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

Keiron Smith

November 02, 2017 21:49

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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.

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259 comments

• 0
  
  Mcdonald Richard November 23, 2017 09:14

  I would like to help with SS6 testing. I used SS5 and SS5 Pro on an Ipad mini with my 17.5" Dob w/Sky Commander and SkyFi-II. I have the parts for the "37$ DSC system" and plan to install them on my 17.5" and an 8" Orion. I'm a casual observer except at the TMSPA. Sky Safari is critical for me because I just can't remember where things are and the smoother it works the happier I am.

  Thanks

  Rich

• 0
  
  James Joyce November 23, 2017 09:52

  I would love to participate in the beta version. I have had several versions of the software over the years. I am in no way an astronomy power user, but enjoy using the available features as I learn more. . I find the current version amazing and it has made this hobby so much more enjoyable. I am looking looking forward to participating and enjoying new features as they become implemented.
  Jim

• 0
  
  Mesut Güngör November 23, 2017 09:54

  hi there

  i already used skysafari 4 and have now skysafari 5 installed on my iphone x and ipad pro.
  i would love to participate in the beta and have already installed TestFlight on my devices.
  looking forward for the invitation to help you to improve the app.

  regards
  mesut

• 0
  
  Adam November 23, 2017 10:13

  Hi,

  I would like to be invited to take part in the beta-testing of SS6.

  I am a heavy user of SS5, having used it as a backbone to teach others taking my online astronomy course, in emails to over a 1000 subscribers to my website LovetheNightSky.com and on the website itself, such as in tutorials like this one: https://lovethenightsky.com/getting-started-sky-safari-5/

  The version I use over 90% of the time is iOS on an iPad.

  It would be great to be a part of the team honing the next version for all the backyard astronomers out there!

  Best wishes,

  Adam.

• 0
  
  Dvader November 23, 2017 10:52

  Hello all,

  I would like to participate in the test SS6.

• 0
  
  Shahrin Ahmad (Shah) November 23, 2017 11:10

  Hi.

  I am using SkySafari 5 Pro for both on IOS and MacOS. I've been using it extensively for my public outreach for schools, explaining the constellations, stars, and zooming in the planets.

  On the social media, I do screenshots from SS5Pro to my local astronomy FB group at facebook.com/falakonline , to give updates on 'what's up' in the sky.

  For my personal observation use, I'm using it to plan my observation and imaging session, specifically via the FOV function. 

  Looking forward to test any new functions in ver 6 that can help to enhance my usage on those areas.

  Thanks, 
  
  Shah
  Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

• 0
  
  Ken Simpson November 23, 2017 11:18

  I’d love to beta test.

  12” Meade SCT on a CGEX mount

  9.25” CElestron on a AdvancedVX

  90mm SkyWatcher Mak on a Star Discovery Mount

  Mainly observational astronomy but slowly moving into Astrophotography

  Using SS 5 on my iPad, and using it since ss4

• 0
  
  Hans de Moor November 23, 2017 12:41

  Hi Keiron,

  I’ve been using SkySafari 4 plus and pro, and Sky Safari Pro 5 for the last three years. I use it to plan all of my astrophotography and visual observing sessions. I use it to record my observations at the telescope.

  I connect it to my Losmandy GM8 wirelessly through my home network to a Raspberry Pi that I have configured as a wifi access point on my mount, so I am able to point the telescope using SkySafari while also accessing the Gemini controller through a web browser. I use the Losmandy mount to support a7” Questar, an 8” Schmidt Cassegrain, a115 mm Stellarvue APO, and 70 mm Televue Pronto refractor.

  i particularly enjoy the fact that it shares data between my iPad, iPhone, and Macbook, which makes planning and reviewing my work easy, and also makes it easy to talk to others about astronomy.

  I would like to participate in the Beta testing of the new version.

  Hans de Moor

• 0
  
  Kent November 23, 2017 13:45

  Yes, I would like to help with Beta testing SkySafari 6. I have been using various versions for several years and currently use SkySafari 5 Pro. The telescopes I'm currently using are non-GOTO, but scopes are 25" Dobsonian,16" Dobsonian, 10" Orion IntelliScope Dobsonian and a 4" APO refractor on several equalorial mounts including Vixex with SS 2000, Losmandy and Astro Physics 900. The DSC including Tangent Instruments (Lumicon) and Argo Navis.

• 0
  
  Owen November 23, 2017 15:10

  Hi Keiron I would be interested in taking part in the beta test. I have used SkySafari since version 3, normally the Pro version son both an iPhone 5s and an iPad Mini 4. I am primarily a visual observer and tend to use SkySafari as a tool to look at observing lists and find information on comets and deep sky objects. I may be going to try and link up SkySafari with a Nexus DSC. I will understand if your main interest is getting people to play with mounts and control telescopes using it though.

   

  Owen

• 0
  
  Andrew Walker November 23, 2017 16:22

  I’d like to participate in the beta, please. I have used SkySafari Pro for several years to control my AP 1100GTO with TOA130 and FSQ85 with iPhone and iPad, via WiFi and SkyWire. Previous experience with CGEM and CG5 mounts and various scopes.

• 0
  
  David Gloistein November 23, 2017 16:34

  Would love to Beta Test again ( did so fo 4&5 ).
  Have purchased 3,4&5 in plus and pro versions, would say I am an advanced or experienced user.
  I have iPhone6s and iPad mini 3.
  I use these to control a 20” dobson via wifi.
  I also use SS for general planning as an astrophotographer.
  Regatds Dave Gloistein

• 0
  
  Howie Mann November 23, 2017 17:03

  Hi,

  Yes I would like to participate in the Beta testing. I have used versions 4 and 5 Plus. I have been an amateur astronomer for 37 years with numerous telescopes. I do not control a scope with the software but enjoy using it at home and in the field. I would be testing it on an iPhone 7Plus.

  Thank you,

  Howie (Clear skies)

• 0
  
  Gyula Wendler November 23, 2017 17:06

  Hi, I would love to participate in the Beta testing of SkySafari 6. I'm currently using version 5 pro on a iPhone SE with IOS 11.1. I’m based on Johannesburg South Africa and use my 8” Skywatcher Newtonian as often as weather permits. Regards Gyula

• 0
  
  Wilson Lee November 23, 2017 17:33

  Hi, I would like to participate too. Currently a SkySafari Pro user, controlling multiple Takahashi mount via SkyFi. Would love to give feedback on the new software. Thanks.

• 0
  
  D Lim November 23, 2017 18:03

  I would like to participate in beta testing. I’ve been using Sky Safari for several years, mainly for stargazing, reference, and planning starscape as well as Astrophotography shoots of astronomical events from various locations. In addition I also use Sky Safari occasionally as a star hopping guide for my observation sessions (been observing for 25 years now). 

• 0
  
  Olivier Garnier November 23, 2017 18:51

  Hi Keiron,

  I currently own 2 versions of Skysafari 5 pro for my iphone and my Macbook and would be glad to be part of the beta testing for the version 6 on iPhone.

  Thanks!

  Olivier

   

   
• 1
  
  Kyler Rusin November 23, 2017 20:50

  hi Keiron

  I am interested in the beta-testing also

  I have previously had Ski Safari 4 Pro and currently have Ski Safari 5 Pro. I control an IOptron Smart Star telescope. I am also involved in mostly galactic and extragalactic astronomy. I am a power user as I use the most advance version of astronomical apps (Pro) as well as including several advanced feautures. I also keep my eye out for mostly catalogue data for objects both within and outside of our galaxy. I interested to discover any mistakes and report them if needed.

• 0
  
  Hellow November 23, 2017 20:50

  I would like to enter the beta program.  I have used Sky Safari since version 3.  I have an AP900 CP3, AP400.  Scopes are AP160, AP 10” and TMB 92mm Sig. I am using IOS 11.2 on iPad Pro 12 and iPhone X

• 0
  
  Fluorine Zhu November 23, 2017 20:57

  Hi,
  I would certainly like to participate. I have been a SkySafari 5 plus user for one year and I used to use SkySafari 3(iPad & iPhone) .I own a Skywatcher HEQ5 mount.Hopefully I can make a contribution,Thank you :).

  Best regards,

  Yijing Zhu

• 0
  
  Eskil Swahn November 23, 2017 22:33

  Hello!

  Interested in testing the new version as well using my iPhone + iPad. Have a Skywatcher 150P which I am in the process of adding the new Skywatcher WiFi to. My workflow at the moment includes exporting/importing AstroPlanner observation plans which and I will focus on the expanded observation plan functionality of SS6.

  /Eskil

• 1
  
  Lee Gordon November 23, 2017 23:08

  Hi there, I received an email invitation to test Sky Safari 6 and I would love to participate. I've been a Sky Safari iOS user since version 3. I'm using an iPhone 6. I use the app to drive my C14 EdgeHD, which will soon be used for astrophotography. Thank you!

• 0
  
  Paul Dolci November 24, 2017 01:38

  I would like to participate in the Beta testing of SkySafari 6. I currently use SkySafari 5 Pro  for preparing for a viewing session and to check for upcoming events.  I do not have the equipment to guide either of my scopes.  I have been an avid user of both SkySafari 5 Pro and SkySafari 4 Pro.

  Thanks,

  Paul

   

• 0
  
  David Thomson November 24, 2017 01:51

  Hi,

  I would like to join the beta testing program.

  I have used versions 4 and 5 and SS5 Pro is now the main planetarium software I use.

  I use ss5 on iPad Pro, iPad Air 2 and iPhone X. Mainly the iPhone is used to plan. I use the iPad for mount control (I sometimes use my iPhone for this too). Mainly I use an iPad Pro 13”.

  I use ss5 just about every day since when not observing I often use the app to check something.

  For the most part I use a 6” newtonian and sometimes a 71 refractor. I use a an eq3-2 mount and I image with short exposures.

  I am mostly interested in EEA. I constantly switch between apps on the iPad when observing. I probably am a power user, I certainy tweak everything I can and use deeper functions.

  I am used to beta testing new software at work.

  Thanks
  David

• 0
  
  Mharvey207 November 24, 2017 03:54

  Hello! I would love to help with the beta test of SS6. I’ve been interested astronomy for a couple years and only recently within last 2 years seriously got into the hobby. Since then I have gone from visual to AP and use range of equipment from 10 DOB to my Celestron AVX mount with sw ED80 and Celestron 150xlt. Aside from using to help locate item in the sky and the information concerning specific items is great for details info. Which is what I currently use my SS5 to control my avx with local use outreach along with my Celestron WiFi adapter for the kids to control it. I believe this helps kids connect to astronomy with combining technology for them. So if I am elected to be a beta tester I would be honored to help.

• 0
  
  Mharvey207 November 24, 2017 03:58

  also I have done beta testing through test flight a couple times and each time, I have enjoyed the experience.

• 0
  
  Ron Scarboro November 24, 2017 07:58

  Hi, I'd be happy to participate. 

  I use SkySafari on 3 iPads - 1 is an iPad Pro.  Both iOS 11 & 10 devices

  Mounts : AP900, Takahashi EM200 & EM11 both Temma-2

  Telescopes: Tak Mewlon 300 & AP 130 GT

  i have both new and older versions of your wireless controller  

   

• 0
  
  Francesco Navarra November 24, 2017 08:17

  I would be happy to join the beta testing.
  Thank you

• 0
  
  Javier Gavilan Lopez November 24, 2017 10:30

  I enjoy the current product a lot (paired with my AVX C8) and I'll like to participate on the new version testing. Thanks, Javier..

• 0
  
  Andrew Mount November 24, 2017 13:34

  Thank you for the invitation to participate in the beta testing of SS6. I have been using your companies products since late 2012.  I am using an Apple iPad which has installed on it: Satellite Safari 1.7.1; sky safari 5 plus and sky safari 5 pro.  I use your program to point the telescope(s) to the desired object through sky-fi wi-fi connection.  Currently I am using a Meade 8 SCT LX-200 GPS with sky safari 5 pro to connect to the telescope via sky-fi. This allows for a wireless connection  after the scope is fully aligned and focused via the Meade auto star controller.  I have recently moved from visual observation to lucky imaging astrophotography.  Imaging systems that are being tested include ZWO asi1200 camera with manual LGRB filter wheel which is connected to a Meade f6.3 focal reducer.  I have also used your software to provide telescope control Celestron Nexstar 8” SCT and Celestron CPC 11” SCT. 

  I am also an amateur radio astronomer and member of the Radiojove professional astronomer Spectrograph users group.  This winter  2017 the observatory will be upgraded to include an 8 element terminated folded dipole array  (8 element TFD) , an upgraded FSX model spectrograph with polarization switching and the addition of 2 sdrplay2 software defined radio spectrograph receivers.  Previous astronomy experience includes the design and construction of a dark sky observation site in my community which is used by two local astronomy clubs in the greater  Clemson University surroundings.