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SkySafari 5 Pro | How To Attach Observation With Multiple AL Observing Projects?

Bruce

April 12, 2018 21:18

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The Obs. list feature in 5, is worse than 4. I assume it depends on how you access the observation record, but if you select info while an object is highlighted on the sky map and then go from there to record an observation, the program gives you the option to select lists to add it to. I figured this was an attempt to at least partially address the main problem with the observation records system in earlier versions of this program, that being the inability to associate an observation with multiple AL observing projects.

The problem in version 5 is two-fold. First, it offers the user lists to save an observation to that the object is not part of. Thinking it was offering relevant lists, i.e. list to which the object belonged. Working on the Caldwell list, which overlaps the Herschel list I saved a number of observations to both and have had to pick through and remove a number from the Hershel list after I realized what was happening. No small task. Second, and even odder, adding an observation using this method does not properly add it to the list, whether it belongs there or not. The observation does show up in an export of an observing list, but does not register as having been observed inside the application, which is to say the object is not check marked as having been observed in the observing list, and if you select to see your observations, there will be two entries, one showing it having been observed in that list the other showing it has not been observed. If you export and print it out, the obj. will show up twice as well, one with the observation records and one as if it had not been observed.

I see that there is a version 6 out now. Seems I have bought this program two or three times already. It is beginning to get pretty expensive. I remember if being somewhat involved to import the observing records and setting over to a new version as well. I would be inclined to upgrade once again if there were fixes in 6 for these problems. If so, please point me again to guidance on how to transfer my settings and observations and I will buy yet another version. Thanks

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  Bill Tschumy April 12, 2018 22:04

  In SkySafari 5, observations could only be made for an object in an observing list (this restriction is gone in SkySafari 6).

  When you choose "Create New Observation" from the Object Info, it brings up a list of all your observing lists.  This is for you to pick which list you are making the observation in.  It will add the object to the list, mark it observed and take you to the Observation view where you can record information about the observation.  I just tried this and it was always marked observed for me.

  There is no attempt to add the object to a list where it "belongs".  We have no concept of what kinds of objects are going into particular lists.  You choose what list you want to put the object in.

  I'm not seeing any of the bugs you are reporting and I haven't heard of any from others.  Perhaps if you gave me step by step instructions I can reproduce it.  However, since SkySafari 6 was released this year, we have stopped updating SS5 so any bug you do find will probably not be fixed in that version.

  Yes, we do charge again approximately every two years when we come out with a new major version.  We spend a lot time and effort on SkySafari.  We also provide a lot of support.  The amateur astronomy market is actually pretty small and we would not be able to make and support new feature in SkySafari if we didn't ask you to pay again every two years.

  The app itself has information of how to transfer your data from SS5 to SS6.  It is the first item in the Help.  As before, it is not as painless as we would like, but we are limited by Apple's limitations on one app accessing another app's data.