◀ Back to GreenCube Observerby SA5IKN

Frequently Asked Questions

What is GreenCube Observer?
GreenCube Observer is a web application that visualizes amateur radio stations communicating via GreenCube MEO satellite on a map. Additionally, GreenCube Observer predicts the theoretical maximum range based on the station's 6-character Maidenhead grid, provides rover alerts via HamsAt and offers a single-click pass prediction via SatMatch.
What is special about GreenCube Observer?
GreenCube Observer embraces the open data philosophy -- a cornerstone of the ham radio community's ethos and an essential principle in STEM fields. Also, GreenCube Observer is the world's first amateur radio web application entirely coded by ChatGPT at the prompt of Max SA5IKN.
Why is this application called GreenCube Observer?
The term 'observations' is used in SatNOGS to refer to data entries, and the name 'GreenCube Observer' draws inspiration from this terminology.
What data does GreenCube Observer use?
GreenCube Observer uses open data provided by SatNOGS DB and SatNOGS Network. Information on rover activity is kindly provided by HamsAt. Pass predictions are powered by SatMatch.
How to use GreenCube Observer?
Visualising the theoretical maximum range from your location
Enter your 6-character grid locator in the field "Enter your Grid" and press "Plot your Range". This will visualize the theoretical maximum range of your station. The stations that can be contacted from your location appear within the shaded area.
GreenCube Observer

Viewing stations
Click on any ground station marker to see the callsign(s) of the stations within that Grid. If several stations operated from the same grid, their callsigns will be listed in the infowindow.
GreenCube Observer

One-click pass prediction
Clicking on any of the displayed callsigns will provide a SatMatch prediction of passes for the next 48 hours between you and the chosen station.
GreenCube Observer

Viewing HamsAt announcements in one click
Blinking markers in GreenCube Observer indicate HamsAt operation announcements. Click on a blinking marker to view the announcements on hams.at.
GreenCube Observer

Visualising CQ Zones (WAZ)
To see the outlines of the CQ Zones check the box "CQ Zones". Zone markers are clickable.
GreenCube Observer
Is GreenCube Observer and its data free to use?
Yes, GreenCube Observer is free for all users. Since all observation data originates from SatNOGS, these data are publicly available and distributed freely under the Creative Commons Atribution-Share Alike v4.0 license.
How can I contribute data to SatNOGS and GreenCube Observer?
To be visualised by GreenCube Observer, data must be uploaded to SatNOGS. This can be accomplished through two avenues: SatNOGS Database and SatNOGS Network.

For amateur radio operators who wish to contribute data while operating GreenCube Digipeater, the simplest method is via DK3WN's GetKISS+. Install both the GreenCube Telemetry Decoder and GetKISS+. Should you encounter errors during installation, refer to this advice by PE0SAT.

It's important to note that DK3WN's GetKISS+ uploads both Telemetry and Digipeater Data even though it refers to both these categories simply as 'Telemetry'. However, if you're using OZ9AAR's Terminal, only Telemetry and not the Digipeater Data is uploaded to SatNOGS.
What does the Leaderboard show?
GreenCube Observer Leaderboard shows all stations that upload GreenCube digipeater data to SatNOGS. The stations are visually represented on the map as circles with sizes proportional to their contributions over the last 7 days. Additionally, beneath the map, a table lists all these stations along with their respective details.

GreenCube Observer Leaderboard
Can I see what stations upload GreenCube Data to SatNOGS and GreenCube Observer?
I use OZ9AAR's Terminal. Does it upload Digipeater Data to SatNOGS?
No, OZ9AAR's Terminal does not share Digipeater Data with SatNOGS or any other Open Access database. It only uploads telemetry to SatNOGS (such as statuses of the satellite's systems) but not the data. You need to install DK3WN's GetKISS+ to forward Data to SatNOGS and see it visualised by GreenCube Observer.
Can I support GreenCube Observer?
Yes, you can donate here. The list of supporters is provided on the main page of GreenCube Observer under the legend. Thank you for supporting open data approach in amateur radio!