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A Little Peek at What I've Just Uploaded (02Aug07)

See hrdean_GoesE_18-2100z.jpg for a sample of what I'm working on now...specifically, getting satellite imagery loaded on the tracking plot (optional, requires netpbm, or at least, a portion of it).

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....

What Is JStrack?

JStrack is a freeware hurricane tracking program. It's currently tested under Unix and Windows (i.e., what I have access to).

Here is a sample of JStrack's main display from 25Aug06 1500Z. 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 wouldn't touch IE with a ten foot pole...I use Mozilla plus Multizilla), it's under the "Advanced" tab.

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).

Cancer....

JStrack's author (that's me...Jim, N5IAL) has been fighting the "Big C" (cancer) since...well, the diagnosis was in late January, 2006...how long it had been there before is anyone's guess.

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.

Freeware/Donationware

Yes, JStrack is freeware. I have no intention of charging money for it now or in the future. After all, one of the reasons for writing it in the first place was to address the lack of a freely-available hurricane tracking program for Unix! It just wouldn't make sense to turn around and charge for it.... I do, however, have an important request.

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.

I've been out of work since the 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) time, 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....). Basically, I need help. 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.

My present situation now demands that I go ahead and accept donations if someone wishes to send one. 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.

Using JStrack for Areas Other Than the Tropical Atlantic

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.

The Name, JStrack

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.

Feedback

If you have any comments, suggestions, bugs, etc., regarding JStrack, please let me know. Send e-mail to me at j.graham AT ieee DOT org.