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How To Import Into LiveSky And Other Suggest Improvements? (Answer: LiveSky Does Not Offer An Import Function At This Time)

Honestly, when I signed up for Premium of LiveSky 3 years ago, I was hoping that over time it gets an valuable tool which helps me to plan my observations.

A week ago, I was able to export my observation list into Skylist format (in addition also CSV), and I had the option to import also from CSV and skylist.

Today, the only option I have, is Export to OAL or CSV and only my Observations, no Observing Lists, Sessions or equipment can be exported. Import complete gone.

Second, I really would love to have a possibility to add a note into my Observing List Details. Export them as Skylist worked ok, but as CSV misses some information. I am aware of this topic, but paying for another software when I have a Premium subscription for something simple as adding a note? And when edit an object in the LiveSky Page under Observation Lists, I can only remove or add. Really? That's all

Third, I tried the suggested Eye&Telescope (which is now free) but I can't select a skylist for import. Moreover, if I use the OAL format and try to import, the program throws an error.

Fourth, it is impossible to edit the "Settings File" online. Each time I click on the date to change it, the Edit window closes and throws me back to the Settings File Page.

Fifth, I already referred under the second point to the topic about SkySafari skylist, even I appreciate the examples what can be the content, but no information whether there is a limitation of the format, whether SkySafari will show all the added notes in the mobile application or even on the LiveSky page.
[offtopic] Google was also not very helpful to find a definition (or I searched for the wrong terms) [/offtopic]

I think, if LiveSky is an important part of the SkySafari/Starry Night, then the developers should maybe pay more attention to have the website smooth running.

I am also very concerned that support requests are not handled in a reasonable time frame, when I am reading this topic for example. Maybe it was a bad choice to pick that topic, but things like that raise the questions whether LiveSky is really important and whether should continue to pay for Premium.

On the other side, supporting the Skywatcher WiFi module direct is postponed since v4(?), v5(?).

Cheers

Tom

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7 comments

  • 0
    Avatar
    Kyle Hendicks

    Hello Tom,
    Thank you for reaching out. We appreciate your feedback. We are actively working to improve LiveSky and are currently focused on improving the import/export functionality.


    Currently, in LiveSky you can export Observations as OAL or CSV (Includes Equipment and Session information) and Observation Lists as CSV or Skylist.


    We are currently working on improving the Observation List export functionality. This includes performance improvements, making sure CSV export has all the required information and adding the ability to add a description to your observing list details.


    There does appear to be a bug in the edit "Setting File" functionality. We will get this fixed.

     

    Thank You,

     

    Kyle Hendricks

    Simulation Curriculum Development Team

  • 0
    Avatar
    Tom Hartung

    Hi Kyle,

    Really appreciate your reply, but when I export to OAL, what is the use when I cannot import again.

    Also, the export contains all data (Observations, Sessions, Equipment, Sites) but the Observing List is missing, which is (for me) the most important.

    June 30, I was able to download specific Observing lists (Sharpless Objects) as separated  *.skylist and CSV files. This option is suddenly gone. Also the import is gone.

    How about my other question: Is there any documentation explaining in detail about limitations of a *.skylist files. For example, how much "common names" can I add? How much comments can I add?

    Cheers

    Tom

  • 0
    Avatar
    Tom Hartung

    So, almost one month later and the CSV and Skylist export is still not available. Why taking this away in the first place?

    Somehow, the whole LiveSky website leaves a bad taste when paying for a premium membership and can't use the full functionality.

    Cheers

    Tom

  • 0
    Avatar
    Tom Hartung

    Ok, no reply, no timeline and LiveSky is unusable for me.
    Before I waste my money for a 4th year I cancelled for now my Premium membership until LiveSky has the functionality to make it useful.

    Cheers

    Tom

  • 0
    Avatar
    Tom Hartung

    February 2022, still nothing. Still stuck with Export to OAL, CSV is back, but import?

    It is even worse now, only sessions can be exported.

    Observing Lists: nope

    Observations: Nope

    I'll check back in 6 months, maybe the LiveSky is then usable.

    Cheers

    Tom

  • 0
    Avatar
    Kyle Hendicks

    Hello Tom,

    LiveSky has never had import functionality other than fixed Observing Lists. You can try importing through Sky Safari.

    Export functionality for Observing Lists and Observations is working fine for me. 

    What web browser and version are you using? What platform?

    Kyle

  • 0
    Avatar
    Tom Hartung

    Hi Kyle,

    Thanks for getting back to me.

    I use Firefox v96.0.3 in Windows 11. (Previous was also Firefox in Windows 10

    Export function works only for OAL file, CSV exports only sessions.

    Import into SkySafari works only as .skylist.

    None of the programs I tested to convert oal files to skylist or edit them, provided a satisfactory result.

    As for the import functionality, before June 30, 2021, LiveSky had an import function for skylist and CSV (as written in my initial post), as I wa able to import a CSV list for test.

    An import function for OAL is also missing in LiveSky

    This functionality was taken away after June 30 (for unknown reasons).

    I believe, when there is an annual subscription service, a simple Im-/Export function should be available.

    Below a screenshot of what is available, regardless which menu I select on the left

     

    Cheers

    Tom

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