USe this programme I got it to do this exact same thing.
IMPORTANT: Time is critical. Ensure your computer's date/time setting is accurate to the second if possible. Various software is available on the Internet for accurate adjustment of your clock.
Accurate 2-star alignment of the telescope should be performed.
1. Enter Location Parameters
Up to three separate locations can be defined. Click an option button to define location 1, 2 or 3. In the site name text box enter a location description. Enter the UTC time offset which is the time difference in hours from Universal Coordinated Time (UTC ) or also called Greenwich Mean Time (GMT). Be sure to include adjustments for day light saving time when applicable. For instance, Eastern Standard Time would be -5 and Eastern Daylight Savings Time would be -4. Enter your latitude as accurately as possible. A southern latitude should be entered as a negative value. Latitude can be read off a map or more accurately from a GPS unit. Enter your longitude. A western longitude must be entered as a negative value. Do not enter a longitude greater than 180 or less than -180. Values are entered as degrees (and decimal points of a degree.) For example a latitude of 43 degrees and 42 minutes would be entered as 43.7 (43+(42/60)). Enter your altitude in meters.
Hint: All longitudes and UTC settings in North America should both be negative values.
2. Load a TLE File.
The NASA/Norad 2 Line Element (TLE) files contain parameters describing the orbit of satellites. They are needed for the program to calculate satellite positions. Always use the newest files as possible. Files can be downloaded from
http://www.space-track.org. Once registered at Space Track, you can use Satellite Tracker to automatically retrieve TLE files. Download new files daily if possible. Use of older files will lead to inaccurate results. (Note: The visual.txt TLE file in your original download is very out dated and is for the demonstration of program functionality only!)
To load a file, click the Load File button. Files usually are of type ".TLE" but may also be of type ".TXT". Once a file is selected positions are calculated for each satellite in the file.
3. Connect to the Telescope.
Using a proper cable connect the RS232 port on the telescope to your computer's COM port 1 or COM Port 2. Click the [Connect] button.
In the 'Telescope'-'Interface Protocol' menu option, set to Meade LX200' for LX200 scopes only. Use 'LX200 Compatible' for other non-LX200 telescope mounts which have a LX200 protocol such as Astro-Physics. AutoStar users can set to AutoStar 497 or AutoStar 494. AutoStar 495 users should select the AutoStar 497 setting. LX200GPS telescopes can use the AutoStar 497 interface for leap-frog tracking or the LX200GPS interface for continuous tracking.
Note for AutoStar users: Under menu option "Satellite" and "Create View Plan TLE File" a custom TLE file can be created and then downloaded to the AutoStar using the Meade AutoStar Update program. Also consider adjusting the "AOS/LOS at ?? Elevation" setting in the Preferences to match the lowest visible elevation at your site.
NexStar GPS, 8i and 5i telescopes with HC v1.6 and MC v4.1 firmware can use the "NexStarGPS Continuous Tracking Interface". Earlier firmware versions can only 'leap frog' track. (Note: This interface is not compatible with the NexStar 5/8 scopes. A beta version interface is available in the current release.)
Celestron Ultima 2000 and earlier firmware versions of NexstarGPS telescopes are only capable of 'leap frog' tracking through the RS232 interface. When using the NexStarGPS the 'Tracking Method' should be set to the furthest right setting ('Leap Frog').
4. Selecting a Satellite
Various options are available to filter down available objects to view in the "Select Object" section. Try starting with "Low Altitudes", "Above Horizion", and "In Sun Only". Click the [Refresh Object List] button often (preferably each time before selecting an object).
Select an object from the "Object" combobox and click the [Start Tracking] button. Usually timing needs to be adjusted. Try adjusting from -5 to 5 seconds (by using the [Delay] and [Advance] buttons until the satellite comes into view. (Watch the eclipse/sun status, an eclipsed object will not be visible.)
NOTE: An alignment adjustment should be rarely needed. This adjustment may be needed if the telescope has not been accurately aligned or using higher magnifications. Because the degree of misalignment will vary along the path of the satellite the adjustment may need to be changed during tracking.
Version 1.1.8 and higher allow the user to adjust the Timing and Alignment using a joystick. Before each session make sure the joystick is properly calibrated (go to Windows Control Panel and Game Controllers). In Version 1.1.9 and higher, tracking can be started and stopped using the joystick trigger.
Tracking may also be adjusted using the mouse in a special mouse alignment dialog.
A viewing plan for the evening can be created by clicking the [Batch Predict] button in the 'TLE File' frame.
![[1ponders]'s Avatar](../vbiis/customavatars/avatar45_9.gif){kind=avatar}
and a challenge!
Unlike me, I get overly excited whenever I see the ISS and I almost always forget to do something.
