Here's what I do to load the catalog:
- Drop the WCS (plate solved) file on Aladin. It will display the image.
- Click on the menu: File> Load catalog> Surveys in VizieR> NOMAD1
- Wait while Aladin downloads data from the Internet (green "LED" flashes) and eventually a selection of stars will be highlighted
- Now you're ready to load the local filter...
I tend to use Aladin 7.5 in preference to Aladin 6.005. I found Aladin 6 was slower and sometimes timed out. Aladin 7.5 displays an additional "Server selector" dialog which allows you to select a smaller or larger Radius. Smaller is faster. You can probably do this somehow in Aladin 6 too if you you know what you're doing.
Give that a go and see if you get a bit further.
Cheers,
Rick.