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Beta Testing SkySafari 6 (iOS Only) - Read This To Participate!

 

Invitation to iOS Users:

Everyone here in the Community Forums (with an Apple iOS device) is invited to participate in the beta-testing cycle :) 

Your beta-testing feedback, whatever you can contribute, will be invaluable to the success of SkySafari 6!

 

How to Apply:

Please reply here (in a comment below) if you can help us at this time.  Please outline your experience with SkySafari, including what versions of SkySafari you have run previously, what telescopes you are controlling, what kind of astronomy you are involved in, if you are a power user, etc.  Please do not post requests to join the SS6 beta in other forums, as they will not be accepted.  If you're reading this you can reply here.

When you are officially invited to participate you will see and have access to the SN6 Beta Testing forum.  The SS6 Beta Testing forum is hidden until you are invited to participate.  When you are accepted, you will be notified via a TestFlight email and then you will be able to both view the SS6 beta forum and download the SS6 beta app.

Please note, not all applicants will be immediately included in the beta-testing.  So, if you apply and do not hear back please be patient.

*** If accepted to the SS6 beta-testing forum please do NOT report bug/issues on this post.  See below for workflow ***

 

The Process:

As you find bugs/issues in SkySafari 6 please first review the current discussions in this beta-testing forum (which is hidden until you are invited).  If your bug/issue has already been identified please comment on the existing post.  If your bug/issue has not been identified please create a NEW post in the SS6 Beta Testing forum. 

For clarity regarding this bug reporting process please see the Example Bug Report (hidden until you are officially invited)

Please do not submit tickets with bugs/issues.

 

How To Follow The SS6 Beta Forum:

As part of your participation we would appreciate that you follow the SS6 Beta Testing forum.  Following a forum means you will receive email updates when anyone creates a NEW post or comments/replies to one of the existing posts. This is important for two reasons.

  1. Following the forum ensures you receive email updates regarding all admin communications to the beta testers.  If admins make a post asking for assistance you will get an email update with that post.
  2. Following is also very important so that you have an on-going status report regarding bugs/issues identified, confirmed, requiring further testing, or have been resolved, etc.  This will help you stay on top of the overall process, and ensure you are not duplicating efforts where issues are already known and resolved.

 

To FOLLOW the SkySafari 6 Beta Testing community forum please see here.  Note, you must have been invited first, and have access to the forum before you can follow it.

 

  

Replying to Email Updates:

When you follow the SS6 Beta Testing forum you will receive email updates regarding new posts (and comments, if opted for).  Please do not reply to email updates using the "Reply" function.  Please first use the "View the comment" link to open the community forum post, then reply to the post.  

This point is crucially important - so please understand the image below (this an example of an SS6 Beta Testing email update as seen using my web browser Yahoo email account).

If you use the email update "Reply" function your reply will not be added to the community forum discussion.

 

 

TestFlight:

In order to participate you will need to have TestFlight installed on your iOS device(s).  You can download and install TestFlight from this link here:

https://itunes.apple.com/ca/app/testflight/id899247664?mt=8

 

How to Use the Community Forums:

For clarity regarding how to use the Community Forums (posting/replying/following) please see here:

How To Sign Into The Community Forums (Required For Posting And Replying To Topics)

Browsers Supported by Simulation Curriculum Community Forums (Cookies Must Be Enabled)

How To Use Your New Community Support Forums

  

Beta Testing Summarized

Please...

  1. SIGN IN or create account on this Simulation Curriculum support website.
  2. REPLY to this post (in a comment below) in order to apply to the SS6 Beta Testing group.
  3. When invited to join the beta testing, download and install the iOS TESTFLIGHT app.
  4. FOLLOW the main SS6 beta forum to be kept up-to-date of any new posts (bug reports) and discussions thereafter (you get email updates).
  5. REVIEW previous beta testing discussions before posting your bug report.
  6. COMMENT on bugs already reported.
  7. Create NEW posts for bugs not yet reported.
  8. Follow the bug reporting GUIDELINES when reporting or commenting on bugs.
  9. Do NOT reply/comment to email updates.  Instead, VIEW the post first, then comment.
  10. Post any questions, about anything to do with the beta testing, in the beta forum.  We will reply to you there. 

Thank YOU! 

We are very excited about the up and coming release of SS6 and we're looking forward to working closely with everyone involved in the beta testing.

Again, this is only for Apple iOS devices, at this time.

 

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Date Votes

259 comments

  • 0
    Avatar
    Grahamrcbruce

    Hi Keiron,

    I would like to participate after receiving an email inviting me along to do so.

    I have never used SkySafari before, and I am setting-up my new rig for DSO AP at the moment, so this comes at a good time for me!

     

    PS! Keiron, can I use SS6 with a Skywatcher GTi (wifi) mount? that'd be my intention...

     

    Kind Regards,

    Graham.

  • 0
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    Peter Sundberg

    I uses SS4 and now 5 on my iPhone 7. I’ll be glad to try SS6.

  • 0
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    Geirhagabr

    Hi,

    I would also like to participate. I've been using SS for some time.

    I have my own observatory in my backyard and one remote controlled in Spain.

    I also have one mobil observatory that I use to go to the darkest skies.

    I do mostly astrophoto.

    Geir

     

  • 0
    Avatar
    Steven Collins

    Hello,  I'm a novice in the astronomy world but enjoy taking my iPad out on the deck and pointing it at the sky to identify constellations and stars.  I was a Sky Safari 1,2 and 3 user.  I received an email invitation for beta testing of Sky Safari 6.  I have an iPad Pro and an iPhone 7 both updated to iOS 11.1.1.

  • 0
    Avatar
    Allan

    Howdy! Got an email asking me to participate and so I am here! Been using SkySafari for a while, bought version 3 when it was released. Even recommended it in a couple of my books on astrophotography (www.allans-stuff.com to see the books). Do not use it to control a scope although I can certainly try that out. Primarily use it for finding visual targets while my other rig is imaging. Can test it out on an array of IOS equipment including iPad Pro 12.9 (gen 1 and 2), iPhone X/7/6, and watch v2 (and probably a 3 soon).

    For my astro equipment, a selection of refractors, reflectors, a solar scope, and a ton of other stuff. More than any sane person should have according to my wife.

    Allan

  • 0
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    jcsommerer

    I would like to support the beta testing of SS6. I have used multiple previous versions of SS, and SSP, since roughly version 3. I have SSP5 installed on my Mac Pro desktop, MacBook Air Laptop, iPad Air, and iPhone 6S. I use SS5 to control an 18" Obsession UC with ServoCat via SkyFi, and also to control an Astrophysics Mach 1 GTO mount (with various instruments), via a hardwire connection from the MacBook Air. I use SSP5 for planning imaging runs, selecting scopes & cameras, PA choices, etc. Also use it to generate observing lists for personal and group observing sessions. Have all versions using custom horizons from multiple surveyed sites on my property to optimize views.

    I recently moved to the Tucson, AZ area, primarily to benefit from many more days of good observing weather, and to "finally" build a personal observatory with a killer imaging system (currently planning on Planewave 14" CDK on AP 1100 mount).

    So, guess I'm a power user.

  • 0
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    Richard Sutor

    Keiron, I would like to to participate. I've been using SS Pro since v4. I have a Celestron NexStar 6se and have been using SS 5 Pro to control the scope on my iPhone and iPad with both the Celestron Skyportal and your SkyFi.

    I'm not a power user yet but I keep trying.

    Thanks,

    -Richard

  • 0
    Avatar
    Send2mesvp

    Hello Keiron,

    Today, I received an invitation to apply to test the beta version of SS6, by commenting here.

    I would like to participate in the BETA testing for SkySafari 6 for both Iphone and Ipad.

    I have written iOS apps and I am familiar with TestFlight.

    Thank you,

    Stephen

  • 0
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    Mallincamusa

    I have installed the Test Flight ap on my iPhone and received two emails from Test Flight with instructions to read the first three pinned posts.   But I have yet to receive a Redeem Code to allow access into the Test Flight ap.

     

  • 0
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    Keiron Smith

    Hi Jack,

    You don't get a redeem code.  You should receive an email that says:

    Title: "SkySafari 6 Pro 6.0.0 (6.0.0.14)" for iOS is now available to test" 

    Content: To test this app, open TestFlight on your iOS device using iOS 8.0 or later and install the update.

    Have you opened TestFlight?

  • 0
    Avatar
    Mallincamusa

    When I open Test Flight it saks me to put in the Redeem Code.  This time I hit cancel and then it asked me what I wanted to install.  It allowed me to install SS6P BETA and I am doing that right now.

     

    Thanks.

     

     

  • 0
    Avatar
    Frainiea

    I have not been able to down load via Test Flight.  SS6P app is there and it will get about 80 percent of the way done and then I get a message it could not be downloaded.  I have about 4 gig of space on the Ipad so is that a problem, would think not.  Right now the Ipad is upgrading to IOS11.03 maybe that will help.

    Has not ask me for a redemption code so maybe I am ahead of where I should be......I thought I was officially ask to proceed but maybe not.

     

    Ed

  • 0
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    Ricardogallegosrdz

    Please include me for the beta testing, I love sky safari.

  • 0
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    iAi95

    I’m in too

  • 0
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    Dickcampbell19

    I have been invited to beta test SS6 and I would like to participate. I use SS5 at the moment at what I would consider to be a basic level. I use it with StarSense on my Evolution 8. After problems with a weak WiFi signal from the original, built in WiFi module (Roving Networks) I am now getting good results with the external SkyPortal WiFi Accessory (Zentri module) which puts out a much stronger signal.

  • 1
    Avatar
    Siskovski

    Hey guys,

    I'm so glad and excited that that the new SS6 is around the corner.

    I’ve used SkySafari Pro 3, 4 and 5 very frequently. Right now I have iPhone 6S (iOS 11) and iPad Air (iOS 9). I also use two iPhones 5 for people that don’t have good devices while our stargazing nights.

    I use it every month for our monthly stargazing trips. I also do beginners courses for using telescopes and SkySafari for sky charts. I’m also using it with HDMI out to present the sky, Solar System, even very useful is showing neighbouring stars in different perspectives and distortion of the constellations at our local Planetarium. I also use it for other public lectures and courses to present the sky and deep sky objects.

    Cheers

  • 0
    Avatar
    Frainiea

    Successfully Downloaded! Visual improvements instantly notable, ran through a number of GUI's and I really like what you have done with the "Selection tool".  I know you want this string to collect errors and omissions so I will refrain from posting positive feedback.  Just wanted you to know I see a lot of improvements in the visual interface.  

  • 0
    Avatar
    Skaiser3

    Keiron

    I hope this is the right place to "comment" to participate in your Beta test of Skysafari 6.

    Yes I would be happy to help in this effort.

    I hope you can work with Derik to incorporate some of the Nexstar/Starsense HC features in your program.

    Such as "User auto Align"  and the new Polar Align function

    I use your program with an Ipad air , controlling my Evo and CGX mounts.

    Take care

    Stephen

  • 0
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    Dbowen629

    Kerin,

    Keron,

    Yes, I would like to participate in the SS6 Beta test.

    I have a Celestron Star Bright 8".  I have an iPhone 6s.  I also have an iPad Pro 9.5"

    Please advise on the next steps.

     

    Thank you

    Dwain

  • 0
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    CarterBoe

    Hi Keiron,

    I received an invitation for the beta testing of Sky Safari 6, and am happy to help.  I presently use Sky Safari 5 Pro on iPad (2017 version) and iPhone X, both running iOS 11.1.2. 

     

    I am a relatively new amateur astronomer, and do not presently use it to control any telescopes (though I have an early 2000s 10" Meade LX200GPS that I could control using a WiFi adapter), but primarily for planning observing sessions and using the FOV feature to preview what I expect to see, as well as set up some basic DSLR astrophotography.

    Presently, I'm an amateur astronomer, but I also volunteer as a telescope facilitator at Chicago's Adler Planetarium, and I've used SS there to show patrons what we're observing, or answer questions they have.  Not a power user at all, but would be able to provide feedback on the user experience from the perspective of a relative novice!

    Thanks!

    Carter

  • 0
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    CaptBarrel

    Keiron,

    I'm a bit confused.  You sent me an invite a week ago to which I responded to the same day.  Today I received another invite what am I suppose to do?

  • 0
    Avatar
    Karl Baltz

    To:         Keiron Smith
    From:    Karl Baltz
    Subject: Beta Testing Sky Safari
    I'm interested, Keiron.  I've used SS4,  and now SS5 and Starry Night Pro.  I have Sky Safari on Apple IPad and Andriod Samsung S6.  Starry Night Pro is on a PC...I now SS5 to control Losmandy Gemini 11 mount with Gemini II controller. and with my Takahashi EM-200 Temma II mount.   My interests are visual and astrophotography.  I have a backyard observatory  so that I can set up  my various scopes: Takahashi FC-100, Celestron C-11, AstroTec RC 6 inch, 8 inch Orion Newtonian and a Skywatcher 150mm f/8.  And I have access to other Dark Sites.

    I would very much like to participate in your Beta program to help you develop the next generation of Sky Safari. I have experience helping other developers in testing their products.

    I have the time that I can devote to testing your products.

    Thank you for this opportunity to be of service.

    Regards,

    Karl Baltz

     

  • 0
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    Seanrkerr

    Hi Keiron,

    I would indeed be interested in beta testing. iPhone 7 and iPad Air. CG5 advanced GT mount, ES ED80 canon EOS.

  • 0
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    Seanrkerr

    I also meant to add SkySafari 5 pro is current system.

  • 0
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    Longhill

    Hello Keiron,

    Thank you for inviting me to SS6 test.

    Please include me for the beta testing. 

     

  • 0
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    Antonino Nicoletti

    User of SS4 and 5, direct or WiFi link with a Celestron C8 and a CG5-GT mount, from iPadPro 9.7 now and iPhone7 sometimes. I’m an amateur astrophotographer of deep sky. Would be willing to participate to the beta program. Best regards.

  • 0
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    John R Carter Sr

    Yes, I am interested in helping out with the Beta testing of SkySafari 6 on iOS. I currently have SS 5 Pro on both iPhone 7 Plus and iPad Pro 9".

    John C.

    Arizona

  • 0
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    Keiron Smith

    Everyone up to here should have received a TestFlight invite to SS6 Pro and SS6 Plus.  If you didn't get one please email me direct.  Thanks for joining the beta testing!

  • 0
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    Karim Aladdin

    Hi, I have been using skysafari since the beginning, it was the first app I ever purchased on the iPhone 1. I used it everyday and i love it. I miss it a lot and can’t wait to help you out with this new beta testing.

    All the best

    Karim

  • 0
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    Tom Polakis

    I have been using SkySafari since it was SkyVoyager, and recommend it to everyone. I use it daily to answer astronomy questions that pop into my head and to set up the night’s CCD imaging runs.

    I do mostly photometry of asteroids and variable stars, and SkySafari is involved in the planning always.

    I would be happy to be a Beta tester, and I m sure that I would be able to provide good input.

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