Glossary¶
This page explains the most common OrbitDeck and amateur-satellite terms in plain language.
AOS¶
AOS means acquisition of signal.
In simple terms: the moment a satellite pass starts and the satellite comes up over your horizon.
LOS¶
LOS means loss of signal.
In simple terms: the moment the pass ends and the satellite drops below your horizon.
TCA¶
TCA means time of closest approach.
In OrbitDeck, this is typically near the middle of the pass and often near the highest point.
Azimuth¶
Azimuth is the compass direction to the satellite.
0°is north90°is east180°is south270°is west
Elevation¶
Elevation is how high above the horizon the satellite is.
0°is on the horizon90°is straight overhead
Pass¶
A pass is one trip of a satellite across your sky while it is above your horizon.
Doppler¶
Doppler is the apparent shift in radio frequency caused by motion.
In practice:
- a satellite coming toward you sounds or appears slightly higher in frequency
- a satellite moving away appears slightly lower
OrbitDeck helps by showing recommended frequencies during the pass.
Rotator view¶
OrbitDeck screen centered on one active or upcoming pass.
Kiosk view¶
OrbitDeck dashboard screen for station status and pass summary information.
Lite view¶
OrbitDeck screen for phones and Pi Zero-class hardware.
Tracked satellites¶
In lite mode, these are the satellites OrbitDeck is allowed to spend time computing. Keeping the list small helps the app stay fast.
Frequency guidance¶
OrbitDeck tuning guidance for a pass.
AMSAT status¶
OrbitDeck comparison against recent reports from the AMSAT status site.