Orbcomm-Plotter

OrbcommPlotter decodes, displays and plots transmissions from Orbcomm communications satellites operating in the 137-138 MHz bands.

Orbcomm is a satellite communication system (www.orbcomm.com) providing two-way data and positioning service to small, portable user terminals in the VHF frequency bands. You can use a simple VHF radio receiver (scanner) tuned to the band between 137 and 138 MHz to pick up the strong signals from these satellites. With OrbcommPlotter you can decode the telemetry and find out the positions of the satellites, their operational status and their uplink and downlink channels. Unlike most satellite signals, there are so many Orbcomm satellites that there is likely to be one within range of almost any spot on Earth at any time of the day or night.

OrbcommPlotter Features

OrbcommPlotter decodes transmissions from Orbcomm satellites using the sound card in your PC. You need a suitable VHF band radio receiver tuned to the Orbcomm data channels. The program decodes the received digital data and displays and logs the messages.

Signal mode - In Signal Mode, OrbcommPlotter displays the raw digital signals on your PC screen in a diagnostic display which helps you to set up the system and adjust the receiver.
Message mode - In Message Mode, OrbcommPlotter displays each decoded message in plain language on your PC screen. It displays the identity of the Orbcomm satellite, the operating frequency, UTC date time, position, uplink and downlink frequencies, and coded messsage traffic.
Satellite mode - In Satellite Mode, OrbcommPlotter displays the operating frequency and last known position of any Orbcomm satellites from which data has been received.
Chart mode - In Chart Mode, OrbcommPlotter displays the real-time position of any Orbcomm satellites from which data is received. It can also plot the track history of positions received from all satellites. OrbcommPlotter can also plot predicted satellite positions if a TLE file of orbital elements is available.
Message log - OrbcommPlotter stores all messages received and decoded in a text file for later analysis and review. The log file is time stamped.
Automation - OrbcommPlotter supports OLE/COM (Automation) access to the latest position received from each satellite.

Requirements to run OrbcommPlotter

Pentium level PC running Win95/98/Me/2k/XP with compatible sound card
A VHF band radio receiver with NFM mode. The receiver must be tuned to the Orbcomm channels. The receiver audio output must be connected to the Line-In connector on your PC. Because Orbcomm downlink messages are transmitted on VHF, the satellites must be within line of sight of the receiver in order for the signals to be received. For almost all parts of the world, there is nearly always at least one Orbcomm satellite within receiving range.

Download OrbcommPlotter

OrbcommPlotter can be downloaded freely and comes in a self-installing exe file. The file size is a modest 900 kb.

Download OrbcommPlotter (version 1.3) Now.

Registration of OrbcommPlotter

OrbcommPlotter can be freely downloaded and used for 21 days. After that time it must be registered. Registration can be done swiftly and securely on-line and costs only Euro €25 (plus VAT for EU residents) for personal use.We strongly recommend that you ensure that OrbcommPlotter performs to your satisfaction before registering.

Register OrbcommPlotter Now.

Plug-ins for OrbcommPlotter

CombiPlotter provides you with a low-overhead means of displaying the satellite position received by OrbcommPlotter on another chart view. It will plot simultaneous data from ShipPlotter, PlanePlotter, OrbcommPlotter and SondeMonitor on a single chart.

CombiPlotter.

Disclaimer

There are considerable variations in the legislation concerning radio reception in the different administrations around the world. It is your responsibility to determine whether or not your local administration permits the reception of Orbcomm messages. It is specifically forbidden to use OrbcommPlotter for any illegal purpose whatsoever. The existence and the availability of OrbcommPlotter is not to be construed as an incitement to commit any unlawful act. It is for use only in those states and regions where such use is permitted.

Disclaimer

OrbcommPlotter code is reliability tested to an extent that is adequate for entertainment and educational use but is neither warranted nor tested for any operational use including but not restricted to any situation where the safety of life is in jeopardy.