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Beta Testing SkySafari 6 (Mac OS X) - Read This To Participate!

Invitation to OS X Users:

Everyone here in the Community Forums (with an Mac OS X computer) is invited to participate in the SS6 for OS X beta-testing cycle :) 

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

Please note if you participated in the SS6 iOS beta testing you are ALREADY officially approved for SS6 OS X beta testing.  You can download the beta now.  But please still read completely through this post to understand what we are doing differently (and to remind yourself about our process again) for this round of beta testing.

 

How to Apply:

Please reply here (in a comment below) if you can help us at this time. 

And 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 approved to participate you will see and have access to the SS6 OS X Beta Testing forum.  The SS6 Beta Testing forum is hidden until you are approved to participate.  

When you are approved, you will be notified via an email and then you will be able to both view the SS6 OS X Beta Testing forum and download the SS6 OS X 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 OS X 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 the SS6 OS X Beta Testing forum (which is hidden until you are approved).  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 OS X Beta Testing forum. 

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

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 OS X 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 approved first, and have access to the forum before you can follow it.

 



   

Replying to Email Updates:

When you follow the SS6 OS X 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 OS X Beta Testing email update as seen using my web browser Gmail email account).

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

 



  

Downloading the SS6 OS X Beta app:

In order to participate you will need to download the SS6 OS X app from the download link in this forum post here (note, approval is required first):

https://support.simulationcurriculum.com/hc/en-us/community/posts/360001523393-Get-the-SkySafari-6-OS-X-Beta-here-

 

About Updating the Beta:

When you run the beta app, it will look for a newer version and notify you if there is a newer version available.  There is a button to download the newer version but you will be responsible for unzipping and copying the new beta app to your OSX / Applications folder (and please delete the previous version as well)

 

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

  

SS6 OS X 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 OS X Beta Testing group.
  3. When approved to join the beta testing, download, unzip and copy the beta app to your OS X Applications folder. 
  4. Previous SS6 iOS beta testers are ALREADY approved (you can go get the beta now!).
  5. FOLLOW the main SS6 OS X beta forum to be kept up-to-date of any new posts (bug reports) and discussions thereafter (you get email updates).
  6. REVIEW previous beta testing discussions before posting your bug report.
  7. COMMENT on bugs already reported.
  8. Create NEW posts for bugs not yet reported.
  9. Follow the bug reporting GUIDELINES when reporting or commenting on bugs.
  10. Do NOT reply/comment to community forum email updates.  Instead, VIEW the post first, then comment in the forum.
  11. Post any questions, about anything to do with the beta testing, in the beta forum.  We will reply to you there. 

Please also read the What's New and What We Need Tested post here (approval required):

https://support.simulationcurriculum.com/hc/en-us/community/posts/360001539094--What-s-New-in-SkySafari-6-OS-X-What-We-Need-Tested-

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 Mac OS X computers, at this time.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Date Votes

83 comments

  • 0
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    Michael Evan

    Would like to test. I currently run SS5pro on my iPad, iPhone and iMac. It’s my go to app for planning an imaging run. Currently doing wide field Astrophotography with an Astro-Tech 65mm quad on a Sirius Mount. Modified Canon T5i with internal and clip in filters. Mike

  • 0
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    Michael McShan

    I've used SkySafari on a Mac since version 3, and I also use the Pro 6 iOS version on my iPhone and iPad. I use iOS SkySafari to control a Celestron NexStar mount.  It is also used for logging my observations, and I have a premium subscription to Live Sky.

  • 0
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    Greg Eans

    Hi, I would like to become a beta tester for SkySafari 6 for Mac. I have been using SkySafari for some time but recently I am using the following programs: SkySafari 6 pro for iPad,  SkySafari 6 pro for iPhone, and SkySafari 5 pro for OS X. My SkySafari 5 Pro is currently running on a MacBook Pro (Retina, 15-inch, Mid 2015) with macOS High Sierra Version 10.13.3 installed. I currently use a Meade 8" LX200 GPS telescope and I use SkySafari for my own personal enjoyment.

    I would love to help with testing, if needed.  Thanks in advance!

  • 0
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    Fritz Pichardo Cornelio

    I like to participate in the Beta Testing SkySafari 6 (Mac OS X). I am using the SkySafary 5 (Mac OS X). I am also using the SkySafary Pro 6 for IOS.

  • 0
    Avatar
    Jim Forrester

    I would like to help out with Beta Testing SS6 for OS X.

    I've had SSPro on my MacBook Pro since version 1.8. I'm hoping 6 will run on my mid-2009 machine running 10.10.5

    I first used SS on an iPad Touch to replace all my field atlases and star charts to do star hopping. Then is was digital setting circles on my push-to 12.5" dob with a home made arduino/bluetooth unit to my Android tablet. Currently I've been working with my club, the University Lowbrow Astronomers, to drive the University of Michigan's McMath telescope with Sky Safari and our 17.5" dob with its newly installed ServoCat unit. We align on the McMath with Argo Navis and the 17.5" with Sky Commander.

    Part of the test crew or not, please keep me informed. I look forward to all the new Sky Safari releases and it ever richer features and more extensive catalogs.

    Thanks

  • 0
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    Johnny Watson

    Hello, I would like to become a beta tester. I am currently using a Edge HD 8 with hyperstar and imaging with a Horizon Mono camera. I would classify myself as a experienced user primarily interested in DSOs. I use both an iPad  iMac and iPhone to control my scope.

     

  • 0
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    stuart myatt

    HI i have downloaded sky safari for ios. only had my telescope a week so trying it all out. Am a software Project manager by trade so know my way round software testing and defect reporting. 

    please can i beta test the new software. 

  • 0
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    Joon Son

    Hi, Keiron. I am very interested in beta testing. I've been using SSP4 on iphone and SN7 on my i mac. Thank you.

  • 0
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    Keiron Smith

    Hi Beta Testers!

    Today is the last full day of beta testing.  We are looking to submit to Apple tomorrow.  So, if you have the time today, please bang away on the app and try to break something ;)

    We have received a couple of reports regarding telescope connectivity issues.  Please try connecting to your scope, indoor fake align, check that everything works as expected.

    Yesterday was a incredibly productive day of bug-squashing.  Simulation Curriculum and the entire SkySafari community is indebted to your service.

    Thank you!   

  • 0
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    Jussikoponen85

    Ive like to participate for beta with iMac, iPad Pro and iPhone X. I do extreme wide field imaging right now with Moravian G4 1600, KAF-16803 and Samyang 135mm lens.

  • 0
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    Manuel Troncoso

    Hi! I would like to participate in the SkySafari Pro 6 for OS X beta testing. I use SkySafari 5 Pro for OS X and SkySafari 6 Pro for iOS with my Celestron mount. I use SSP5 both wired and with the Celestron SkyPortal module.

    I use SSP for planning observation and astrophotography sessions.

    Thanks!

  • 0
    Avatar
    Keiron Smith

    Admin Alert | If You Experienced A Problem Starting Up With 6.0.0b3 (Please Read)

    If 6.0.0b3 presented you with an opening dialog stating that Sky Safari 6 could not access the keychain, and you selected  'continue without backing up', then your installation of Sky Safari 6 is still not backing up to cloud storage.  To re-enable backup, navigate to 'Settings/Storage' and then check 'Backup My Data to Cloud Storage'.

    https://support.simulationcurriculum.com/hc/en-us/community/posts/360001645433-Admin-Alert-If-You-Experienced-A-Problem-Starting-Up-With-6-0-0b3-Please-Read-

  • 0
    Avatar
    Ricardo Contreras - Duoptic

     I would like to participate on the beta program. I use SS Pro for observing lists and education. 

    When I click the link it says "OOOPS you're not authorized"

    Regards

  • 0
    Avatar
    Steve McKinney

    I’ve been using sky safari on macOS/OS X since version 1.0. I also Sky Safari on iOS (iPad and iPhone) and I’m currently on SS5.  I also have a skyfi and sometimes use Bluetooth to connect to my mount.  My most frequently used mount is my Astro-Physics Mach1.  I have a MacBook Pro running High Sierra.  I’d be happy to participate in your beta program.

  • 0
    Avatar
    Aquilla

    I've used Sky Safari 3 & 4, and Pro 5 for iOS. 

    I use SS Pro 5 to control a first generation Meade LX 200. 

    I also manage a university astronomy lab, where we use Starry Night College, Google Sky, Celestia, and Stellarium, and a student observatory, where we use TheSkyX to control a DFM telescope with SBIG/Diffraction Limited cameras. 

  • 0
    Avatar
    Keiron Smith

    Hi Beta Testers!

    6.0.0b6 is now available.  This is also the release version, submitted to Apple, currently waiting for review.  But. please keep testing!

    There are probably more issues we can find in this last 6.0.0b6 beta.  So, please keep trying to break stuff.  Continued banging away on the app will allow us to keep ahead of the troubleshooting curve.  Let us know what you can still find.  And, we'll use your reports to prepare the first app update for later this week.

    This has been one of our most productive beta cycles, realized through a very short time constraint, and only made possible because of the committed and passionate efforts of your SkySafari (and Starry Night) community.  All SkySafari users everywhere are indebted to your beta testing over the last week.  Speaking for them, and especially from all of us at Simulation Curriculum, THANK YOU for being here now.

    Team SkySafari! 

    But. please keep testing!

  • 0
    Avatar
    Ricardo Contreras - Duoptic

    Where do I submit a bug or error ?

    Thanks!

  • 0
    Avatar
    Cyrus Beh

    I have used Skysafari 4, 5 Pro and 6 Pro, on iOS and Android. I use them as star charts, and also to control my Celestron Evolution Mount. I also control my IOptron Zeq25, cube mount, and CGEM on stellarium, on both my Mac  and Windows machines. I'd like to participate in the beta. 

  • 0
    Avatar
    Keiron Smith

    Hi Beta Testers!

    We have released a 6.0.2b1 beta of SkySafari for MacOS.  Everyone testing will need to download a new beta.  We would like to submit this version to Apple no later than Friday morning.  So, the turnaround time for testing is very tight.

    Get the MacOS beta here:

    https://support.simulationcurriculum.com/hc/en-us/community/posts/360001523393-Get-the-SkySafari-6-OS-X-Beta-here-

    Please create NEW posts for bugs/issues in the beta forum here:

    SkySafari | Beta Testing SkySafari 6 (OS X Only)

    Here is what is new:

    What's New 6.0.2
    ===================================
    - Added item in Help menu to take you to the macOS Community Forums
    - The selected cell in an ObjectListViewController stays selected after clicking on it. This allows you to navigate the list via keyboard
    - Improved look of highlighted item in a table when the table was not focused.
    - Fixed bug where the focus ring of a textfield in LocationSettingsViewController is visible after clicking "Choose From List"
    - Fixed In-App Purchases (can't test this in the beta)
    - Added code to make selection of objects less sensitive to jitters
    - Added Show In Galaxy View and Show DSS Image to the context menu.
    - Added Show DSS Image to the Selection menu.
    - Going to LiveSky using the Observe menu item should work for all signed up users, independent of whether their email address has been verified.
    - We made a big change to the code that shows alert messages.  If you see anything that looks wrong. let us know.

    Thank you for your continued support!
  • 0
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    Keiron Smith

    Apologizes for the false start yesterday.  6.0.2b1 is now live for download and testing.  Thanks!

  • 0
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    Purple Lich

    I would like to participate in the MacOS Beta testing. 

    I have used SkySafari since version 4.  I am mostly a visual observer, but also do a small amount of imaging.

    I am a software developer myself.  I have led pretty large teams, but still do a good bit of hands-on programming on MacOS, iOS, Windows, and AWS.

    I have a 2018 MacBook Pro with the Radeon 560 graphics system.

     

     

  • 0
    Avatar
    Johnensworth

    I too would like to offer my services as a beta tester for Sky Safari 6 for MacOS X -   I've beta tested Sky Safari 5 and 6 for iOS.  I've also beta tested Starry Night Pro 7 and Sky Tools 2 and 3.  I have a backyard observatory (almost fully robotic now) with an SBIG 8300 camera.  I run a NASA education product review project.  Thanks!

  • 0
    Avatar
    Tesserax

    I would like to participate in the SkySafari 6 for Mac beta testing. I have used SkySafari and Starry Night Enthusiast 1-7 over the years with my 10" Meade telescope.

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