XW-1's orbit is quite easy for manual tracking, though not quite as easy as it is for AO-51 ECHO or GO32...
Just remember these facts: * XW-1's orbits come over 17 minutes earlier each day. * There is a pass 109 minutes earlier and/or later * Once a week (6 days) add about an hour and a half (basically 109 - 17) * The pattern repeats every 6 days but 6 minutes later Basically the exact pass pattern repeats every 6 days, but unfortunately slips by 6 minutes a week so a permanent repeating schedule like we use for AO-51 and GO32 for months is not possible unless you want to add the 6 minutes each week. See www.aprs.org/MobileLEOtracking.html This way say you are far from a PC, all you will need to do is monitor the AX.25 packet downlink for several hours some day with your APRS mobile. Once you get a packet, then you can manually derive the rest of the passes for your trip. (I hope they eventually turn on APRS digipeating on the AX.25 channel for such wilderness travelers..) Bob, WB4aPR _______________________________________________ Sent via amsat...@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
