<![CDATA[Skyhound Forums - Announcements]]>

<![CDATA[Skyhound Forums - Announcements]]> https://skyhound.com/forums/ Sat, 18 Apr 2026 05:41:51 +0000 MyBB <![CDATA[New Version 4.x.11.20 Update]]> https://skyhound.com/forums/showthread.php?tid=3388 Mon, 12 Jan 2026 16:39:17 -0500 theskyhound]]> https://skyhound.com/forums/showthread.php?tid=3388
Updates in Version 4.x.11.20 (2026 January 12)

New version 4.1 feature: the database Power Search for Minor planets now includes an absolute magnitude parameter (H) filter.
New version 4.1 feature: obstructed horizon data can now be written to a text file.
A bug that was fixed that could cause the Attachment Folder selection to not allow a selection to be made.
When started in Nightvision mode (added in version 19), not all of the red parts were initialized properly.
A bug was fixed for coordinate display in decimals, where the entry of a three digit longitude inadvertantly stripped the first character.
A label has been added to the Overhead Sky Chart that describes the zoom level (or field of view).
A bug was fixed that could cause the edit points to disappear when editing an obstructed horizon directly on the Overhead Sky Chart.
The Visual log window text has been made larger for legibility on higher resolution screens.
A bug was fixed that affected the setting of star size in the Preferences for the classic star style, which is often used on printed charts.
Various minor fixes were made.

]]>
Updates in Version 4.x.11.20 (2026 January 12)

New version 4.1 feature: the database Power Search for Minor planets now includes an absolute magnitude parameter (H) filter.
New version 4.1 feature: obstructed horizon data can now be written to a text file.
A bug that was fixed that could cause the Attachment Folder selection to not allow a selection to be made.
When started in Nightvision mode (added in version 19), not all of the red parts were initialized properly.
A bug was fixed for coordinate display in decimals, where the entry of a three digit longitude inadvertantly stripped the first character.
A label has been added to the Overhead Sky Chart that describes the zoom level (or field of view).
A bug was fixed that could cause the edit points to disappear when editing an obstructed horizon directly on the Overhead Sky Chart.
The Visual log window text has been made larger for legibility on higher resolution screens.
A bug was fixed that affected the setting of star size in the Preferences for the classic star style, which is often used on printed charts.
Various minor fixes were made.

]]> <![CDATA[New Version 4.x.11.19 Update]]> https://skyhound.com/forums/showthread.php?tid=3363 Sun, 16 Nov 2025 16:46:37 -0500 theskyhound]]> https://skyhound.com/forums/showthread.php?tid=3363
Updates in Version 4.x.11.19 (2025 November 16)

New version 4.1 feature: SkyTools can start in Night Vision mode via a check box on the Preferences dialog.
A crash was fixed that occured when the Today, Tomorrow, or Yesterday buttons were used on the Date Dialog
Various minor fixes were made.

]]>
Updates in Version 4.x.11.19 (2025 November 16)

New version 4.1 feature: SkyTools can start in Night Vision mode via a check box on the Preferences dialog.
A crash was fixed that occured when the Today, Tomorrow, or Yesterday buttons were used on the Date Dialog
Various minor fixes were made.

]]> <![CDATA[Update to Version 4.x.11.18]]> https://skyhound.com/forums/showthread.php?tid=3327 Fri, 12 Sep 2025 17:53:04 -0400 theskyhound]]> https://skyhound.com/forums/showthread.php?tid=3327
I have released an update with various fixes and a new version 4.1. feature.

The new feature is Interstellarum Deep Sky Atlas chart numbers. Its available for those who have upgraded to SkyTools Imaging/Visual 4.1.

These chart numbers have been added to the Object Info on the Chart Numbers tab.

They are also displayed in a column of the Nightly Planner, Real Time, or Target Selection tools. To enable the column, click the gear icon next to the the column scheme menu. Check the box next to Interstellarum Deep Sky.

I appreciate everyone's patience. EAA is almost ready for SkyTools Visual 4.1. Other features will follow soon after, and I have promised to release at least one new feature with every update.

As always the full list of fixes is here: https://skyhound.com/stupdate4.html]]>
I have released an update with various fixes and a new version 4.1. feature.

The new feature is Interstellarum Deep Sky Atlas chart numbers. Its available for those who have upgraded to SkyTools Imaging/Visual 4.1.

These chart numbers have been added to the Object Info on the Chart Numbers tab.

They are also displayed in a column of the Nightly Planner, Real Time, or Target Selection tools. To enable the column, click the gear icon next to the the column scheme menu. Check the box next to Interstellarum Deep Sky.

I appreciate everyone's patience. EAA is almost ready for SkyTools Visual 4.1. Other features will follow soon after, and I have promised to release at least one new feature with every update.

As always the full list of fixes is here: https://skyhound.com/stupdate4.html]]> <![CDATA[Nova Lep 2025]]> https://skyhound.com/forums/showthread.php?tid=3285 Tue, 17 Jun 2025 21:11:33 -0400 theskyhound]]> https://skyhound.com/forums/showthread.php?tid=3285
Ensure that your "Current Bright Novae and Supernovae" subscription is enabled (Setup -> Manage Subscriptions). The list will be automatically updated or you can force it from the dialog. Open in the Nightly Planner (Visual) or Target Selection (Imaging) Tool. To find it, sort on magnitude, brightest at the top.]]>
Ensure that your "Current Bright Novae and Supernovae" subscription is enabled (Setup -> Manage Subscriptions). The list will be automatically updated or you can force it from the dialog. Open in the Nightly Planner (Visual) or Target Selection (Imaging) Tool. To find it, sort on magnitude, brightest at the top.]]> <![CDATA[AI Spam]]> https://skyhound.com/forums/showthread.php?tid=3282 Thu, 12 Jun 2025 11:29:41 -0400 theskyhound]]> https://skyhound.com/forums/showthread.php?tid=3282
If you are new here and want to fit in, please consider introducing yourself. Tell us about the kind of astronomy you do and about the equipment you use. Note also that we have a discord.]]>
If you are new here and want to fit in, please consider introducing yourself. Tell us about the kind of astronomy you do and about the equipment you use. Note also that we have a discord.]]> <![CDATA[Crash Related to Broken SOHO Sun image]]> https://skyhound.com/forums/showthread.php?tid=3224 Fri, 03 Jan 2025 16:15:27 -0500 theskyhound]]> https://skyhound.com/forums/showthread.php?tid=3224
The SOHO sun image that is used on SkyTools charts when displaying the sun is experiencing problems. The image file available for download is corrupted. Unfortunately SkyTools is not handling the corruption as it should, and attempting to display the Sun, and thus the image data, is causing a crash. I am working on a software solution and a workaround. For the time being it is best to follow this procedure:

1. Open the chart you want to use (e.g. the Interactive Atlas) on a target far away from the Sun
2. For each view, open the View Controls and remove the check box next to "Sun"
3. Click Close

This will effectively turn the drawing of the sun off on the charts.

If you want to check to see if they have resolved the problem, visit this link:
https://soho.nascom.nasa.gov/data/realtime-images.html#

SkyTools uses the image on the bottom left. When you see an image of the sun displayed there, you can safely re-enable it on the charts. Be sure to refresh the page if you have visited before.]]>
The SOHO sun image that is used on SkyTools charts when displaying the sun is experiencing problems. The image file available for download is corrupted. Unfortunately SkyTools is not handling the corruption as it should, and attempting to display the Sun, and thus the image data, is causing a crash. I am working on a software solution and a workaround. For the time being it is best to follow this procedure:

1. Open the chart you want to use (e.g. the Interactive Atlas) on a target far away from the Sun
2. For each view, open the View Controls and remove the check box next to "Sun"
3. Click Close

This will effectively turn the drawing of the sun off on the charts.

If you want to check to see if they have resolved the problem, visit this link:
https://soho.nascom.nasa.gov/data/realtime-images.html#

SkyTools uses the image on the bottom left. When you see an image of the sun displayed there, you can safely re-enable it on the charts. Be sure to refresh the page if you have visited before.]]> <![CDATA[Join the Skyhound Newsletter]]> https://skyhound.com/forums/showthread.php?tid=3199 Mon, 11 Nov 2024 12:47:41 -0500 theskyhound]]> https://skyhound.com/forums/showthread.php?tid=3199
I am starting a newsletter that will be released around full moon each month. It will include exclusive SkyTools development news, objects to view/image, comets, and SkyTools tips.

Sign up below:

https://skyhound.com/newsletter.html]]>
I am starting a newsletter that will be released around full moon each month. It will include exclusive SkyTools development news, objects to view/image, comets, and SkyTools tips.

Sign up below:

https://skyhound.com/newsletter.html]]> <![CDATA[How to Obtain Skytools 4.1]]> https://skyhound.com/forums/showthread.php?tid=3183 Mon, 14 Oct 2024 11:07:24 -0400 planz]]> https://skyhound.com/forums/showthread.php?tid=3183
I am running Skytools Professional 4.0.11.13 which does not include the new transparency settings.

However, Skytools doesn't tell me that there is a new version available.

How does one get Skytools 4.1

Phil Lanz]]>
I am running Skytools Professional 4.0.11.13 which does not include the new transparency settings.

However, Skytools doesn't tell me that there is a new version available.

How does one get Skytools 4.1

Phil Lanz]]> <![CDATA[Update to Version 4.x.11.11]]> https://skyhound.com/forums/showthread.php?tid=3176 Fri, 27 Sep 2024 22:25:27 -0400 theskyhound]]> https://skyhound.com/forums/showthread.php?tid=3176
An update has been released with various bug fixes and a new Visual 4.1 feature, available to anyone with SkyTools Visual 4.1.

See the update web page for more information in the fixes:
https://skyhound.com/stupdate4.html

Progress continues on the upcoming EAA features for Visual 4.1. I will be previewing it at the El Dorado Star Party on October 31.

We have improved the SkyTools model calculations of brightness, visibility and SNR for comet Comet C/2023 A3 (Tsuchinshan-ATLAS) by including the surge due to forward scattering, which will improve its predictions in October.

The visual difficulty label "Apparent" has been replaced with "Perceptible" which we feel will be less confusing.

For Visual 4.1 users, a new Transparency selection replaced the weather settings. See this video for more information:

]]>
An update has been released with various bug fixes and a new Visual 4.1 feature, available to anyone with SkyTools Visual 4.1.

See the update web page for more information in the fixes:
https://skyhound.com/stupdate4.html

Progress continues on the upcoming EAA features for Visual 4.1. I will be previewing it at the El Dorado Star Party on October 31.

We have improved the SkyTools model calculations of brightness, visibility and SNR for comet Comet C/2023 A3 (Tsuchinshan-ATLAS) by including the surge due to forward scattering, which will improve its predictions in October.

The visual difficulty label "Apparent" has been replaced with "Perceptible" which we feel will be less confusing.

For Visual 4.1 users, a new Transparency selection replaced the weather settings. See this video for more information:

]]> <![CDATA[Update to Version 4.x.11.10]]> https://skyhound.com/forums/showthread.php?tid=3128 Thu, 27 Jun 2024 18:26:54 -0400 theskyhound]]> https://skyhound.com/forums/showthread.php?tid=3128 Hello,

I have released an update to SkyTools version 4.x.11.10

Here is a list of fixes and additions:

Visual: Fixed a problem with the Plan feature of the Nightly Planner that sometimes led to blank plans
Imaging Smart Project Builder: the Auto choice was removed from the Binning selection because it was confusing and inconsistent with how other parts of SkyTools worked. When color composite mode is selected and Binx1, options will be presented that include Binx2 for color filters (RGB), just like the Auto selection did previously.
Imaging Smart Project Builder: The "region" label for stellar objects (stars, quasars, minor planets, etc.) consisted of garbled characters.
Imaging Schedule: a printed schedule sometimes overwrite one line with another.
Imaging Scheduler: added a feature to copy the schedule to the Windows clipboard in addition to printing it
Imaging 4.1: the help system has been improved for many new version 4.1 features or changes, and entering Gain Settings in particular.
Various minor fixes

]]> Hello,

I have released an update to SkyTools version 4.x.11.10

Here is a list of fixes and additions:

Visual: Fixed a problem with the Plan feature of the Nightly Planner that sometimes led to blank plans
Imaging Smart Project Builder: the Auto choice was removed from the Binning selection because it was confusing and inconsistent with how other parts of SkyTools worked. When color composite mode is selected and Binx1, options will be presented that include Binx2 for color filters (RGB), just like the Auto selection did previously.
Imaging Smart Project Builder: The "region" label for stellar objects (stars, quasars, minor planets, etc.) consisted of garbled characters.
Imaging Schedule: a printed schedule sometimes overwrite one line with another.
Imaging Scheduler: added a feature to copy the schedule to the Windows clipboard in addition to printing it
Imaging 4.1: the help system has been improved for many new version 4.1 features or changes, and entering Gain Settings in particular.
Various minor fixes

]]> <![CDATA[Update to version 4.x.11.07]]> https://skyhound.com/forums/showthread.php?tid=3083 Fri, 03 May 2024 18:45:53 -0400 theskyhound]]> https://skyhound.com/forums/showthread.php?tid=3083
The Upgrade Your Product feature shows all of the updates available to you. It does not show updates that you already own.

If you are wondering about version 4.1, here is the breakdown:

SkyTools Imaging and SkyTools Visual are two separate products. Each is being upgraded from version 4.0 to version 4.1

Version 4.1 of SkyTools Imaging was released last fall. Those who upgraded and own the bundle (with SkyTools Visual) also received the upgrade to SkyTools Visual 4.1 at no additional change.

Version 4.1 of SkyTools Visual is expected to be finished by the fall of 2024. The upgrade can be ordered now as early access, which means that you will receive the new version 4.1 features as they come out, rather than have to wait until the fall.

New purchases of SkyTools Imaging and SkyTools Visual have included the upgrade to version 4.1 for several months now, so you may already have version 4.1 of SkyTools Imaging, and/or early access to SkyTools Visual 4.1

How can you tell if you already have SkyTools 4.1? Select About SkyTools from the Help menu and inspect your license. If it begins with 4.1 then you need not do anything further.]]>
The Upgrade Your Product feature shows all of the updates available to you. It does not show updates that you already own.

If you are wondering about version 4.1, here is the breakdown:

SkyTools Imaging and SkyTools Visual are two separate products. Each is being upgraded from version 4.0 to version 4.1

Version 4.1 of SkyTools Imaging was released last fall. Those who upgraded and own the bundle (with SkyTools Visual) also received the upgrade to SkyTools Visual 4.1 at no additional change.

Version 4.1 of SkyTools Visual is expected to be finished by the fall of 2024. The upgrade can be ordered now as early access, which means that you will receive the new version 4.1 features as they come out, rather than have to wait until the fall.

New purchases of SkyTools Imaging and SkyTools Visual have included the upgrade to version 4.1 for several months now, so you may already have version 4.1 of SkyTools Imaging, and/or early access to SkyTools Visual 4.1

How can you tell if you already have SkyTools 4.1? Select About SkyTools from the Help menu and inspect your license. If it begins with 4.1 then you need not do anything further.]]> <![CDATA[Update to version 4.x.11.06]]> https://skyhound.com/forums/showthread.php?tid=3065 Thu, 25 Apr 2024 10:55:48 -0400 theskyhound]]> https://skyhound.com/forums/showthread.php?tid=3065
Please perform a full backup before you download and apply the update to version 4.x.11.06. I had two reports about problems with log entries right after I released this update, so I pulled it out of an abundance of caution. But the problems seem unrelated to each other and unrelated to the update. Therefore I am going to make the update available once again. Just in case there is a problem with the update after all, making a backup via the Tools menu before applying it will ensure your data is safe.]]>
Please perform a full backup before you download and apply the update to version 4.x.11.06. I had two reports about problems with log entries right after I released this update, so I pulled it out of an abundance of caution. But the problems seem unrelated to each other and unrelated to the update. Therefore I am going to make the update available once again. Just in case there is a problem with the update after all, making a backup via the Tools menu before applying it will ensure your data is safe.]]> <![CDATA[SkyTools Narrow Band Update (and other things)]]> https://skyhound.com/forums/showthread.php?tid=3042 Sat, 06 Apr 2024 17:56:46 -0400 theskyhound]]> https://skyhound.com/forums/showthread.php?tid=3042

See this page for the list of fixes: https://skyhound.com/stupdate4.html

]]>

See this page for the list of fixes: https://skyhound.com/stupdate4.html

]]> <![CDATA[Computer Side Chat #5]]> https://skyhound.com/forums/showthread.php?tid=2954 Wed, 06 Dec 2023 18:48:25 -0500 theskyhound]]> https://skyhound.com/forums/showthread.php?tid=2954

]]>

]]> <![CDATA[I'll Be at Okie-Tex]]> https://skyhound.com/forums/showthread.php?tid=2915 Mon, 04 Sep 2023 16:01:06 -0400 theskyhound]]> https://skyhound.com/forums/showthread.php?tid=2915