I have completed coding the final version of ObsReduce, my graphical program for reducing positional satellite observations into the standard reporting formats, IOD, UK and RDE (Russell Eberst's abbreviated UK format). At present, ObsReduce's star database consists of 300,000 stars, to about magnitude 10, suitable for optics up to about 80 mm aperture, typically large binoculars or a small refracting telescope. Several positional observers track very faint satellites using much larger aperture optics, for example, 200 mm. ObsReduce has been designed to support positional telescope users, primarily by providing the ability to work with an inverted or a mirror-image FOV (field of view). Also, I wish to provide a suitable star data base. To that end, I would appreciate advice from anyone who has used a telescope to make positional satellite observations. Please tell me: - the typical and smallest FOV diameter that you use - the typical and faintest magnitude of stars you are likely to use as reference stars in a positional observation. This is not necessarily the same as the faintest magnitude that you can see. ObsReduce enables the user to set default FOV diameter, limiting magnitude and image orientation, all of which are easily changed at run time. I am writing the user's manual and testing and debugging. When finished (any day now), it will be available free of cost to anyone who wishes to download a copy. A screenshot is available here: http://www.satobs.org/programs/ObsReduce/ObsReduce.jpg Ted Molczan ----------------------------------------------------------------- To unsubscribe from SeeSat-L, send a message with 'unsubscribe' in the SUBJECT to SeeSat-L-request@satobs.org List archived at http://www.satobs.org/seesat/seesatindex.html
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