|
|
|
|
|
|
| 17Sep2012 Update: JStrack 3.3.4 is out |
| 17Sep2012 Update: Documentation (PDF) Updated |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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).
I've created an e-mail discussion list for JStrack users (and myself) at jstrack@googlegroups.com. To subscribe or unsubscribe, see JStrack e-mail list instructions.
Version 3.3.2 is a bug-fix release from 3.3.1a.
Version 3.3.1 changes the FTP updates from the NHC's old, legacy FTP server, which is a much lower priority when down, over to the http server, which is on a newer, better system and has a much higher priority. It also adds some new EXEs for the windows EXE users.
Version 3.3.0, among other things, includes a new map: a close-up view of the Caribbean. See the JStrack downloads section for more details. Also remember to check back from time to time in the downloads page for patches and updates that may fix problems detected by me or reported to me by users.
Yes, I finally figured out how to make Windows EXE files for JStrack work, and thanks to help from comp.lang.tcl, it should no longer care where you install it (3.2.0 very definitely cared).
Basically, the Windows EXE version is just extract and run.... Data is up-to-date as of Saturday, 28Aug2010 at 17:55 CDT. The ftp timestamp files and initial_timestamps.tcl are updated to match the storm data (I've been forgetting to do this!).
This new release took a great deal of effort and some minor re-design. I've tested just about everything I can think of, and fixed a few self-inflicted errors in that re-design along the way. Please contact me at the e-mail address shown below if you have any problems, questions, comments, etc..
Watches and warnings are now "plotted" as text written into a text window. The previous releases should have been 3.1.x, but were not, so this one makes that step up.
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....
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.
If you REALLY love JStrack and want to send money, I ask that you send it to the Red Cross/Red Crescent, Salvation Army, etc., and specifically, not to send it to me. Of course, you're not required to donate to anyone.
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.
