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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
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    erwin_fischer

    Please add me to the SS6 Beta. I’m fairly new to astrophotography, have used SS5 pro for about a year with a Celestron CPC 1100 and a Sony Nex 6. I use the Celestron Skiportal WiFi module (not very dependable). Thanks

  • 0
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    Jnelson1078

    I have used both SS4 & 5 and have been photographing the night skies for about three years. I have had issues with previous versions with controlling my celestron C4 ( it will not communicate). The regular forums have not helped at all, so I hope that I can finally get answers in this active forum and I will be glad to report issues.

  • 0
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    Robert McTague

    Myself and my wife have been using SkySafari since the original version, bot on iPhone and iPad, we own www.kiwiobservatory.co.nz, we use the app every session with our visitors, we are involved in outreach Astronomy, we are not a commercial operation, just enjoy sharing the night sky with our visitors.
    we use the app to control three different mounts, and we use the app with Apple TV to educate our visitors.
    would very much like to beta test the next version, your application is an essential tool for us.

  • 0
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    Phyllis Lang

    I have used SkySafari Plus v4 & 5 on ipad and Android. I would be happy to test the beta version of 6. I can test with a Celestron AVX mount and a Nexus DSC if needed.

  • -1
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    Jnelson1078

    You can search for eclipses in SS? How do you do that? I use timeanddate.com, but if SS can do it, that would be great.

  • 1
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    Paytongar

    Please add me to the beta! I use Sky Safari Pro (v 5.4.1) to control a Celestron Evolution 9.25". I've had lots of wifi problems in the past and recently had my wifi chip replaced with a more up-to-date version. Would love to vet the new app and give feedback.

    Thanks!

  • 1
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    Shuoshi Kan

    Hello Keiron,

    I wish i could be a Beta Tester.

    Presently, I use Skysafari5 to control my 8SE with iPhone or Ipad, and i also have APM-APO-152 with Inox theodolite.

    Infact, Skysafari is not very popular in China because of the lauguage although it is the best sky-app i have ever used. I think i can collect the using preference\improment advice\advice about how to be easily operated by fans who can't read english in my local club.

    Skysafari is a great App, I hope all my friends in club can use/enjoy it.

  • 0
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    Jim Ujcik

    Hello Keiron,

    I received an inivitation to apply to beta test SS6.

    I use SS Pro 5 on an iPhone 6S, iPad mini, and iPad Pro with a NextStar SLT 130 and I use the Skylink to bridge them wirelessly. 

    I would love to beta test SS6 using my setup and equipment.

    Respectfully,

    Vaclav G. "Jim" Ujcik

  • 0
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    Chris Wu

    Hi Keiron,

    I am interested in participating this beta program. I ever used SS4 and am currently using SS5 Pro on my iPhone and iPad controlling my Takahashi mount and CEM 60 thru SkyWifi without the need of a NB in the field.

    That would be great to try out the new features and help with any issue to be resolved before the formal release.

    Clear skies,

    Chris
    Taiwan

  • 0
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    Johnensworth

    Hi SkySafari folks:

    My experience with SkySafari: I have owned versions 3, 4 and 5 Pro. I am the Earth and Space science NASA education product review manager.  I've included your apps in my 'apps for astronomy' public talks and demonstrate it for audiences.

    I have the Celestron CGEM 1100 in a private observatory at home. I do not yet have a controller, but will consider purchasing the interface device if accepted.

    I'm a optical observer and photographer (with a Canon 60Da and SBIG 8300M camera).

    I am a power user and have beta tested SkyTools 2 and 3 and a few versions of Starry Night (most recently Pro Plus 7).

    I am running an iPhone 7 plus and iPad Pro (MLQ62LL/A), and MacBook Pro 16-inch 2017).

    Thanks!

    John Ensworth

  • 1
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    Simon Klaudt

    For Jnelson1078, and your question about eclipse-finding, I divide the northern hemisphere into separate 45 degree wide locations; and the same for the southern hemisphere.  I then look at each hemispheric octet, to see when the next solar eclipse may be in that octet.  It's very primitive, but I use it mainly to see whether Sky Safari 5 Pro finds every solar eclipse that may be listed in an almanac or handbook.  I rely on "Dance of the Planets" software to generate solar and lunar eclipses information.  The RASC Handbook is very useful as well.

    Give it a try; we, as beta testers, can only hope that greater sophistication surrounding eclipses will be a part of Sky Safari 6 Pro.

    Thanks for your question !

     

     

  • 0
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    Joseph Ramacciotti

    Hi Simon. Yes. There should be a post actions button at the upper left of your post. Pressing should display an edit button, and after pressing edit you should be able to make updates. Hope this helps.

  • 2
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    Keiron Smith

    ALERT - Tuesday, Nov 28th - Please Update To 6.0.0.17 Before Continuing to Test

    For all current SkySafari beta testers, tonight we are releasing a new version: 6.0.0.17.  It is important that everyone updates to 6.0.0.17 before continuing to beta test.  With this 6.0.0.17 update, previous beta versions will lose compatibility with the LiveSky.Com database.  We don't want anyone to report non-relevant issues.  So, please get the 6.0.0.17 update before you continue testing and reporting.  You will receive an TestFlight email when 6.0.0.17 is live.  Thank you to all our current beta testers for all the hard work - we are making great progress!!

    To everyone who has applied to beta test but has not yet been accepted, please be patient.  We will need you too!

    PS.  Please do not reply here in response to this message.  Send me a direct email if required.  

    ksmith@simcur.com

    Clear skies!

  • 1
    Avatar
    Karsten Koch

    Keiron,

    I would like to be a SS6 Beta Tester. I have been a serious observer since 2012 and have used all versions of SS since version 3. I currently use SS5Pro on my iPhone 7, iPad Air, and MacBook Pro (Retina, 13-inch, Early 2015). I also have SS4Plus on my Asus Chromebook 14 and SS3 on my original iPad 1!

    I am a dedicated star hopper. I don't use any computer controlled mounts. I use a Celestron C6, several Refractors ≤ 127mm, several Binoculars ≤ 80mm, several Alt-Az Mounts, a Celestron CG-4 mount, and more eyepieces than I should.

    You can find me on CloudyNights as karstenkoch.

    SS has been an essential part of my star hopping routine since the beginning. I love browsing printed charts during the day, but SS is the only chart I've found that is useful and effective for me under the stars while observing.

    I also have and use Sky Guide, Luminos, Redshift, Stellarium, and Cartes du Ciel. However, SS5Pro is my core planetarium app and the only one I take under the stars. I also use Satellite Safari.

    I believe that I can represent visual star hopping observers very well and would like to test fly SS6 as one of them.

    Kind regards,

    Karsten Koch

  • 0
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    josh Canon

    Hey 👋 I would love to be part of the beta test be on iPhone X or iPad Pro or 27 iMac using a celestron nex Star 6

  • 0
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    Ron Kramer

    REPLYING. I'm here and following. 

  • 0
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    Randy Hickey

    I am new to guided astronomy and recently started using SS5 with a Celestron CPC 925 and run it from a first generation iPad mini.

  • 0
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    davewhite10

    Hi K
    Yes, sign me up to Beta test SS6. My time is limited but will contribute what I can.
    About me, at my local observatory, I teach SkySafari to the public, or whatever app they have, but I encourage SkySafari 5 Basic. I teach how to get SkySafari 5 Basic working correctly. How to get settings to match the current atmospheric conditions, ect. . Then We tour all the cobstellations, using my green laser pointer to connect the dots in the sky as they are connected in SS > Constellations > Modern Lines Drawing. Also what I have done, Like they teach iPhone classes (work shops) at the Apple Store, I have tought a SkySafari class and then that night we used SkySafari Basic for a constellatons tour with a variety of devices, I have had great success with SS Five Basic. And am looking forward to Beta testing SS6

  • 0
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    Gary Gobeo

    Currently SS 5.4.1 & ios 11.1.2

    I use SS on my iPad Air & iPhone 6S, wife has it on her iPad 2017 (also several years on a Nexus & Samsung tablets). We refer to SS at least weekly & more often when observing with the grandkids or neighbors. We both have been doing observational astronomy for over 30 years and I have been active for over 45 years. Most of our observations are naked eye but we do also use a Meade ETX 125 & LX 8” both computerized and a homemade 10” dob. We have relatively dark skies here in western North Carolina.

    SS also comes in handy with its satellite tracking features. I use amateur radio for UHF/VHF comms and will be shortly experimenting with moon bounce with the newer digital modes.

    would love to review and help test V6.

  • 0
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    Eric Miegeville

    Hi. I would be pleased to participate to SS6 bêta test

  • -1
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    greekwikipedia

    Please I would like to participate to the SS6 Beta Testing.
    I bought the SkySafari 5 Pro with the solar eclipse 50% discount. I am using it frequently and I am very enthusiastic.
    I am eager to test the new features of SkySafari 6 and help.

  • 0
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    anto

     

    Hi, I was using SkySafari Pro 4 and since it was out SkySafari Pro 5, I would like to be a beta tester to SkySafari 6. Thank you.

  • 0
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    Frederic Zawalski

    Hi Keiron,

    I will be very interesting to become a beta tester, for now I use skysafary 5 when my laptop with starry night can't goes with me.

    I know very well programing with C++ and PHP, I could you suggestions for improvment with you.

    I use one celestron C8 UHD and Advanced VX mount, a little WO 5 inch with the same mount.

    I hope to help you and maybe to translate your great product in french.

    Clear sky.

     

  • 0
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    Shuoshi Kan

    Hello Keiron,

    i would love to be a Beta tester.

    Presently, I use Skysafari5 to control my 8SE with iPhone6 or Ipadmin4, and i also have APM-APO-152 with Inox theodolite.I also can test Beta on other equipment like EQxd、CEPM25 and Heq5 if needed.

    I also can help you to translate language to Chinese in this beta test or in the futre.

    I will take this Beta test seriously, and i believe my advice or feedback be useful to you. Finially, I Really love your App, and hople i can be chosen.

     

  • -1
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    Keiron Smith

    ALERT - Monday, Dec 4th - Use www.livesky.com INSTEAD of dev.livesky.com

    All beta-testers,

    After a great few weeks of testing, we're moving access to your data over to the live/production servers at www.livesky.com.

    You will no longer be able to access dev.livesky.com, BUT YOUR DATA REMAINS ACCESSIBLE via the production site. The only change is the URL that you use to access livesky.

    Feel free to continue sending bug reports and feature suggestions about livesky.com. We're still working on it furiously!

    For those still waiting for an invite to beta test please know that we will get to you.

    Please do NOT reply to this announcement, in this post, in this forum.  If you have any questions about this announcement please contact me directly ksmith@simcur.com

    I'm going to ask you all for a favor.  If possible, we need much more testing and reporting this week and next.  Please don't wait just for clear sky nights to test.  We would like to release before the end of 2017.  Everything you can contribute, all the issues you can find, as soon as possible.

    Thanks you to everyone for all your reports so far, and for everything you can bring to light in the next couple of weeks! 

    Clear skies!

  • 0
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    Caillin

    Just got SS5-pro on my IphoneX (iOS11.2).Saw the announcement about the beta after installing it and thought I could help with testing.

    Casual user, but I love looking at stars. Was previously using SS3 over multiple generations of iPhones and my iPad until iOS11 removed 32bit support.

  • 0
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    Peter Arebalo

    Greetings... yes, I would like to be involved with the beta testing of SkySafari 6. I currently use version 5 Pro on my Celestron Evo 9.25 and your app was the primary reason for the purchase of this scope. I always have the latest IOS hardware, and also run your app on my Mac Pro. I also contribute and give advice on SkySafari in the Cloudy Nights web site. Peter A.

  • 0
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    Seth Meyers

    hi please add me to beta testing

     

    ipad mini   mgy92LL/A  64gb no4g (wifi) no retina   ios11

  • 0
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    B Stroz

    Hi Keiron, add me please to beta testing. I‘m using Skywatcher AC 120/600 with SkyWire. Software: Starry Night Pro Plus 7 Mac (already registered for beta), SkySafari Pro 5 iPad.

    regards

    Bohumil

  • 0
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    Keiron Smith

    ALERT - Thursday, Dec 7th - Please Help Us Now To Finish Strong!

    Hi SS6 Beta Testers! 

    At this time everyone reading this should have received an invite to beta test via TestFlight on iOS.
     
    We've made tremendous progress since the initial beta release - and are now moving into the final stretch.
     
    We all really want SS6 to be solid upon initial public release, and so now more than ever we really need your help to achieve that end.
     
    If you haven't yet installed the beta please do so as soon as possible.
     
    You can access the beta forum here:
     
     
    Please read the pinned posts at the top - especially about What's New and What We Need Tested here:
     
     
    Also review the simple bug reporting protocol and about how post your beta reports in the beta forum here:
     
     
    And see about replying to email updates, and following the beta forum as a whole here:
     
     
    We are into the final week.  Every little detail counts.  
     
    Please help us now to finish strong!
     
    Thank you, again, to all beta testers who have been submitting reports until now.  We couldn't have made it this far without you!  Thank you in advance to everyone here for all your contributions in this FINAL week ahead!
     
    Please do NOT reply to this announcement, in this post, in this forum.  If you have any questions about this announcement please contact me directly ksmith@simcur.com
     
    Kind regards, 
     
    Team SkySafari 6
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