Now a useful reference for deep sky viewing
This app was first introduced as "DSS Browser." At that time it was mildly interesting, a little idiosyncratic in its interface, but it was a little unclear as to what its real strength or value was: it didn't do any one thing exceptionally well. Was it a database, DSS image retrieval program, or a scope controller?
That has changed, although the interface is still a little idiosyncratic. It has a carefully thought out selection of catalogs, and each catalog is complete. The selection of catalogs is a complex issue: there are so many and with such large overlap. Deep Sky Browser has selected those that will be of greatest utility to the more advanced observer. Inevitably, some users will miss a favorite specialized catalog, such as the Palomar or Terzan globular clusters.
Deep Sky Browser will download and save images for each entry. The user can initiate a bulk download for each catalog, but should recognize that gtheir device memory will be easily consumed and exceeded by the larger catalogs.
So, it this app a database, DSS image retrieval program, or scope controller? The answer is “yes” to all, but I find it most useful as a large reference database of deep sky objects with the ability download and store associated DSS images.
That has changed, although the interface is still a little idiosyncratic. It has a carefully thought out selection of catalogs, and each catalog is complete. The selection of catalogs is a complex issue: there are so many and with such large overlap. Deep Sky Browser has selected those that will be of greatest utility to the more advanced observer. Inevitably, some users will miss a favorite specialized catalog, such as the Palomar or Terzan globular clusters.
Deep Sky Browser will download and save images for each entry. The user can initiate a bulk download for each catalog, but should recognize that gtheir device memory will be easily consumed and exceeded by the larger catalogs.
So, it this app a database, DSS image retrieval program, or scope controller? The answer is “yes” to all, but I find it most useful as a large reference database of deep sky objects with the ability download and store associated DSS images.
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It Leaks! Still!!
I complained about this two years ago with a different device! It hasn't changed! See prior review below - It still will not save data long term. Please fix or tell me what I'm doing wrong! I'm tired of reloading everything!
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This is a handy app for those with a deep sky telescope. Unfortunately, it's not as good as it could or should be. The worst problem is that the downloaded object images don't seem to consistently be saved or stored, but instead are volatile, and many must be downloaded again after a power down/up cycle. There are thousands of deep sky object images available, and downloading them can require lots of time, personal involvement, and bandwidth, so this is quite a problem, especially if you have no internet source available at your telescope location.
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This is a handy app for those with a deep sky telescope. Unfortunately, it's not as good as it could or should be. The worst problem is that the downloaded object images don't seem to consistently be saved or stored, but instead are volatile, and many must be downloaded again after a power down/up cycle. There are thousands of deep sky object images available, and downloading them can require lots of time, personal involvement, and bandwidth, so this is quite a problem, especially if you have no internet source available at your telescope location.
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Just what I've been looking for.
This is an intriguing way to evaluate potential observing targets. It has a professional feel to it, and a no-nonsense layout that I appreciate.
The NASA website server from which images are downloaded was down when I first tried to connect, which caused some confusion, but the developer was right on the ball, and explained the situation in response to my support contact.
I'm very glad I happened to notice this app. I think I'll really find it useful and enjoyable.
John
The NASA website server from which images are downloaded was down when I first tried to connect, which caused some confusion, but the developer was right on the ball, and explained the situation in response to my support contact.
I'm very glad I happened to notice this app. I think I'll really find it useful and enjoyable.
John
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Great App!
This is a great app. I really like the ability to bulk download pictures for each catalog. When I am in the field I can pull up the picture ot the object I want to see. There is lots of info for each object and even a reference to find object in Uranometria. The included catalogs provide a wide range of objects. I hope in future releases to see the Abell Galaxy Clusters, Bernard Dark Nebulae, and maybe the PK planetary nebulae catalogs. A 5 star app! Highly recommended
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Very nice app
This is a good app, yes, it does need some work, especially in the downloading of the images. I have emailed the developer and, much to my surprise got a response back in a couple of hours and even replied back to me. That is an encouraging sign. I plan on using this app in the field!!!
