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Beta Testing SkySafari 8 (Android Only) - Read EVERYTHING To Participate!

Invitation To Android Users:

Everyone here in the Community Forums (with an Android 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 8 for Android!

IMPORTANT: Beta Test User Requirements:

  • Email requirements: Users need a Google Account (@gmail.com) or a G Suite account to join in the beta test (see below).
  • Support Account requirements: Users must have Simulation Curriculum Support Account and must reply to this post; i.e. you are logged in to this website (see below).

How To Apply: 

  • Please reply to this post (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.

When Accepted To Beta Test:

When you are accepted, you will be notified via an email (sent to your Google Play Store @Gmail/G Suite email address) that you are able to download the SS8 Android beta app from Google Play.

Accessing The SS8 Android Beta Testing Forum: When you are accepted you will see and have access to the SS8 Android Beta Testing forum.  The SS8 Beta Testing forum is hidden until you are accepted.

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 SS8 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 8 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 SS8 Android 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 SS8 Beta Forum: 

As part of your participation we would appreciate that you follow the SS8 Android 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 8 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.

Note: the screenshots below reference an SS7 forum, but you will be using an SS8 forum - so don't get confused

 

 

  

Replying to Email Updates: 

When you follow the SS8 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 SS8 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.

 

 

 

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 SS8 Beta Testing group.
  3. When invited to join the beta testing visit the one of the Google Play URL(s) that we share with you.  See X marks the spot (above).
  4. FOLLOW the main SS8 Android 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 SS8 Android beta testing forum.  We will reply to you there. 

 

THANK YOU!

We are very excited about the long-awaited up and coming release of SS8 for Android and we're looking forward to working closely with everyone involved in the beta testing.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Date Votes

49 comments

  • 0
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    Christopher K Erickson

    I am interested in participating in the beta program for SS8
    Christopher Erickson, Observatory engineer
    Christopher.k.erickson@gmail.com
    I have been a user since SS4
    Samsung Fold 5, Tab A
    Power user
    Primarily stellar occultations/IOTA, also public outreach
    Astro-Physics Mach1/CP4, 1100/CP4, 1600/CP4 - no abs encoders
    ZWO AM3
    Rainbow RST-135E
    Meade LX200GPS-16
    Losmandy G-11/Gemini-II

  • 0
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    Mike Atkins

    Hi Keiron and Everyone at Simulation Curriculum!

    I would love to be invited to beta test SkySafari 8 for Android! Some of you may remember me from the SS7 beta and I've been using SkySafari since version 6 for Android.

    I currently own a SynScan controlled scope and a custom built (by me) scope running the ScopeDog control system. I am primarily a DSO viewer/imager but won't pass up a good planet or cometary session. 

    I may also be able to access other scope types through the Astronomy League I am a member of. At the Astronomy League we also hold regular public viewing events and help those who are new to the hobby, too!

    Here's to another great release!
    Mike

  • 0
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    Mark Nicholls

    Hi,
    I would be honoured to beta test the new version of Sky Safari 8

  • 0
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    Luca Vanzella

    I'd like to participate in the Beta Testing SkySafari 8 (Android Only).

    I have been using SkySafari since 2012. I have used SkySafari versions 4,5,6,7 on Android.

    With SkySafari, I have controlled a Skywatcher Synscan 12" telescope, a Meade 127ED on a CGEM mount, and a custom built 32" telescope on a mount natively controlled with a SiTech Force 1 Controller Windows-based system, to which I connect an Android device via Bluetooth to connect SkySafari.

    I am an amateur astronomer with 45+ years experience.
    I'm an advanced deep sky observer.
    I do at lot of astronomy outreach with the RASC.
    I don't think I am a SkySafari power user but I would say that I am advanced user.

    Note: I use my personal email account to sign into the Simulation Curriculum support website. I notice the Beta testing requirements say that I have to have a Gmail account, which I do have: lvanzell@gmail.com Should I change my email for the SimCurr support website to mya Gmail address? Please advise.

  • 0
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    Chris

    Hey guys, would love to help where i can with the non smart eye SS8 testing!

  • 0
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    Cameron Craig

    Hi I would like to test sky safri 8 out i would like to try plate solving and a few other things ive seen could I apply please

  • 0
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    charles craig

    Hello i would like to try sky safari
    8 pro beta . I have a zwo 533 camera on a eq6 pro mount and a sky watcher esprit 120 it would be nice to see if it all works together many thanks
    Charles Craig

  • 0
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    Luca Vanzella

    I just noticed that my posts are being marked "Pending approval". Is this normal?

  • 0
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    Mike Atkins

    Pending Approval is normal for a new post/reply.

  • 0
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    Chris Pohlad-Thomas

    I am interested! I was a tester on v7!

  • 0
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    Jeremiah Burton

    I'd like to help with the Sky Safari 8 beta. I've been using Sky Safari since the first Beta for Android, whichever version that was. I'm definitely a power user. I have submitted observing lists that are now in your catalog available to all users.

    I mostly do visual astronomy, and have a Celestron SLT 127, as well as other manual scopes.

  • 0
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    Aaroncalhoun7

    I am interested in helping

  • 0
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    Aaroncalhoun7

    I helped in very 6 and 7

  • 0
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    Dan Puser

    I would like to help with the beta. I've used SS Pro 6 and 7. I run a local community observatory and do science outreach. I use SS to help identify objects,.look up info about objects, and plan out what we'll observe.

  • 0
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    Hazarry

    Hello, i d like to be a beta tester for the new Sky Safari 8 Pro. I have Sky Safari 7 Pro and some previous versions. Mostly using for observational charts and control telescope mounts.

  • 0
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    Mike Jeffery

    I have used both Sky Safari and Starry Night and are an enthusiatic hobbist with a small reflector on eq mount.

  • 0
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    Adarsha Joisa

    Hello,

    I would love to beta test SkySafari 8 for Android. I've been a regular user of SkySafari Pro since version 4 on both Android and iOS (both phones and tablets). I would consider myself an advanced user of SS Pro. Although I've only used SkySafari for visual observations and outreach until now, recently I've started experimenting with imaging and would love to test out telescope control. My current imaging rigs are a Skyguider Pro for widefield and a custom built 16 inch dob on a custom built EQ platform that I'm helping develop for commercial use. 

  • 0
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    Michael Finch

    I have used (own) Skype Safari Pro 5.0, 6.0, and currently using Sky Safari Pro 7.0. I also have used Starry Night Pro Plus 7 and am currently using Starry Night Pro Plus 8.
    I have used both with my Nextstar 11 but that mount fried. I am deforking the scope and will be using a recently purchased Celestron CGX-L mount.

    I look forward to helping with this beta testing.

  • 0
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    Antonis Sotiropoulos

    Hi, i would like to help with the beta version of Sky Safari 8 pro. I have sky safari 7, my telescope is sw 150/1200mm classic. My email address is antonis.sotiropoulos48@gmail.com

  • 0
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    Arthur Fentaman

    I would like to take part in beta testing Sky Safari 8. I am a beta tester for Sky Safari 7 and have had the pro version of all Sky Safari versions since SF 4.
    I use it to control, Celestron mounts both EQ and AZ CPC mounts.
    Also Skywatcher EQ and AZ mounts.
    I have been promoting Sky Safari through various Astronomical societies which I am a member of since using it in 2013.

  • 0
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    Bill Seiler

    I would like to beta test SS8.
    I use Sky Safari when I do Sidewalk Astronomy. I use Sky Safari with my Hopper plate solving camera device to find object for the public to see.
    I ha be a user since the beginning.

  • 0
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    Bill Seiler

    I have owned SkySafari 5, 6, 7.

  • 0
    Avatar
    Keiron Smith

    Hi SS8 Beta Testers, 

    If your SimCur Support Account email address is the same as your Google Play Store account gmail/gsuite email address, then you can access the beta at the link below.

    https://play.google.com/apps/internaltest/4700789962214613007

     

    If your SimCur Support Account email address is NOT the same as your Google Play Store account gmail/gsuite email address, then please contact me direct ksmith [@] simcur.com with your Google Play Store account gmail/gsuite email address.  Once I have your Google email address I can add you to the beta in Google Play Store, and you will be able to access the app via the link above.



    You all now have access to the 

    SkySafari 8 | Beta Testing (Android)

     

    In the forum, you will find a document called

    What's New & What We Need Tested (SS8 Beta Android)

     

    Please integrate SS8 per your usual stargazing workflows, and let us know if anything is broken.

     

    Please also see the forum posts/instructions about:

    How To Follow the SkySafari 8 Beta Testing Posts/Comments and Reply to Email Updates

    Example Bug Report: This is a NEW BUG found in Starry Night so I created this NEW POST in this forum

     

    Please adhere to instructions for following and replying to posts, and reporting bugs!

     

    Please do not reply to this (community forum post) email when reporting bugs or issues.  This post/email is strictly for registering SS8 beta-testers.

     

    Contact me direct if you have a specific issue about accessing the SS8 forum.  ksmith [@] simcur.com

    Thanks sooooooo much for joining the SS8 beta-testing!

     

    We have lift-off!

  • 0
    Avatar
    Maxwell280z

    Hello again Keiron, 

    You may remember me..we met a few times at NEAF and talked about beta testing and the Skysafari versions. I have Skysafari Pro on my tablet and phone. I have found them to be great as my daily driver for outreach and Telescope control.I am an avid user of Android, Raspberry Pi and Windows. I have multiple scopes and have been training others in thier use for several years. I have been an alpha and bets tester on several projects and really get into trying to break things looking for bugs. I think the product is great and would be happy to help with the new version.  

  • 0
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    Kyan

    I would like to do it too thanks

  • 0
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    Stéphane Losacco

    Hello,
    I already participated in the beat version of Skysafari 7, and I would be delighted to participate in the beta version of Skysafari 8.
    I use it with a tablet via Wi-Fi in parallel with Synscan and a Skywatcher Heq5+ mount, as well as with an AsiAir.

  • 0
    Avatar
    Keiron Smith

    Stephane, Maxwell, 

    You should both have access to the beta now.

    https://play.google.com/apps/internaltest/4700789962214613007

     

    Note for others here:

    If your SimCur Support Account email address is NOT the same as your Google Play Store account gmail/gsuite email address, then please contact me direct ksmith [@] simcur.com with your Google Play Store account gmail/gsuite email address.  Once I have your Google email address I can add you to the beta in Google Play Store, and you will be able to access the app via the link above.

     

    You all now have access to the 

    SkySafari 8 | Beta Testing (Android)

     

    In the forum, you will find a document called

    What's New & What We Need Tested (SS8 Beta Android)

     

    Please integrate SS8 per your usual stargazing workflows, and let us know if anything is broken.

     

    Please also see the forum posts/instructions about:

    How To Follow the SkySafari 8 Beta Testing Posts/Comments and Reply to Email Updates

    Example Bug Report: This is a NEW BUG found in Starry Night so I created this NEW POST in this forum

     

    Please adhere to instructions for following and replying to posts, and reporting bugs!

     

    Please do not reply to this (community forum post) email when reporting bugs or issues.  This post/email is strictly for registering SS8 beta-testers.

     

    Contact me direct if you have a specific issue about accessing the SS8 forum.  ksmith [@] simcur.com

    Thanks sooooooo much for joining the SS8 beta-testing!

  • 0
    Avatar
    Keiron Smith

    Beta-Testing News!

    We have received great feedback from a number of beta-testers - THANK YOU!

    If you want to help, if you want to contribute, please download and install the beta asap.

    We would appreciate testing and feedback from as many users as possible.

    Thank you EVERYONE for your time and testing!

     

  • 0
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    Skyraidersrc1

    Hello I would like to beta test the Sky Safari 8

  • 0
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    Skyraidersrc1

    I have used SS 5-7 pro. I currently have 2 telescopes that I use for tracking. I am currently using an older LXD75 mount/ EXOS2 with a Terrans Onsteo controller with a motorized focuser. I run a Samsung Tablet as well as an S25+

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