By Steven S. Tuma and

Dean Williams

 

 

Copyright © 2000 – All Rights Reserved

 

 


 

Introduction.. 6

Welcome to DEEPSKY 2000. 6

What Is DEEPSKY 2000?. 6

How is DEEPSKY 2000 distributed?. 6

What’s New in DEEPSKY 2000 Version 2. 7

Deepsky 2000 Version 2 Release Notes. 8

Integration With Cartes du Ciel. 11

DEEPSKY 2000 Feature Overview... 12

Star Catalogs. 12

Telecope GOTO Support 12

Extensive Database Environment (Up to 426,000 Deepsky Objects). 12

Database Import Wizard. 12

Observing Planner. 13

Observer’s Logbook. 13

Star Charts. 13

Report features. 14

Image Processing. 14

Integration with Cartes du Ciel software (by Patrick Chevalley). 14

Other features. 14

System Requirements for DEEPSKY 2000. 15

Installing DEEPSKY 2000. 16

Before Beginning Installation.. 16

Download from the Internet.. 16

Installing from the CD-ROM... 16

Installation Types. 16

Install from a CD-ROM – Leave Database on CD-ROM... 17

Install From a CD-ROM – Copy Database File to Hard Drive. 17

Notes during setup. 17

If You Need Help. 18

Getting Around in Deepsky 2000. 19

DATABASE MENU.. 19

PREFERENCES MENU.. 21

QUERY MENU.. 22

REPORT MENU.. 23

IMAGING MENU.. 24

SOLAR SYSTEM MENU.. 24

PLANNER MENU.. 25

LOGBOOK MENU.. 26

CHARTS MENU.. 27

TELESCOPE MENU.. 28

INTERNET MENU.. 29

HELP MENU.. 30

RIGHT CLICK MENU.. 31

Running DEEPSKY 2000 for the First Time. 35

Conversion of Old Logbook.. 35

Evaluation Version.. 35

Registering DEEPSKY 2000. 36

Quick Start – Setting Up Preferences. 36

Date and Time Preferences. 36

Geographic Location Preferences. 36

Equipment Preferences. 37

Miscellaneous Preferences. 37

External Applications Preferences. 38

Spreadsheet Preferences. 38

Chart Preferences. 38

Improving Star Chart Performance. 38

Astronomical Catalogs used in DEEPSKY 2000. 39

Components of DEEPSKY 2000. 39

Database Spreadsheet.. 40

Introduction.. 40

Design of the Database. 41

Template.MDB.. 41

Using the Database Spreadsheet.. 41

What’s Up Wizard.. 42

Find Object.. 43

Option Tabs (Bottom of Spreadsheet Screen) 43

Add Additional Objects to the Database. 44

Multi-Tabbed Spreadsheet.. 44

Moon Icon.. 44

Preferences. 44

Printing Reports. 46

Observing Plan Details Report 48

Logsheet Report 49

Queries & Reports. 50

Advanced Query – SQL. 50

DEEPSKY 2000’S Use of SQL. 50

DEEPSKY 2000’s Query Builder. 52

Table Maintenance. 53

Solar System Data.. 55

Image Gallery.. 55

Planner.. 57

Introduction.. 57

Adding Objects To the Plan.. 57

Removing Objects From the Plan.. 57

Showing Objects in Your Plan.. 57

Plans Included in DEEPSKY 2000. 57

EZ Logbook Update. 58

Planner Options. 58

Show Plan. 58

Clear Observing Plan. 59

Open Existing Plan. 59

Save Current Plan. 59

3 Panel Finder Charts. 59

Logbook.. 60

Using Deepsky’s Logbook.. 60

Log Name. 61

Observation Number. 61

Adding To Your Logbook. 61

Primary Information Stored in the Logbook. 61

Adding Non-Database (Planets, Comets, etc) Objects to the Logbook. 61

Retrieving Objects From Your Logbook. 62

Using the CCD Tab. 62

Using the Images Tab. 62

How Deepsky Keeps Track of Objects Observed. 62

Making A Logbook Entry Quickly.. 63

EZ Logbook Update Within Date Range. 64

Viewing the Logbook in a Spreadsheet Table. 65

Worksheet Tab. 65

Logbook Images Tab. 66

Logbook Notes. 67

Selection Criteria Options. 67

Sorting Options. 68

Optional SQL Interface (Advanced Users). 68

DEEPSKY 2000’s Rich Text Editor.. 69

Changing Fonts and Sizes. 70

Changing Colors. 70

View Other Logbooks. 70

Import Other Logs into Deepsky.. 71

Import NGP Export Files Into DEEPSKY 2000. 72

Export Logbook.. 72

Imaging.. 73

Image Formats Supported.. 73

Imaging Functions. 75

File Menu. 75

Edit Menu. 75

View Menu. 76

Animation. 76

Image Menu. 76

Color Menu. 77

Settings Menu. 78

Star Charts.. 79

The Chart Menu.. 79

Chart Operation.. 81

Using the Interactive Atlas. 81

Direction Controls. 82

Zoom Controls. 82

Chart Content 82

Chart Navigation. 82

Find Object 83

Chart Configuration. 84

Reset To Initial Settings. 84

Chart Orientation. 84

Erase Telrads and Telescope Markers. 85

Center on Telescope Position. 85

Print Current Chart 85

Print Atlas. 85

Help and Exit Controls. 85

The Object Identification Dialog. 86

The Eyepiece Dialog. 87

Telescope Control.. 88

Go To Support in DEEPSKY 2000. 89

Scope Setup. 89

Slide Show Feature. 89

The Slide Show Screen. 90

Automatic Slide Show (LX-200 Only)?. 90

Manual Slide Show.. 91

LX200 Control Panel. 92

Support for Astronomer’s Control Panel (ACP) 92

DEEPSKY 2000 Support for ACP. 93

Other Features.. 95

Night Vision Mode. 95

Synchronize PC’s Clock To Time Server.. 95

AstroBookmarks. 95

Database Import Wizard.. 96

Overview... 96

How to Import.. 96

Technical Support.. 101

 


Introduction

 

Welcome to DEEPSKY 2000

 

Congratulations on selecting DEEPSKY 2000 as your observing tool.  Its many features will enhance your observing preparation and will keep your notes, photos, and images organized.   Many new features have been added and many have been made easier to use.  DEEPSKY 2000 was written with the observer in mind.  Its simple yet powerful features will provide you with the information you require making your observing sessions productive. 

 

Don’t be intimidated by all the features in this software.  DEEPSKY 2000 is easy to use, yet it offers far more capabilities for observation planning than traditional planetarium software.  In fact, you may not need any other software for your planning tasks.

 

 

What Is DEEPSKY 2000?

 

DEEPSKY 2000 contains many features not found in ordinary planetarium programs.  Among these are:

 

·         426,000-object searchable database of deep sky objects including double and variable stars

·         18 million stars – Hubble Guide Star Catalog

·         2 million stars – Super Tycho Star Catalog

·         Solar System Information

·         Observing Planner

·         Observation Logbook

·         Star Chart Creator with stars to 15.5th magnitude

·         Integration with Cartes du Ciel astronomy software

·         Image Processing

·         Ultima, LX200, AutoStar, and Nexstar Telescope Support

·         Support for Bob Denny’s ACP software for the Meade LX200 and Autostar telescopes

 

 

How is DEEPSKY 2000 distributed?

 

Two versions are available:

 

1.       Download version (Evaluation)  This version is available on the Internet and lets you try all of DEEPSKY 2000’s features free for 30 days.  The evaluation version can be converted to a registered version by paying the registration fee and entering the registration code, which you will receive when you place your order. 

 

2.       CD-ROM version (includes Hubble Guide Star Catalog of 18 million stars)  This version contains all of the features found in the Evaluation version Plus it has the Hubble Guide Star catalog showing stars to about 15.5th magnitude. 

 

The only difference between the download version and the CD-ROM version is that the Hubble Guide Star Catalog is included on the CD-ROM.  Please keep in mind that the evaluation version is a very large download.  The minimum downloadable components require 50 megabytes of hard disk space.  This includes the smaller 26,000-object deep sky database.  The optional 500 CCD images require an additional 40 megabytes.  The optional 426,000-object database is another 33 megabytes. 


What’s New in DEEPSKY 2000 Version 2

 

 

·         The digital sky survey and Sky rover sketches link to the Internet now launches the default web browser to display the image.  This now works with any browser and not just IE

·         Celestron Ultima Telescope control has been added.

·         Super Tycho star catalog has been added.

·         Hubble Guide star catalog has been updated to version 1.3

·         Identify Objects at Current Scope Position - Displays a list of objects that are within X number of degrees from where the scope is pointing. 

·         Added separation calculation on the spreadsheet that calculates for each object in the spreadsheet, the separation between a home object (selected by right clicking and selecting the SET AS HOME TARGET option) or the current telescope position.  The target column color can be set from the spreadsheet formatting preferences

·         Added new logbook feature called "EZ LOGBOOK UPDATE - WITHIN DATE RANGE".  This feature lets you go back and update your log within a certain date range.  You might want to use this if you normally record your observations by clicking the OBS column in the spreadsheet since this only updates the date and time.  The new feature lets you go back and easily add things like location observed, equipment used, and other non-object specific information.

·         Added several new Deepsky catalogs to the database - 1. Alignment Stars Catalog, 2. Catalogue of Reflection Nebulae, Custom ed. [vdB], 3. Catalogue of Southern Emission Nebulae, 4. Catalogue of Southern Stars embedded in nebulosity 5. SAC 7.1

·         Added more descriptive objectid labels to the following catalogs: PGC, Zwicky, Abell, HII Regions, Lynds bright and dark nebula, ESO Planetary Nebulae, Fourth Cambridge Radio Survey, Hickson galaxy groups, Catalogue of Galaxies behind Milky WAY, Southern Dark Clouds, Catalogue of Southern Peculiar galaxies and associations , and NGC 2000

·         The LX-200 Control panel displayed position results incorrectly at times after hitting refresh.  This has been fixed.  Setting the Scope/Time Location values sometimes caused an error and did not display the results properly.  Also corrected selecting the SITE.

·         A SYNC command has been added to the right click menu to sync an LX200 or ULTIMA scope to the currently selected object.

·         Added information on meteor showers to the solar system menu.

·         Short date style and decimal separator are now automatically determined from your regional settings.  This will improve using Deepsky for international users.

·         Integrated Cartes du Ciel software into Deepsky.  Deepsky can now take the objects on its spreadsheet and send them to be displayed in Cartes du Ciel.

·         Deepsky 2000 now interfaces with Cartes du Ciel allowing real sky images to be viewed.

·         Integrated Variable Star Observer into Deepsky.  Deepsky can now display more information on variable stars and produce light curves by sending data to the freeware application - Variable Star Observer.

·         When viewing stars from the GCVS, additional information such as Period, Epoch of Maximum, and Duration of Eclipse are shown on the spreadsheet headers and in Object details and Object Maintenance.

·         An INCLUDE BLANK SIZE checkbox has been added to the RANGES 1 tab to provide finer control over object size selection.

 

 

 


Deepsky 2000 Version 2 Release Notes

 

1. FIXED: When entering a personal observing location, entering quotes or double quotes caused the location entry to not be added to the list.

 

2. FIXED: The date is shown incorrectly on the logbook entry screen if you were jumping from the logbook spreadsheet.  Jumping from the logbook spreadsheet is done either by double clicking the row, or by selecting VIEW EDIT LOGBOOK FOR SELECTED OBJECT.

 

3. FIXED: If the log entry screen is already loaded when you jump from the logbook spreadsheet, the object selected on the spreadsheet will not be shown on the logbook entry screen. 

 

4. FIXED: The daylight savings checkbox had no effect if you live in the southern hemisphere.

 

5. FIXED: CD ROM users would get an error message and crash when going into Database Sources under the HELP menu.

 

6. UPDATED: Latitude and Longitude in the status bar now show as hms instead of as a decimal.  Also added time zone next to the longitude

 

7. FIXED:  Using the ACP driver, Deepsky would send an incorrect value for declination when declination < 0.

 

8. ENHANCED: The digital sky survey and Sky rover sketches link to the Internet now launches the default web browser to display the image.  This now works with any browser and not just IE

 

9. FIXED: In Sync Internet Time, The time server mit.edu was hard coded into Deepsky.  You could change the server to another name but Deepsky always reverted back to mit.edu.  Now, Deepsky remembers and uses the last timeserver entered.  In addition, I've added several other timeservers in case one isn’t working.

 

10. ADDED: Lunar Map to MOON tab under Solar System Info.

 

11. ADDED: Current Lunar Appearance as an image representing what the moon would look like on the date selected.

 

12. FIXED: When changing the time in Date preferences, leaving the time blank (ie. __:__) caused a system crash

 

13. FIXED: Object Details Print Screen now prints the star chart

 

14. ENHANCED: Redesigned the Solar System Information screens.  Added a moon phase image to the moon information depicting the approximate phase.  Changed the Solar System Summary screens color scheme to something reasonable.

 

15. FIXED: When the logbook entry screen was displayed for a new observation, the date now defaults to today’s date.

 

16. ENHANCED: Convenient toolbar added to the image processing screen.

 

17. ENHANCED: Images displayed on the following screens now have a toolbar associated with them for additional functionality: Object Details, Database Maintenance, Logbook Entry, Image Gallery, Slide Show

 

18. ENHANCED: Rise and set times in the spreadsheet and on solar system screens no longer is in 24 hour format (ie. shows AM/PM)

 

19. FIXED: Made the software more reliable by correcting a couple memory leaks.

 

20. NEW: Identify Objects at Current Scope Position - Displays a list of objects that are within X number of degrees from where the scope is pointing.  User can add the objects to the observing plan

 

21. BUG (INTERNATIONAL USERS ONLY): Adding or removing personal observing locations did not work in some cases.  This is now fixed.

 

22. NEW: Added separation calculation on the spreadsheet that calculates for each object in the spreadsheet, the separation between a home object (selected by right clicking and selecting the SET AS HOME TARGET option) or the current telescope position.  The target column color can be set from the spreadsheet formatting preferences

 

23. NEW: Added new logbook feature called "EZ LOGBOOK UPDATE - WITHIN DATE RANGE".  This feature lets you go back and update your log within a certain date range.  You might want to use this if you normally record your observations by clicking the OBS column in the spreadsheet since this way only update the date and time.  The new feature lets you go back and easily add things like location observed, equipment used, and other non object specific information.

 

24. FIXED: On the select CATALOG, CONST, and TYPES screens, clicking CLEAR would always take you to the end of the list.

 

25. ADDED: 4 catalogs to the DeepPro413000.mdb database - 1. Alignment Stars Catalog, 2. Catalogue of Reflection Nebulae, Custom ed. [vdB], 3. Catalogue of Southern Emission Nebulae, 4. Catalogue of Southern Stars embedded in nebulosity 5. SAC 7.1

 

26. NEW: Added Go to Support for the Celestron Ultima telescope.

 

27. NEW: Added menu option to call the program : Cartes du Ciel  .  This is a nice star charting package that is freeware.

 

28. NEW: Added Super Tycho star catalog

 

29. FIXED: A problem existed with displaying the rise, set, and transit times in AM/PM format.  This has been corrected.

 

30. ENHANCED: Added more descriptive objectid labels to the following catalogs: PGC, Zwicky, Abell, HII Regions, Lynds bright and dark nebula, ESO Planetary Nebulae, Fourth Cambridge Radio Survey, Hickson galaxy groups, Catalogue of Galaxies behind Milky WAY, Southern Dark Clouds, Catalogue of Southern Peculiar galaxies and associations 

 

31. ADDED: 5 new catalogs for a total of 54 catalogs - Alignment Stars, Catalogue of Southern Stars embedded in nebulosity, Strassbourg Planetery Nebulae, Catalogue of Southern Emission Nebulae, SAC 7.1

 

32. UPDATED: The LX-200 Control panel displayed position results incorrectly at times after hitting refresh.  This has been fixed.  Setting the Scope/Time Location values sometimes caused an error and did not display the results properly.  Also corrected selecting the  SITE.

 

33. FIXED: A problem existed with the generic LX200 driver that gave false positions in rare instances.  In some case an object slewed to may be missed.

 

34. ADDED: A SYNC command has been added to the right click menu to sync an LX200 or ULTIMA scope to the currently selected object.

 

35. FIXED: When changing the lat, long, or time zone for your personal observing location, the change was not saved permanently to the database.

 

36. ADDED: Information on Meteor Showers to the solar system menu.

 

37.  UPDATED: The text 'NGC' is now prefixed to the object id's in the NGC 2000 catalog for clarity while viewing a star chart.

 

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NOTE: EXISTING DEEPSKY USERS WILL WANT TO RESET PREFERENCES BEFORE USING THE SOFTWARE FROM THE FILTER TAB.

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38. UPDATED: Short date style and decimal separator are now automatically determined from your regional settings.

 

39. ADDED: Integrated Cartes du Ciel into Deepsky.  Deepsky can now take the objects on its spreadsheet and send them to be displayed in Cartes du Ciel

 

40. ADDED: Integrated Cartes du Ciel into Deepsky.  Deepsky can now display real sky cd images in Cartes du Ciel.

 

41. ADDED: Integrated Variable Star Observer into Deepsky.  Deepsky can now display more information on variable stars and product light curves by sending data to the freeware application - Variable Star Observer.

 

42. UPDATED: When viewing stars from the GCVS, additional information such as Period, Epoch of Maximum, Duration of Eclipse are shown on the spreadsheet headers and in Object details and Object Maintenance.

 

43. UPDATED: An INCLUDE BLANK SIZE checkbox has been added to the RANGES 1 tab to provide finer control over object size selection

 

44. FIXED: On rare occasions, when clicking the refresh button on the main spreadsheet, Deepsky loads objects from ALL catalogs even though a selected catalog may be visible on the select tab.  This may give the appearance that the system has froze on slower computers (depending on other filters). 

 


Integration With Cartes du Ciel

 

 

Patrick Chevalley and I have joined forces to bring tight integration between Cartes du Ciel (http://www.stargazing.net/astropc/index.html) and Deepsky 2000 ver 2. 

 

Cartes du Ciel is currently a freeware astronomy application that compliments Deepsky 2000 very nicely.  Using Deepsky 2000 ver 2, you are able to create Cartes du Ciel star charts from within Deepsky 2000 by sending data from the Deepsky 2000 spreadsheet to the Cartes du Ciel star chart.  The picture above shows data from Deepsky 2000 plotted onto the Cartes du Ciel star chart.

 

The integration between our two software applications is as follows:

 

  1. Create Cartes du Ciel star charts using data from the Deepsky 2000 spreadsheet.  This works similar to how Deepsky creates its own star charts.

  2. Display Real Sky CD images in Cartes du Ciel by right clicking on an object in the Deepsky 2000 spreadsheet and selecting REAL SKY.

  3. Using the General Catalog of Variable Stars, users can send object information from the Deepsky 2000 spreadsheet to Patrick’s Variable Star Observer software.  Here you can view detailed data on variable stars and create light curves.

 


 

DEEPSKY 2000 Feature Overview

 

Star Catalogs

·         Hubble Guide Star Catalog  (GSC) ver 1.3 -This database of 18 million stars (CD-ROM version only) is distributed on the DEEPSKY 2000 CD-ROM.  DEEPSKY 2000 can access this database from your CD drive or your hard drive.   Mag 15.5.

 

·         Supertycho Catalogue of 2 and a half million stars was contributed by Bill Anderson.  This is the new Tycho-2 Star Catalogue supplemented with stars from the Tycho and Tycho Reference Star Catalogues.  This is a catalogue of stars to magnitude 12 and is a very nearly complete to this magnitude limit.

 

·         SAO star catalog. Mag 9

Telecope GOTO Support

·         Meade LX200 - Control Panel, Goto, Slide Show, Identify, ACP

·         Meade Autostar - Goto, Slide Show, Identify, ACP

·         Celestron Nexstar - Goto, Slide Show, Identify

·         Celestron Ultima - Goto, Slide Show, Identify

 

Extensive Database Environment (Up to 426,000 Deepsky Objects)

·         54 Astronomical Catalogs including NGC 2000 and SAC 7.1

·         Query the database quickly and easily by setting various filters OR by using standard SQL statements. 

·         Show the separation in degrees from a target object (ie. Scope position, deepsky object, etc)

·         View Data in a spreadsheet format. 

·         Easy selection and sorting through filters and preferences. 

·         Herschel Cross Reference

·         Sky Catalog 2000, Uranometria, and Millennium Chart numbers

·         Report writing features allow you to select what you want printed

·         Select and sort the data the way you want, then click PRINT to produce an easy to use report that can be used at the telescope. 

·         Quickly locate any object instantly - supports wildcards searches

·         Provides all the information you’ll need.  (RA, Dec, Alt, Azm, Rise, Set,  Transit and more)

·         Fully integrated with the logbook makes recording objects easier than ever. 

·         Five tab selectable spreadsheet windows permit up to five queries at one time.  Now you can create an observing plan in one window and query the database with another. 

·         Customize the colors and fonts in any spreadsheet tab. 

·         Faster retrieval of data into the spreadsheet.  Easier to control the volume of data returned. 

·         Save your spreadsheets for even faster retrieval later. 

·         Sort on any column in the spreadsheet quickly--even on calculated fields!

·         Start-up tips provide quick answers to any questions you may have. 

·         Add as many additional objects as you like to the database. 

·         Store pictures of your favorite objects in the Database.  Over 30 image formats supported!

·         Shows data for the sun, moon, and planets

·         Database is in Microsoft Access 2000 format – Use Access 2000 to perform additional queries and reports.

 

Database Import Wizard

·         DEEPSKY 2000 includes a database import wizard so that you can import additional ASCII catalogs from the ADC or CDS.  Hundreds of catalogs are available and can be imported into DEEPSKY 2000 very easily. 

 

Observing Planner

·         The observing planner is now integrated with the telescope Slide show feature.  Now, your telescope can make it extremely easy to show objects you specified in your observing plan. 

·         Click on the PLN column in the spreadsheet and Deepsky flags that object as being in your plan.  Use the SHOW PLAN button to show only those objects you selected for your plan.

·         The new Log Sheet report makes it easy to log your observations at the telescope.

·         Pre-built Herschel club-observing plans.

·         The Observing Plan Details report helps you find the object you are looking for by providing detailed information on the object, logbook notes, and a chart all on one page.

 

Observer’s Logbook

·         Record an observation by clicking on the OBS column on the spreadsheet, or go into the detailed logbook directly and enter tons of information about the object.  Includes fields to track CCD imaging observations.

·         Multi-tabbed windows make it easier to view and enter information during logbook entry. 

·         Track general information, session notes, observing notes, CCD information, and images.

·         Session notes gives you a spot to keep general information on your observing session.

·         EZ Logbook Update feature has been integrated with the telescope Slide Show feature so you can automatically have logbook entries created for you while you are at the telescope. 

·         Partition your personal logbook into multiple logbooks.  This lets you keep different types of observations separate.

·         Import NGP logbooks into DEEPSKY 2000.

·         Observations from other amateurs.  Over 3,500 included!

·         Store all your observations quickly and easily in DEEPSKY 2000’s efficiently designed and easy-to-use interface. 

·         Default Last Record saves time making multiple log entries.

·         Table view lets you view your observations in a spreadsheet format.

·         New Entry facility allows you to enter common data only one time.  DEEPSKY 2000 will create the logbook entries for the objects you have selected.

·         Store as many observations as you like for as many objects as you observe. 

·         You can attach as many images or sketches as you like to each observation!

·         Word processing text editor allows you to store detailed notes for each observation.  Change fonts, colors, or sizes to accent your notes. 

·         Integrated with the Observing Planner and Image Processing system.

·         Logbook is in Microsoft Access 2000 format.

 

Star Charts

Deepsky’s star charts are unique compared to other software on the market.   Unlike other programs, you can create an observing plan in a spreadsheet format and then transfer only those objects to the star chart.  What you end up with is a concise star chart customized for your observing plan.

 

·         Display star charts on screen

·         Print star charts in either portrait enhanced or landscape mode. 

·         Charts show stars to about 16th magnitude with the CD-ROM

·         Plot any or all objects that are in your observing plan

·         Plot the positions for the Sun, Moon, or Planets

·         Plot comets or asteroids

·         Improved information window shows information pertaining to the object selected in a clear and concise format. 

·         Nebula shapes, Ecliptic Lines, and Milky Way boundaries are included.

·         Telrads and Eyepiece circles can now be superimposed on top of the star charts. 

·         An Atlas feature has been added that lets you print out a range of RA and DEC.  Using this feature, you can create your own star atlases quickly and easily. 

·         Telescope Go To support has been added. 

 

Report features

·         There are now several additional reports and queries pre-defined for quick access.  Now you can easily keep track of your Messier and Herschel lists. 

·         The print preview window has been improved making it more consistent and easier to use. 

·         Improved report writing allows you easy control over which fields get printed. 

·         Print out your observing notes

 

Image Processing

·         Integrates with the observing planner and logbook

·         Image preview while loading or before altering

·         Perform various effects including Flip, Rotate, Reverse, Resize, Posterize, Average, Median, Sharpen, Noise, Emboss, Underlay, Edge Enhance, Invert, Brightness, Contrast, Histogram Contrast, Hue, Saturation, Histogram Equalize, Stretch intensity, Gamma, Intensity Detect, View, Zoom, Fit to Window

·         Perform Color Separations - RGB, CMYK, HSV, HLS, CMY

·         Support for over 30 popular image formats including BMP, JPEG, LEAD, and TIF

·         Convert images from one format to another

·         Built in TWAIN scanning interface (requires 32 bit TWAIN driver) will scan your pictures right into the logbook. 

·         Render images in any color depth from 1 bit to 32 bits

·         Produce high quality printouts

·         Save images using variable degrees of compression for JPEG and several other formats including LEAD. 

·         Screen capture utility copies any screen you have placing it in the imaging processing system. 

 

Integration with Cartes du Ciel software (by Patrick Chevalley)

·         Send objects from the Deepsky spreadsheet into Cartes du Ciel for display on its star charts.

·         View real sky CD images in Cartes du Ciel by selecting the object to view from the Deepsky spreadsheet.

·         Send objects from the Deepsky spreadsheet (GCVS catalog) into VarObs to display detailed information on variable stars and to plot light curves.

 

Other features

·         Improved night vision mode

·         You can now set your PC clock to a highly accurate atomic clock via the Internet. 

·         Open and enhance multiple images at the same time using multiple windows

·         Receive Time Signals from the internet LIVE

·         Digital Sky Survey interface

·         NGC Online Interface

·         Skyrover Sketches On-line

·         Astro Bookmarks integrates with your favorite web browser



 

 


System Requirements for DEEPSKY 2000

 

·         Windows 95, 98, NT, or Windows 2000

·         A minimum of 16 megabytes of RAM is required, 32 megabytes is recommended.  The more memory you have, the faster Deepsky 2000 runs!

·         CD-ROM drive (for the CD-ROM version)

·         Any Windows-supported printer (optional)

·         50 to 350 megabytes of hard disk space.  The actual amount required depends on which components are installed to the disk

·         Internet Explorer 4 or higher is required for the following features: Digital Sky Survey integration, NGC Online integration, and the ACP Script Generator used by the Slide Show feature.  We recommend that users install IE5 even if they plan on using a different browser because IE5 updates their windows setup.

 

IMPORTANT NOTE:

 

It’s recommended that you stay up to date with all Microsoft Critical Updates and service packs.  You can visit Microsoft’s update site at http://www.windowsupdate.com to determine if any critical updates are available for your operating system.

 

 

Installing DEEPSKY 2000

 

Getting started with DEEPSKY 2000 is easy.  DEEPSKY 2000 is available as either a downloadable .ZIP file or as a CD-ROM.  Just follow the installation instructions depending upon how you obtained DEEPSKY 2000.

 

 

Before Beginning Installation

 

1.       Please make sure your Windows operating system is up to date before you install DEEPSKY 2000.  If you are at an older release of Windows, such as early Windows 95 or NT, DEEPSKY 2000 may not function properly.  For Windows NT 4.0 users, make sure you are at Service Pack 4 or higher.  It is always best to keep your operating system up to date.

2.       Close all programs running on your computer.  It might even be a good idea to reboot your computer before running setup.  Unload any virus checking software that may be running in the system tray.

3.       DEEPSKY 2000 is optimized to run on screens whose resolution is set to 800 x 600 or higher.  Although DEEPSKY 2000 works fine at lower resolutions, the higher resolutions provide better views and more real estate to work with. 

 

 

Download from the Internet

 

1.       You can download an evaluation copy of DEEPSKY 2000 from

http://www.deepsky2000.com.  Deepsky is available as a single large self-extracting .EXE file or as several smaller .ZIP files.

2.       If you downloaded the single large file, run that file.  This will start the installation process.

3.       Otherwise, UNZIP each file you just downloaded, then run the SETUP.EXE that you just extracted. 

4.       Follow the simple instructions during the setup process. 

5.       Reboot your computer to complete the installation.

 

This process will install a small, 26,000-object database.  You may also download the larger, 426,000-object database and copy it into your DEEPSKY 2000 directory.

 

 

Installing from the CD-ROM

 

Before beginning the installation, you must decide on which setup type you wish to run.

 

Installation Types

 

Compact

This is the minimum installation of DEEPSKY 2000, and requires about 50 megabytes of hard disk space. A small, 26,000-object database (DeepPro13000.mdb) is installed on your hard drive. You can access the Hubble Guide Star Catalog (GSC) database from the CD-ROM.  You can also, at any time, copy the GSC and the 54-catalog astronomical database (DeepPro413000.mdb) to your hard disk.

 

Typical

This option installs DEEPSKY 2000, the 26,000-object database (DeepPro13000.mdb), and the 109 Messier Bitmap images onto your hard drive, requiring 80 megabytes of hard disk space.  As with the compact installation, the GSC can be accessed from the CD-ROM.  You can also copy the GSC or the 54-catalog astronomical database to your hard disk at any time.

 

Custom

This option allows you to choose which components to install.  A full installation of DEEPSKY 2000 with all components (including the GSC and 54-catalog database) requires 350 megabytes of hard disk space.  If you have room, this is the best option because everything will run at its fastest.  During installation, you will be asked to choose the Small database or the CD-ROM Database.  Choose one or the other. 

 

Install from a CD-ROM – Leave Database on CD-ROM

 

1.       Insert the DEEPSKY 2000 CD-ROM into your drive. 

2.       If the installation does not start automatically, run SETUP.EXE from the root directory of the CD-ROM.

3.       Follow the simple instructions during the setup process.

4.       Reboot your computer.

5.       Run DEEPSKY 2000.  When the program is run for the fist time, you may get a wizard indicating that the database is not found.  If this happens, browse to the root directory of your CD-ROM and select the file named Deeppro413000.mdb. 

6.       Follow the rest of the screens in the wizard to specify where the DEEPSKY 2000 supplied images and the GSC catalogs are located.  Both are located in folders on your CD-ROM drive.  If you don’t specify these paths, images will not be viewable in the software and the star charts won’t show stars past 11th magnitude.

 

 

Install From a CD-ROM – Copy Database File to Hard Drive

 

Follow steps 1 through 4 above, then

5.       Copy the DEEPPRO413000.MDB file from the root directory of the CD-ROM to the directory on your hard drive that contains DEEPSKY 2000.

6.       Using Microsoft Explorer, show the properties for this file on your hard drive, and uncheck the Read Only box.

7.       Run DEEPSKY 2000.  Select Preferences®Misc, and select the Specify Deepsky Database button.  Then, specify the location of the DEEPPRO413000.MDB file that you just copied. 

 

Notes during setup

 

·         During the installation, DEEPSKY 2000 installs several components.  Please read each screen as it appears. 

 

·         Microsoft Word Viewer 97 is included on the CD ROM.  DEEPSKY 2000’s user manual (this document) is in Microsoft Word 97 format, so you should install this viewer if you do not already have Microsoft Word 97 installed on your computer. 

 

·         If setup finds any read-only Windows system files, a message will be displayed.  Click OK to overwrite them.

 

 

1.       You will not be able to add additional objects to the main database.  You will still be able to enter as many logbook entries as you like since the logbook is stored on your hard drive.

2.       You will not be able to filter by objects observed.

 

If DEEPSKY 2000 displays a message that says an option doesn’t work, it is probably because you are running with the database from the CD-ROM.  For the most part, this is a minor limitation.  Most of DEEPSKY 2000 will work just fine from the CD-ROM.

 

 

If You Need Help

 

If you receive any error messages during setup that indicate that a file did not Register correctly, continue with the installation and reboot your system when finished.  Then run DEEPSKY 2000.  If DEEPSKY 2000 does not run, please contact me and I will provide technical support to get you going.  See the Technical Support section at the end of this manual for contact information.


Getting Around in Deepsky 2000

 

The following information gives a summary of every menu option used in the software.

 

DATABASE MENU

 

 

Edit

This option is used to add or edit additional objects to the Deepsky database.

 

Find

Displays objects in either a spreadsheet or form format.  This option lets you search by object id, other id, or Messier #.  If more than one object is found, you should display the results in the spreadsheet since the form format only shows the first one found.

 

Table Maintenance

View and edit the core Deepsky tables using an Access 2000 like screen.

                                                                                                                                               

Object Database – The main table that keeps track of all the Deepsky objects, variable stars, and double stars.

 

Object Logbook – The main table that keeps track of all your observations.

 

CCD Logbook – The main table that stores CCD Logbook information

 

Object Images – Keeps track of all linked logbook images.  This table stores the image path for a particular object.

 

User Catalog – Keeps track of the other amateur logbooks.

 

Import

Allows you to import other ASCII object catalogs into Deepsky 2000.     See the Import Wizard section in this manual for more details.

 

Export

Export Selected Objects To Ascii File – This option takes whatever objects are shown on the spreadsheet and outputs them to an ASCII file.

 

Export All Objects To Ascii File – This option takes all objects in the database and outputs them to an ASCII file.


Export Selected Objects To Excel – This option takes whatever objects are shown on the spreadsheet and outputs them to an Excel spreadsheet.

 

 

Export Selected Objects To HTML Table - This option takes whatever objects are shown on the spreadsheet and outputs them to an HTML file for viewing with a web browser.

 

Utilities

 

Fix Images – When adding images to the Deepsky database, the image path is stored in the database as well as the image table for speed purposes unless the database is used on the CD-ROM.  In this case, the IMG column on the spreadsheet will not be checked for those images since Deepsky looks at the database to see if an image is available.  If you decide to copy the database to your hard drive, this utility instructs Deepsky to update the database on the hard disk with the image paths in the image table, re-enabling the check mark on the spreadsheet.

 

Fix Observations – When you add an observation to your logbook, Deepsky also flags it as observed in the database for speed purposes, unless the database is used on the CD-ROM.  In this case, the OBS column on the spreadsheet will not be checked for those objects observed since Deepsky looks at the database to see if an observation has been made.  If you decide to copy the database to your hard drive, this utility instructs Deepsky to update the database on the hard disk with the objects observed in the logbook, re-enabling the check mark on the spreadsheet.

 

Important Note

If you are using the database on the CD ROM and are unable to use it from your hard drive, you should check the box labeled Data/Log Lookup Type located in MISC preferences.  This causes Deepsky to examine the logbook as the spreadsheet is loading to determine if the object has been observed.  The only downside to this option is that the spreadsheet  will load a little slower since it has to do additional work.

 

Compact Database­ – (Not available if using database from the CD-ROM). This option removes all deleted objects from your database file if the database resides on your hard disk.  When Deepsky deletes an object, it really only flags it as being deleted.  Even though it’s no longer available to Deepsky, it is really still in the database.  This option permanently removes those deleted records freeing up some space in the database.  The option is really only useful if you delete a large # of objects like deleting whole catalogs using the import wizard.

 

Add New Catalog To Database – Deepsky comes with 54 astronomical catalogs and the import wizard can be used to add more.  However, you may want to create your own personal catalog to add objects to over a period of time.  This option lets you create such a catalog.

 


PREFERENCES MENU

 

 

Setup Wizard

This option is normally displayed when you run Deepsky for the first time.  However, it’s also available as an option here.  The setup wizard walks you through setting up the database location, image location, and Hubble Guide Star location.   You can also set your SHORT DATE format and decimal separator here. 

 

Important Note: The SHORT DATE format should match what is shown in your Regional Settings in control panel.

 

Date and Time

Sets the date and time used for calculations in Deepsky.

 

Geographic Preferences

Sets the latitude and longitude of your observing site.  You can also set up multiple personal locations using this option.

 

Equipment

Allows you to select the equipment you use for your observing.  The information selected here will be made available in a selection box during logbook entry.

 

Misc

Lets you set various items including database, image, and HGC file paths.  You can also set up multiple personal logbook types and do a few other things.

 

External Applications

Lets you specify the path to FITS and Moonrise applications if you have these applications installed.

 

Spreadsheet

Controls the color scheme for each spreadsheet tab and allows you to specify certain spreadsheet formatting options like suppressing zero values.

 

Chart

Controls various default settings for Deepsky’s star charts.  Here you can control for example if you want other amateur log notes passed to the charts for display in the chart information window.

 

Image

Controls how images are painted to the screen.  Different image effects are available.

 

 

QUERY MENU

 

                   

Query Builder

This option walks you through the process of creating an SQL query.  SQL is very powerful, however it’s syntax is confusing to some users  (Note: SQL is optional in Deepsky 2000).    After creating a SQL query, you can save it for later use or run it immediately.

 

What’s Up Wizard

This wizard asks you several questions regarding the objects you want to have displayed.  When you click FINISH, only those objects currently visible will be shown on the spreadsheet.

 

What’s Up - Messier

This query displays only those Messier objects visible at your location.

 

What’s Up – Herschel

This query displays only those Herschel objects visible at your location.

 

Show All Objects Brighter than 8th magnitude

This query displays bright Deepsky objects from the NGC 2000 catalog.

 

Show Objects with Attached Image

This query displays objects that have an image available to view.

 

Show Objects Already Observed

This query displays objects that have been observed.

 

Show All Messier Objects

This query displays all 109 Messier objects.

 

Show Messier Objects Observed

This query displays all Messier objects that have been observed.

 

Show Messier Objects Not Observed

This query displays all Messier objects that have not been observed.

 

Show All Herschel Objects

This query displays all Herschel objects.

 

Show Herschel Objects Observed

This query displays all Herschel objects that have been observed.

 

Show Herschel Objects Not Observed

This query displays all Herschel objects that have not been observed.

 

REPORT MENU

 

 

Database Report

This option will print a report of those objects currently on the spreadsheet tab selected.

 

Logbook Report

This option will print a report of all objects observed.

 

Messier Certificate Summary

Displays a summary report of all Messier objects that have been observed.

 

Messier Certificate Detail

Displays a detail report of all Messier objects that have been observed.

 

Herschel Certificate Summary

Displays a summary report of all Herschel objects that have been observed.

 

Herschel Certificate Detail

Displays a detail report of all Herschel objects that have been observed.

 

Logbook Observed Statistics

Counts the number of objects you have observed and displays this information by object type including messier and Herschel objects.

 

Print Screen

Sends the current screen to the printer.

 

IMAGING MENU

 

 

Image Processing

This option takes you to Deepsky’s image processing features.  Here you can view or edit images.

 

Solar System Image Gallery

Displays 80 hi-resolution images from various solar system objects.  NOTE: Requires that the image path is set properly in MISC preferences.

 

FitsView –from NRAO/AUI

FitsView is a FITS image format editor.  This program is separate from Deepsky 2000 and must be installed either off the CD-ROM drive or downloaded from the Deepsky website.

 

SOLAR SYSTEM MENU

 

 

Sun, Moon, and Planets

Click on one of these to see detailed information on the solar system object.  Included are times of rising, position, brightness, and more.   You also will see a star chart showing where the object is currently located and a nice photo of the object.

 

Summary

The summary screen displays an overview of the Sun, Moon and planets.

 

Dates of New and Full Moons

This option shows you when the new and full moons will occur for the year you specify.

 

Lunar Map

Select this option to view a map of the moon showing major lunar features.

 

Meteor Showers

This option shows information on various meteor showers throughout the year.

 

Image Gallery

Displays 80 hi-resolution images from various solar system objects.  NOTE: Requires that the image path is set properly in MISC preferences.  This option is also located on the Imaging menu.

 

Comet Data

This option shows the orbital elements of all currently visible comets and allows you to generate a custom ephemeris.  You can even plot the ephemeris onto a star chart.

 

Asteroid Data

This option shows the orbital elements of about 8,000 asteroids and allows you to generate a custom ephemeris.  You can even plot the ephemeris onto a star chart.

 

Moonrise – By Dr. Bruce Sidell

Moonrise is a separate program which provides excellent information on the moon.  The software can be downloaded from http://www.iserv.net/~bsidell/moonrise.htm

 

PLANNER MENU

                       

 

Show Objects In Plan

To add objects to your observing plan you click on the PLN column on the spreadsheet.  When you do this, the software keeps track of all objects you clicked on.  Show Objects simply loads only those objects back into the spreadsheet so that you can view what was selected.

 

Note: Each spreadsheet tab can have its own observing plan.

 

Clear Observing Plan

Clears all objects from the observing plan.

 

Open Existing Plan

Loads an observing plan that was previously saved.

 

Save Current Plan

Saves the current observing plan to your hard disk.

 

EZ Logbook Update

Deepsky 2000 lets you quickly update your personal logbook by moving objects from your observing plan into the log.  This option lets you enter common data like date, location observed, equipment, etc. one time and then select the objects shown on a list to add to your logbook.

 

LOGBOOK MENU

 

 

View/Edit Logbook

This option is the main one you use when you want to enter objects into your logbook.  From this screen, you can access all other personal logbook related screens.

 

View Logbook in Spreadsheet

This option lets you view all your observations in a spreadsheet where you can select the ones you want and order them to your liking.

 

Print Blank LogSheet

Use this option to print out copies of a Logbook sheet you can use to record your objects while observing.

 

Print Logbook – 1 object per page

Use this option to print your logbook so that it can be bound or used elsewhere.  You can select the objects you want printed along with the sort order.

 

Print LogSheet For All Objects On Spreadsheet

Use this option to quickly print out your logbook.

 

View Other Amateur Logbooks

Deepsky comes with over 4,000 observations from amateur observers.  This option displays the list of catalogs for you to view and the objects within the catalog.  When selected, the details of the observation are shown. 

 

Backup Logbook

This option lets you copy the logbook to another disk drive so that it is backed up. 

 

Import Log Maintenance

This option lets you define new logbook names you wish to import using the Import Other Logs into Deepsky option

 

Import Other Logs into Deepsky

Performs the import process adding observations from an outside file into Deepsky 2000.

 

Convert NGP Export File to ASCII Format

This option takes NGP logbook files and converts them into an ASCII format so that it can be imported using the Import Other Logs into Deepsky option.

 

Export Personal Logbook Data

Use this option to make your observations accessible to other astronomy programs.  The option reads through your logbook and creates an ASCII file containing the data.

 

CHARTS MENU

 

 

Deepsky 2000 is capable of displaying very beautiful star charts.  By default, Deepsky 2000 includes its own star charting functions.  In addition, Deepsky 2000 also supports creating star charts using Cartes du Ciel  by Patrick Chevalley (A great freeware software included with Deepsky 2000).  Select either charting option and you will be presented with several options to choose from.

 

Deepsky 2000 Charting Options

 

Star Charts

Use this option to create a star chart showing only those Deepsky objects that are on the currently selected spreadsheet.

 

Plot Planets, Sun, and Moon

Use this option to create a star chart showing only solar system objects.

 

Plot Entered Coordinates

This option let you enter a series of coordinates and then have a chart created with those coordinates plotted.

 

Plot Scope Location

When telescope control is activated, this option will create a star chart with the field centered on the telescope position.

 

Go To Constellation

Creates a simple star chart centered on the selected constellation.

 
Show Charts With Stars Only

Creates a simple star chart with no Deepsky objects.

 

Cartes du Ciel Charting Options

 

Star Charts

Use this option to create a star chart showing only those Deepsky objects that are on the currently selected spreadsheet.

 

Plot Entered Coordinates

This option let you enter a series of coordinates and then have a chart created with those coordinates plotted.

 

Go To Constellation

Creates a simple star chart centered on the selected constellation.

 
Cartes du Ciel

Launches Cartes du Ciel astronomy software.

 

TELESCOPE MENU

                     

 

Scope Enabled/Disabled

When this option says SCOPE DISABLED, clicking it activates telescope control.  If telescope control has not been used before, you will be prompted to enter the com port #.  If the option says SCOPE ENABLED, then clicking it turns off the scope control.

 

Scope Setup

Before using telescope control, you should select this option to specify the scope you are using and whether you are using the generic Deepsky driver or ACP.

 

Control Panel

Available only for LX-200 telescope users, this option provides a control panel, which you can use to control the LX-200 instead of using the hand controller that comes with it.

 

Current Scope Position

This option returns the scope’s current right ascension, declination, altitude, and azimuth.

 

Identify Objects at Current Scope Position

This option will display objects that are currently within a certain number of degrees from your telescope.  You can use this feature to help identify objects nearby in order to help minimize slewing.

 

Slide Show (Tour Mode)

This option will take you on a tour of the universe based on whatever objects are currently displayed on the spreadsheet.

 

Show Scope Location on Chart

When telescope control is activated, this option will create a star chart with the field centered on the telescope position.

 

Create Slide Show Script for ACP

Astronomer’s Control Panel enables you to write scripts to control your telescope.  This option automatically creates an ACP script based on the objects currently displayed on the spreadsheet.

 

Create Tour Script

If you are using a scope with a Meade AUTOSTAR controller, then you can create a tour script that can be loaded into the Autostar.  Whatever objects are displayed on the currently selected spreadsheet will be added to the script.  Once the script is created, you simple load it in using the Autostar update utility.

 

Go To ACP Website

Takes you to the ACP website.  ACP is an excellent telescope control software package that includes voice recognition to navigate your scope.  Check it out!!

 

INTERNET MENU

 

 

Astro Bookmarks

This option provides over 500 categorized website links relating to all aspects of astronomy.  You can use this feature to lookup a summary of the website prior to visiting it or have it launch your web browser automatically.

 

Sync Time

Synchronizes your PC’s internal clock to an accurate TimeServer on the Internet. 

 

Time Signals in Browser

Launches a website that will provide verbal time signals.

 

Internet Configuration

Sets various parameters that are used in the NGC On-line and Digital Sky Survey interfaces.

 

HELP MENU

 

 

Deepsky 2000 Help

Takes you to Deepsky’s on-line help file

 

Enable Screen Tips

Shows tips while you use Deepsky 2000.

 

Check For Deepsky Updates

Automatically checks the website to see if the version of Deepsky you are running is up to date.

 

Make Fully Operational

This option is used to register your copy of Deepsky 2000.  You will be prompted to enter the user id and the registration code.  Note: Both the user id and code are case sensitive so enter them exactly as given to you.

 

Registration Information

Provides information on how to register Deepsky 2000

 

Database Sources

Displays detailed information on each catalog used in Deepsky.

 

Acknowledgments

Credits to those who help make Deepsky 2000 what it is today.

 

About Deepsky 2000

Provides the current version of the software you are using.

 


RIGHT CLICK MENU

DEEPSKY 2000 provides a pop-up menu when you select an object that is displayed on the spreadsheet. In order to display the Right-Click pop-up menu, first click once on the row you are interested in, then right-click after you have selected the row.  The pop-up menu will then be displayed.  Many of the tasks can also be accessed via a pull-down menu or toolbar button. Most of the options on the pop-up menu relate to the object you selected. 

 

              

 

Sort Column in Ascending Order

This option sort the list of objects in ascending order based on the column selected.

 

Sort Column in Descending Order

This option sort the list of objects in descending order based on the column selected.

 

Reports

 

 

Print Logsheet For Selected Object

This option prints a log sheet report for the object selected.  This report shows information for the object, provides a space for notes, and shows two circled areas for making sketches of the field.

 

Print Observing Plan Details for Selected Object

This option prints a report showing detailed data for the object, a small star chart, and observing notes, all organized neatly on one page.

 


Charts - Deepsky 2000

 

      

            Print Finder Chart For Selected Object

This option prints a report showing 3 charts of different levels of detail.  One chart gives you a wide angle view, another a telrad view, and finally an eyepiece view.

 

            3-Panel Finder Chart

            This option display a 3 panel finder chart for the object you have selected showing

various field of views.

 

            Plot and Center All Objects

      This option plots all the objects currently selected and displayed on the screen onto a star

chart.

 

      Plot Currently Selected Objects Centered on Selected Object

This option plots all the objects currently selected and displayed on the screen onto a star

chart centered on the object you selected.

 

Plot Selected Object and Center It

This option plots only the selected object onto a star chart with the object centered

 

Charts – Cartes du Ciel

 

            Plot and Center All Objects

      This option plots all the objects currently selected and displayed on the screen onto a star

chart.

 

      Plot Currently Selected Objects Centered on Selected Object

This option plots all the objects currently selected and displayed on the screen onto a star

chart centered on the object you selected.

 

Plot Selected Object and Center It

This option plots only the selected object onto a star chart with the object centered

 

            Real Sky Image

This option takes the selected object on the spreadsheet and instructs Cartes du Ciel to display a Real Sky CD ROM Image.  

 

Send Current Object To Variable Star Observer

Variable Star Observer is another freeware product by Patrick Chevalley that displays information including light curves for variable stars.  Deepsky’s GCVS catalog can be used to select variable stars that can be viewed in Patrick’s program.  This option sends the currently selected object on the spreadsheet to the Variable Star Observer program.

 

Send All Objects To Variable Star Observer

This option sends all of the variable stars (GCVS catalog only) on the Deepsky 2000 spreadsheet to the Variable Star Observer program.

 


Internet

 

 

Go to the Interactive NGC Catalog Online (Requires Internet Explorer 4.0 or later)

This option will load Internet Explorer and show information regarding the object you are on from a web site on the Internet.

 

Go to Digital Sky Survey Online (Requires Internet Explorer 4.0 or later)

This option will display an image of the object selected from the Digital Sky Survey on the

Internet.

 
Go to Skyrover Sketches (Requires Internet Explorer 4.0 or later)

This option will display a sketch of the object selected from the Skyrover website. The

site showcases the work of Jere Kahanpää and was put together by  Tim Harincar.   This

feature shows what the object actually looks like visually through a telescope.   The

website http://www.skyrover.net/ds/ can be viewed using your webbrowser as well.

 

 

Object Details

This option shows detailed information on the object selected and displays any images that are attached to the object along with a simple finder chart.

 

Database Maintenance

This option is similar to the Object Details option, but allows you to change information relating to the object selected.

 

View/Edit Logbook for Selected Object

This option displays your logbook for the currently selected object.  You can add as many observations to the logbook as you want and view them one at a time or all together using the TABLE view.

 

Amateur Logs

DEEPSKY 2000 comes with several logbooks obtained from other amateur observers.  Selecting this object will display the logbook information for the selected object if the object is in one of the other logbooks.

 

Description Details

DEEPSKY 2000 provides a lot of additional information for each object depending upon which catalog is selected.  This option shows this information in a notepad like window. 

 

Description Key for NGC 2000

This option displays a key of the abbreviations used by the NGC 2000 catalog description field.

 

Set As Home Target

Deepsky can display the separation in degrees between an object in the spreadsheet and a selected target object.  A target object can be any object on the spreadsheet or it can be the current telescope position.  When targeting is turned on (Target button on Ranges 2 tab), the number of degrees between it and each object in the spreadsheet is displayed in the separation column of the spreadsheet.  The separation column is highlighted so that you know that targeting is turned on.

 

Locate Object in Telescope

This option will slew your telescope to the object selected.

 

Sync

This option can be used with either the LX200 or the Ultima telescope to Sync the coordinates of the currently selected object.  You could use this to essentially update your alignment as you view objects in different parts of the sky.


Running DEEPSKY 2000
for the First Time

 

This wizard lets you specify the path to where the database, images, the Guide Star Catalog, and the Super Tycho star catalog files reside.  The first time you run DEEPSKY 2000, the following setup wizard may appear:

 

 

Answer the prompts as you go through the setup wizard and click Finish when you are done.  

 

Conversion of Old Logbook

 

If you have used a Deepsky product in the past and have upgraded to the present version, you may see a window indicating that a conversion of your previous logbook and other miscellaneous files is necessary.  Click on the button and your files, with the exception of your preferences, will be converted to the new format.  When this process is complete, DEEPSKY 2000 will start.

 

Evaluation Version

 

If you are an unregistered user, a 15 second delay window will be displayed each time DEEPSKY 2000 starts, reminding you that your copy is for evaluation purposes only.  You have 30 days to evaluate DEEPSKY 2000 before you are required to register it.  This 15-second delay will be removed when you enter the registration code.

 

 

 

 

 


Registering DEEPSKY 2000

 

If you have purchased DEEPSKY 2000 and have a registration code, you should register your copy the first time you run DEEPSKY 2000.  Select the Help pull-down menu, and select the Make Fully Operational option.  When prompted, enter the registration code that you were given along with the user name shown.  You will only have to do this once.  This information is case sensitive and should be entered exactly as shown on the sheet

 

 

Quick Start – Setting Up Preferences

 

Before you get too far into the software, please set your basic preferences.  These include your location, time zone, date, etc.  The following section will assist you in getting DEEPSKY 2000 ready for action.

 

Date and Time Preferences

 

 

Select Date and Time from the Preferences menu.  The date and time shown are used to calculate planet positions, altitude and azimuth on the spreadsheet, etc.  A time zone should be entered and daylight savings should be specified if necessary.    The Use PC Clock check box will cause DEEPSKY 2000 to use your PC’s clock when it makes any calculations instead of using the static date entered.

 

Geographic Location Preferences

 

 

Enter the location where you will be observing.  You can select your city if it appears in the list.  If your city is not in the list, you must create a personal observing location by entering the latitude,  longitude, and time zone.  Sites entered under personal observing locations will show up during the logbook entry on a pull-down list

 

Equipment Preferences

 

Enter any observing equipment that you use.  You can specify telescopes, eyepieces, CCD cameras, or you can enter additional equipment.  This information will be available in a personal list box when you make logbook entries.

 

Miscellaneous Preferences

 

 

Use MISC preferences to specify the location of several Deepsky 2000 Database files and images.  Because these files are large, Deepsky lets you keep them anywhere you like, so long a drive letter can be mapped to their location.

 

1.       If you have the CD-ROM version, you should enter the path to the Hubble Guide Star (GSC) files.  Simply browse to the folder by clicking the button to the left of the text box.

2.       Enter the path to the Super Tycho star catalog.  Deepsky defaults this path, however if you move the files, you will need to update the path here. 

 

3.       Next, if you have the DEEPSKY 2000-supplied images, enter the path to where you placed them.  You should keep all your images the folder you select here. 

 

4.       Next, the location of the Deepsky database is shown.  Specify the path to the database.  The 426,000 object database is named DeePro413000.MDB and the smaller 26,000 object database is named DeepPro13000.MDB

 

5.       Log Types allow you to partition your observer’s logbook into multiple logbooks.  You could for instance set up a double star logbook, a variable star logbook, and a deepsky logbook.  When you specify the logbook type, only that logbook type will be active for data entry and queries.

 

6.       The Data/Log Lookup Type checkbox controls how Deepsky places an X  under the OBS column on the spreadsheet.  If this box is not checked, then Deepsky refers to the main object database flag, otherwise the logbook is consulted to see if it’s been observed.  Whenever you add an object to your logbook, the software updates a flag in the object database indicating it has been observed (if the database is not on the CD-ROM).   Otherwise, Deepsky looks at the logbook to make the determination.  The reason for doing this is because when loading the spreadsheet, it’s much quicker to look at the object database by itself than having to examine both the database and the logbook.   

 

Users who want to start using the object database on the hard after they’ve used it on the CD-ROM, should run the FIX OBSERVATIONS option under the database utilities pull-down menu.  This utility reads through your logbook and updates the object database with a flag indicating you’ve observed the object this making the spreadsheet load faster on subsequent uses.

 

External Applications Preferences

Deepsky lets you specify two external applications that can be called within the software. 

 

1. FITS is an image viewer application optimized to process FITS files 

2. MOONRISE is an excellent utility program for providing interesting data on the sun and moon.

 

Spreadsheet Preferences

Spreadsheet preferences allow you to specify the colors used in the spreadsheet tabs, formatting preferences like suppressing zeros from display, and turning off all formatting.

 

Chart Preferences

Chart preferences allow you to specify a few things about how the charts are drawn or used. Here you can set the starting field of view for star charts, specify whether you want observer’s notes to be passed to the charts so that when you click and object the notes will be displayed, or set  finder chart preferences.

 

Improving Star Chart Performance

DEEPSKY 2000 can use the SAO catalog which contains stars to about 9th magnitude and brighter, the Super Tycho star catalog with stars to about 12th magnitude,  or it can use the Hubble Guide Star Catalog – GSC (CD-ROM VERSION ONLY), which has 18 million stars to about 15.5 magnitude.  Because of its smaller size, the SAO catalog runs quite a bit faster than the GSC.  If speed is of concern, you may wish to start out using the SAO catalog. 

 

You can specify which star catalog to use by choosing Misc from the Preferences pull-down menu, and selecting the Specify GSC location or the Tycho Star catalog location.  If you leave these values blank, DEEPSKY 2000 will default to using the SAO catalog.  If you wish to use the GSC from the CD-ROM, select the path to the GSC folder on the CD-ROM.

 

If you wish to use the GSC but desire better performance than you get from the CD-ROM, you can copy the GSC from the CD-ROM to your hard drive by performing the following steps:

 

1.       Copy the 432 .DAT files from the root directory of the CD-ROM to any directory on your computer.  These files require about 180 megabytes of space on your hard drive.  Using Windows Explorer, remove the Read-only attribute from these files on your hard drive.  Select all the files, then do a right-click and select Properties from the pop-up menu.  Uncheck the Read-only box then start DEEPSKY 2000.

 

2.       Select PreferencesàMisc, and then select the Specify GSC Location.

 

Astronomical Catalogs used in DEEPSKY 2000

 

54 catalogs have been placed into the DEEPSKY 2000 database.  These catalogs were down­loaded from the CDS (Strasbourg astronomical Data Center) at http://cdsweb.u-strasbg.fr/cats/cats.html.

 

A list of all catalogs used in the software can be found on the Database Sources screen on the Help pull-down menu.

 

"The Strasbourg astronomical Data Center (CDS) collects and distributes astronomical data catalogues, related to observations of stars and galaxies, and other galactic and extragalactic objects.  A few catalogues about the solar system bodies and atomic data are also included."

 

Note:    By default, the DEEPSKY 2000 download version only includes the NGC 2000 and the SAC 7.1 catalogs.  To use the full 426,000-object database, you must download it separately or use the CD-ROM.  Then specify the location in Misc Preferences.

 

Components of DEEPSKY 2000

 

DEEPSKY 2000 is composed of 7 primary components.  Combined, these components provide an integrated suite of observing tools for the amateur or professional astronomer. 

 

 

The remaining sections of this user manual will provide detailed information on each component and explain how each one is integrated with the others to provide a complete environment to plan and record your observing sessions.


Database Spreadsheet

 

 

Introduction

 

The Deepsky spreadsheet screen is your primary interface into the software.  From here, you can access all of the features available.  The screen is divided into 3 sections, the top, the middle, and the bottom.  The top section consists of menus, toolbar icons, and pull-down lists.  Use this area of the screen to navigate to other areas of the software.  The middle section consists of 5 tabs with a spreadsheet on each and an image tab.  The spreadsheet is used to display selected objects from the database as well as your observing plans.  Each tab can contain a separate selection of objects.  The Images tab consolidates all images supplied with DEEPSKY 2000 into one location for easy viewing.  The bottom section has the REFRESH button, SHOW PLAN button, and various tabs.  Use the REFRESH button after you have changed preferences or filters and want to load (refresh) objects into the spreadsheet.  Use the SHOW PLAN button to show just the objects that you’ve already tagged in the spreadsheet.  This option lets you browse through the database selecting objects you are interested in viewing.  At any point, use the SHOW PLAN button to show just what you’ve selected.  To tag an object, just click on the PLN column.  To deselect it, click it again.

 

DEEPSKY 2000 has two databases available and both are in Microsoft Access 2000 format.  The default database (DeepPro13000.mdb) contains 26,000 objects from the NGC, IC, Messier, and the SAC 7.1 catalogs.  This database provides most of the objects that are within the visual range of amateur telescopes.  The larger database  (DeepPro413000.mdb) contains over 426,000 objects, consisting of 326,000 deep sky objects, 30,000 variable stars, and 70,000 double stars.

 

SIZE OF THE DATABASE

 

Deeppro13000.mdb = 2.5 megabytes     Deeppro413000.mdb = 105 megabytes

 

The CD-ROM's database can be installed onto your hard disk as described earlier in this manual or can remain on the CD-ROM.  Significant performance increases are obtained when the file is copied to your hard disk.  However, keep in mind that the uncompressed database is around 105 megabytes.  In addition, if you ever want to import more catalogs into DEEPSKY 2000 using the Database Import Wizard, this database must reside on your hard drive.

 

 

Design of the Database

The DEEPSKY 2000 database is a Microsoft Access 2000 (.MDB file) database.  It can also be used directly by Microsoft Access 2000, Microsoft Visual Basic 5, 6, or C++.  This enables advanced users to create their own programs to utilize the extensive DEEPSKY 2000 database.

 

DEEPSKY 2000 provides various maintenance capabilities for the database, including a Microsoft Access-like spreadsheet that can be used to Add, Update, and Delete objects.  In addition, users can add or update the database using simple data entry forms.

 

Template.MDB

DEEPSKY 2000 also provides an empty database called TEMPLATE.MDB.  You can use this database to create your own collection of objects separate from the DEEPSKY 2000 database.  To use this database, simply put it in a new folder all by itself, then rename it to some other name with the extension of .MDB.  Then run DEEPSKY 2000 and change the path to the database to match the new location using MISC preferences.

 

Using the Database Spreadsheet

Before getting too specific with the actual commands and screens used in DEEPSKY 2000, I want to explain generally how DEEPSKY 2000 could be used to find information in the database.

 

There are only two things that you have to do to find information in the database.

 

1.       Set the preferences/filters or use the optional SQL command line, and

2.       Click the Refresh button to filter and sort the data based on your settings.

 

Note:    The SQL command line can be used in place of setting preferences/filters if you are familiar with SQL.  It is beyond the scope of this manual to explain the details of SQL.  However, some general information will be explained later in this document.

 

The first step is to set the various filters or preferences.   All filters and preferences, which affect the display of objects in the spreadsheet, are found in the various tabs at the bottom of the spreadsheet screen.

 

It is important to remember that after you set filters, you must click the Refresh button on the main DEEPSKY 2000 screen to have DEEPSKY 2000 display the objects that meet the criteria that you set in filters.

 

Once you click the Refresh button, DEEPSKY 2000 will look up the information in the database based on how you set your filters.  During this process, a small window will be displayed in the center of your screen that shows the process is running.  In addition, a progress bar will appear on your screen indicating the percent of data that has been retrieved.  If at any time you want to stop the database lookup, just click on either that window or the Stop button in the lower left corner of your screen.  By stopping the lookup, DEEPSKY 2000 will display what it has found up to the point it was interrupted.  This might be necessary if you selected a large number of objects and the look-up function was taking too long.

 

You can also set an option on the main database spreadsheet screen that limits the number of objects returned during a query.  Some queries may take a long time and you may want to see only the first 100 or so returned.  This option, located in the toolbar,  lets you specify when to stop the query automatically.

 

After the list of objects is displayed, you can perform a variety of tasks by right clicking on a object.  These tasks include printing the data, displaying a star chart containing the data selected, selecting objects for an observing plan, viewing logbook information for a particular object, and more.

 

 

What’s Up Wizard

 

 

The wizard, located on the Query menu, will assist you in determining what objects are visible at your observing location.  It walks you through a series of screens gathering information from you.  After this information has been collected, the FINISH button will query the database and display a list of objects for you in the spreadsheet.   The What’s Up Messier and What’s Up Herschel have been pre-built since you might use these frequently.

 


Find Object

 

 

If you need to find an object or objects quickly, you don't necessarily have to change your filters.  You can simply hit the search icon on the spreadsheet, CTRL-F key, or double-click anywhere on the list of objects displayed in the spreadsheet.  Performing this action causes the FIND OBJECT window to appear.

 

FIELD TO SEARCH: Selects the field you wish to search in the database. 

 

DISPLAY OPTIONS: Outputs the results of the search to either the spreadsheet or a form.  If you want more than one object to appear, as would be the case in wild card searches, make sure you select the Spreadsheet option

 

SEARCH ALL CATALOGS: Performs the search on all catalogs in the database, otherwise Deepsky will prompt you for the catalog to search.

 

For instance, to find all objects in the catalog selected that begins with 12, enter 12*.  The asterisk is a wildcard character.

 

Option Tabs (Bottom of Spreadsheet Screen)

 

 

11 option tabs at the bottom of the spreadsheet screen provide additional functionality while using the spreadsheet. 

 

TIP: The RESET button on the general tab sets all filters back to the default setting.  Because Deepsky has so many filters available, you might not understand why some objects don’t appear on the spreadsheet when you refresh the screen.  Using the reset button puts you back at where you started.


 

TAB

FUNCTION

FILTERS

Controls what appears in the spreadsheet and provides an altitude and azimuth filter.

SELECT

Controls which catalogs, object types, and constellations appear in the spreadsheet.

RANGES 1

Filters for magnitude, object size, RA, and declination (see note1 below).

RANGES 2

Filters for object ID, other ID, separation, and position angles.

SORT

Specifies how you want the spreadsheet sorted during the database lookup.

QUERY

Perform SQL queries and load saved observing plans.

PERSONAL LOG

Displays personal logbook information on the selected object in the spreadsheet.

OTHER LOG

Displays other logbook information on the selected object in the spreadsheet.

DESC

Shows additional information on the selected object.

TRANSIT

Displays transit information on the selected object.

IMAGES

Displays an image thumbnail on the selected object if one exists

 

Note1:

The Include Blank Magnitudes checkbox for Magnitude 2 should be left checked in all cases except for possibly when using the Washington Double Star or the GCVS catalogs.  If you are getting NO OBJECTS FOUND when refreshing the screen, you will want to make sure this checkbox is checked.

 

Add Additional Objects to the Database

DEEPSKY 2000 allows you to expand the database to include any object you like.  To add a new object to the database, click on the EDIT menu option under the Database pull-down menu.  You will then be presented with a new window with several empty fields.  Enter the required information and click the Add command button.  If you make an error, DEEPSKY 2000 will issue a pop-up message alerting you.

 

Multi-Tabbed Spreadsheet

If you have ever used Microsoft Excel you are familiar with the bottom tabs that let you have more than one worksheet open at a time.  DEEPSKY 2000 provides five tabs, which are customizable.  These tabs are your worksheets.  Here you will load data from the database into one of these worksheets so that you can perform tasks.

 

Moon Icon


 

 


The icon of the moon at the bottom of the screen will change phase depending on the date entered in the preferences.  This icon represents only the approximate phase of the moon and is not meant to be highly accurate.

 

Preferences

DEEPSKY 2000 has several preferences that can be set to affect the operation of the software.

 

Setup Wizard

The setup wizard will walk you through setting up the various file paths that DEEPSKY 2000 needs to operate.

 

Date and Time

Use these preference settings to set the date and time DEEPSKY 2000 uses for its calculations. 

 

Geographic Location

Use these preference settings to set your latitude and longitude.  You can select your location from GENERAL LOCATIONS if it appears on the list, or you can set up your own observing locations under the PERSONAL OBSERVING LOCATIONS tab.  This tab lets you define multiple locations from which you normally observe.  This information is provided as a drop down box in the logbook to facilitate recording your objects and also controls the calculation of altitude, azimuth, rise, set, and transit times for objects.

 

Equipment

 

 

Use this preference to select the equipment you use during your observing sessions.   You can select from a predefined list of scopes, eyepieces, and CCD equipment or you can add your own equipment.  The information will be used in the logbook to facilitate recording your objects and to create eyepiece circles on the star charts.

 

Miscellaneous

Use this preference to set other options in DEEPSKY 2000.  This preference can be used to set your default file locations for the Hubble Guide Star Catalog, images, and the Deepsky database.  In addition, you can create multiple logbooks by adding new log types to the software.

 

Spreadsheet

Use this preference to set the colors and fonts you want to use for the spreadsheet.  In addition, several spreadsheet-formatting options are available including suppressing zeros from appearing on the spreadsheet.

 

Chart

Use these preferences to set the chart creation options.    Here you set the default chart field of view along with other options like whether you want to include logbook notes in the object information dialog.

 

Image

Use these preferences to set how images are displayed. 

 

 

 

Printing Reports

 

Looking up information in a database is useful, but unless you have a laptop computer, you will need to print your database lists for use at the telescope.  DEEPSKY 2000 accomplishes this task easily by providing customization as to what information is shown on the report.  You can easily adjust field widths and spacing to suit your needs.   Most printing is sent first to the preview screen (below) where you can examine the contents before you print. 

 

 

You can click the Preview button to see the default report layout or you can change the way the information is printed by clicking the Report Setup button. 

 

 

Report setup provides you with a list of fields that can be printed on the report along with the width of the column in inches.  If during a preview the fields overlap causing the column to be printed in two lines instead of one, adjust the column widths then preview the report again.  Once you get your report looking the way you want it, then save the report layout so you can recall it again if you need to.

 

The line spacing pull down box provides different line spacing options.  This is useful if you want to leave room on the report for notes taken at the telescope.

 

Finally, you can change the font used in the report by selecting Change Font.  This allows you to make the size of the print smaller so that more fields will fit on a single page.

 


Observing Plan Details Report

This report shows information for the selected object in the spreadsheet.  To generate this report, just right click on any object shown in the spreadsheet and select this option under REPORTS.  When the preview screen appears, you can change a few options relating to the chart that will appear.  To see the report, press the PREVIEW button then click PRINT to have it printed.

 


Logsheet Report

This report is useful for recording your observations while at the telescope.  It shows detailed information on the object selected along with plenty of space to record notes and to make sketches. To generate this report, just right click on any object shown in the spreadsheet and select this option under REPORTS.

 


Queries & Reports

 

   

 

DEEPSKY 2000 provides several predefined Queries and Reports for you on the Query and Report pull-down menus.  These reports include showing objects that have images attached, showing the Messier objects, showing objects you observed, showing objects brighter than 8th magnitude, etc.

 

A report titled Logbook Observed Statistics shows a count of the different object types you have observed and tells how many Messier and Herschel objects you have observed.

 

When you select a query, DEEPSKY 2000 will retrieve the information from the database and display it on the spreadsheet screen. 

 

When you select a report, DEEPSKY 2000 will display the report in the preview window so that you can change fields and column widths prior to printing.

 

 

Advanced Query – SQL

 

The DEEPSKY 2000 database engine is based on SQL (Structured Query Language).  Although it is not necessary to understand SQL in order to use DEEPSKY 2000, the SQL interface allows for more powerful and flexible database searches.  DEEPSKY 2000’s implementation of SQL syntax is not difficult to understand.  However, for a more thorough description of its syntax, I recommend that you pick up a SQL reference book at your local bookstore.

 

DEEPSKY 2000’S Use of SQL

Internally, when DEEPSKY 2000 is looking up information based on the filters you set, it is translating the preferences into SQL statements under the covers.  This eliminates the need for you to understand SQL to operate DEEPSKY 2000.  The command line of the QUERY tab on the main DEEPSKY 2000 screen, shows what the actual SQL statement is that retrieved the information you requested based on your filter settings.  You can use this statement as a way to learn the SQL syntax.

 

For those of you who know SQL, you may enter your own queries on the SQL command line or in Deepsky’s QUERY BUILDER.  For the most part you will be using the Select statement only.

 

In order to use the SQL command line, you must know the table name and field names defined in the database.  The DeepskyTable is the file that stores all the objects in the database.  When entering an SQL statement, this table name is used to specify which table you want to look information up in.  In DEEPSKY 2000, there is only one object database table.  Field names in the table are used to identify the type of information the table stores.  As required by SQL, you must know the field names so that you can use them in your SQL statement.  Use these names exactly as shown–they are case sensitive. 

 

·         ObjectID

·         OtherID

·         ObjectType

·         RAhours

·         RAminutes

·         DeclinationDegrees

·         DeclinationMinutes

·         Epoch

·         GalacticLongitude

·         GalacticLatitude

·         Constellation

·         ObjectSize

·         Magnitude

·         Magnitude2

·         Mcode

·         PositionAngle

·         Separation

·         Description

·         Catalog

·         ImageFile

·         MessierNumber

·         Observed

·         Hobject

 

Note:    In the following examples, the general SQL syntax is highlighted in blue and the information that is dynamic is highlighted in maroon.

 

Example 1

To select all Messier Objects in the database and then sort them by Constellation and then within constellation, sort them by Magnitude, enter the following into the SQL command line:

 

SELECT * FROM DeepskyTable WHERE MessierNumber > 0 ORDER BY Constellation, Magnitude

 

To run the query, just press Enter or click the Run command button.  If an error exists in the SQL statement, a message will be displayed and you will have to try again.

 

Example 2

To show all records that have an image attached to them in Constellation order in the NGC 2000 Catalog, use the following:

 

SELECT * FROM DeepskyTable WHERE ImageFile <> " " and Catalog = "2000" ORDER BY Constellation

 

It's that easy.  Make sure you enter spaces just like the examples above. 

 

The following wildcard characters are available in Deepsky’s implementation of SQL:

 

*     Matches any number of characters.  For example, A* will match all entries of any length that begin with the letter A.

 

?    Matches any single alphabetic character.

 

[ ]   Matches any single character within the bracket.

 

#    Matches any single numeric character.

 

Example 3

To find all constellations starting with the letter A, key in the following query:

 

SELECT  * FROM DeepskyTable WHERE Constellation Like "A*" ORDER BY Constellation                     

 

Example 4

To find all constellations starting with An, use the following query:

 

SELECT * FROM DeepskyTable WHERE Constellation Like "An?" ORDER BY Constellation

 

 

DEEPSKY 2000’s Query Builder

 

 

Query Builder extends DEEPSKY 2000’s filtering and sorting capabilities giving you unlimited flexibility.

Query Builder is designed to help create an SQL statement for you.  It essentially walks you through the process of creating an SQL statement.  Query Builder gives you the ability to create powerful SQL queries without any prior knowledge of SQL.  When you select this option, the Query Builder screen is displayed.

 

To create a query, select any field that you want to select specific data on.  For example, if you select ObjectType, you are telling DEEPSKY 2000 to select only the data that match the object type you specify.  After you select the field, you should click on one of the comparison operators (e.g. =, Not =, <, >).  Next, enter a comparison value in the text box above the Sort By options.  You may also select a field on which to sort the selected data.  If you want to sort on multiple fields, click the Sort By box multiple times in the order you want sorted.

 

If you intend to create a complex query using the And or Or operators, don't specify a Sort By until you have finished with your expression.  The Sort By is always the last thing you add to your query.  The ( ) bracket symbols on query builder should be used to nest complex And/Or logic to your query.


As Query Builder creates your query, the equivalent SQL syntax is displayed on the lower portion of the screen.  If you know SQL you can enter your query directly in the box, bypassing Query Builder.  If you are not familiar with SQL, watch as you build your query.  Basic SQL is quite easy.

 

Once you have created your query, click the Run command button to see if your query will run.  You should notice that Deepsky will select the objects you have requested.  While the query is running, you can double-click the Stop button to halt the execution of the query.  Once you have successfully run your query, you may save it by clicking the Save button.


If at any time you want to start your query over, click New.  You can make changes to the actual SQL statement at any time by clicking on it and editing it.

 

Table Maintenance

 

 

The Table Maintenance function (from the Database Menu) allows direct access to the primary tables (files) that are used by DEEPSKY 2000.  By selecting one of the available options, you are able to gain direct access to these files for maintenance or inquiry.  Be careful when using these options with Read Only turned off–you could inadvertently change the tables. 

 

Object Database

Provides direct access to the deep sky objects themselves.  You can easily add, update, or delete objects using this option. 

 

Object Logbook

Provides direct access to your logbook.  You can easily add, update, or delete objects using this option. 

 

Object Images

Provides direct access to any images you have linked to your logbook.  You can easily add, update, or delete objects using this option. 

 

User Catalog

Provides direct access to the OTHER LOGBOOKS.  This data consists of logbook information by author.  You can easily add, update, or delete objects using this option. 

 

CCD Logbook

        Provides direct access to CCD Logbook records.


Solar System Data

 

 

Information on the sun, moon, planets, comets, and asteroids is available in DEEPSKY 2000.  To display this information, select one of the options from the Solar System pull-down menu. 

 

Sun, Moon, and Planets

Click on one of these to see detailed information on the solar system object.  Included are times of rising, position, brightness, and more.   You also will see a star chart showing where the object is currently located and a nice photo of the object.

 

Summary

The summary screen displays an overview of the Sun, Moon and planets.

 

Dates of New and Full Moons

This option shows you when the new and full moons will occur for the year you specify.

 

Lunar Map

Select this option to view a map of the moon showing major lunar features.

 

Meteor Showers

This option shows information on various meteor showers throughout the year.

 

Image Gallery

Contains nearly 80 high-resolution images of objects in the solar system and over 400 Messier and NGC objects.

 

Comet Data

This option shows the orbital elements of all currently visible comets and allows you to generate a custom ephemeris.  You can even plot the ephemeris onto a star chart.

 

Asteroid Data

This option shows the orbital elements of about 8,000 asteroids and allows you to generate a custom ephemeris.  You can even plot the ephemeris onto a star chart.

 

Moonrise – By Dr. Bruce Sidell

Moonrise is a separate program which provides excellent information on the moon.  The software can be downloaded from http://www.iserv.net/~bsidell/moonrise.htm

 

 

Planner

 

Introduction

One feature of DEEPSKY 2000 that sets it apart from other astronomy programs is its Custom Observing Planner.   The planner is used in conjunction with the database features of the software.  As you look up information in the database, objects that you’d like to add to the plan can be tagged by simply clicking the PLN column in the spreadsheet.   Tagging objects from the database provides a way to filter out all of the objects you are not interested in.  

 

An Observing plan is simply a collection of objects that you have tagged while browsing the database

 

For example, let's say that you want to concentrate on viewing galaxies in the constellation Virgo.  What you could do is to set your constellation to Virgo along with any other filters.  After the REFRESH button is pressed, you can simply click on the PLN column for the objects you want Deepsky to remember.   At any time as you are browsing through the database, just click the Show Plan button to show a list of those objects you have selected.

 

TIP: Each tab in the spreadsheet can have its own observing plan.  Thus, you could have separate plans set up for Messier objects, Herschel objects, galaxies, etc.

 

Adding Objects To the Plan

After you click on the object, DEEPSKY 2000 will put an X on the PLN column in the spreadsheet next to the object id.  By repeating this process, you are building a list of objects that you will use when you observe.  Feel free to open other catalogs and tag any object you want added.  When you are ready to see what you have tagged, just click the Show Plan icon on the toolbar. 

 

To add all objects on the current spreadsheet to your plan, go to the Query tab on the bottom of

the spreadsheet screen and select the +ALL to PLAN button. 

 

Removing Objects From the Plan

At any time, you can remove an object from your observing plan by clicking on the PLN column for the object you have selected.  This feature acts like a toggle switch letting you add or remove objects.

 

Showing Objects in Your Plan

Showing objects in your plan is easy.  Just click the Show Plan button on the spreadsheet screen.  Only those objects with an X in the PLN column (ie. Those you tagged) will be shown on the spreadsheet.  All of  Deepsky’s features like the options on the right click menu are available for you to use.

 

TIP: Use the REFRESH button to show objects in the database and the Show Plan button to show objects you have selected.

 

Plans Included in DEEPSKY 2000

Deepsky comes with two observing plans pre-built for you.  The HCLUB1.pln consists of the first 400 objects in the Herschel club plan.  The HCLUB2.pln consists of the next 400 objects in the Herschel club plan.

 

 


 

EZ Logbook Update

 

 

The EZ Logbook Update feature will save you considerable time entering your observations into the logbook.   The idea here is that much of the data you have, such as date, time, conditions, etc will be the same for most or all of your objects.  EZ Logbook Update is a DEEPSKY 2000 feature that automatically creates logbook entries based on the objects that you have tagged in your observing plan.  This eliminates the need to manually enter each one into the logbook.  DEEPSKY 2000 quickly creates each logbook entry for you, leaving you only the task of updating notes and attaching any drawings or images if so desired.

 

The right pane of this screen shows you all of the objects that you have tagged in your observing plan.  To update your logbook, just fill out the left portion of the screen, then check all the objects you would like to add to your logbook.  When you are ready, click the UPDATE LOG button and those objects will be recorded in your logbook.

 

Planner Options

 

 

Show Plan

Shows the currently tagged objects in the spreadsheet.  Use this option to view your plan as it stands at any moment.  To refresh the screen, use the Show Plan icon on the toolbar or next to the Refresh button. 

 

Clear Observing Plan

This option clears all of your selected items.

 

Open Existing Plan

Select this option to open a plan you have previously saved.

 

Save Current Plan

Saves the current plan for later use.  You must save your plan before ending if you do not want to lose it.

 

 

3 Panel Finder Charts

 

To assist in the planning process, Deepsky can display a 3 Panel finder chart for an object wherever you see the Finder Chart icon .

 

 

 

 

Finder charts are separate from the normal Deepsky charting functions.  They do not include all the functionality such as telescope control like in the normal Deepsky charts.  However, each panel is selectable and can have the field of view, movement, and a few other things changed in them.


Logbook

 

Keeping track of observations is an essential task for every serious observer. DEEPSKY 2000’s unique and innovative implementation of the logbook integrates very well with its other components.  For example, DEEPSKY 2000’s database highlights objects that have been observed and logged.  Further, the planner provides a quick and easy way to log observations from your observing plans.  This integration eliminates the repetitive task of entering common data for each log entry.  Simply enter it once, and DEEPSKY 2000 can create all your logbook entries automatically.  You can use the logbook to record an unlimited number of observations, and describe those observations using an enhanced rich text editor capable of storing about 64,000 characters per observation. 

 

 

Using Deepsky’s Logbook

 

The logbook can be accessed in one of two ways.  First, you can open the log by selecting the View/Edit Logbook option under the Logbook pull-down menu.  Second, you can right click on an object in the spreadsheet and select View/Edit Logbook For Selected Object to view the log information for the selected object

 

The logbook consists of different tabs that separate it into 5 functional areas: Information, Session Notes, Observing Notes, CCD, and Images. 

 

The Information tab is where the primary information is stored and contains all the common fields that you will need to track what you observe.  The Session Notes tab is where you can put general notes about your observing session such as the weather conditions.  The Observing Notes tab is where you can record notes on your observation.  The CCD tab is where users of CCD equipment can log additional information relating to imaging.  Finally, the Images tab keeps track of all the images, sketches, or photos that you have made during your observation.

 

Log Name

DEEPSKY 2000 allows you to maintain an unlimited number of personal logbooks.   This enables you to keep some observations separate from others.  Log Name was added to the logbook to identify the individual logbooks.  You can define these logbooks in the MISC preferences under LOG TYPES, and select which logbook you want to use either there, or on the Information tab of the logbook screen.

 

Observation Number

DEEPSKY 2000 assigns an observation number to every object you add.  This is required to ensure that each entry in the observation database has a unique key.

 

Adding To Your Logbook

To add an entry to the log, simply fill in the screen and click the Add button.  If you wish to add another observation to the logbook for the same object simply enter the information and click the Add icon in the toolbar.  You can review entries in the logbook by selecting the observation from the list.  When you click on an observation, the information for that entry is shown on the screen.  You may make changes to an observation at this time.  In order to save any changes you make, you must click the Update button.

 

Primary Information Stored in the Logbook

 

Observation  #

Assigned by Deepsky to make each record in the logbook unique.

Object

The object you observed.  This value corresponds to the Object ID in the database or an object that you enter (e.g., a comet or asteroid).

Log Name

This lets you specify which logbook the observation will go into

Date

The date of the observation in the format MM/DD/YYYY (or DD.MM.YY).

Time

The time of the observation in the format HH:MM:SS.  Tab out of this field to have the current time automatically used.

Location

Text to identify the location the observation took place.

Equipment

Text describing the equipment that was used to make the observation.

Short Notes

Enter anything you want to here.

Transparency

Select one of the options to describe how transparent the sky was during the observation.

Seeing

Select one of the options to describe how the seeing was during the observation.

Rating

Select a rating code from A+ to F.  I've used the traditional school rating scale since everyone knows it.

 

 

Adding Non-Database (Planets, Comets, etc) Objects to the Logbook

One method of recording your observations is to find the object in the database and then right-click on the object and select VIEW/EDIT Logbook for Selected Object.  It is possible to record observations of objects that are not in the database as well.  Objects such as comets or asteroids can be added easily too.  To perform this function, go into the logbook by selecting VIEW/EDIT Logbook from the logbook pull-down menu. 

 


Retrieving Objects From Your Logbook

If you want to retrieve an observation for one of these objects, simply click on the SEARCH button under the Information tab.   The search window provides various options for searching for your log data.  Simply fill out the search form and click the FIND OBSERVATIONS button to see a list of those objects matching your search criteria. 

 

 

Using the CCD Tab

The CCD tab can be used to enter information pertaining to your CCD observations.

 

Using the Images Tab 

DEEPSKY 2000 lets you attach multiple images to your logbook entries.  Deepsky actually stores the full file path to your image and not the image itself. 

 

Follow these steps to add image links to a logbook entry:

 

1.       Go to the Images tab and click the Add Image icon in the toolbar.

2.       Locate the image on your hard disk and select it using the Open dialog box that appears.  Select the image to attach to the logbook.  The image path, not the actual image, will be stored in the logbook. 

 

Note:    If you move your images to a different directory, you will have to update every affected logbook entry.

 

This will add the image to the pull-down list box located above the image.  This list box will show all the images that you have linked to the selected observation.  You can load an image onto the screen by selecting it from this list box.  The full path and filename is shown in the list box so you know where the image is actually stored on your machine.

 

To remove an image from the logbook, simply load the image onto the screen and click the Delete icon.  For additional image processing features, just click the Image Processing icon.  This will invoke DEEPSKY 2000’s image processing function.  When you are finished processing the image, save the image and return to the image processing logbook window by clicking on the Return button.

 

How Deepsky Keeps Track of Objects Observed

When you add an entry to your logbook, Deepsky updates the logbook database and also flags the object database (If the object database is not on the CD-ROM).  The object database is told about your observation to improve identifying observed objects in the spreadsheet.  When objects are loaded into the spreadsheet, an X will appear under the obs column if the object has been observed.  If you are using the database on the CD-ROM, this process is not enabled by default.  In order to identify objects on the spreadsheet as being observed, Deepsky must refer back to the logbook to make that determination.  The end result is that the spreadsheet will load slower because of the additional overhead, which occurs.   To turn this feature on, you need to go to the MISC preferences and select the DATA/LOG LOOKUP TYPE checkbox.  

 

 

Making A Logbook Entry Quickly

 

DEEPSKY 2000 has a new feature that makes recording your objects even easier.    Normally when you create a log entry, you go to the VIEW/EDIT LOGBOOK.   Here you can enter a lot of information regarding the object you observe such as detail information, notes, images, etc.  But what if you just want to keep track of the object names and the date you observed and really don’t care about the other information? 


 


 

Well, just click the OBS column for the object and select YES to add the object to your personal logbook.  An X will be placed in the column to indicate the object has now been observed.  The following fields are saved to your logbook when you click the OBS column:

 

Object ID, Catalog, Date Observed, Time Observed, and Observation #

 

EZ Logbook Update Within Date Range

 

 

If you are like me, I like to keep track of what objects I observe, but I don’t necessarily want to keep detailed notes.  So using the method above to record objects is appealing while I sit at the scope using my laptop.  Frequently the following day, I like to go back through the objects I observed and enter additional information such as the equipment, sky conditions, and the location the observations were made.   Since most of this information is common among the observing session, wouldn’t it be nice to enter this information once and have the software apply it to all the observations made during that observing run?  Deepsky 2000 makes this possible by having you enter in a date range and the information you want updated.  When you click the update button, Deepsky goes into your logbook by the date range specified and applies the information you entered to each observation.  This saves a lot of time especially when you observe large numbers of objects.

Viewing the Logbook in a Spreadsheet Table

 

 

Worksheet Tab

 

 

You can view your logbook in a spreadsheet format by clicking the Spreadsheet View icon on the toolbar of the information tab.  All observations for the selected object will be shown.  Like with the main spreadsheet, DEEPSKY 2000 allows you to key in SQL statements on the command line. 

 

Using table view, you can see all your observations sorted anyway you want.  To select records, just click a button at the top and enter a value in the combo box.  Some buttons will pre-fill a list of options for you to select instead of requiring you to enter a value. 

 

You can also specify up to three levels of sorting by selecting the sort options.  The default for all sorts is ascending sequence.  If you want the sort to appear in descending sequence, click the button to the right of the sort box.

 


Logbook Images Tab

 

 

This tab conveniently shows all your images that are in your logbook.  Viewing them in once place is handy when you are looking for a particular picture.

 


Logbook Notes

 

This tab shows all your logbook notes.

 

 

 

Selection Criteria Options

 

DEEPSKY 2000 allows you to select observations from your logbook using any of the following criteria:

 

Date                                      Observation date

Type                                      Object Type

Location                                 Location of Observation

Equipment                              Equipment used to make the observation

Transparency                          How transparent the sky was during the observation

Seeing                                   How stable the sky was during the observation

Rating                                    How did the object appear in typical school report card fashion

ObjectID                                 Object observed

Constellation                          Constellation the object was observed in

ObjectType                             Type of object that was observed

Messier Objects Observed       Shows which messier objects have been observed

Show all objects                     Shows all objects that have been observed

Exposure Mode

Exposure Time

CCD Camera

Picture Rating

 

Simply click on the button you want to select and enter a value into the combo box.  If you want to find all observations based on what you have entered then unclick the Exact box and DEEPSKY 2000 will use whatever you enter to match the observations.  If you selected ObjectID and entered 19 then Deepsky will load all observations beginning with the characters 19.  To find a specific match, make sure the Exact button is clicked.

 

Sorting Options 

 

DEEPSKY 2000 allows you to specify 3 levels of sorting.  You can tell Deepsky to sort in ascending or descending sequence by clicking on the appropriate button next to the sort option. 

 

Optional SQL Interface (Advanced Users)

 

DEEPSKY 2000 automatically builds queries when you use the selection criteria windows.  It is not necessary to use or understand SQL.  The ability to code SQL commands is provided for advanced users who may want to use the flexibility of SQL to customize their queries.  The following field names can be used:

 

Table:   Logbook

 

·         ObservationNumber

·         ObjectId

·         DateObserved

·         TimeObserved

·         LocationObserved

·         Transparency

·         Seeing

·         EquipmentUsed

·         OtherEquipment

·         Rating

·         ShortDescription

 

Table:   CCDLOG

 

·         ObservationNumber

·         ImageName

·         ExposureTime

·         ExposureMode

·         Telescope

·         CCDCamera

·         FocalDistance

·         FieldofView

·         CoolingRate

·         DarkFrame

·         FlatField

·         PictureRating

·         Notes

 

 

Note:    SQL is case-sensitive.  You must use the field names below exactly as shown in order for the SQL command to work. 

 

Example 1:

List all observations to which you have assigned an A+ rating, sorting the list by Date.

 

SELECT * FROM Logbook WHERE Rating = "A+" ORDER BY DateObserved

 

Example 2:

List all observations that took place at 912 N RANDALL and sorts the list by Date, then ObjectId.

 

SELECT * FROM Logbook WHERE LocationObserved = "912 N RANDALL" ORDER BY DateObserved, ObjectId

 

DEEPSKY 2000 stores regular non-CCD information in the Logbook table.  Anything pertaining to CCD is stored in the CCDLOG table.  It is possible to get a spreadsheet display of the combination of files by joining the two tables together by ObservationNumber. 

 

Example 3: 

List all entries in the Default personal logbook with a corresponding CCD log entry indicating that ABC CAMERA was used.  Order this list by Exposure Time.

 

SELECT * FROM Logbook LEFT JOIN CCDLOG ON Logbook.ObservationNumber = CCDLOG.ObservationNumber WHERE LogType = ‘Default’ AND CCDCamera = “ABC CAMERA” ORDER BY ExposureTime

 

DEEPSKY 2000’s Rich Text Editor

 

 

DEEPSKY 2000’s contains an easy to use yet sophisticated rich text editor.  You can enter approximately 64,000 characters of notes for each observation you record.  To use the editor, just start typing.  It functions similar to other Microsoft-style editors.  Here is a list of some of the things the editor can do.

 

·         Ctrl-B         Make selected text bold

·         Ctrl-U         Underline selected text

·         Ctrl-L          Left Justify

·         Ctrl-N         Center text

·         Ctrl-R         Right Justify

·         Ctrl-C         Copy selected text to clipboard

·         Ctrl-X         Cut selected text to clipboard

·         Ctrl-P         Paste text from clipboard to cursor position

·         Alt-C     Font Color

 

Changing Fonts and Sizes

The editor also allows you to change the font name and size.  Simply click the Change Font button and a font dialog box will be shown.  Just pick the font, style, and size you want.

 

Changing Colors

The editor also lets you change the font color.  Just click the Font Color button and a color dialog box will be shown.  Then click on the color you want and click OK.

 

View Other Logbooks

 

DEEPSKY 2000 comes with several other logbooks from various amateur observers.  The data provided in these logbooks are provided courtesy of the indicated author.  To view this information, click on the name you wish to view.  Data from their logbook will be presented in a table.  To view the text of any observation, just click on the one you want. 

 

 In addition to being viewable in the Other Logbook screen, information for the selected object on the spreadsheet can be viewed when you right click on a row and select  Amateur logs.

 

 


Import Other Logs into Deepsky 

 


 

 


DEEPSKY 2000 provides the ability to import an ASCII text logbook into its own logbook database.  Follow these steps:

 

1.       Before importing an existing logbook into DEEPSKY 2000, select LogbookàImport Log Maintenance and click the Add button. 

2.       Type in the name to be associated with this new logbook. 

3.       Before importing the data, please make sure it is in ASCII format. 

4.       Select LogbookàImport Other Logs into Deepsky.

5.       Type the filename or use the Specify File To Import browser to select the file to import.

6.       Select your Import Format. 

7.       Specify the starting and ending positions for the Object ID and for the Notes. 

8.       Specify the catalog name or author that you want to associate with this logbook.

9.       Click the Import Notes button.

10.   Click the Close button to exit from the Import window.

11.   You can now view the logbook information by selecting LogbookàView Other Log.

 

Note:    If the data does not import properly, you can delete the log from Deepsky.  To delete a log, select LogbookàImport Log Maintenance, then select logbook by the catalog name or author specified in step 8 above.  Now click the Delete button.  This will delete all data in that logbook.  Click the Close button and try again.

 

 


Import NGP Export Files Into DEEPSKY 2000

 

DEEPSKY 2000 can now import NGP files.  Follow these steps:

 

1.       Create an export file from within NGP.

2.       Run the option Convert NGP file into Plain ASCII under the Logbook menu in DEEPSKY 2000.

3.       Finally, import the resulting ASCII text file into DEEPSKY 2000 using the process described for importing other logbooks into DEEPSKY 2000. 

 

Note:    You should use the second import format on the LogbookàImport Other Logs into Deepsky panel.  Click on the Fixed format ASCII – Object ID occurs once per observing note button.  Specify 1 for the starting position of the object ID and 25 for the ending position.  Specify ~ as the character that specifies a new record.

 

 

Export Logbook

 

You may export your logbook to an ASCII text file by using the Export Personal Logbook option under the Logbook menu. This function will copy all the objects in your DEEPSKY 2000 logbook to a fixed length ASCII text file.

 

 

 

 

Imaging

 

DEEPSKY 2000 provides basic image editing and enhancement features which integrate with the database and logbook components.  Using DEEPSKY 2000’s imaging features, you can easily enhance, convert, print, or do just about anything a normal paint program can do.  DEEPSKY 2000’s resizing algorithms also lets you enlarge pictures without losing much detail.

 

Images can be attached to database objects or to logbook observations so that they can be viewed along with the object or observation at any time.  DEEPSKY 2000 stores the directory path to your image, rather than the image itself.  This gives you the flexibility of putting your images anywhere on your system. Once you begin adding images to DEEPSKY 2000, do not move them.  If you do, you will have to go back into DEEPSKY 2000 and update their locations.  I recommend that you set up a single directory dedicated to storing your images.

 

Deepsky uses Lead Technologies, Inc.’s LEADTOOLS 9 OCX toolkit for all imaging tasks.  Because this is a general-purpose toolkit, some astronomical imaging filters are not present.  However, DEEPSKY 2000 can still act as a sophisticated image enhancing system and allows over 30 image format types to be displayed and manipulated.

 

The GIF file format has been intentionally left out due to strict licensing by its owner.  However, I recommend using the LEAD or JPEG formats since they allow you to specify the level of compression, which can save you large amounts of disk space.

 

Image Formats Supported

 

·         LEAD – This is the LEAD CMP compressed format for grayscale and color images.  8 bits (256 levels) for grayscale and 24 bits (16,777,216 colors) for color.

·         JFIF – This is the JPEG File Interchange Format.  Deepsky supports YUV 4:4:4, 4:2:2, and 4:1:1 color spacing, and YUV 4:0:0 for gray scale.  8 bits for grayscale, 24 for color.

·         JTIF – This is the JPEG Tagged Interchange Format.  Deepsky supports YUV 4:4:4, 4:2:2, and 4:1:1 color spacing, and YUV 4:0:0 for grayscale.  8 bits for grayscale, 24 color. 

·         TIFF – This is a tag-based file format designed to promote universal interchanges of digital image data.  Because TIFF files do not have a single way to store image data, there are many versions of TIFF.  DEEPSKY 2000 supports the most common TIFF formats: 1, 4, 8, 16, 24, and 32 bits.

·         MPT – This is a multi-page TIFF format that enables a file to contain more than one image.  It is handled the same as a regular TIFF file, except for the multi-page feature.  DEEPSKY 2000 supports the following formats: 1, 4, 8, 16, 24, and 32 bits.

·         TIFF CCITT ­– These are compressed TIFF files that are commonly used for FAX transmission and document imaging.  1 bit for grayscale (2 levels), 1 bit for color (2 colors).

·         TIFF CCITT Group 3 – These are TIFF CCITT files in a format that is more advanced and more compressed than TIFF CCITT.  DEEPSKY 2000 supports both 1-dimension and 2-dimension variations of this format.  1 bit for grayscale, 1 bit for color.

·         TIFF CCITT Group 4 – These are TIFF CCITT files in a format that is more advanced and more compressed than TIFF CCITT Group 3.  1 bit for grayscale, 1 bit for color.

·         IOCA (ICA) – This is the Image Object Content Architecture developed by IBM.  DEEPSKY 2000 supports these files in an MO:DCA wrapper with embedded 1-bit CCITT Group 3 or Group 4 images.  DEEPSKY 2000 also supports IOCA files without an MO:DCA wrapper.  1 bit for grayscale, 1 bit for color.

·         WinFax Group 3 – This is a FAX format created by Delrina for Group 3 support.  1 bit for grayscale , 1 bit for color.

·         WinFax Group 4 – This is a FAX format created by Delrina for Group 4 support.  1 bit for grayscale, 1 bit for color.

·         FAX Group 3 – This is a raw FAX format (without a header) for Group 3 support.  DEEPSKY 2000 supports both 1-dimension and 2-dimension variations of this format.  1 bit for grayscale, 1 bit for color.

·         FAX Group 4 – This is a raw FAX format (without a header) for Group 4 support.  1 bit for grayscale, 1 bit for color.

·         Truevision TGA (TARGA) – This is a file format created by Truevision, Inc.  DEEPSKY 2000 supports all uncompressed and RLE-compressed TGA file formats.  8, 16, 24, 32 8, 16, 24, and 32 bits.

·         PNG (Portable Network Graphics) – This is a replacement for the GIF format.  It is a full-featured (non-LZW) compressed format intended for widespread use without legal restraints.  1, 4, 8, 16, 24, 32  bits for grayscale, and 1, 4, 8, 24 bits for color.

·         Photoshop 3.0 (PSD) – This is the format produced by the Adobe Photoshop graphics editor.  1, 8, and 24 bits for grayscale, 1, 8, and 24 bits for color.

·         Windows Bitmap (BMP) – This is a file format created by Microsoft.  Some BMP images are compressed with an RLE-type compression.  1, 4, and 8 bits for grayscale, and 1, 4, 8, and 24 bits for color.

·         Windows Metafile (WMF) – These files are not bitmap based images.  A Windows metafile consists of a collection of device-independent functions that represents an image.  When a program loads a metafile, these functions are executed to obtain the image.  8 and 24 bits for both grayscale and color.

·         PCX – This is a file format created by ZSoft.  This format compresses its image data with the RLE type compression.  1, 4, 8, and 24 bit for both grayscale and color.

·         DCX – This is a multi-page PCX format that enables a file to contain more than one image.  It is handled the same as a regular PCX file, except for the multi-page feature.  1, 4, 8, and 24 bits for both grayscale and color.

·         PostScript Raster (Encapsulated PostScript) – These files are used primarily on PostScript printers.  These printers usually offer a larger variety of fonts and higher resolution than standard laser printers.  EPS files will work on any PostScript compatible printer and any user application that supports placement of EPS files in its workspace.  1 and 8 bits for grayscale raster images, and 1, 4, 8, 16, 24, and 32 bits for color. 

·         OS/2 Bitmap (OS/2 BMP) – These are files created on an OS/2 operating system.  DEEPSKY 2000 supports both 1.x and 2.x formats.  1, 4, and 8 bits for grayscale, 1, 4, 8, and 24 for color.

·         CALS Raster – These are 1-bit CCITT Group 4 CALS raster files.  CALS is a United States government standard.  1 bit for grayscale, 1 bit for color.

·         MacPaint (MAC) – These Macintosh Paint files are commonly used for monochrome clip art.  1 bit for grayscale, 1 bit for color.

·         GEM Image (IMG) – These files are native to the Graphical Environment Manager developed by Digital Research.  1 bit for grayscale, 1 for color.

·         Microsoft Paint (MSP) – These files from early versions of Windows are used for black-and-white drawings and clip art.  1 bit for grayscale, 1 for color.

·         WordPerfect (WPG) – These are WordPerfect raster files.  1, 4, and 8 bits for grayscale, 1, 4, bits for color.

·         SUN Raster (RAS) – These files are native to Sun UNIX platforms.  1, 4, 8, 24, and 32 bits for grayscale, 1, 4, 8, 24, and 32 bits for color.

·         Macintosh Pict (PCT) – These files, produced using Macintosh QuickDraw, are used in desktop publishing and imaging applications.  1, 4,  8, and 24 bits for both grayscale and color.

·         LEAD 1-BIT – These are 1-bit LEAD compressed files.  1 bit for grayscale, 1 for color.

·         PCD – These are Kodak PhotoCD files.  All read-only.

 


Imaging Functions

 

DEEPSKY 2000 provides a general imaging package that integrates with the rest of the program.  These features highlighted below provide many of the features of advanced image processing software.

 

File Menu

 

New

Creates a new image workspace.

Open

Loads a new image into a window.

Save

Save the image in the active window to the current image format.

Convert

Save the image in the active window to any image format.

Color Merge

Creates a color bitmap by merging grayscale bitmaps that were created as color separations.  You can use this to recombine the bitmaps that the Color Separate method creates.  The supported color-space models are RGB, CMYK, CMY, HSV, and HLS.  The resulting bitmap is 24 bits per pixel.

Capture Screen

Captures any the screen loading the contents into a window.

Acquire

Acquires the TWAIN scanning device to start scanning.  You must have a 32-bit TWAIN driver installed for this option to work.  Contact your scanner vendor for an updated driver.

Select Source

Selects the scanner device if you have more than one scanner driver.

Print Setup

Shows the Windows 95 print dialog screen.

Print

Prints the image in the current active window.

 

Edit Menu

 

Copy

Copies the image in the active window to the clipboard.

Paste

Copies an image in the clipboard into a window.

Undo

Shows previous image before it was modified by a command.

Select Region

Provides selecting a region of the bitmap to process.


View Menu

 

Normal

Displays the image at its original size

Zoom

Displays a control that allows you to zoom into and out of the image

Fit Image to Window

Displays the image at the size of the active window while maintaining its aspect ratio

Stretch Image to Window

Displays the image at the size of the active window while NOT maintaining its aspect ratio

Snap

Makes image the size of the window.

Paint Effects­

Controls how images are painted to the screen.

 

Animation

 

Several options are provided to combine images so that an animation can be made.

 

Image Menu

 

Flip

Flips the bitmap from top to bottom.

Reverse

Reverses the bitmap to produce a mirror image.

Rotate

Rotates the image 90, 180, or 270 degrees, or any amount specified.

Resize

Resizes the image, changing its actual storage size.

Posterize

Imposes a poster effect on the bitmap by quantizing the bitmap's colors to a specified number of color levels per plane.  For example, two levels means two of red, two of green, and two of blue.

Mosaic

Imposes a mosaic effect on the bitmap by dividing the bitmap into tiles of a specified size and changing the color of all pixels in each tile to the average color of pixels within the tile.

Average

Changes the color of each pixel in the bitmap to the average color of pixels in its neighborhood.  This results in a blur effect.  You control the amount of blur by specifying the size of the neighborhood that is used for averaging.

Median

Changes the color of each pixel in the bitmap to the median color of pixels in its neighborhood.  This is similar to the Average method, but it is used for noise reduction, rather than a blur effect.

Sharpen

Increases or decreases the sharpness of the image in the bitmap.  Negative values decrease the sharpness of the image.  Specify -1000 for minimum sharpness.  Positive values increase the sharpness.  Specify +1000 for maximum sharpness.

Despeckle

Remove noise from the bitmap.

Add Noise

Adds random pixels to the bitmap, letting you specify the percentage of coverage and the color plane.

Emboss

Applies an emboss effect to the bitmap, letting you specify the depth and direction of the effect.  This gives the image a 3D appearance.

Underlay

Combines two bitmaps so that one appears to be an underlying texture for the other.  This is most effective when the underlying image is a filtered one, such as an embossed image.  This method changes the colors of the underlay to grayscale as it combines the images.  It updates the current bitmap, leaving the second bitmap (hBitmap) unchanged.  The underlying image can either be stretched or tiled to fill the target image.

Spatial Filters

Several spatial filters are also provided.

 

Color Menu

 

Halftone

Converts a 1-, 4-, 8-, 16-, 24-, or 32-bit bitmap to a half-toned bitmap.  A half-toned bitmap is a 1-bit bitmap that has been dithered for black and white printing or display.  If the bitmap is originally 1-bit but is not black and white, this method changes it to black and white.

Grayscale

Converts the image to 256 level grayscale

Resolution

Changes the resolution of the image from 1 bit up to 32 bits.

Invert

Changes the image causing it to appear like a photographic negative.

Brightness

Changes the brightness of the image

Contrast

Increases or decreases the contrast of the bitmap.

Histogram Contrast

Increases or decreases the contrast of the image in a bitmap, using a histogram to determine the median brightness.  This method finds the median brightness of the image; then brightens the pixels with values above the median and darkens the pixels with values below the median.  This is more sophisticated (but slower) than the Contrast method, which uses the middle possible value (128) rather than finding the actual median.

Hue

Changes the hue of colors in the bitmap by rotating the color wheel.

Saturation

Increases or decreases the saturation of colors in the bitmap.  Negative values decrease the saturation of colors.  Specify -1000 to change the colors to grayscale.  Positive values increase the saturation.  Specify +1000 to make the colors as bold as they can be.  Use this to enhance the color of the image you are processing.

View Histogram

Updates the array that charts how many times each intensity level occurs in the bitmap.  This method can chart red, green, and blue separately or together. 

Histogram Equalize

Linearizes the number of pixels per gray level in the bitmap.  This can be used to bring out the detail in dark areas of an image.

Stretch Intensity

Increases the contrast in a bitmap by centering, maximizing, and proportioning the range of intensity values.  Unlike the Contrast method, this method always retains the original number of different intensity values.  (Ordinary contrast adjustments can lose values at the high and low ends of the scale.)

Gamma Correct

Adjusts the intensity of colors in the bitmap by changing the gamma constant that is used to map the intensity values.  Intensity values ideally follow a logarithmic progression, because the eye perceives changes in intensity as being equal when the ratio of change is equal.  For example, we would see a change from 0.1 to 0.2 as being equal to a change from 0.2 to 0.4.  Gamma is a standard constant that is used to calculate the progression.  For most CRTs the gamma constant is in the range of 2.2 to 2.5.

Intensity Control

Filters the bitmap to detect colors in a specified intensity range.  Intensity levels range from 0 to 255 for each color plane (red, green, and blue).  This method processes each plane separately.  If a value falls within the range, it is raised to 255, and if it falls outside the range, it is lowered to 0.

Separate Colors

Separates the bitmap by color plane to produce one grayscale bitmap per plane.  The supported color-space models are RGB, CMYK, CMY, HSV, and HLS

 

Settings Menu

 

Dithering

Specifies the type of dithering to use when painting an image on a device with 256 colors or less.  Ordered dithering is faster than error diffusion, but the quality of the image is not as good.


Star Charts

 


 

 


Star charting has been a welcome addition to the features provided in DEEPSKY 2000.  Dean William’s is responsible for the star charts in DEEPSKY 2000. I’d like to thank Dean for his continued hard work.

 

IMPORTANT

The charts won’t contain all the Deepsky objects in the DEEPSKY 2000 database.  Instead, they contain only the objects you have shown on the spreadsheet.  This allows you to concentrate on what you want to observe eliminating all the other objects.  It also speeds up processing.

 

 

The Chart Menu

 

 

Below is a brief description of each selection on the Charts menu.

 

Deepsky 2000 Charting Options

 

Star Charts

Use this option to create a star chart showing only those Deepsky objects that are on the currently selected spreadsheet.

 

Plot Planets, Sun, and Moon

Use this option to create a star chart showing only solar system objects.

 


Plot Entered Coordinates

 

 

This option allows you to key in a series of right ascension and declination values, save them, then plot them onto a star chart.  To use this option, simply fill in the coordinates in either of the input formats and click the Add Coordinates To List button.  Also, be sure to key in a short name for the object and the type of object it is.  The appropriate symbol you select will be plotted onto the chart.

 

Before plotting the coordinate, save the information into a file so that you can retrieve the information at a later time.

 

This feature allows you to plot comets, asteroids, or any other object right onto DEEPSKY 2000’s star charts.

 

 

Plot Scope Location

When telescope control is activated, this option will create a star chart with the field centered on the telescope position.

 

Go To Constellation

Creates a simple star chart centered on the selected constellation.

 
Show Charts With Stars Only

Creates a simple star chart with no Deepsky objects.

 

Cartes du Ciel Charting Options

 

Star Charts

Use this option to create a star chart showing only those Deepsky objects that are on the currently selected spreadsheet.

 

Plot Entered Coordinates

This option let you enter a series of coordinates and then have a chart created with those coordinates plotted.

 

Go To Constellation

Creates a simple star chart centered on the selected constellation.

 
Cartes du Ciel

Launches Cartes du Ciel astronomy software.

 

 

Chart Operation

 

The interactive atlas is a full-featured star charting tool comparable to the leading PC planetarium packages.  These charts coupled with the main DEEPSKY 2000 database program provide a uniquely powerful and flexible application for a multitude of astronomical pursuits.

 

The list of features found in the atlas includes:

 

·         Your choice of star databases from either the SAO catalog (limiting magnitude of approximately 9), the Super Tycho Star Catalog (limiting magnitude of about 12), or the Hubble Guide Star Catalog (CD-ROM version) with nearly 18 million stars to a magnitude limit near 15.5.

 

·         Any list of deep sky objects selected in DEEPSKY 2000 can be plotted on the charts.

 

·         Click on objects for access to detailed technical specifications and observing notes from a number of skilled amateurs. 

 

·         The sun, moon, planets, asteroids, and comets can all be plotted.

 

·         Built-in support for the LX200, Autostar, Nexstar, and Ultima telescopes. 

 

·         Complete control over various chart elements; the user can specify any combination of lines, labels, colors, etc.

 

·         Easy chart navigation allows fast relocation to specified sky positions, centering on specified objects and custom zooming to any field width.

 

·         Charts can be mirror-imaged to match telescope views or inverted for Southern Hemisphere users.

 

·         Highly detailed printed charts from any printer including the ability to create multiple charts with one command (make your own printed atlas).

 

·         Much more.

 

 

Using the Interactive Atlas

 

The atlas charts are controlled with the floating toolbar pictured here.  The function of each toolbar button is described below as well as several useful keyboard shortcuts.  Note that by “parking” the mouse pointer on top of a toolbar button, a brief descriptive message will be displayed.

 


 

 

 


Direction Controls

These 4 arrow buttons are used to scroll the chart in the indicated direction.  The four keyboard arrow keys may also be used.  The actual distance moved is automatically optimized based on the current field of view.

 

Zoom Controls

The zoom buttons include the two magnifying glass icons together with the 6 number buttons labeled from 1 to 75.  You can zoom in or out a single step with the magnifiers, or jump to a specified field width with the numbered buttons.  The plus and minus keyboard keys will also zoom as indicated.

 

Chart Content

The buttons in the central section of the toolbar are employed to specify which chart elements should be displayed.  The first button (a double-wide one using both a starry icon and a label) is used to switch between the SAO star catalog (for speed) and the Hubble Guide Star Catalog (for more faint stars).  The next 3 buttons toggle constellation boundaries, constellation figure lines and the coordinate grid overlay.  The icon with the curved blue line turns the ecliptic line off and on.  The moon icon toggles the display of deep sky and solar system objects, and the next button controls the display of the milky way boundaries.  The dipper button redraws the chart in black and white, which is useful for insuring the best possible output on some color printers.  The next button causes only stars and deep sky / solar system objects to be displayed, suppressing all other lines, labels etc.  The Obj, Con, Star and Grk buttons toggle the labels for certain chart elements (deep sky and solar system object IDs, constellation names, bright star names and Greek letter labels).

 

Chart Navigation



 


The globe icon opens the Chart Navigation dialog.  Right-clicking on an empty area of a chart will also open this dialog. 

 

The slider controls on this dialog are used to specify a new chart center, field of view size or star magnitude limit.  After adjusting these controls you can click on OK to redraw the chart using the new values, or Cancel to ignore the changes.  The Auto Mag checkbox indicates whether the magnitude limit is automatically calculated based on the field size, or if it is user-adjustable.  By unchecking this box you will be able to force any desired star magnitude limit.  The Const list control is used to center the chart on a chosen constellation.  Simply click on the desired constellation and then click the Go To button.

 

Find Object

 


 


The button with the pointing finger icon is used to open the Find Object dialog, used to redraw the chart centered on the specified object.

 

This is the dialog presented when the user clicks on the Find toolbar button.  The value to be entered should exactly match the label value for a plotted object.  This value is not case-sensitive.  If found, the chart will be re-centered on the indicated object.


 

Chart Configuration

 

 

The next icon will open the Chart Configuration dialog which allows you to make permanent changes to chart content options, line and label colors, label fonts and other settings.

 

The controls on this dialog are used to specify which chart elements will be displayed, and which colors and fonts will be used.  The Initial Field Size value will be used when you center on a constellation (refer to the section on the Navigation Dialog).  The check boxes in the left side of this window indicate certain items that can be included on charts by checking.  The Southern View check box can be used to invert the charts to appear as seen from the southern hemisphere.  The large button labeled Restore Option Dflts will load “factory default” configuration values for the above settings.

 

On the right side of this window there are buttons used to control the color of the indicated chart elements, and for specifying font styles and colors for the indicated labels.  The Restore Color/Font Dflts button restores these settings to “factory defaults.”

 

The Cancel, Apply and OK buttons are used to close this dialog.  Apply will redraw the chart immediately with the new values whereas OK simply saves the values for use the next time a chart is redrawn.

 

 

Reset To Initial Settings

The button showing a circular arrow around an exclamation mark is used to redraw the chart using the initial settings used when the DEEPSKY 2000 first created the chart.  This is useful if, after moving, zooming or changing chart content, you wish to return to your starting point.

 

 

Chart Orientation

The next two buttons, with the opposing arrows will flip the chart horizontally or vertically, toggling between normal and mirror images or inverting the chart.  Telescopes or finder scopes often show mirror imaged or inverted fields, so this button can be helpful for matching chart content to what is seen through the eyepiece.  The vertical flip is also helpful for southern hemisphere users.  Note that the chart configuration dialog provides a checkbox to make the inverted view the default setting.

 

 

Erase Telrads and Telescope Markers

The button with the erasing hand icon will erase all Telrad and telescope location markers from the chart. 

 

 

Center on Telescope Position

The telescope button will center the chart on the current telescope position (if a telescope is attached and initialized).

 

 

Print Current Chart

The printer icon is used to print the current chart.  A printer setup dialog will be opened, allowing you to specify which printer, and which printer options to use.  By changing between portrait and landscape format output you can create two different styles of charts.  The portrait chart includes a descriptive legend, which is omitted from the landscape version.  After a chart is printed you will be asked whether you want an object list report.  This is a simple report listing the deep sky objects plotted on the accompanying chart.

 

Print Atlas

 


 


The button represented with a multiple page icon opens the Printed Atlas dialog.  This dialog is used to print a range of charts covering a specified region of the sky. 

 

Using this dialog you can print multiple star charts covering the indicated area of the sky.  The charts will all be printed in portrait format at a field size of 30 degrees.  The Print Object Lists check box will follow each chart with a simple report listing the objects plotted on that chart.

 

 

Help and Exit Controls

The final group of toolbar buttons provides access to the help system and a way to close the chart and return to DEEPSKY 2000.

 

 


The Object Identification Dialog


                          

 


After clicking on a bright star, deep sky or solar system object you will be presented with this dialog.  Technical details will appear at the top of the main text window followed by any available observers’ notes (if you have specified that notes be sent from DEEPSKY 2000–see PreferencesàCharts). 

 

The Center button centers the chart on the object without changing the field size.  A faster way to center the chart on a deep sky or solar system object, or a bright, labeled star is to simply right-click on any of these objects.  After a right-click the chart will re-center at that position with no intervening dialog. 

 

The Eyepiece button opens the Eyepiece dialog (see below).

 

The Cleanup button will erase any Telrad markers or eyepiece circles currently on the chart. 

 

The Image button, if enabled will display an image of the current object. 

 

The Zoom & Center control will center the chart on the object, changing the field of view to whatever value you select from the drop-down list. 

 

The Navigation button opens the Navigation Dialog (see above). 

 

The Telrad button will draw a Telrad pointing device marker centered on the object. 

 

The Go To button instructs an attached telescope to move to the object. 

 

The OK button closes the dialog.

 

 


The Eyepiece Dialog


 

 


The Eyepiece button allows the user to specify a particular telescope/eyepiece combination and displays the power (magnification) and true field size for the currently selected values.  If the OK button is clicked, a circle drawn to the scale of the true field will be plotted on the selected object.  This is intended to portray the area of sky which will be seen through a given instrument and eyepiece.

 


Telescope Control

 

 

A dream I have had for a long time was to have a computer automatically point a telescope to an object I was interested in viewing.  With the advent of computer-controlled telescopes, this dream has become a reality.

 

DEEPSKY 2000 currently supports the following GOTO telescopes:

 

            Meade LX-200 or compatible

            Meade Autostar (ie. etx90ec, etx125ec)

            Celestron Nexstar

Celestron Ultima

 

DEEPSKY 2000 has unique and exciting features that allow you to directly control your telescope.   Go To operations can be performed from the spreadsheet screen by right clicking an object and selecting Locate Object in Telescope.  In addition, Go To is enabled in the star charts whenever you click on an object ID and in other screens as well.

 

Before using any telescope control options in DEEPSKY 2000, you must enable the telescope.  Select the Telescope pull-down menu.  If the first item in the pull-down menu indicates Scope Enabled, the telescope is already enabled and you may continue.  If it says Scope Disabled, click on this text to enable the telescope.

 

Note:    The Scope Delay found in the SCOPE SETUP screen should only be adjusted if you experience trouble when using the telescope features.  The default setting is usually recommended. However, if you notice the Go To feature isn’t working after it is selected or that the chart crashes regularly, increase this value using the manual override feature.  Increasing this value increases delay between times that DEEPSKY 2000 checks the scope position.  Visually, you may notice fewer markers being plotted on the chart as the scope moves. 

 

Tip:      To disable markers from plotting, enter a 0 for the scope delay setting.  This seems to make the software work more reliably.

 


Go To Support in DEEPSKY 2000

 

DEEPSKY 2000 provides Telescope Go To capability in the following places in the software:

 

·         Right-Click Menu – A Go To option is on the right-click menu that appears when you right-click on an object ID on the main spreadsheet.  When selected, the telescope will slew to the object.

·         Moon, Planets – A Go To option is located on the moon, and planetary data screens. 

·         Star Charts – A Go To option is located on the information window that is shown when you click on an object in the star chart.

·         LX200 Control Panel (LX200 Only)

 

Scope Setup

 

If you own a telescope, you should specify the Scope Driver (DEEPSKY 2000 or ACP).  The ACP driver provides more capabilities but requires the ACP software.  ACP was written by Bob Denny and is available from DC-3 Dreams Software at http://acp.dc3.com/.  As of this writing, ACP doesn’t support the Celestron Nexstar or the Ultima telescopes.  

 

The DEEPSKY 2000 driver is already installed when Deepsky is installed, and no additional software is required. 

 

 

 

Slide Show Feature 

 

DEEPSKY 2000’s unique and innovative Slide Show feature will forever make your life easier while you are observing.  You can use this feature whenever you want to observe many objects in a relatively short period of time.  Use it at star parties to show guests the best objects you have selected from an observing plan.  Just create an observing plan using DEEPSKY 2000.  Then, when the star party starts, start the Slide Show!  Objects will appear one at a time and you control when the next object is viewed.  You can even go backwards or select an object from anywhere in your plan!  Your computer doesn’t even have to be next to your telescope.  It could be in a car or inside a building.

 

The Slide Show Screen

Object information is shown on the upper portion of the screen.  This information will change as you move to the next object.  If an image exists for the object that is shown, it will be displayed on the screen so that you can compare what you see at the telescope with the image in the database.  You can click on the image to enlarge it

 

Automatic Slide Show (LX-200 Only)?

You might be wondering how this is accomplished since the LX200 hand controller doesn’t provide any real way to trigger events on a computer.  Actually it is very easy.  I came up with an easy way for the observer to tell the DEEPSKY 2000 software when it should slew to the next object in the plan.  The observer just goes to the GMT Offset input area in the controller and enters the following codes to control the telescope:

 

      1    Slew the telescope to the next object in the plan.

      2    Slew the telescope to the previous object in the plan.

      3    Create a logbook entry for the object being observed.

 

Now you may be wondering what happens when the GMT Offset is changed.  Does this screw up your telescope?  No, because DEEPSKY 2000 changes the GMT offset only temporarily to whatever code you enter to determine what is to be done.  Then it changes it back to what it was before you entered a value. Then DEEPSKY 2000 carries out the command. 

 

If you live in an area where your GMT offset actually is 1, 2, or 3 hours, you must enter a different command instead of what was shown above.  The alternate commands are:

 

      4    Slew the telescope to the next object in the plan.

      5    Slew the telescope to the previous object in the plan.

      6    Create a logbook entry for the object being observed.

     

Believe it or not, this method of communication between the LX200 and DEEPSKY 2000 actually works very well in the field.  I chose to trigger these events using the GMT Offset value because it is easy to get to using the hand controller.  You only have to go through one or two screens each time you want to issue a command. 

 

This exciting new feature will let you use the keypad controller at the telescope to move the telescope to the objects in your observing plan.  You can also instruct DEEPSKY 2000 to create a logbook entry for you automatically right from the telescope.  If you have a computer inside and want to run your LX200 telescope from the hand controller outside, this option is for you.

 

To use this feature, enter the generic logbook information once before you go to the telescope.  Then when you are ready to start, just click the Controller On button and the telescope will be positioned to the first object in your observing plan.

 

Since the LX200 hand controller can't directly initiate DEEPSKY 2000 events, I have implemented a gimmick to accomplish this trick.  To move the LX200 to the next object in your plan, go to the Local Time and Date menu on the keypad controller and hold down the Enter key until you hear a beep.  Press Enter a second time to bypass the time settings.  When you see the GMT Offset setting, enter +01 to move the telescope to the next object, +02 to move the telescope to the previous object, or +03 to create a logbook entry for the object the scope is positioned to.

 

DEEPSKY 2000 temporarily uses the GMT Offset settings to alert DEEPSKY 2000 to do one of these three functions.  When DEEPSKY 2000 receives the GMT offset that you entered from the hand controller, it resets the GMT offset back to the correct setting, then executes the appropriate function. 

 

This method works really well for everybody except for those who normally specify a GMT offset of 1, 2, or 3.  If you are one of these people, you should make sure the Use the Alt GMT Offset (4,5,6) option is checked before you click the controller on button.  Instead of using a +01 to move to the next object, +02 to move to the previous one or +03 to add a logbook entry, you should use +04, +05, or +06.

 

Manual Slide Show

For those of you who want to manually slew the scope, the Slide Show feature accommodates you as well.  Using a computer somewhere in the vicinity of your telescope, start the slide show.  When you want to move the scope to the next object, just click the Next button.  You can also go backwards through the objects or pick one at random from the list.  Information about the object the telescope is pointing to will be displayed on your screen.  If an image is linked to the object in the DEEPSKY 2000 database (all Messier objects are), a picture will be displayed so that you can compare your view to the picture.  It helps at public star parties to let guests see what the object looks like from a real photograph.  In my opinion, this just adds more meaning to the star party.

 

In the manual mode, you are required to use your computer to move to the next object.  This is done by clicking the Next or Previous command button.  You can also go to any object by selecting the object ID from the pull-down list that is located above the command buttons.

                       

If you are interested in logging your observations as you go, then fill in the generic logbook fields then click the Add to Log field to add a entry to the logbook for the currently selected object.  The object ID and date/time of the observation will be recorded in the log.  If you like, you can go back later and add observing notes or images to your observations.

 


Identify Objects at Current Scope Position

 

This option will display objects that are currently within a certain number of degrees from your telescope.  You can use this feature to help identify objects nearby in order to help minimize slewing of your telescope.

 

 

LX200 Control Panel


 

 


The LX200 control panel enables you to control many settings on your LX200 telescope.  You can change values like date, time, latitude, longitude, etc., and you can retrieve the coordinates that the telescope is pointing to.  You can manually slew the telescope from the control panel, and you can even tell DEEPSKY 2000 to move the telescope to a specific Right Ascension or Declination.

 

Support for Astronomer’s Control Panel (ACP)

 

 

ACP is a Windows NT/95/98 program, written by Bob Denny, that provides a fast and easy-to-use interface to the Meade LX200 and Autostar series telescopes.  Don't dismiss this as simply "digital setting circles" or something like that.  It does a lot more. 

 

Here are some of its main features:

·         Control all aspects of the LX200 telescope from your computer. 

·         Voice command and control, including voice “go to.”  Built-in vocalizations and voice commands can be augmented with scripts that can vocalize text and respond to new voice commands. 

·         Scripting support with visual debugging using VBScript, JScript, Perl, or Python.  No need for a special language. 

·         Over 40 properties and methods exposed in an object model available to scripts and external OLE-automation clients such as Excel and Access. 

·         Seamless integration with two really excellent planetarium and star-mapping programs, Chris Marriott's SkyMap Pro 6 and Sienna Software's Starry Night 2.1.2 (or later).  These two programs can work together with LX200 ACP while it is connected to the LX200. 

·         Integration with DEEPSKY 2000 by Steve Tuma. 

·         Digital setting circles, celestial and alt/az, plus clock and sidereal time, clock can display UTC, Local, or Julian. 

·         Single-action motion controls (no need to click to stop motion), and half-FOV stepping controls.  This permits you to step the scope position according to your field of view, regardless of current RA. 

·         Sync scope's clock from PC. 

·         Observing site database, load scope's lat/long/timezone from PC database. 

·         Alignment wizards for polar and alt/az modes, automatic selection and slew for alignment stars, with alternates. 

·         Go-to panel: select from coordinates, M-objects, NGC, IGC, UGC, "star#", SAO, GVCS, planets, alignment stars, and FOV angular shift. 

·         "What's Visible" button lights when scope detects a known deep-sky object within its field ("field" operation), click for description of object. 

·         Optics database: select your scope and eyepiece or camera, displays field radius and magnification (or field dimensions for cameras), and loads the field radius into the scope for "field" operations and half-FOV step movements. 

·         "Smart Search" panel: Checkboxes select object type filters.  Sliders select elevation, magnitude, size and quality limits.  Click to do scope "find" operation and browse the results with plain language decoded descriptions.  May be tied to optics calculations to limit objects to those that will fit in the eyepiece or camera. 

·         Reticle brightness and blink mode controls. 

·         Focus controls including speed. 

·         Tracking speed panel, high-precision mode selector. 

·         Scope database selectors for deep-sky and star catalogs used. 

·         All settings are restored from the previous session when the program is started. 

·         Win95/98/NT-compliant installer with uninstall support. 

 

DEEPSKY 2000 Support for ACP

 

DEEPSKY 2000 supports calling ACP from the Telescope pull-down menu.  It provides an excellent voice driven interface for LX200 series telescopes. 

 

·         DEEPSKY 2000 can automatically create Script files of an observing plan so that you can just run the script in ACP and you will be able to use it as though it’s a voice activated slide show.  (Presently, this feature in DEEPSKY 2000 requires Internet Explorer or any other VBScript engine). 

 

·         DEEPSKY 2000 provides an ACP driver, which can be used in place of the one that comes with DEEPSKY 2000 to drive the LX200 or Autostar based telescopes.  The ACP driver requires Bob Denny’s ACP software.  If you have ACP installed on your system, you can select to use the ACP driver in DEEPSKY 2000 by going to the Scope Setup option on the Telescope pull-down menu and selecting ACP in the driver selection box.  Whenever you enable the scope under the TELESCOPE menu, ACP will be loaded onto your task bar.  Then whenever you tell DEEPSKY 2000 to Go To an object, ACP will automatically position the telescope right on the object. 

 

Note:    ACP is not distributed with DEEPSKY 2000.  It is a separate program, and is available from            http://acp.dc3.com.

     


Other Features

 

Night Vision Mode

Deepsky can turn your computer screen into a deep red hue preserving your night vision while you use the software during observing.  The feature acts as a toggle switch enabling you to turn nightvision on and off.  When you exit Deepsky, nightvision will also be turned off automatically. 

 

 

Synchronize PC’s Clock To Time Server

 

 

 

Deepsky can connect to a timeserver on the World Wide Web and update your PC’s clock with the accurate time.  Several time servers are available and Deepsky 2000 remembers the last one used.

 

AstroBookmarks

With the advent of the World Wide Web, there are many good resources available for the amateur or professional astronomer.  AstroBookmarks contains a categorized list of astronomy related websites along with a short description of each.  After finding a site that is interesting to you, you can jump right to that site in your web browser.  


Database Import Wizard

 

The ADC/CDS Database Import Wizard is used to import astronomical catalogs into the DEEPSKY 2000 database (DeepPro13000.mdb or DeepPro413000.MDB).  This feature will enable you to import any fixed-length ASCII file into DEEPSKY 2000. 

 

The Astronomical Data Center (ADC) and Strasbourg Astronomical Data Center (CDS) maintain hundreds of astronomical catalogs from stars to deep sky objects.  Most of these catalogs are in fixed-length ASCII format and thus can be imported easily into DEEPSKY 2000.

 

Overview

 

The import wizard is recommended for intermediate to advanced users.  Most amateurs will not need to import additional catalogs into DEEPSKY 2000 since the large database contains over 426,000 objects.  Do not use this feature until you feel comfortable with DEEPSKY 2000 and are familiar with the existing astronomical catalogs.

 

This software directly changes the main DEEPSKY 2000 database.  It is important to follow all instructions carefully so that you do not import bad data into the database.  Failure to understand the import process in detail can cause problems running DEEPSKY 2000.  However, this software program will allow you to back out any changes made by deleting the catalogs you imported incorrectly.

 

 

How to Import 

 

This software will only work if the DeepPro13000.MDB or DeepPro413000.MDB file resides in the Deepsky directory on your hard disk.  Importing is not allowed if you are running from the CD-ROM.

 

Please make a backup copy of the main database file DeepPro13000.MDB or DeepPro413000.MDB as well as your current logbook file (Logbook2000-?.mdb).   When mapping fields from the ASCII file to the DEEPSKY 2000 database, make sure you specify the Object ID as a unique number.  DEEPSKY 2000’s primary key is Catalog, ObjectID.  Some catalogs do not include an Object ID field.  As a result you must map other characters in the import data to the Object ID field in DEEPSKY 2000.  One possibility is to use the RA and Dec as the Object ID.  In most cases this combination will be unique.  Some catalogs contain a sequential number.  You can specify this number as the Object ID.

 

Since DEEPSKY 2000 uses a non-normalized relational database design, the size of the database will grow as you add more records to the database.  Remember to monitor disk space as you are importing catalogs.  You are limited only by the amount of hard disk space you have.

 

Remember to always verify the DEEPSKY 2000 database after an import is complete to ensure that the data was imported correctly.  Make sure you examine the right ascension and declination fields and match them up to the source import file.  DEEPSKY 2000 stores right ascension and declination in the following format: hh mm.t and dd mm.t.  Any right ascension or declination values you import which include seconds will be converted to this format.

 


Download the Catalog

 

If you do not already have the catalog you wish to import on your system or a CD-ROM, the first thing you will have to do is to download the catalog from the Internet.  Two good sources of astronomical catalogs are NASA’s Astronomical Data Center (ADC) and the Strasbourg Astronomic Center (CDS).  The ADC can be found on the Internet at http://adc.gsfc.nasa.gov/adc/adc_holdings1.html.  You can find the CDS at http://cdsweb.u-strasbg.fr/cats/cats.html.  If you live in North America, the ADC should provide the fastest link. European users should download from the CDS in France.

 

Once the appropriate website is displayed, you can retrieve the desired catalog by browsing the list of catalogs.  For deep sky objects, you might select the Nonstellar and Extended Objects link (ADC).  Once the link is selected, you will see a list of catalogs that can be downloaded.  Find the catalog you want and click the link.  The next screen that appears often describes the file and shows you what positions the fields are in (file layout).  Make sure you save this screen as a text file so that you can use it when you map the fields to the DEEPSKY 2000 database.  Some catalogs don't show the file layouts on the HTML page and you have to download it separately from the FTP site.  When you are ready, find the FTP site link for the catalog and go there.  When the directory of files is shown, you should download the appropriate file corresponding to the catalog.  Now this might get a little tricky.  In some cases, you can spot the catalog file because it's the largest file shown.  However, this may not be the case.  Furthermore, the name of the catalog will often be inconsistent with other catalogs you may come across.  What you should look for is a name like: ZWICKY.DAT.GZ or CATALOG.DAT.GZ.  The catalogs will most often end in a .GZ extension.  This indicates the file is stored in a compressed format. You can use WinZip or a similar utility to uncompress these files after you have downloaded them.  If you did not see a file layout on the HTML page for the catalog, look for it in the list of files in the FTP directory you downloaded the catalog from.  This file will be called README or something similar, and will be a small file.

 

To download the most recent version of WinZip, visit Niko Mak Computing, Inc.’s web set at http://www.winzip.com/.

 

Import the Catalog

Once you have the catalog on your local PC and have unzipped it if it was compressed, you are ready to Specify Import Options.

 

When the import options screen appears, take a minute to examine the different things on the screen.  A list of current catalogs will be shown in the top right.  Please note the mappings spreadsheet, which is identified as Step 1.  This is where you enter the From and To positions corresponding to the file layout you downloaded with the data. 

 

 

The red cells (except ObjectID) indicate that the field is required.  The import program does not require that you always map an ObjectID.  However, RA Hours, RA Minutes, Dec Degrees, and Dec Minutes must be entered.  If you do not specify an object ID, DEEPSKY 2000 will automatically create a unique record ID for each object. The white cells are optional.  If you want this data to appear in DEEPSKY 2000 and it is available in the catalog, then specify its starting and ending positions.  The black cells are off limits.  Do not enter anything in these. 

 

The From and To columns represent the column number positions in the import file that contain the data you want mapped to DEEPSKY 2000’s fields.  This information can either be found in the file layout file downloaded with the catalog, or you can use Microsoft Wordpad to load the ASCII import file and count the positions from the leftmost character on the screen.  The Tenths column is optional, but may be required if the tenths portion of either R.A. or Dec is not next to the rest of the R.A. and Dec in the file.

 

All the fields in the mapping process are easy to understand with the exception of R.A. and Dec and the Extended Description.

 

R.A. and Dec Mappings

Right Ascension and Declination formats can be different depending on the catalog you are importing.  Some catalogs will specify RA in the format hh mm.t (e.g. 00457 for 0h 45.7m) while others use the format hh mm ss (e.g. 004540 for 0h 45m 40s), while still others use hh mm ss.t (e.g. 0045403 for 0h 45m 40.3s).  It is important to note which characters map to which fields for the R.A. and Dec.  For example, if the R.A. looks like 00457 and the file layout says that hours are positions 1 and 2, and minutes are 3 - 5, then you would put a 1 in the From and a 2 in the To columns for the mapping.  Likewise, the minutes of RA would equal 45.7 and would be entered like this in the mapping: From = 3, To = 5.  If the format for RA or DEC is hh mm ss or dd mm ss, then you would map the positions indicated in the file layout to the hours, minutes, seconds (R.A.) or degrees, minutes, seconds (DEC).  Since this can be a little confusing, you should always check the RA and DEC columns in the database after the import process is done.  If you make a mistake, you can easily delete the catalog and start over.

 

Extended Description Mappings

You will find that almost every catalog that you want to map to contains fields that the DEEPSKY 2000 database does not include.  You can still import this information into DEEPSKY 2000’s Description Memo field by following this process.  Keep in mind that the fields in the description field will not be sortable by the DEEPSKY 2000 software.  This information will be presented to you in a text editor like window for easy viewing.  In DEEPSKY 2000, this information is viewed by right-clicking on an object in the spreadsheet and selecting the Description Details option.

 

Please note that the extended description field is the last one shown on the mapping screen.  To map other fields of information from the import file to DEEPSKY 2000’s description memo field, just do the following:

 

In the first column labeled Field on the row following the Extended Description heading, type in a short caption for the information that will be imported.  For example, if you wanted to include the age of a star cluster in the database you might enter something like  "Star Cluster Age" in the field column.  Make sure you enter this caption carefully because it will show up in DEEPSKY 2000 exactly as it is entered.  Next, enter the From and To positions for the field, like you did for all the rest.  If you want to add another Extended Description field, simply go to the next row and repeat the process.  You can enter about 200 extended description fields, which will be stored in DEEPSKY 2000’s Description Memo field. When DEEPSKY 2000 displays the description information, each field will be on a separate line for easy reading.

 

Review the Catalog

After you import a catalog into the DEEPSKY 2000 database you should review the catalog by selecting the Review the Database option on the first screen.  When you select this option, a screen will appear showing you a blank spreadsheet.  Next, just click Select a Catalog to View option, then select the catalog you imported.  Within a few seconds, the catalog will appear on your screen.  Finally, review the fields that you imported to determine if the import is correct.  Pay special attention to the Right Ascension and Declination columns making sure they match the source import file.  Keep in mind that DEEPSKY 2000 formats these values as hh mm.t and dd mm.t.  This may or may not be the format that was in the original source import file.

 

Other Steps

Once the mapping process is complete, you should save the mapping by clicking the Save Mappings button.  Mappings are a little confusing to some people, so once you get it right you don't want to have to re-map the file.  So save the mapping!  If you ever want to retrieve a mapping, just click on Open Mapping and the mapping will be retrieved.

 

 

Now you can complete the rest of the steps.  They are the easiest. 

 

In Step 2, you specify the import file you downloaded from the ADC or CDS.  Remember to unzip them first before you open them here otherwise things won't work quite right. 

 

In Step 3, refer to the file layout document you downloaded with the catalog and enter the record length for the file.  This is easily determined by looking at the last field's To position in the file layout. 

 

Next, in step 4 you should give a name to the catalog you are importing.  This name will be used to reference the catalog in DEEPSKY 2000 or if you want to delete it in the event the import failed.  Below the name, specify a description for the catalog so that you can easily find it later. 

 

Then, in step 5, specify the epoch for which the coordinates are given.  This will most likely be 1950 or 2000. 

 

Finally, in step 6, select the object type that is in the catalog.  If more than one type exists in the catalog, then you should map its positions on the mapping spreadsheet (most cases you wont have to do this).  If an object type doesn't appear in the list, then you will have to create a database entry record in DEEPSKY 2000 specifying the new object type.  Then redo the import.

 

Once all six steps are complete, click the IMPORT button.  While the import is running, a status gauge will show you what percent of the process is complete.  Since this import routine reads byte-by-byte, you can see how many bytes out of the total have been processed by placing your mouse pointer on top of the status gauge.  A small pop-up will appear showing you the information.

 

If you want to stop the import before it is done hit the STOP button.  A message will be displayed indicating that the import did not complete, and that you should delete the catalog since it is incomplete.

 

Delete the Catalog

If after reviewing a completed import you determine that the data doesn't look quite right, you can undo the import by simply clicking on the catalog that appears in the Import Options list box.  You should make sure the Compact check box is checked when you delete your last import so that the deleted records will be removed permanently from the database.  This will ensure that the database is as small and efficient as possible.


Technical Support

 

For questions or comments on DEEPSKY 2000, please contact me by one of these methods:

 

1425 Greenwich Lane

Janesville, WI  53545

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Questions relating to DEEPSKY 2000's star charts can be addressed to Dean Williams at deanw@cei.net.

 

 

 

 

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