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Beta Testing SkySafari 7 (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 7 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 - 2 Parts: 

    1. You must enter your @Gmail or G Suite email address (the one you use to login to Google Play to buy/download apps for your Android device) into the red bar on the bottom of this webpage.  Note, the red bar can be hidden if you have any kind of ad-blocking plugin installed.
    2. Please also 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.

Failing to follow the 2 step application process above will exclude you from the beta testing cycle.

When Accepted To Beta Test:

When you are accepted, you will be notified via an email (sent to your @Gmail/G Suite email address) that you are able to download the SS7 Android beta app from Google Play.

Accessing The SS7 Android Beta Testing Forum: When you are accepted you will see and have access to the SS7 Android Beta Testing forum.  The SS7 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 SS7 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 7 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 SS7 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 SS7 Beta Forum: 

As part of your participation we would appreciate that you follow the SS7 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 7 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 SS7 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 SS7 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. SUBMIT your @Gmail.com/G Suite email address into the red bar at the bottom of this page.
  3. REPLY to this post (in a comment below) in order to apply to the SS7 Beta Testing group.
  4. 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).
  5. FOLLOW the main SS7 Android 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 email updates.  Instead, VIEW the post first, then comment.
  11. Post any questions, about anything to do with the beta testing, in the SS7 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 SS7 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

160 comments

  • 0
    Avatar
    Markus Endriss (Xinus)

    Would like to participate in SS7 Beta.
    I am a an active astrophotographer and volunteering in a observatory for the public.

    Best regards

  • 0
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    Jonathan & Kirstie Sheehy

    Hello from Brisbane, Australia!

    I have been a SkySafari user since v3, in 2013—so nearly 9 years now! I've used each version since then, and am currently on v6 Pro. I have never yet used SkySafari to control a telescope, because thus far I have (quite intentionally) had completely manual rigs. (I currently mainly use a Celestron C8 mounted on a Desert Sky Astro DSV-3, (normally) mounted on a pier—as well as binos.)

    But all of that is going to change in 1 month's time when I take receipt of a Celestron NexStar Evolution 9.25 with computerised GoTo mount, Wi-Fi, etc. I am very much looking forward to running it from SkySafari!

    I love amateur astronomy, but could not call myself a 'power user'. Visual only, not astrophotography. I also really enjoy using good tools, including good apps. I am currently an active Beta tester with another (completely unrelated) app that relates to one of my other major hobbies.

    Main device is my Samsung Galaxy A50 phone running Samsung's One UI 3.1 over Android 11; secondary is a Lenovo YT-X705F tablet running Android 10.

    I look forward to being involved with the Beta!

  • 0
    Avatar
    G. van Doorn

    I've been using Sky Safari since its first release.

     I also have access to multiple Android phones and tablets.

     Thanks for all the great work on Sky Safari over the years, and I look forward to using it. Now I have Sky safari Pro 6. I have Android 12 on my Samsung tablet and phone.

  • 0
    Avatar
    Gerhard Kriegs

    Hello my name is Gerhard. I've been using Skysafari 6 as my main tool for planning my astrophoto sessions for years. For me, it is essential to be able to insert a picture of your own garden in Skysafari. I also use it parallel to the ASIAIR app to control my EQ-6 and AZ-GTI-EQ. Greetings Gerhard

  • 0
    Avatar
    Zoltán Belső

    Hello, 

     

    I volentier to participate in the beta testing.

    I've used SS5plus, now SS6pro (also participating in the beta program).

    I have SkyWatcher AltAz telescopes (dobson goto) and SkyAdventure small mount. I mostly control them through INDI server, but also can test Synscan WiFi.

     

    Zoltan

  • 0
    Avatar
    Kim Iskov

    Hi.

    I have been running SkySafari 6 Pro on Android 11 or Bluestacks 5 on PC Connected throught Ascom driver-Ascom Remote-AlpacaScope. I'm using SkySafari to find targets, GoTo and read data for the objects. I have  been using it for goto together with a Celestron Nexstar 8SE for visual observation and EAA. Recently I have got a Skywather NEQ 5 Pro mount, where I have now attached the OTA from the 8SE and have an ZWO ASI 224MC planetary camera or a Canon DSLR camera connected after a 6.3 flattener/Reducer And will start up with AP, but will still continue with EAA and visual observation. If I'm a power user? I'm not sure what I should answer. I like to know SkySafari quite good and like to get most out of it. So it include reading the documentation and forum post if something is unclear for me. So I know SkySafari quite well.

  • 0
    Avatar
    Darrell Dooley

    Hey, great to hear that 7 is out. I have used multiple versions of Sky safari for years. Currently running 6 pro on Galaxy tab 7fe. Android version 12. 

    I use this extensively for reference during viewing sessions through the 60" Telescope at Mt. Wilson in California. 

    I am also the current president of The Los Angeles Astronomical Society,  a session director and Telescope operator at Mt. Wilson. 

    Hope I can help get the bugs out. 

    Darrell Dooley 

    Darrell5683@gmail.com 

    Mtwilsoncoordinator@laas.org

     

  • 0
    Avatar
    Keiron Smith

    David Lynch, Mike Jeffery, Stéphane JackSon, Luis Hernandez, Paul Ward, Andrew, TB, Calvin Odom, Lucian Draga, Matthew, Scott Carey, Jon Danniken, David Klein, Nikita Klimov, Davide, Alboresi Lenzi, Florian Mathieu, Markus Endriss, Jonathan & Kirstie Sheehy, G. van Doorn, Gerhard Kriegs, Zoltán Belső, Kim Iskov,

    Everyone is in the beta!

    Please see this post regarding what we need tested and how to download the beta:

    https://support.simulationcurriculum.com/hc/en-us/community/posts/6080423900055-What-We-Need-Tested-Round-1

    Please read through the titles of existing posts, so as not use your time and energy reporting bugs already reported.

    In the Android Beta Testing forum please also create NEW posts to outline scope connection success stories too.  In the posts please include:

    1. App and version
    2. Android OS
    3. Android device
    4. Scope + mount
    5. Connection type (i.e. Celestron WiFi, SkyFi 3, SynScan WiFi, etc)
    6. Screenshots of telescope presets
    7. Steps-by-step path to reproduce success

    This will be helpful to identify which scope presets are working, which ones are not, and any steps or options that make the difference.

    In the title of the post list: App + Version + Android OS + Device + Scope.

    Please also keep in mind this is a very early beta.  You will find lots of problems!

    We have a great Android beta team so far!

    Thanks for joining!

  • 0
    Avatar
    Jonathan & Kirstie Sheehy

    Thanks, Keiron. Just waiting to for Google to find out that my Gmail account is approved for the beta so I can download the app.

  • 0
    Avatar
    Quinn Turner

    Hello, I would like to participate in the Beta. I currently run Android Note 20 Ultra, Android 12, One UI 4.1, with Sky Safari 6 Pro. Setup 1: Mount: Celestron CGEM with Celestron Wifi; Scope: 10" Mead Dobsonian, Celestron C8. Setup 2: Celestron Astro Fi, 90mm Refractor. Primarily using it for all sorts of astophotography. In 2 weeks I will be in the darkest skies in the Rocky Mountains with my setup for 7 days, ready to scan the cosmos!

  • 0
    Avatar
    Dave Eagle

    I have been using Sky Safari for a number of years now.

    I use it alongside the Asiair, helping me to control my Sky-Watcher EQ6.

    I use my setup for imaging as well as for educational purposes and live virtual broadcasts through the telescope. 

    Cheers

  • 0
    Avatar
    Dave Eagle

    I have been using Sky Safari for a number of years now.

    I use it alongside the Asiair, helping me to control my Sky-Watcher EQ6.

    I use my setup for imaging as well as for educational purposes and live virtual broadcasts through the telescope. 

    I'd love to be part of the beta testing group. 

    Many thanks

    Cheers

  • 0
    Avatar
    Qprmeteor

    Hi - I'm a long time user of Sky Safari (4, 5 and 6), and am using the Pro version to control my Nesxtar Evolution mount which runs a 8" Edge HD scope. I'd like to join the beta testing group if it's still open?



    Thanks!

  • 0
    Avatar
    Lucas Barbosa

    Hi, I've been a SkySafari 6 Pro user for a few years now and I'm looking forward to testing the new SS7.

  • 0
    Avatar
    Daten Schutz

    Hi,

    I would also like to participate in the SS7 Beta.

    Samsung s10e Android 12, One UI 4.1

    Skywatcher Maksutov Teleskop MC 127/1500

    SkyMax-127 AZ-GTi GoTo WiFi 

     

  • 0
    Avatar
    Dvd Whalen

    Hello, I would like to participate in the SS7 Beta.  I currently use SkySafari 6 Pro (android), Stary Night 8 Pro and LiveSky. I have owned SkySafari Pro 3, 4, and 5, SkySafari for Kindle, and I beta tested Stary Night 8 Pro+. I use the scope control to operate my Celestron CGEM, CPC1100, and Evolution, and my Vixen SXP. I use observing lists extensively. My android device is a Google Pixel 3XL.  I think I could be helpful with your beta test.

  • 0
    Avatar
    Mark Smith

    Hi, I would love to be included.

     

    Currently have skysafari 6 pro.

    Equipment

    Ioptron cem70 with WiFi.

    Skywatcher eq3 pro (about to add WiFi to this)

    Celestron 8" sct, with celestron focuser

    William optics flt91 with zwo focuser

    William optics z61.

    Imaging with a zwo camera.

     

     

     

  • 0
    Avatar
    Simon Glox

    I would like to join the beta.

    I have a 12inch GSO Dobson in combination with a Ukrainian DobsonDream GSO DeLux DSC Push-to kit. I am a amateur watcher. 

    I use the app mainly with my telescope and connect it with my push to kit to find stars. The estimate of the tracker work great in skysafari 6 pro.

    The app has many features that is fantastic, but in my opinion safari 6 pro needs a improved UI/UX with modern design, I am thrilled to see ss7. It sometimes hard as amateur watcher to understand some options. 

    I hope I can help with feedback and my experience as a Senior fronted developer and amateur watcher. 

    I have a Galaxy S10 with android 12

     

  • 0
    Avatar
    Michael Finch

    I am a SS5 and SS6 Pro user. I have a Nexstar C-11 (Celestron) and Orion SkyQuest XX16g. I also use SS6 for outreach with kids.

  • 0
    Avatar
    Jordan Sharrow

    Hi
    Experience with sky safari 5,6. Was in beta for 6. Currently using an evolution mount. Mix of visual and was.

  • 0
    Avatar
    Mike West

    I'd like to join, I have been using SkySafari for the last several years, currently using SkySafari 6 Pro.  I use the app at our club functions showing the night sky, and also to control a Skywatcher NEQ6 via bluetooth with the app on my phone (Samsung S21+) and also Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 tablet.  I was in the last couple beta testing rounds for precious versions.  Thanks, Mike

  • 0
    Avatar
    Mark Epstein

    I would like to help test the beta of SkySafari Pro 7 for Android. I have been using SkySafari Pro since version 3 on iOS and Android. I am a teacher, so my use has been educational. I beta tested updates to SkySafari 7 for iOS.

  • 0
    Avatar
    Adam Morgan

    Hello, 

    I haven't used Sky Safari before, but I have used other apps, and they all seem to be lacking in vital areas or do not communicate well with telescope Go-to mounts, nor do there star maps show all common objects. I would like to have an app that does as it says on the tin and more, accuracy and a good database of not only common knowledge objects but less known objects, especially deep sky objects, is very important to me. I'm currently studying a science degree (just finished the university year), with the pathway towards astrophysics, and would be able to use such an app in conjunction with the universities observatory, sporting a 20" telescope. This would really help test the accuracy of the app. 

    I would be using the app to control my Celestron 9.25" EdgeHD AVX telescope, for both observing and astrophotography. 

    My device is a Samsung S21 Ultra 5G (Version 12), this is my 5th Samsung handset. I also have another android device I could beta test on, an Alcatel Tablet with Android (Version 10).

    Cheers

    Adam Morgan 

  • 0
    Avatar
    Martin Eichhorn

    I would like to join the beta testing.

    I have a Samsung Galaxy Tab S5 and a Google pixel 4a. I use them to control 2 mounts via indi.

    Skywatcher AZGTI as AZ/AL or EQ and celestron SLT. For celestron I use the celestron SkyPortal Version of sky safari.
    Thanks

  • 0
    Avatar
    Keiron Smith

    Darrell, Quinn, Dave E, Qprmeteor, Lucas, Daten, David W, Mark S, Simon, Michael F, Jordan, Mike W, Mark E, Adam, Martin, 

    Everyone is in the beta!

    Please see this post regarding what we need tested and how to download the beta:

    [7.0.0.18] What We Need Tested - Round 2

    Please read through the titles of existing posts, so as not use your time and energy reporting bugs already reported.

    In the Android Beta Testing forum please also create NEW posts to outline scope connection success stories too.  In the posts please include:

    1. App and version
    2. Android OS
    3. Android device
    4. Scope + mount
    5. Connection type (i.e. Celestron WiFi, SkyFi 3, SynScan WiFi, etc)
    6. Screenshots of telescope presets
    7. Steps-by-step path to reproduce success

    This will be helpful to identify which scope presets are working, which ones are not, and any steps or options that make the difference.

    In the title of the post list: App + Version + Android OS + Device + Scope.

    Please also keep in mind this is a very early beta.  You will find lots of problems!

    We have a great Android beta team so far!

    Thanks for joining!

  • 0
    Avatar
    Nikita Klimov

    Hello! After waiting for several days I still cannot download the application - it says "Page not not found" on play.google.com

    I have submited my email one more time through the red box on this page. Also I live in Montenegro, where Google Pay doesn't work. Can it be the reason? 

  • 0
    Avatar
    Jason Quitadamo

    Hi Keiron,

    I would like to participate in the Beta. I have thoroughly used SS5/6 Pro for a number of years now. I currently use SS6 on my Samsung S21 Ultra as my primary tool for planning astrophotography sessions. I use it alongside my ASIAir to control 2 setups: Celestron CGX (via USB) and 9.25 SCT, and Ioptron Gem28 (via WiFi) and GT81 APO.

    Thanks,
    Jason

  • 0
    Avatar
    B30

    Hi!
    My hobbies are amateur astronomy and my profession is IT, I always follow celestial events. I'm actively using the following astronomy apps on Android:
    - Stellarium Plus (Stellarium Labs)
    https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.noctuasoftware.stellarium_plus
    - Mobile Observatory 3 Pro (Wolfgang Zima)
    https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.zima.mobileobservatorypro
    - SkySafari 6 Pro (Simulation Curriculum Corp.)
    https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.simulationcurriculum.skysafari6pro

    As well as the following programs:
    - SkyView Explore the Universe (Terminal Eleven)
    https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.t11.skyview
    - Celestia (Linfeng Li)
    https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=space.celestia.mobilecelestia
    - Solar System Scope (INOVE, s.r.o.)
    https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=air.com.eu.inove.sss2
    - Heavens Above Pro (Heavens-Above)
    https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.heavens_above.viewer_pro
    - See A Satellite Tonight (James Darpinan)
    https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.darpinian.james.seeasatellitetonight
    - ISS Transit Predection Pro (Ed Morana)
    https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.ed_morana.iss_transit_prediction_pro
    - Daff Moon Phase (Evgeny Fedorischenko)
    https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.dafftin.android.moon_phase

    My favorite is SkySafari 6 Pro but there are features that are more useful in the programs above. I would love to take part in testing SkySafari 7.

  • 0
    Avatar
    Mariusz Kutrowski 
    Hello! My name is Mariusz. I come from Poland. I have been using Sky Safari for 5 years. Before that, I had the SS5 plus, SS5 Pro, SS6 plus version. I currently have the SS6 Pro. I have a Sky Watcher 12" telescope. I use the DSC system (Android system). I have developed the Polish Sky Safari tutorial. I have also prepared several dozen Observig Lists and I am making them available to users in Poland.

    I would like to participate in the Beta.

     

  • 0
    Avatar
    Shawn Loescher

    Hi,

    I am using Goggle's Pixel 4 and would like to join the beta as well. I'm a version 6 user and I use it with my Dobsonian telescope at the many outreach events the astronomy club does each month. Thanks.

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