Go to the Home page Go to the About section Go to the Projects section Go to the Clients section Go to the Products section Go to the Links section

Macintosh Amateur Radio Satellite Tracking Software

What the Users are Saying about MacDoppler for Cocoa

On November 11, 2006 Clint Bradford, (K6LCS) wrote:

Outstanding

I have been a PC person for over 20 years. Some sort of change of life occurred to me a couple months ago...and I researched amateur radio software for Macs. I came across this program - purchased it from AMSAT - and then ordered my first Mac: the 17" MacBook Pro...

Great satellite tracking program. I have shown it off at a couple hamfests, as well as at several clubs where I was speaking on "Working Satellites with your HT."

Painless to upgrade kep data, too.


On November 11, 2006 Thomas Martin (K0TOM) wrote:

Excellent Software , with Excellent Support

The software is great! I use this with a TS-2000, and a imac G3/500. Don gives outstanding tech support!


On April 13, 2006 Scott Conover (KC2OZM) wrote:

Hi Don. We spoke yesterday on the phone about my MacDoppler and you helped me with the lat and long to get it running correctly. This morning I observed the program as the ISS went over, and how your program functioned. Just wanted to say...
VERY COOOOL!!!


On Dec 31, 2005 John Zaruba (AA2BN) wrote:

In my previous review I said I would provide an update once my antenna controller was working, so here it is.

I built a G6LVB tracker for my Yaesu G-5500 rotator and MacDoppler for Cocoa drives it without a hitch. The antennas sometimes flip over completely before the beginning of the pass, if MacDoppler calculates that the pass of the satellite will be over the rotator break point, so there is no interruption of the pass because of the rotator having to be driven 360 degrees to the other side of the break.

You will need to spend a pass for each linear transponder satellite fine tuning the doppler correction, but once it's done it's done. Then enable the tuning dial tracking feature and you can stop fussing about with the mechanics of the satellite pass and concentrate on making QSO's. The full doppler tuning feature works very very well, I just wish more station that have computer controlled radio tuning would use it. It would make LEO satellite QSO's much more fun.

73 de John AA2BN


On Nov 26, 2005 Steve Muncy (NI5V) wrote:

The Standard by which others are judged

Some software is just so good that it defines the category and becomes the basis of comparison - and MacDoppler defines the categry for amateur radio satellite software. I've been a very, very satisfied user of MacDopplerPro for the past few years. My complaints have been very minor and mostly confined to interface, but MacDopplerPro works extremely well--and you just can't beat the support provided by the developer. So based on my positive experience, I immediately purchased MacDoppler for Cocoa when the first version was released - something I don't normally do since I don't usually trust new software!

MacDoppler for Cocoa didn't disappoint me. The first versions (updated several times a week at least!) didn't contain the full feature set of MacDopplerPro, but the quick updates from Don Agro brought it up to full functionality in very short order. My biggest complaint about the older MacDoppler Pro was dealing with multiple windows, but I know that is a personal opinion that might not be shared by others. MacDoppler for Cocoa addresses my complaints about multiple windows almost completely as there is now one window and I really, really like this interface much better. And while there is only one window, and a lot of info on that window, the ability to order the satellite information in the track list allows me to set up the information listing in the way that I want.

Mode editing is greatly simplified. Radio drivers are provided for 17 different radios (as of this writing), and there is extensive support for a variety of different rotator configurations. You can specify where you want the rotators parked, and provides offsets in case your antennas aren't pointed in exactly the right direction. The Predictative Dead Spot functionality is really nice.

I won't say that the first versions were bug free, but it says something about the developer when you know that a reported bug will be fixed withing a few hours. And when I have a GOOD suggestion for improvement, it is amazing how quickly it gets incorporated into the software. (My ideas are not ALWAYS good!)

Now, about price. There is no upgrade path from MacDoppler Pro to MacDoppler for Cocoa and some may balk at paying the full $98 single-license fee. I'm a big proponent of useful FREE software for utilities and seldom used functions, but when you reach the level of MacDoppler for Cocoa you should expect to pay for what you get. Yes, there are some free satellite programs out there that will give you a taste of this aspect of the hobby, but they are either unsupported or not frequently updated. The fact is that the Mac ham radio market is small and if you want good software you should expect to pay for it. MacDoppler for Cocoa is an outstanding program and worth every penny. You won't regret paying for MacDoppler for Cocoa.
On Nov 16, 2005 Michael Sheleheda (K4MTS) wrote:

Stellar! 

I've used Dog Park Software's MacDopplerPro for a couple of years now and I've found it to be stable and user-friendly. I didn't think I'd find anything better for tracking sats; until now. MacDoppler for Cocoa is an even more elegant interface and makes working sats a real joy.

I use an iMac G5 2GHz, with OS X 10.4.3, w/2GB RAM interfaced to a Kenwood TS-2000. SInce my station is fairly modest (I don't have a steerable antenna; I use eggbeaters for sats), I cannot comment on the rotor control aspect of MDPro.

But every other feature makes this product a lot of fun. You can set up a track list to follow you favorite sats. MacDoppler controls the uplink and downlink of your rig and accurately tracks the doppler shift as the sat passes. When you only have a short window, it makes having a QSO very easy. You won't have to touch a thing on your radio.

Logging the contact couldn't be easier. Just type in the call and MacDoppler will look it up on the intenet, enter the stations info including grid, and logs up/down link frequencies, Mode, Sat name, Az/El and more.

And if that's not enough, it just looks beautiful. It's like "Mission Control" on your desktop.

I have been very impressed with all the software coming from Dog Park. Don updates his software often (at no additional charge) and is very receptive to suggestions and comments. I have never had the kind of customer service from any other software vendor; large or small; that I get from Dog Park. You get a heck of a lot of support and a fabulous product for your money.

Download the demo and this program at Dog Park's website and you'll see for yourself.


On Nov 16, 2005 John Zaruba (AA2BN) wrote:

Another Great Program from Dogpark! 

Dogpark Software has made a quantum improvement in the already outstanding MacDoppler Pro X product with the release of MacDoppler for Cocoa. I found the user interface and usablility much improved over the earlier product. Very clean, very intuitive, I was up and running after about 5 minutes of setup. My computer is a 900 MHz G3 iBook with 640 MB of RAM and OS X 10.4.3 and the program runs very smoothly. I also use the company's other software titles, Mac Logger DX, and Mac Memories Manager.

One big improvement is a large built in cities database to select your operating location, or you still have the option of adding the lat/long info for your QTH directly. Download and update of keplerian elements is a one step process, You have the option of displaying the world map in either 2D or 3D modes (I like 2D since it looks a bit like the one in NASA Mission Control).

I'm running a Kenwood TS-2000, and setting up the interface is point and click simple. I've copied several satellite passes since installation, and the automatic doppler correction is spot on. If you enable it, MDforC can read the downlink frequency as you turn the tuning knob and automatically calculate the uplink doppler shift, very tasty! If you enable speech mode, your Mac will call out the next approaching satellite's frequency and pass information, as well as azimuth and elevation callouts during the pass. It can get a little chatty, but if you happen to be doing other things in the shack waiting for a pass, it's a nice reminder.

My rotator interface (for a Yaesu G-5500) is still a bag of parts on my workbench, so I did not test that functionality yet, but I will post an update when I do.

I was a little skeptical about the upgrade price, since I had a much older version of MacDoppler Pro X on hand that worked OK, but after I tried the demo copy there was no thought of missing this upgrade.

My only nit to pick involves logging, as Mac Doppler Pro X is well integrated with Dogpark's Mac Logger DX program, but the new Cocoa version is not (as yet). I emailed the author, and he indicated that and update with logging integration is in the works. Dogpark Software is another customer service driven firm (like Elecraft) and I have nothing but praise for the way I have been treated when I have had a question or feature request.

Now if Dogpark would release a Mac PB/PG for Cocoa to work AO-51 and GO-32 PBBSs I would be an even happier camper.

73,

John AA2BN
AMSAT-NA #22683