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16 August 2008: JStrack 3.0.2 is online 15 August 2008: JStrack Documentation (PDF) is online |
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These images show Fay approaching my location (which is directly under the 24/0000Z forecast position, now a tropical storm instead of a tropical depression, which the previous forecast had right on top of us...).
Here is a sample of JStrack's main display from 18 August 2007 at 2100Z showing not only the track of Hurricane Dean, but also one of the new features in JStrack—the ability to overlay GOES-East imagery directly onto the tracking chart. NOTE: If you use IE, and have it configured to reduce images to fit the browser window, I strongly advise you to turn that off and use the scrollbars...if I remember correctly (I don't use IE) it's under the "Advanced" tab. Otherwise, IE's scaling of the image will make it look terrible!
It's written in Tcl/Tk, and is the result of my not being able to find a freely available hurricane tracking system for Unix. Note that while it was originally designed for running under Unix, as of version 2.0.0, it is now MUCH more friendly towards people running it under Windows (Windows 9x/NT/2k/ME/XP)!
As before, it should run on any other system for which Tcl/Tk is available (Mac users—I don't have a Mac, or access to one, so any feedback and/or help you can offer would be appreciated).
It also moves old storm data (except for 2007) out to another file. The old storm data was no doubt getting annoying for users with slower connection speeds who had to download it over and over again.... So it's moved out (still available, but by itself).
So here it is: JStrack Documentation (PDF) (NEW!). This covers everything from installing Tcl/Tk (required to run JStrack) to installing, configuring, and using JStrack. It also covers how to join the WX-ATLAN e-mail list for getting updates via e-mail.
It's FAR from finished (I've just gotten it to work without having to use an already-resized copy of the satellite imagery)—this is basically just letting you know that I'm still around, and still working on JStrack when I have new ideas pop into my head for new features and/or the best way to implement existing ideas....
I'm now on disability, so things aren't as bad as they were, but now I'm facing a new nightmare: Medicaid and their insane policies (they expect me to be able to cover about $250/month MORE than my total monthly income (before any bills, food, etc.) before they kick in the coverage. It's insanity at its worst.
If you use JStrack, I really need your feedback. If there's anything that could make JStrack more useful for you, letting me know is the first step toward making that happen. See below for the e-mail address.
On another note, I've been out of work since cancer hit (except for a brief period before it moved to my brain...when things were looking like they were going to return to a more normal state), and don't know if I'll ever be able to return to work (the doctors say no, but I'm more stubborn about these things than they seem to realize, so who knows....). In the past, I've always asked that if you really want to send money, send it to the Red Cross/Red Crescent, Salvation Army, etc., and specifically, not to send it to me. In other words, in the past, I asked that people NOT send donations to me. I now have to modify that a bit. I'd still like to see JStrack users donating to disaster relief agencies. I think that's the most important. But if you feel strongly about helping me pay some bills, etc., I won't turn it away anymore.... I've setup a PayPal link that you can use, whether or not you're a PayPal member (if not, just use your credit/debit card).
And, of course, you're not required to donate to anyone.
If you want to be on the new JStrack e-mail list, send me e-mail at spooky130u AT gmail.com.
Folks who are looking for a tracking program for an area other than the tropical Atlantic, please note: at this time, JStrack does not currently support your region of the world. HOWEVER, there is NO reason why it can't. If you're interested in making this happen, e-mail me (see below).
Basically, I need a tracking chart for your region in a GIF, JPEG, or other image format that I can convert to a bitmap. The coordinates on the chart need to be something that I can read (i.e., in English), but that's about it. Once I have that, the rest is simple! Just send me the location where I can ftp it or fetch it from a web site, and I'll be happy to take care of the rest. The filter program for the NHC advisories may not work for you, but we might be able to fix that, too.
JStrack is named after my two cats (at that time), Jack and Shadow. I wasn't satisfied with any name I'd come up with, and was trying to think of a name...and there was Shadow, just sitting there staring at me like he had something to say on the subject.... The rest is history.
If you have any comments, suggestions, bugs, etc., regarding JStrack, please let me know. Send e-mail to me at spooky130u AT gmail.com.
