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Skytools 2
      #34094 - 12/31/03 11:27 AM

Is anyone here using Skytools 2? I got this program as a Christmas present and am impressed with what I have seen so far. I have been looking for an observing list generator and have found it in this program. I can't begin to describe what this program will do and look forward to using it at the scope. But of course it has been raining or cloudy here since I got it. I'll be glad to update those of you who are interested on how well this program works out.

I'm just getting back into observing after a 15+ year absence. I'm chomping at the bit to get started. I tell everyone how the San Francisco Bay Area has the best weather in the world, now if it would only cooperate.

Here is the link to the Skytools website.

http://www.skyhound.com/cs.html

May the dark rule!


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Anonymous
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Re: Skytools 2 new [Re: ]
      #34209 - 12/31/03 02:56 PM

I've been using it for a few months now. It is a great product in many senses, but with many infuriating little annoyances (e.g., default printed label color is red , which doesn't work well with a red LED flashlight! Worse, you have to change the label color for each type of object individually!)

I use it mainly for generating lists, which it is very good at. I have not been able to "tune in" the printed charts to a useful form yet.


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Anonymous
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Re: Skytools 2 new [Re: ]
      #34491 - 01/01/04 01:22 AM

Mark,

Although I have not used it at the scope yet, I haven't experienced what you describe. Do you have the latest version? Which is 2.1c I believe. It's available on the web site. Also, are you aware of the Yahoo groups discussion forum for skytools? There is a lot of information and help there. The writer of the program moderates the group and is always answering user questions. I'm sure you can get help for whatever problem(s) you are having.

May the dark rule!


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Mike Sandy
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Reged: 08/29/03
Posts: 1096
Loc: SF Bay Area, CA
Re: Skytools 2 new [Re: ]
      #35036 - 01/02/04 11:32 AM

I run Skytools as a planning tool for my observing sessions. Just got it a couple of week ago, but I like it so far.

Hey Chuck, where in the Bay Area are you?

--------------------
Mike Sandy
http://www.DarkSights.com

Takahashi FRC-300, FS-78
Apogee U16M
Starfish Guider
Televue TV-102
Lunt LS60THaDS50/B1200
Baader Herschel Wedge
Paramount ME
Giro III on a Astro-Physics Tripod
AP SPL - 5mm, 6mm, 8mm, 10mm, 12mm
Ethos - 6mm, 8mm, 13mm, 17mm
Naglers - 16mm (x2)
Panoptic - 24mmm (x2)
AP/Baader Mark V


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Anonymous
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Re: Skytools 2 new [Re: Mike Sandy]
      #36311 - 01/05/04 10:08 AM

Mike,

Same town as you (SR). We've traded a couple of e-mails a month or two ago. Been cold here the last couple of days. And wet too.

I'm impressed with Skytools so far. I like the list generator and the three view sky simulation map. Have you looked at the Yahoo Group for Skytools?


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Mike Sandy
Pooh-Bah


Reged: 08/29/03
Posts: 1096
Loc: SF Bay Area, CA
Re: Skytools 2 new [Re: ]
      #36444 - 01/05/04 02:54 PM

Hi Chuck,

Okay, I remember your note now. If you're still thinking of getting into imaging you might want to join Suk and I for an evening (we're planning this......but haven't been able to pull it together yet) up on Mt Diablo here soon. You'd at least get a chance to see our mistakes!

I'm more impressed with SkyTools all the time. For me it's a very nice planning tool - that likely has a bunch of other capablities that I haven't found yet. I have recently joined the user group on Yahoo to help me learn more.

--------------------
Mike Sandy
http://www.DarkSights.com

Takahashi FRC-300, FS-78
Apogee U16M
Starfish Guider
Televue TV-102
Lunt LS60THaDS50/B1200
Baader Herschel Wedge
Paramount ME
Giro III on a Astro-Physics Tripod
AP SPL - 5mm, 6mm, 8mm, 10mm, 12mm
Ethos - 6mm, 8mm, 13mm, 17mm
Naglers - 16mm (x2)
Panoptic - 24mmm (x2)
AP/Baader Mark V


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