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EZ-TRAK Satellite Hand Tracking Suite

EZ-TRAK Logo

Overview

EZ-TRAK v1

EZ-TRAK is a comprehensive satellite tracking suite designed for amateur radio operators, weather satellite enthusiasts, and educational purposes. The software interfaces with an EZ-TRAK BLE device which is mounted to a lightweight foldable portable satellite dish antenna to hand track satellites in real-time, providing azimuth and elevation data for optimal antenna positioning.

Features

EZ-TRAK DEMO: https://youtu.be/2A2lW0ONNiE

  • Dynamic Satellite Tracking: Track satellites in real-time with azimuth/elevation display
  • Pass Prediction: Calculate upcoming satellite passes for your location
  • BLE Device Integration: Seamlessly connects to EZ-TRAK BLE device
  • Position Recording: Record antenna pointing data for later analysis
  • Multi-Source TLE Data: Download satellite data from Celestrak or SatNOGS DB
  • User-friendly Interface: Easy-to-use application launcher and configuration tool

Components

1. EZ-TRAK Launcher (eztrak_welcome.py)

EZ-TRAK Welcome

A graphical interface to configure and launch the main applications:

  • Set your geographic location (latitude, longitude, altitude)
  • Configure tracked satellites
  • Set minimum elevation for valid passes
  • Download and verify TLE data
  • Launch main tracking applications

2. Satellite Tracker (eztrack.py)

EZ-TRAK1

The main satellite tracking application:

  • Visual polar plot showing real-time azimuth/elevation of your hand tracking antenna
  • Real-time position display
  • Pass prediction information
  • Track recording functionality
  • Automatic satellite data updates

3. Rotator Control (eztrackrotator.py)

EZ-TRAK Rotator

Optional application for controlling wifi + imu antenna rotator (if available).

Installation

Prerequisites

  • Python 3.8 or higher
  • Bluetooth-enabled computer (Windows, macOS, or Linux)
  • EZ-TRAK BLE hardware device

Required Python Packages

pip install bleak matplotlib skyfield numpy requests

Installation Steps

  1. Clone this repository:
git clone https://github.com/benb0jangles/EZ-TRAK.git
cd EZ-TRAK
  1. Run the launcher application (nuked demo version):
python eztrak_welcome.py

Usage

  1. Configure Your Setup:

    • Enter your latitude, longitude, and altitude
    • Select satellites to track (e.g., "NOAA 19", "METOP-C")
    • Set minimum elevation (typically 20° for good reception)
    • Download current TLE data
  2. Launch Tracking Application:

    • Click "Launch EZ-TRAK" to start the main tracking application
    • Make sure your EZ-TRAK BLE device is powered on and nearby
  3. Using the Tracker:

    • The circular display shows azimuth (compass direction) and elevation
    • The red dot shows the current position
    • Blue lines show predicted satellite passes
    • Yellow dot shows satellite position along blue line track
    • Use recording functionality to track your antenna movement

EZ-TRAK2

EZ-TRAK3.

For those wondering what antenna I am using:

Farabrella1.

Troubleshooting

Common Issues

  • Device Not Found: Ensure the EZ-TRAK device is powered on and within range
  • TLE Download Errors: If Celestrak access is limited, try the SatNOGS data source
  • No Satellite Passes: Verify your location settings and satellite selection

Debug Information

The application logs information to the serial console which can be helpful for troubleshooting. Look for messages related to:

  • BLE device connection
  • Satellite TLE parsing
  • Pass prediction calculations

Hardware

The EZ-TRAK BLE device is available from Ez-Trak sales page. This compact device:

  • Interfaces with Farabrella satellite antenna Buy a Farabrella here to provide positional data
  • Connects via Bluetooth Low Energy
  • Battery-powered for field operation
  • Simple button interface for recording and resetting

Legal Notice

All Rights Reserved © 2025 Benb0jangles

This software is proprietary. No permission is granted to copy, distribute, or modify this software without explicit written permission from the author.

This project is provided as-is without any warranty. The software can be used for personal and educational purposes, but redistribution is prohibited.

Acknowledgments

  • Satellite TLE data provided by Celestrak and SatNOGS
  • Built using Skyfield for satellite calculations
  • Special thanks to the amateur radio and satellite tracking community

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satellite hand tracking made easy

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