7 replies to this topic

[Dakota1]

If I buy a SkyScout am I going to have the same problems I am reading about updating it with my Windows Vista 64 bit operating system? If so I think I will scrap the idea of buying one. It might be fun to have one but if its going to be a headache why own one?

[Michael Cox]

Hi B. Cook:

You hit the nail on the head, the Sky Scout will not update using Vista or Windows 7, 64 bit operating systems. I am very lucky to still have my old Vista 32 bit machine at my mother-in laws home and have been able to update my Sky Scout when needed. On the positive side, there has not been an update for well over a year so I don't think there are many issues with the device in general. There are ton's of things current owners of this device would like to see done with an update including the annoying 5 minute auto shut-off but Celestron does not seem to have the desire to provide support including having 64 bit compatibility. In the end, it is economics that is driving any updates that being cost to provide the update versus profit margin for a specialty device.

Michael

[Jawaid I. Abbasi]

B. cook,
I am surprise that people run into problem. I have bought it about a year ago through AMAZON and I am very happy about my purchasing.

I did not bother to upgrade software and keep as original. My advice is to everyone is that "Do not do software update unless it is essantial."

[Vondragonnoggin]

If I buy a SkyScout am I going to have the same problems I am reading about updating it with my Windows Vista 64 bit operating system? If so I think I will scrap the idea of buying one. It might be fun to have one but if its going to be a headache why own one?

You don't have to update as Jawaid said. Also, if you know anyone with a 32 bit machine or XP machine, just bring it to their house. You only have to update once. This device is no headache and really has helped me find numerous objects I never would have found without it. Take it with you to a dark sky site and see just how much it helps with a million stars so bright, it is hard to tell where all the objects are and you have a battery powered planetarium to help you. On the other hand, this device was made before smart phones had numerous apps to do the same job, so it is not really an item that doesn't have an equal in something else anymore.

[Jawaid I. Abbasi]

You don't have to update as Jawaid said. Also, if you know anyone with a 32 bit machine or XP machine, just bring it to their house. You only have to update once. This device is no headache and really has helped me find numerous objects I never would have found without it. Take it with you to a dark sky site and see just how much it helps with a million stars so bright, it is hard to tell where all the objects are and you have a battery powered planetarium to help you. On the other hand, this device was made before smart phones had numerous apps to do the same job, so it is not really an item that doesn't have an equal in something else anymore.

100% agree

[DavidD]

I don't have a smartphone, so don't have that advantage. I've been on two outreach programs over the last 10 days, though, and saw many people, often not having a telescope, who do. The smartphones seem to work very well, and don't have the problem of being too near a metalic object.

David

[snowdragonusa]

Out of curiosity... has anyone tried using the Microsoft Virtual Machine add on to install the SkyScout update software and go that route? It is VERY simple to do and makes it even easier to run other pre XP software on a 64bit system.

Check it out...

http://www.microsoft...ows/virtual-pc/


***UPDATE***

I have confirmed that by installing the Windows Virtual PC (and XP Mode) that you can install both the drivers and software for the SkyScout. This works flawlessly on a Win7 Pro 64bit system. I suspect you will be able to do it on any other 64 bit system as well.

If there is sufficient interest I will put together a little tutorial on how to go about the install.

[DavidD]

I had only tried altering the start up parameters in the shortcut, which seemed like it should work, but didn't. Yes, some instructions for doing it in a VM would be a nice addition that many people could use.

David