From bcfb86637eaff74c1822411bc2e3a78e02bf46a2 Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001 From: Ryan Malloy Date: Tue, 17 Feb 2026 20:33:39 -0700 Subject: [PATCH] Add Sky Catalog section to homepage introducing Craft integration --- src/content/docs/index.mdx | 23 ++++++++++++++++++++++- 1 file changed, 22 insertions(+), 1 deletion(-) diff --git a/src/content/docs/index.mdx b/src/content/docs/index.mdx index 0d9397a..aeadeee 100644 --- a/src/content/docs/index.mdx +++ b/src/content/docs/index.mdx @@ -27,7 +27,7 @@ Birdcage turns salvaged RV satellite dishes into general-purpose AZ/EL positione - Real-time pass prediction from the [Craft API](https://space.warehack.ing), or connect Gpredict via the built-in rotctld server. Search by name, filter by elevation, track automatically. + Search the sky catalog by name, track targets at 1 Hz, predict upcoming passes. Works standalone via the Craft API or with Gpredict through the built-in rotctld server. [Tracking guide →](/guides/satellite-tracking/) @@ -52,6 +52,27 @@ Birdcage turns salvaged RV satellite dishes into general-purpose AZ/EL positione +## The Sky Catalog + +Birdcage doesn't maintain its own TLE files or orbital prediction engine. It talks to +[Craft](https://space.warehack.ing) — an open API that knows where everything is. +Search "ISS" and get its current azimuth and elevation from your location. Search "Moon" +and point the dish at it. The catalog covers LEO satellites, GPS constellations, geostationary +birds, deep space probes, and celestial bodies — anything with a known ephemeris. + +The integration runs at three levels: + +- **TUI Craft mode** (F2 → Craft tab) — search, select a target, hit Track. The dish follows at 1 Hz. + Pass predictions show rise time, peak elevation, and duration. Pass-state transitions + (AOS → TCA → LOS) feed the Camera overlay for automated capture. +- **MCP server** — `search_satellites`, `get_passes`, `get_next_pass`, and `get_visible_targets` + tools let any MCP client query the catalog and compose tracking workflows. +- **rotctld bridge** — Gpredict and other Hamlib-compatible controllers drive the dish via + the built-in TCP server on port 4533. Craft provides the orbital data; Gpredict does the math. + +No NORAD catalog numbers to memorize, no TLE files to download, no prediction libraries to configure. +Type a name, get a position. + ## The TUI ![Birdcage TUI — six screens shown in demo mode](/screenshots/tui-collage.png)