WXforum.net

General Weather/Earth Sciences Topics => Other Weather Topics => Topic started by: ChristopherD on February 16, 2017, 05:07:47 PM

Title: WXtoIMG
Post by: ChristopherD on February 16, 2017, 05:07:47 PM
Hello, I am really interested in starting into the hobby of obtaining weather satellite images . I would like to obtain the upgraded WXToImg program , but the web page does not seem to work correctly. I have tried older versions of Windows to know avail. I do not mind paying for a copy as I do want to support the writer of the program. Is there a way to obtain an upgraded or professional copy ??  I thought my 2nd  downloaded copy was corrupted , as I was able to see the next Sat pass info and time  at the bottom bar , after I downloaded the beta version it is gone. I would like to purchase the most recent copy for my hoppy. If it is not supported is there a better or similar alternative?
Thanks
KF7SPH
(Christopher)
Title: Re: WXtoIMG
Post by: Bushman on February 16, 2017, 05:10:51 PM
Hmmm... I just downloaded the Windows 2.10.11 and a Linux version no probs.
Title: Re: WXtoIMG
Post by: ChristopherD on February 16, 2017, 07:34:03 PM
Downloading the first ptrogram and the beta was fine . Can u upgrade it?
Title: Re: WXtoIMG
Post by: ChristopherD on February 19, 2017, 05:20:03 PM
Hello, still looking for anyone who can give me some guidance regarding the WXtoImg program upgrade. I can download and run the freeware version , including the Beta. I am unable to upgrade the standard version to have full benefit of the program. When I go to the upgrade screen I am directed to, it only displays the usual headerswith no links to pay for the program or upgrade. Any attempts to upgrade on the program itself , I receive an "Error: Invalid registration Name or Key" message. There does not seem to be a link anywhere to request support on the website. Any help would be appreciated.
Title: Re: WXtoIMG
Post by: halifax on February 19, 2017, 07:05:49 PM
I am a long-time user who paid for the pro version many years ago. Today, the program started acting oddly and I ran into the same problem with a re-install and trying to use the upgrade keys. Neither my original paid key nor the free keys for Standard and Professional versions will work and I get the same Error: Invalid Reg Name or Key" message. Grrr....
Title: Re: WXtoIMG
Post by: ChristopherD on February 19, 2017, 07:40:51 PM
Hi , ,,Thanks for the response. I have been pulling my hair out on this. Was looking forward to starting on this hobby the last few weeks . Is there a webmaster we can contact? I would like to buy the full version . I am considering options if this program  is not supported anymore .   The website lists the 2017 upgrade(very frustrating) . What is a good alternative to this program ? Thank u again for the response.
Title: Re: WXtoIMG
Post by: halifax on February 19, 2017, 08:18:52 PM
Hi Christopher, I cannot figure out how to contact the author. Will keep trying.
As for alternatives, this is the best program. Until we get resolution, we're both stuck using the freeware version. Perhaps more people will check in here.
Let me know if you find anything new.
Title: Re: WXtoIMG
Post by: halifax on February 19, 2017, 08:20:05 PM
Facebook page is showing concerned users:

https://www.facebook.com/WXtoImg-107091919358645/

Title: Re: WXtoIMG
Post by: ChristopherD on February 19, 2017, 08:56:25 PM
Ok , thanks again . I will keep looking as well . Considered writing a letter  . Just so frustrating and such a letdown . I will post if I can get anything as well.
Title: Re: WXtoIMG
Post by: halifax on February 19, 2017, 09:38:41 PM
Was able to dig this up:

Craig Thomas ANDERSON    156 Victoria Street West, Auckland , New Zealand

His company, Abstract Technologies, folded in 2008

http://www.companiesnz.com/company/642431/abstract-technologies-new-zealand-limited
Title: Re: WXtoIMG
Post by: ChristopherD on February 19, 2017, 09:53:43 PM
I wonder who placed the 2017 upgrade on the wx website ?!?
Title: Re: WXtoIMG
Post by: halifax on February 19, 2017, 10:01:45 PM
Had to be Craig. I am concerned that he may have placed it in the public domain as freeware and doesn't want to support it beyond his tinkering with it. I can understand that and it's not uncommon to run into such situations anymore. Recently had it with iOnRoad on the Apple store - a great heads-up display and precision driving program that's now dead and he's out. Hopefully this isn't the case with WXtoImg. It's a killer program.
Title: Re: WXtoIMG
Post by: ChristopherD on February 19, 2017, 10:58:54 PM
Is there a good alternative to this program?
Title: Re: WXtoIMG
Post by: halifax on February 20, 2017, 06:54:58 PM
Not really. But see this for a temporary workaround:

https://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/GEO-Subscribers/conversations/topics/18317
Title: Re: WXtoIMG
Post by: ChristopherD on February 20, 2017, 08:18:31 PM
Interesting . Would feel better if I could just pay the man and have a legit registered program.😕
Title: Re: WXtoIMG
Post by: halifax on February 20, 2017, 09:01:02 PM
People are trying to contact him. I sent him an email, too, using the address on my 2012 registration.

I assume that you've seen this:

http://www.geo-web.org.uk/soft.php

Title: Re: WXtoIMG
Post by: ChristopherD on February 20, 2017, 10:10:25 PM
Yes, thanks . I have been reviewing my options . I would like a program I can count on support for in the future. Have not made any decisions yet....
Title: Re: WXtoIMG
Post by: myles on February 23, 2017, 04:32:43 PM
I use WXtoImg. Looking into the rego file I found the callsign EA3BLQ & this man has passed away.
http://www.qsl.net/ea3blq/angles.htm

If you look under "METEO" link there, you'll see WXtoIMG images and a mention of Craig Anderson.
True, that company he worked at did close in NZ.

Have found a Craig Anderson in NZ and have sent an email to see if he is the creator. 24/2/17
My version has reverted back to freeware and I can't re register it !

Ham radio operators use these programs with software radio defined dongles (sdr) so you may be able to run your satellite receiver directly into one of them. I use an APT-06

http://www.rtl-sdr.com/big-list-rtl-sdr-supported-software/

This nice guy on Ebay sells the NOAA antennas cheap and work excellent.

http://www.ebay.com/sch/stanislavpalo130/m.html?_nkw=&_armrs=1&_ipg=&_from=



If I find out anymore, will let you guys know.




Title: Re: WXtoIMG
Post by: ChristopherD on February 23, 2017, 08:25:44 PM
Thanks for your help!
Title: Re: WXtoIMG
Post by: myles on March 07, 2017, 02:20:50 PM
"The published universal keys turned out to be valid for 2016 only. The newly published 2017 keys do not work and I hope that the problem will be corrected soon. "

"Other solution for the old 2016 key is to set the computer's date back to 2016, start WXtoIMG and then set it back to 2017.  "

"there is other software available, like SatSignal ad GeoSatSignal from David Taylor, but I am not familiar with these and still believe that WxtoImg is the best solution."


These are quotes from a satellite receiver manufacturer 8 Mar 2017.
Title: Re: WXtoIMG
Post by: ChristopherD on March 07, 2017, 03:12:07 PM
Thanks for your help. If I change my computer dates, can I still buy the upgrade to the complete prigram ?
Title: Re: WXtoIMG
Post by: myles on March 07, 2017, 03:20:55 PM
No. You cant buy the program. I have been unsuccessful at contacting Craig Anderson. The best thing is to wait because the manufacturer of my satellite receiver APT-06 may have to write their own software or take the program over. I've tried original serials from my cd and given privilidged ones but they no longer work ha !

I'll suggest to Wraase.com that they look at making their own version, see what they say, will post.
Title: Re: WXtoIMG
Post by: Bushman on March 07, 2017, 03:27:26 PM
Orphaned software... gotta love it.  Not.  You could try this if is just a key date expiry. http://www.nirsoft.net/utils/run_as_date.html
Title: Re: WXtoIMG
Post by: halifax on March 07, 2017, 05:13:50 PM
If anyone tries this approach (RunAsDate), please post your results here. Thanks for the link.
Title: Re: WXtoIMG
Post by: myles on March 07, 2017, 05:50:04 PM
Spent about an hour with previous year(s) but no change. Tried administrator mode(s) . No go here on Win 10
Title: Re: WXtoIMG
Post by: myles on March 08, 2017, 03:52:22 AM
Interesting e mail I got today....

"As APT is now coming to an end - no new satellites will be launched. You
might like to look at the newer LRPT satellites in the Meteor series"

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Low-rate_picture_transmission
Title: Re: WXtoIMG
Post by: halifax on March 08, 2017, 07:22:32 AM
We know, but it would be nice to run it out with the NOAA POES until they flicker and die.
Title: Re: WXtoIMG
Post by: 2E0BTX on March 23, 2017, 06:47:15 PM
I agree its a real shame
Title: Re: WXtoIMG
Post by: J3rsdm5 on June 22, 2018, 10:24:27 PM
My apologies for resurrecting an old thread, brand new here. :) This issue has started bugging me; I would GLADLY pay for a key, yet as previously mentioned, the site is down... I am able to get it occasionally working with the released keys if I change the date back to 2015, but it's extremely finicky, and changing the date interferes with other basic operations of the program, like map overlays. :/  RunAsDate doesn't seem to work either.

Has anyone been able to find a solution to this since the last post? Since the owner seems to have released WXtoIMG as freeware, perhaps could someone who purchased the software long ago be willing to search their email for a key?   :grin:

Thank you so much!

(Awesome to know that there are weather enthusiasts out there!  :grin: I'm here from the railroad enthusiast forums; some people say we're the weirdest of the bunch! :P )
Title: Re: WXtoIMG
Post by: myles on June 23, 2018, 04:01:59 PM
I have left the hobby because the software let the process down, the Wraase satellite receiver got biffed and the antenna sold. Your BEST bet is to ask the manufacturer of your receiver for THEIR key, this worked for me but my hardware / software / key are all gone. The key I wouldn't have passed on.
I did inquire about a newer receiver / software for later satellites but the whole arena was of uncertainty. The NOAA LEO satellites are drastically decreasing in number to be replaced with a superior type. Over & out from me , Cheers.
Title: Re: WXtoIMG
Post by: dndamen on October 04, 2019, 04:36:45 PM
Dear Colleague: My name is Daniel LU9FDD, I’m from One-Eyed Deer, Argentina. Some time ago I started downloading NOAA satellite maps, with the soft SDR Console and Wxtomg. The problem started a few days ago when the Wxtoimg started giving me an error when I started receiving the audio. Is the license expired or something? The soft tells me to go in and change the settings on the soundboard, but that’s all right, with the virtual cable and everything. The error is something like this: get 'Error: waveInOpen failed! ' When Wxtoimg tries to record? Open Record Options in the Options menu, and change the soundcard . Any help that can give me a thousand apologies and thanks. Sincerely Daniel from Argentina