>
> > On Jun 8, 2020, at 4:18 PM, Michael Walker via AMSAT-BB <
> amsat-bb at amsat.org> wrote:
> >
> > Let me chime in on this as this strikes a nerve with me, a d if I offend
> > you, my apologies but I think it needs to be said as a new user.
> >
> > I work in the retail industry for Ham Radio (most  know what I do).
> >
> > I talk to customers all day long and they come from all walks of life and
> > all education levels.   Most new hams do not have the technical
> background
> > they some of us have and they need some very basic information and
> > mentoring to get over the hump.  This is a confusing hobby for new hams.
> > AMSAT has not been good at helping out very new users.  They want to have
> > fun and actually communicate as well they do want to understand.
> >
> > Some learn well from reading.  Some from Videos and some from 1 on 1
> > coaching on the phone so they can ask questions.
> >
> > I will be the first to admit that getting started with SATpc32 for a new
> > operator is difficult.  I spent a few weeks at it and nothing phases me
> in
> > technology and integration.    This is why I did the intro video on
> YouTube
> > on how to navigate the GUI that I have received LOTS of emails on and how
> > it get them out of 1st gear.  Oh, and I searched YouTube before I did the
> > video and everything I saw assumed you knew how to drive SATpc32.   So, I
> > do the video and all I get is slammed by AMSAT members for assuming I did
> > not having a licensed copy.  What a friendly bunch.
> >
> > I was about a day from selling a new IC-9700, rotators, ERC controller
> and
> > antennas.  Why would I want to be part of a group that didn't really want
> > to help.  No wonder the hobby is dying.
> >
> > Don't get me wrong, it is an amazing piece of software and it does what
> it
> > does amazingly.  My rant is not about the software it is about those that
> > don't like the simple questions.
> >
> > Yes, it is a technical hobby but hams new to this part of the hobby do
> not
> > understand the terms and how it affects the operation of trying to make a
> > QSO.
> >
> > Updating for a new satellite is not easily understood and despite all the
> > instructions that people tossed at me, none worked to get RS44 functional
> > when it came out.  And, yes, I read the manual.  A LOT.  The manual
> expects
> > you to be a seasoned and educated Satellite operator.
> >
> > For those that spend some one on one time, I think you in advance for all
> > your mentoring as I am sure many have benefitted from your contributions.
> >
> > For those that say "RTFM" consider where you started and who helped you
> to
> > get out of 1st gear.  RTFM doesn't work for everyone.    In fact, it has
> > the opposite effect by scaring new members/operators away.
> >
> > *** Remember, there is no stupid question. ***
> >
> > Mike va3mw
> >
> >
> >
> >>
> > _______________________________________________
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> > to all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership.
> Opinions expressed
> > are solely those of the author, and do not reflect the official views of
> AMSAT-NA.
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>
> _______________________________________________
> Sent via AMSAT-BB at amsat.org. AMSAT-NA makes this open forum available
> to all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. Opinions
> expressed
> are solely those of the author, and do not reflect the official views of
> AMSAT-NA.
> Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program!
> Subscription settings: https://www.amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
>


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