			=========================
			PREDICT QUICK START GUIDE
			=========================

SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS
===================
This program requires ncurses version 4.2 or higher.  Earlier versions have
been known to cause segmentation faults and/or odd display colors with this
program.  ncurses may be obtained via anonymous FTP at:

	prep.ai.mit.edu

in the pub/gnu subdirectory

or:
	ftp.clark.net

in the pub/dickey/ncurses subdirectory.


UNPACKING
=========
The PREDICT archive can be unpacked in any directory for which read access
is provided for all system users.  As root, move the tar file to such a
directory and use the command:

	tar xvfz predict-2.x.x.tar.gz

to unpack the file.


COMPILATION
===========
PREDICT's compilation and installation procedure differs slightly from that
of most software, but should easy enough to understand and follow.  First,
move (cd) into the installation directory and execute the included "install"
script by typing:

	./install

as root on your command prompt.  This script compiles and runs the install
program that configures the source code for PREDICT.  It then compiles and
installs PREDICT by creating symbolic links between the executables created
in the installation directory and /usr/local/bin.


* FIRST TIME USE *
==================
First time users will be asked to enter their groundstation latitude in
decimal degrees NORTH (SOUTH may be entered as a negative), longitude in
decimal degrees WEST (EAST may be entered as a negative), and altitude
in meters above mean sea level.  A recent set of Keplerian orbital data
for the satellites of interest and an accurately set system clock are
also required if successful real-time satellite tracking is also desired.


* TRACKING WITH AUDIO *
=======================
PREDICT contains a "vocalizer" program that periodically articulates azimuth
and elevation headings of a satellite being tracked to aid an observer
in visually locating spacecraft in the night sky.  These headings may
be relayed to an observer using a low-power RF transmitter.  The audio
tracking mode operates in the Single Satellite Tracking Mode (Main
Menu option [T]) only if it is invoked with an upper case 'T' from
the main menu.  The satellite must be above the horizon for the audio
mode to be active.  Announcements may be forced at any time the satellite
is above the horizon by hitting 't' while in Single Satellite Tracking
Mode.


* COMMAND LINE ARGUMENTS *
==========================
PREDICT is a multi-user program and keeps QTH and TLE orbital data in a
subdirectory named ".predict" under users' home directories.  Alternate
QTH and TLE data files can be passed to PREDICT via the command line as
follows:

	predict -t visual.tle -q holiday.qth

It is also possible to update the TLE file from a file containing 2-line
element data on the command line as follows:

	predict -u orbs330.tle

Combinations such as:

	predict -t visual.tle -u orbs330.tle

are also possible.

The -u command line option eliminates the need for explictly running the
program, selecting main menu option [U], entering the name of the file
being used to update the program's orbital database, and then exiting
the program.  It also allows updates to be done "automagically" using
data received via Pacsat download or by FTP.

Please consult the files under the "docs" subdirectory for more information.
 
--
73, de John, KD2BD
November 1999

