Release Notes

[Fix] = Bug fix, [Chg] = Feature change or interface revision, [New] = New feature

1.5.8	Release Date: 26 May, 2007
Implemented 5/18/07	Sky Commander catalogue export tweaks
	Allow numbered format if ID is numeric and has more than three characters.
Resolution	Implemented. Bonus: Fixed bug where if the Highlighted-only option was used, it was ignored.
Implemented 5/17/07	Add a default sort order for plans
	Add a default sort order for plans, so that when a plan is opened (or created) it will be initially sorted in that order.
Resolution	Implemented. "Use as default" checkbox added to dialog (and a Clear button). Note that the sorting mechanism in V1.5.x is not functioning 100% correctly.
Fixed 5/14/07	Autostar Tour glitches
	It does not seem possible to create an Autostar tour: a. Such the the second (description) line/field is blank. b. Such that if you specify ID _and_ Name in the first line (title), you actually get both.
Resolution	Fixed.
Fixed 5/14/07	Jupiter and satellites at incorrect orientation
	Jupiter and satellites at incorrect orientation w.r.t N (however, position is correct).
Resolution	Fixed.
Fixed 5/12/07	Scripting: APPlanObject.Rise and APPlanObject.Transit return same value
	APPlanObject.Rise and APPlanObject.Transit return the same value.
Resolution	Fixed.
Implemented 5/12/07	Scripting: SaveXXXValue/RestoreXXXValue globally
	Currently SaveXXXValue/RestoreXXXValue save parameters per plan document. Add an option to do this globally, so that all plans share the same saved parameters.
Resolution	Implemented. If you call SaveRestoreGlobal(true) at the beginning of your script's main program (before any RestoreXXXValue calls), then the values will be stored in the application prefs rather than per plan document, and will be shared with all plan docs using the script
Implemented 5/11/07	Send object coordinates to external app
	Add ability to send object coordinates to external app (e.g. CdC or EquinoX) from the Observing/Planning tab (using right-click contextual menu).
Resolution	Implemented. "Centre in XXXX's FOV" entry in the Observing list and Planning list contextual menus, where XXXX is your external app (Cartes du Ciel or EquinoX).
Implemented 5/11/07	Scripting: ListWindow line/cell formatting
	Add the ability to format a line or cell of a ListWindow (e.g. bold, italic, text colour, background colour, etc.)
Resolution	Implemented. CellFormat and CellColor do the job.
Implemented 5/11/07	Scripting: Sequential writing to ListWindow
	Be able to write a new line to a ListWindow (rather than specifying row/column). This would allow a "console"-like window.
Resolution	Implemented. ListWindow.Append(s1,...sn), where s1..sn are strings (n>0) will assign the strings to the row after the last one written to. Hence a sequence of Appends will act like sequential writing.
Implemented 5/11/07	Scripting: ListWindow refresh
	Currently the ListWindow only refreshes occasionally. Add a method of refreshing it instantly.
Resolution	Implemented. ListWindow.Refresh.
Implemented 5/10/07	Scripting: Play an MP3 track
	Add the capability to play an MP3 track from a script.
Resolution	Implemented. PlaySound() plays a given sound file asynchronously, at a given volume. Several sounds can be played simultaneously. StopSound will stop a playing sound. All playing sounds will be stopped when the script terminates.
Implemented 5/10/07	Scripting: MinimumSlewSort starting at given RA/Dec
	MinimumSlewSearch should be able to start at the object closest to a given RA/Dec (e.g. the current pointing coordinates of the telescope).
Resolution	Implemented. Optional RA and Dec parameters added to the MinimumSlewSort method.
Implemented 5/10/07	Scripting: MinimumSlewSort using application parameters
	There should be a way of doing the MinimumSlewSort on an array of objects using the parameters last specified when the user did a Minimum Slew Sort in the application.
Resolution	Implemented. Use mss_Application as the method parameter.
Implemented 5/9/07	Scripting: Be able to access List Windows from 2nd script
	Script A creates a ListWindow. Script A ends and the ListWindow remains open (Script A is designed to do this). Would it be possible for Script B to be started (or even A restarted) and detect the presence of the still open ListWindow?
Resolution	Implemented. ListWindows() returns an array of all existing open list windows. Also implemented is the ListWindow.Title property that will help in identifying list windows.
Implemented 5/4/07	Show "reticles" for all eyepiece FOVs as an FOV option
	Show "reticles" for all active eyepiece FOVs as an FOV chart option.
Resolution	Implemented.
Implemented 5/4/07	Merge plan feature needs generalising
	Include a way of merging objects that don't already exist in the target plan and ignoring them if they do, where duplicate objects are determined by their Names and/or IDs being equal.
Developer Analysis	...and possibly their positions matching too.
Resolution	Implemented.
Implemented 5/4/07	Be able to avoid opening plan files at startup
	Add some method of avoiding opening plan documents at startup, without having to reset preferences. This is useful if you have a corrupted plan document that causes the app to crash, for example.
Resolution	Implemented. Hold down the Ctrl key (Control key) on the keyboard at startup.
Implemented 5/4/07	Be able to change Seeing scale from pop-up menu
	put a "Change to Antoniadi/Pickering scale" entry in the popup menu to save having to find the prefs option.
Resolution	Implemented.
Implemented 5/3/07	Add ability to open Catalogue windows when no plan is open
	Add ability to open Catalogue windows when no plan is open.
Resolution	Implemented. Object→Open Catalogue/s...
Implemented 5/3/07	Be able to change import/export settings
	Be able to change import/export type settings after adding fields (e.g. changing from Excel to comma-separated).
Resolution	Implemented.
Implemented 5/3/07	Specify export line endings
	Be able to specify line endings when exporting text.
Resolution	Implemented.
Implemented 5/1/07	Handle CdC V3
Windows only	Cartes du Ceil V3 has a different executable name. Allow automatic/manual selection of the version you want.
Developer Analysis	Not only does it have a different name, but a whole new way of communicating.
Resolution	Implemented. It's not particularly reliable with current versions of CdC V3 though.
Fixed 4/29/07	Using the delete key on the Planning list will often delete two entries
	Using the Del or BkSpc key on the Planning list will often delete two entries, rather than the expected one.
Resolution	Fixed.
Implemented 4/29/07	Deleting objects with observations
	Deleting objects in the planning/observing lists gives no warning. If associated observations would be also be deleted, then perhaps an OK/Cancel warning should be issued.
Resolution	Implemented.
Fixed 4/29/07	Global observations of planets do not have data attached
	Global observations of planets do not have data attached.
Resolution	Fixed. (at least I assume I must've fixed it some time in past few months. The problems seems to have disappeared in V1.5.8)
Implemented 4/28/07	Scripting: DoubleClick for more than one list
	If there is more than one list in an EditParameters dialog, it would be useful to know which one was double-clicked.
Resolution	Implemented. DoubleClickedList() returns the title of the required list.
Fixed 4/28/07	Editing ratings of global observations
	Editing non-numeric ratings of global observations doesn't work.
Developer Analysis	Workaround: use the numeric equivalent.
Resolution	Fixed.
Implemented 4/28/07	Scripting: Adding "special" objects to a plan.
	Ability to add planets, sun, moon, etc. to a plan.
Resolution	Implemented. AddSolarSystemObject().
Implemented 4/28/07	Scripting: MoonPosition and SunPosition
	Add MoonPosition(d,ra,dec) to return the moon's coordinates at datetime d. Ditto for the sun. Perhaps even the various planets.
Resolution	Implemented. SolarSystemPosition(), which will return ra/dec positions of Moon, Sun and planets.
Fixed 4/28/07	Centre FOV On does not work
	The "Centre FOV On" FOV chart contextual menu item does not work.
Developer Analysis	This appears to happen on non-US systems only (verified).
Resolution	Fixed. This bug also affects the Slew To command on the FOV contextual menu, which presumably didn't work either.
Fixed 4/28/07	Sky EWNS does not affect direction indicators on planning tab correctly
	If you tag the Flip East/West and/or Flip North/South in the Display Options of the Sky-tab, then the arrow in the Observing-tab indicating the direction of view changes direction according the Flips, but the letters EWNS don't swap accordingly.
Resolution	Fixed.
Fixed 4/28/07	Problems with bad coordinates on non-US operating systems
	On a system with non-English number formatting (e.g. 1.000.000,34), objects are being added with bad coordinates.
Developer Analysis	This can be caused if you have inconsistent number formatting settings in your OS. In this case, both the decimal point and the thousands grouping character were accidentally set to the same character (and Windows didn't pick it up. Boo.)
Resolution	Fixed. An alert is now shown on startup if this kind of problem is found.
Implemented 4/27/07	Make telescope limit alerts more understandable
	When telescope limits are exceeded, beeping starts up, but there's no other indication. Perhaps some text somewhere: "Telescope Alt Limit exceeded", etc. Also, checkboxes to enable the limits would be nice.
Resolution	Implemented.
Implemented 4/27/07	Fix Date should lock in current date/time by default
	If an existing plan is opened and does not have a fixed date, clicking the 'fix date' button displays a date & time other than the current date & time. I'm guessing it might be the date & time the file was last saved. I think it makes more sense to show the current values. Likewise, clicking the box to the left of 'Fix Date' should lock in the current date & time.
Resolution	Implemented. Partially. Clicking the "Fix Date..." button now initialises the dialog with the current date/time. Holding down Shift when you do that will initialise it to the previous values. However, I do not believe clicking the checkbox to the left of the button should change the fixed date/time. It is convenient to set a fixed date/time and then use the check box to toggle that fixed date/time on and off.
Implemented 4/27/07	Refresh from catalogue warning
	Give a warning when Refresh from Catalogue is done if any required catalogues are not present.
Resolution	Implemented.
Implemented 4/27/07	Include DST start/end time
	Include DST start/end time. Currently the algorithm just assumes midnight.
Resolution	Implemented.
Implemented 4/27/07	Annual rise/set graphic contextual menu item
	A menu item in the annual graphic to change between Y-axis "Altitude" and "Time of night". Save going back to the "preferences" all the time.
Resolution	Implemented.
Implemented 4/27/07	Increase window size "memory"
	The size/position of plan documents is sometimes forgotten. Increase the "memory" so that more documents can be used without losing that information.
Resolution	Implemented. 100 documents will be remembered.
Fixed 4/27/07	Script upload interrupted by closing window too soon
	Script upload can be interrupted by closing the window too soon.
Resolution	Fixed. Window is prevented from being closed until the transfer is complete.
Fixed 4/27/07	Rise/Set graphic set time
	Setting time using the contextual menu on the Rise/Set graphic sets the time to the current day, rather than the day specified if Fix Date is active.
Resolution	Fixed.
Fixed 4/27/07	Closing and saving untitled document
	Closing and saving untitled document doesn't add the document to the Recent Documents list.
Resolution	Fixed.
Fixed 4/11/07	Transit time incorrect
	Transit time incorrect . It appears to be outside the Rise-Set timeframe.
Developer Analysis	This appears to be a side effect of having an upper horizon defined. The set time is being taken as the time at which the object first disappears, even if it reappears later that night.
Resolution	Fixed. Only the lower user-defined horizon is taken into account when computing rise and set times.
Fixed 3/3/07	DST in southern hemisphere bug
	Daylight Saving Time rules for the southern hemisphere do not work.
Developer Analysis	Workaround: manually adjust the GMT Offset rather than defining and using a DST rule
Resolution	Fixed.
Implemented 2/2/07	Non-truncation on Excel export
	Add a feature to split a large field over several rows rather than just truncating it at 255 characters, when using "old style" Excel export.
Resolution	Implemented. "Truncate" option (default: 0ff) in Preferences→General.

1.5.5	Release Date: Monday, January 8, 2007
Fixed	Refreshing Objects from Catalogues not functioning correctly
	Refreshing Objects from Catalogues is not functioning correctly. If an object does not have a catalogue, a catalogue can be assigned, but subsequently double-clicking the object doesn't reveal the object in the catalogue.
Resolution	Fixed.
Fixed	Opening times for new documents
	Opening a new document can take a long time if you have large catalogues set up to be FOV Defaults (F column in Preferences→Catalogues)
Developer Analysis	When a new document is opened, the default is to draw the Pleiades, which can take a while if you have large stellar catalogues as defaults, deleting of duplicates, selected, etc.
Resolution	Fixed. The FOV should no longer be constructed for a new document - until the FOV tab is selected. This might also improve the opening time of non-new documents as well.
Implemented	Open HTML files from Help menu
	Be able to open HTML files from the Help menu, a la the PDF file situation.
Resolution	Implemented. .htm or .html files (or aliases/shortcuts) up to one level deep will be added to the Help menu. If the HTML file contains a Title tag, it will be used in the menu. Note: new feature: if a subfolder contains a file/folder called "-nosearch" that subfolder will not be searched for HTML files or PDF files)
Fixed	Find... button in Resources→Sites doesn't work
	The Find... button in Resources→Sites doesn't work, i.e. it never is enabled.
Resolution	Fixed. Bonus: You can now use the Find... button when no sites have been defined or no site is selected.
Implemented	Scripting: ListWindow functionality
	a. Be able to set/get ListWindow max row and column. b. Be able to save/restore ListWindow contents to/from a tab-separated text file.
Resolution	Implemented. a. Rows and Columns properties allows getting or setting of the list rows/columns. b. Read and Write. See the scripting manual for details.
Fixed	Crash when downloading plans
	Crash when downloading plans. This occurs if more than one plan is selected for download.
Developer Analysis	Workaround: do one at a time.
Resolution	Fixed.
Fixed	Downloading plans is clumsy
	Downloading plans is clumsy, especially since the advent of "untitled" plans in V1.5.4. A method to download and create on the fly is required. Also, when saving the untitled downloaded plans, present the user with a more meaningful name than "New File x".
Resolution	Fixed.
Fixed	Lookup ID... returns bogus results
	Lookup ID... returns bogus results.
Developer Analysis	This is a bug relating to recently added catalogue annotation code. The annotations are being searched - they shouldn't be.
Resolution	Fixed.
Fixed	Tweaks to Sky Commander Catalogue Export
	Tweaks to Sky Commander Catalogue Export feature as per vendor's e-mail message.
Resolution	Fixed. Minor tweaks involving maximum object counts, etc.

1.5.3	Release Date: Friday, September 29, 2006
Implemented	Adding duplicate ID objects to a plan
	Add the ability to add (optionally) an object to a plan that already has an object with the same ID.
Resolution	Implemented. You are now given several choices: Cancel the operation, don't add duplicates, add as duplicates, replace existing duplicate objects.
Implemented	Custom highlighting with transit times
	Add transit times to the edit custom highlights script. A does- and does-not option between specific hours would be very helpful in sorting entire observing plans/catalogues.
Resolution	Implemented.
Implemented	Make the DSS Image disclosure triangle more obvious
	Make the DSS Image disclosure triangle more obvious, particularly on Windows.
Resolution	Implemented. Changed the disclosure triangle widget for a toggling button, which is larger and has a small icon. Some rearranging of the text next to it was necessary - the largely redundant "Time Source" has gone.
Implemented	Scripting: Global observation access
	I really wanted a way to iterate through the global observations (all of them, not just those for a particular object).
Resolution	Implemented. There is now a globally-defined nGlobalObservations and GlobalObservation(i) that returns an instance of APGlobalObservation. This includes all fields visible in the Global Observation window. Read-only at this time. See manual for details.
Implemented	Scripting: Adjust columns to fit text
	Would it be possible to enable Edit → Adjust List Columns to Fit Text for script-generated list windows?
Resolution	Implemented. This is now automatic and non-optional. No change to scripting interface.
Implemented	Enhancement to High Precision Slewing dialog
	Add a mini-sky chart to the HP Slewing dialog.
Resolution	Implemented. Note: current ra/dec has a square around it, target ra/dec has two rings around it.
Implemented	Enhancement to Intelliscope calibration dialog
	Add a mini-sky chart to the Intelliscope calibration dialog.
Resolution	Implemented.
Implemented	Enhancement to Iterative Polar Alignment dialog
	Add a similar mini-sky chart to the IPA dialog as the ones introduced in the Drift Alignment Helper dialog.
Resolution	Implemented.
Implemented	Darkness Calendar
	A calendar or preferably a report with the following information: Sunrise, sunset, all 3 twilight times, moonrise and moonset, moon phase.
Developer Analysis	Looks like a perfect scripting exercise.
Resolution	Implemented. Via scripting. A "Darkness Calendar" script will be uploaded as a user-contributed script.
Implemented	Scripting: Sun/Moon rise/set times, etc.
	Sun/Moon rise/set times, etc., twilight starting/ending times, moon phase, etc.
Resolution	Implemented. See manual.
Implemented	Highlight objects visible with current telescope
	Add an "easy" method to highlight objects theoretically visible through the currently selected telescope (in terms of magnitude).
Resolution	Implemented. Highlighting popup now has "Visible in Current Telescope" and "Not Visible in Current Telescope" entries.
Implemented	Splash window for a script
	Ability to display an image from the Internet as a splash screen.
Developer Analysis	Add some new calls to enable this, viz: sub ParameterWindowBackdrop(path as string) sub ParameterWindowNoCancel
Resolution	Implemented. Use the following code, e.g.: ParameterWindowBackdrop("http://www.ilangainc.com/astroplanner/pic/main-s.jpg") ParameterWindowNoCancel call EditParameters("Whizzo Skript")
Implemented	Scripting: User-contributed uploads
	a. Add a "prepend all prefix files to script before upload" option b. Ditto for library scripts, if any exist.
Resolution	Implemented.
Implemented	Scripting: New catalogue-related features
	a. Add ability to identify catalogues by type, find number of objects in the catalogue of that type, magnitude range, etc.
Resolution	New APCatalog methods: function HasType(ntype as integer) as boolean function nObjectsOfType(ntype as integer) as integer sub MagnitudeRangeOfType(ntype as integer, byref mfrom as double, byref mto as double) New general methods: function CatalogsWithType(ntype as integer) as APCatalog()
Implemented	Add Google Earth features
	Add Google Earth features to: a. Show current site/all sites in GE b. Get site info from GE (Note: this is relatively easily done on the Mac via AppleScripting. Windows will be more difficult)
Resolution	Implemented. Mac OS X only at present. In the Map... dialog (available in Resources→Sites) you can (a) show the current site in Google Earth, and (b) set the current site lat/long to the centre of the currently open Google Earth map view.
Implemented	Object availability chart
	Allow the Annual Rise/Set graphic to display (optionally) object availability each week for a year. Given a selected object, each vertical bar would represent the hours of darkness from 1600 to 0800. The bar would be shaded to show the various phases of twilight then the central portion would be shaded to show the availability of the object.
Developer Analysis	i.e. x-axis would be week of the year, y-axis would hour of the night. Overall shading would show darkness conditions. A vertical red line segment would show the hours the object was above the horizon. A yellow line segment could show the hours the moon is above the horizon.
Resolution	Implemented. Y-Axis option in Preferences→General→Rise/...graphics. NOTE: This is quite compute-intensive, esp. for solar system objects.
Implemented	Scripting: Return strings from GetChoiceParameter
	GetChoiceParameter currently returns a zero-based index. It would be convenient if a variant of this could return the actual chosen string caption. Ditto for GetPopupParameter and GetCheckListParameter.
Resolution	Implemented. function GetChoiceParameterAsString(title as string) as string function GetListChoiceParameterAsString(title as string) as string function GetPopupParameterAsString(title as string) as string
Implemented	Scripting: Script menu items for user-contributed scripts
	User-contributed scripts→ Upload User-contributed scripts→ Download
Developer Analysis	The upload function should probably stay where it is, since it's a relatively rarely-used function (for most users).
Resolution	Implemented. User-contributed scripts→Download... added to Script menu.
Implemented	Add RA range highlighting
	Add the ability to highlight based on an RA range (e.g. 20h to 0h, etc.)
Resolution	Implemented.
Implemented	New plan document icon
	New plan document icon, to complement the new application icon.
Resolution	Implemented.
Implemented	Global Observation tweaks
	a. I often sort my global observations to find information or to detect trends. When doing this I find the "No Filter" and "No Observing Aids" text to be unhelpful (not only does it reduce the visual difference between nothing and something, but "No Filter" sorts in between "DeepSky" and "UHC"). Could the empty settings be changed to just display blank in the Global Observations list view? b. I also have a user-defined field for altitude, which I like to display with a degree symbol (ie: 23°). However, if I set the field to numeric, it drops the degree symbol, and if I don't, I have to remember to type a space in front of single-digit altitudes (so string sorting works numerically). I'm not sure what the fix is here (I could imagine recognizing symbols or adding formatting strings to the numeric popup), but anything you can think of would be appreciated.
Resolution	a. Done. b. What happens now is if you sort the Value 1 column, it first sorts on the User Field 1 column and then within that sorts the Value 1 column. Numeric items will be sorted in order, and separated from non-numeric items. Ditto for Vaule 2.
Implemented	Feedback/Cancel for Plan Creation Wizard.
	Provide better feedback w.r.t. progress in the Plan Creation Wizard. Allow for user cancelling of the process.
Resolution	Implemented.
Implemented	Scripting: Library scripts
	A method to have "library" scripts prepended to all executing scripts is desired. Also, optional initialisation code in those library scripts should be executed before anything else.
Developer Analysis	Note: Any executable code in a script prefix file or library will be executed before the script code is run. Hence if you have initialisation code, just include it as a sub() and call that sub. e.g. sub Init_for_lib_Whatever() // Insert initialisation code here end sub Init_for_lib_Whatever // Calls the initialisation code
Resolution	Implemented. Any script whose name starts with "lib_" will be considered a "library" script and will _always_ be included before any other script or prefix script. The script will be shown with a bold-face name in the script list. Multiple library scripts can be defined: they will all get used in every script. And, yes, library scripts can have their own prefix files too.
Implemented	Optimise plan document save speed
	Optimise plan document save speed.
Resolution	Implemented. In most cases this won't be particularly noticable, but if you have a complex FOV and a lot of objects, it might save a few seconds.
Implemented	Scripting: Ability to draw rectangle on FOV
	I would like to be able to draw a rectangular box (representing a camera FOV) at multiple points in an FOV view.
Resolution	Implemented. canvas.FOVRectangle(title, width, height, angle, ra, dec)
Implemented	Scripting: Double-clicking ListChoiceParameter
	Double-clicking ListChoiceParameter should select the entry and effectively click the "OK" button.
Resolution	Implemented. SetListChoiceParameter now has an optional "doubleclick" parameter. Setting it true will cause double-clicking the list to have the same effect as clicking the OK button.
Implemented	Scripting: Allow manipulation of Resources
	Currently Resources are read-only. The ability to: a. create new resources, b. delete existing resources, and c. manipulate their contents, is desired.
Resolution	a. r=NewSite(name),...,r=NewFilter(name) b. DeleteSite(name),...,DeleteFilter(name) c. All (well, most, actually) attributes are now read/write. Attempting to assign bogus values causes no change.
Implemented	Scripting: Method to minimise, maximise, restore main window
Windows only	Add a method to minimise, maximise, restore the main window.
Resolution	Implemented. MinimizeMainWindow(), MaximizeMainWindow() and RestoreMainWindow (no effect on MacOS). Also MainWindowStatus(), which returns -1, 1 or 0 to determine the current state of the main window (returns 0 on MacOS).
Implemented	Scripting: Screen Size
	When creating a Canvas it might be useful to have a function that returned the current screen size (in pixels).
Resolution	Implemented. ScreenSize(width,height,left,top[,physical]) returns size of actual physical screen, or [default] the size of the available screen (taking into account menu bars, status bars, docks, MDI frame windows, etc.
Implemented	Scripting: ConstellationNames/ConstellationAbbreviations
	Add ConstellationNames() and ConstellationAbbreviations().
Developer Analysis	Note: Constellations() is currently available, but it returns a list of "abbrev - Name"
Resolution	Implemented.
Implemented	Magnitude projection tool for Minor Planets
	One thing that would be really good for my NEO/Minor Planet work would be a Magnitude projection tool/graph. ie. We already have a position in sky graphic plotted against moon and observatory horizon for a specific time each day, it would be nice to have a similar graphic that plots the magnitude of the object over the same period so we can work out if the object is getting fainter, brighter, by how much, etc. to see if a target is worth tracking or to drop it if it will likely get too faint too quickly.
Resolution	Implemented. a. The Preferences→FOV→Solar System Object Motion now has a Show Magnitude checkbox. This displays magnitude on the FOV. b. Moving the cursor over the Rise/Set graphics on the observing tab displays the magnitude of the object.
Implemented	Clear Sky Clock link for site resources
	Add a weather information link to the Clear-Sky Clock site in the Sites dialog box. When a site is selected, clicking the link would display the appropriate weather (and other) information page for the site (applicable to North American sites only)
Resolution	Implemented. Observation→Clear-Sky Clock does the trick (finds the Clear-Sky Clock for the known site closest to your lat/long). Only applicable to North American sites.
Implemented	Highlighting on Azimuth
	unfortunately, I don't always have clear view all around. Therefore I find it desirable to be able to delimit also to Azimuth on the "HIGHLIGHTING -- RULES Tab". Is it possible to install this?
Resolution	Implemented.
Implemented	Multiple chart #'s in Observing list
	Is there any way to get Astroplanner to list relevant page numbers for more than one paper atlas in the observing lists? I make extensive use of both Uranometria and Millenium Star Atlas in the field, and would like to list chart numbers for both atlases in my observing list. Astroplanner clearly has the ability to calculate the relevant page numbers for multiple atlases. Could one of the user defined fields be configured to list a second atlas page number automatically?
Resolution	Implemented.
Implemented	New splash screen
	It's about time the splash/About window was redone.
Resolution	Implemented.
Implemented	Plan Wizard should set Fix Date/Time
	When using the Plan Wizard to create a plan for a particular site, telescope, date and time, the plan document should be initialised to fix the date/time and current site and telescope to those settings, where applicable.
Resolution	Implemented.
Implemented	Add list of Sites to Plan Wizard
	The Plan Wizard dialog refers to the current site. It would be convenient to be able to change the site from within the dialog.
Resolution	Implemented. Popup menu of sites is now available.
Implemented	Default site resource should define the default site location in preferences
	The user should be able to transfer the "default" site resource location to the Preferences→General→Default Site Location. Perhaps that option could be presented to the user when the Default checkbox is set in Resourecs→Sites.
Resolution	Implemented. If the Default checkbox is checked and the location differs from that in Preferences, the user is given the option to change that location.
Implemented	Add objects to plan from Sky chart
	The ability to click on an object in the Sky chart and add it directly to the plan document as an user object is desired (a la (http://www.ilangainc.com/astroplanner/reports/details/381.html) for the FOV).
Resolution	Implemented. Contextual (right-click) menu will have an "Add xxx to plan" if the cursor is over any star in the Bright Star catalogue. Selecting the entry will add that object to the plan.
Implemented	Auto-save of plan documents
	Add an option to cause open plan documents to be auto-saved every, say, 5 minutes.
Resolution	Implemented. Plan auto-save setting in Preferences→General.
Implemented	Add Celestron alignment star choice algorithm
	Add Celestron alignment star choice algorithm for 2- and 3-star alignment.
Resolution	Implemented. Setting in Preferences→Sky determines whether Best Pair, Celestron 2-star, or Celestron 3-star algorithm is used. Note: for the 2- and 3-star cases, all possible pairs/triples having the required restrictions are listed in no particular order.
Implemented	Add upper user-horizon limit
	Add upper user-horizon limit, for those who are observing from severely restricted sites (e.g. a balcony).
Resolution	Implemented. WARNING: This feature makes irreversible changes to the AstroPlanner Resources file. Make sure you make a backup before using this version of the application.
Implemented	Alignment star enhancements
	a. Should be able to reject alignment stars based on slew limits. b. Add upper altitude limit for alignment stars
Developer Analysis	Note: already honours user-defined horizon.
Resolution	a. Done. Now honours limits set in Preferences→Limits. Adds "Lim" to Reject column in list. b. Done. Additional setting in Preferences→Sky.
Implemented	Printing observations in compressed mode
	I tried printing from a plan window, using multi-line compressed mode, but I get only one line of my observing notes. The rest is truncated.
Resolution	Implemented. If the notes field is the last field then it is printed in its entirety.
Implemented	Add "Add all Messier Objects" to Special popup
	As a convenience, add "Add all Messier Objects" to Special popup
Resolution	Implemented.
Implemented	Improve DSS cache management
	Improve DSS cache management: a. Display ID/Name of DSS image (if available) b. Enable further (optional) levels of folder structure in the cache folder. This would allow for cleaner control. c. Allow a secondary cache (on, say, a DVD) d. Make DSS Index use relative rather than absolute file paths so that the DSS cache folder can be moved without having to recreate the index.
Resolution	a. Done. b. Done. DSS Options dialog now allows this as an option. c. Done. Preferences→General. d. Done. You will have to recreate the existing index file in order for this to come into effect.
Implemented	Changes to handle large, segmented catalogues
	The USNO A2.0 catalogue consists of 24 separate files (representing the 24 zones of 7.5° of declination). It would be convenient if the application considered them internally as a single giant file, at least for selection purposes.
Resolution	Implemented. Partially, at least.
Implemented	Add better Excel export capability
	Allow export to Excel in the newer XML format. This should remove some of the restrictions of the older format (e.g. strings limited to 255 characters). It does, however, require newer versions of Excel, Open Office, or NeoOffice to be readable.
Resolution	Implemented. Preferences→General→Excel Export allows you to choose the newer XML style of export. Truncation does not occur.
Implemented	Option to scale star sizes to fit currently set magnitude limits
	Currently the star sizes in the FOV are scaled for a large range (either 0-10) or (0-20) (extended). If you are displaying, say, bright stars < 5 mag, then an option would be to have a star scale from 0 through 5. This would improve the difference between stars of differing magnitudes.
Resolution	Implemented. Fixed Mag. Scale checkbox on FOV tab under Display Options does the trick (when off). This will make many folks happy, I suspect. Note that this is now the default method.
Implemented	Add extra alternate catalogue path
	Add extra alternate catalogue path.
Resolution	Implemented. Required minor changes to layout of Preferences→Catalogues and the Catalogue Manager window.
Implemented	Keep ID/Name info for DSS images
	Currently, only coordinate information is saved for DSS images. As a convenience, save ID/Name information so that it is easier to manage the cache manually.
Resolution	Implemented.
Implemented	Scripting enhancements II
	a. Set/GetListChoiceParameter that allows single selection from a list. b. Announce script availability to Yahoo group. c. Ability to specify minimal resources required to run a script, and reject execution if not met (e.g. specific catalogues, telescopes, eyepieces, AP Version, etc.). d. Ability to disable one or more choices (radio buttons) in SetChoiceParameter, perhaps by optional boolean/integer array, or perhaps by special string prefix. e. Associate a control in EditParameters with a BooleanParameter, so that its enabled status changes with the value of the checkbox. f. Extend GetURL to handle arrays of parameters, and to POST as well as GET.
Resolution	a. Done. b. Done. Checkbox on upload dialog. c. Done. Script→Script requirements... (see picture) d. Done. Prefixing a choice with "!" will disable that choice and it will not be selectable. e. Done. ParameterDependency(a,b), where a is the title of a parameter, and b is the title of a BooleanParameter. f. Done. Second form of GetURL.
Implemented	Warning on Excel export
	There is a limit on exporting text to Excel of 255 characters per cell. There should be a warning if truncation occurs.
Resolution	Implemented.
Implemented	Scripting enhancements I
	a. Platform() function that returns platform_Windows, platform_MacOSX, or platform_MacClassic. b. ScriptName, ScriptNames, ScriptFilePath, ScriptFilePaths. c. Assignment of keyboard shortcuts to scripts. d. Allow multiple prefix files (as opposed to currently, where only daisy-chained references are allowed). e. Debug(s()) (array of strings).
Resolution	a. Done. b. Done. c. Done. Can assign 0 through 9 (see picture) (becomes Cmd-0 through 9 on Mac, Alt-0 through Alt-9 on Windows). d. Done. Separate prefix names with semicolons (;). e. Done.
Fixed	Scripting: Opening dialog while Progress window visible
	Opening a dialog (e.g. OKCancel) while Progress window visible should make the Progress window disappear while the dialog is showing, and reappear afterwards.
Resolution	Fixed. Progress widget window is temporarily hidden when dialogs are displayed.
Fixed	More maximising and other windowing problems
Windows only	(a) Set both the parent to maximized. Close the program Open the program Click on the maximize button for the parent window - it resizes larger than the monitor display. It should never get larger than the current display. It should be resized smaller if no previous window was set. (maybe 75% of the current display) (b) The child should also resize smaller if no previous size was set. It is currently resizing to full screen which is larger that the maximized parent. (c) Dialogs should not be resizable. Some appear to be.
Resolution	Fixed. (a) Done - this one was surprisingly challenging. (b) Done. (c) Done.
Fixed	Scripting: Highlighted objects problem
	Since the set of highlighted objects can change during the execution of a script, it is possible to get an "off-by-one" error. Also, if new objects are added or existing ones deleted, problems can occur.
Resolution	Fixed. Whenever nHighlighted is called, it now "freezes" the set of highlighted objects returned by HighlightedObject. Adding, deleting or changing objects will "force" a recounting of highlighted objects. A warning has been added to the manual.
Fixed	Downloading catalogues from within the application is unreliable
	Downloading catalogues from within the application doesn't always work, esp. for larger catalogues, and crashes can occur during decompression.
Resolution	Fixed. Beefed up the code. If it fails, it will retry (hopefully).
Fixed	Argo Navis list export includes non-ASCII characters
	Argo Navis list export includes non-ASCII characters (probably UNICODE greek characters, etc.). This causes the Argo Navis unit to choke.
Resolution	Fixed. Greek characters are converted to their English form (e.g. "Alpha"). All other non-ASCII characters are replaced with "?".
Fixed	Drift alignment concerns
	When I use the drift alignment helper, I get stars overhead that are WEST of the Meridian. I was taught that the stars overhead should be on the East side of the Meridian, about 10 degrees or so, to be sure that by the time setup is done, the star is still East of the line. Looking East, it chooses stars that are at least 45* over the horizon. This leads me to believe that the software is not recognizing my location properly.
Resolution	Fixed. In order to help here, the following changes have been made: 1. Only stars east of the meridian are shown in the upper list. 2. The Time column shows the time, in minutes, until the star crosses the meridian. 3. Small graphics show the positions of the stars in the sky, the user horizon, equator, etc. to assist in visualisation.
Fixed	Scripting: SetCaptionParameter problem
	SetCaptionParameter doesn't take into account "fullwidth" parameter.
Resolution	Fixed.
Fixed	Scripting: ParameterDependency problem
	If I have two checkboxes followed by two captionless popups: SetBooleanParameter("For Specific Telescope", nTelescopes > 0) SetPopupParameter(true, ".1", CurrentTelescopeIndex() - 1, Telescopes) SetBooleanParameter("At Specific Site", nSites > 0) SetPopupParameter(true, ".2", CurrentSiteIndex() - 1, Sites and I try to enable/disable them: ParameterDependency(".1", "For Specific Telescope") ParameterDependency(".2", "At Specific Site") then unchecking a checkbox always disables the last captionless control (even if it specifies the first).
Resolution	Fixed. Added bonus: if (as in the above example) a parameter caption string is effectively empty, then the colon (:) is not appended.
Fixed	Plan Creation Wizard glitch
	The Plan Creation Wizard doesn't update the enabled/disable state of the Add button (or the warning message in red above it) when choosing Select All or Select None under Types of Objects.
Resolution	Fixed.
Fixed	Delete Conditionally does not reset hourglass pointer
	In the Delete Conditionally dialog (gotten to from the lower right corner of the Planning tab), the pointer is stuck on the hourglass (watch, to you Mac folks).
Resolution	Fixed.
Fixed	Hicksons Compact Group catalog problem
	The Hicksons Compact Group catalog is misnamed HGC instead of HCG (and the targets inside it all have the same typo in their IDs).
Resolution	Fixed.
Fixed	Script menu problems
Windows only	Some script duplication and renaming problems - resulting in bogus Script menu entries.
Developer Analysis	The Script menu isn't being rebuilt when scripts are deleted or duplicated. On Windows the ordering appears to be non-deterministic.
Resolution	Fixed.
Fixed	Crash on showing FOV if ID=planet name
	If you give an object a planet's name as an ID, and Type is not "Planet", the FOV tab will crash.
Resolution	Fixed.
Fixed	RA/Dec field value verification problem
	Some RA/Dec fields (e.g. in Global Obs Edit dialog) show an invalid status (text is red) when the the value is OK.
Resolution	Fixed.
Fixed	Non-ASCII characters in resource names
	If I modified a field in a global observation (Visual Aid, for instance), other fields with non-ASCII characters got "augmented". For instance, I have one of the user-defined columns recording altitude. This usually has a degree symbol (°) after the number. There are also a few places where I used a degree symbol, or a fraction (∏) in the Observation Notes. In any case, when updating the Visual Aid in an observation, the non-ascii characters in other fields in that observation would get a garbage character inserted in front of them.
Resolution	Fixed.
Fixed	Excessive flashing when windows resize
Windows only	There is a lot of screen flashing going on when AP starts up especially if there are more that one plan loaded and they have 400 objects like Herschel and Menard 400. It looks like the program is having a spastic fit.
Resolution	Fixed.
Fixed	Maximised window problem
Windows only	If I maximise a plan and then add objects say from NGC catalogue, then Astroplanner resizes and I am unable to gain access to control bar at top, the only way is to select restore from taskbar and then I can just see enough of title bar to resize application to full screen again. This behaviour occurs no matter what screen resolution is used and is repeatable on both my desktop and laptop computers. If the plan is not maximised then this behaviour does not occur. If I add an object such as a planet problem does not occur.
Developer Analysis	Wasn't fixed in V1.5.3b1.
Resolution	Fixed.
Fixed	Extra line on Sky chart when Best Pairs displayed
	There is an extra dotted line on the Sky chart when Best Pairs are displayed. It goes from the corner to the middle of the line joining two alignment stars.
Developer Analysis	Ignore the extra line. It's an artifact of a recent change and will be removed.
Resolution	Fixed.
Fixed	Scripting: EditParameters arrangement problem
	// The following code does not show the caption correctly: dim SiteValue(-1) as integer SetCaptionParameter(false,"List of available sites:") SetCheckListParameter(true, "Sites", SiteValue, Sites, true, 5) call EditParameters
Resolution	Fixed.
Fixed	Flickering (Windows) and inability to edit (Macintosh)
	Windows exhibits screen flickering (esp. with plans with few objects) and an inability to edit on Macintosh, since the current edit field loses focus.
Resolution	Fixed.
Fixed	Plan document doesn't remember Observer field
Windows only	Plan document doesn't remember Observer field when saved and restored.
Developer Analysis	This appears to be a Windows-only problem.
Resolution	Fixed.
Fixed	Night vision problems
Windows only	When night vision is on: a. Cannot see images in the DSS Image Display window. b. Images to the right of the observing list are not converted to the night vision colour.
Resolution	a. Fixed. b. Fixed.
Fixed	Global observation window crash
	Still a problem. Occurs occasionally, esp. when sorting columns in the window.
Developer Analysis	If you have Preferences→Observations→Global Obs Database→"Save changes whenever plan documents are saved" switched on, and you save a plan while the Global Obs. Database window is open, then...crash (next time you play with the Global Obs. window). Workaround: Turn that option off.
Resolution	Fixed.
Fixed	Global observations not shown in Obs column
	Not all global observations are being shown in the Obs column when a plan is opened. However, opening Preferences "magically" makes them all appear correctly.
Developer Analysis	I'm surprised no-one saw this one before now... Only applicable if you have the cross-reference IDs option ON in Preferences→Observations Workaround: The only workaround is to open and close Preferences.
Resolution	Fixed.
Fixed	Application icon a no-show
MacOSX only	The new application icon is a no-show on Mac OS X.
Resolution	Fixed.
Fixed	Saving plan docs creates "ghost" files
MacOSX only	Saving a plan document with a name longer than 31 characters creates an identical "ghost" file with a truncated file name.
Developer Analysis	This is caused by some internal vendor code that has not been changed from the Mac OS Classic 31-char file name restriction.
Resolution	Fixed. A workaround has eliminated the bogus file.
Fixed	Crash when Global Obs Window is used
	Exception occurs when Global Observation window is used.
Developer Analysis	This is a preferences problem (I think). Workaround: delete AstroPlanner.prefs or hold down Shift key when launching to reset preferences. This is a bit drastic though.
Resolution	Fixed. I think. Warning: will reset the Global Observation Window column ordering to the default.
Fixed	Scripting: Error on missing prefix file
	Raise an error if a prefix file is not found. At present the only indication that a pathname is incorrect is when the editor flags an 'Undefined identifier' or similar error.
Resolution	Fixed. Warning message now emitted.
Fixed	Scripting: Detecting [Read\|Write\|Append]TextFile failure
	[Read\|Write\|Append]TextFile: Cannot tell if operation failed or user clicked 'Cancel' as Nil is returned in both cases.
Resolution	Fixed. Integer variable FileErrorCode can be accessed to learn the reason for the nil return. See scripting manual for details.
Fixed	Scripting: Script order in menu reversed
Windows only	Edit a script and save it. Check the script menu. Order is reversed.
Developer Analysis	Appears to be a Windows-only problem.
Resolution	Fixed.
Fixed	PDFs in Help menu
	Real PDF files show no extension in the help menu, shortcuts to PDF's do.
Resolution	Fixed.
Fixed	Cursor position incorrect on Sky chart if time offset used
	The cursor position is incorrect on Sky chart if the time offset value is anything other than 0h.
Resolution	Fixed.
Fixed	Allow LX200-compatible scopes to be detected
	Allow LX200-compatible scopes to be detected. They are typically rejected based on the version info.
Developer Analysis	This is side effect of of this bug: (http://www.ilangainc.com/astroplanner/reports/details/510.html)
Resolution	Fixed.
Fixed	LX200 Classic connection problem
	Connecting to an LX200 Classic produces an error message "Incorrect Controller Detected or Controller Not Responding as Expected".
Developer Analysis	This is what comes of believing Meade documentation... Workaround: Open Preferences→Telescope/GPS and check the option: "Avoid test for valid controller" (at centre right)
Resolution	Fixed. Only affects LX200 Classic (and compatibles).
Fixed	Download to Sky Commander does not work
	Download to Sky Commander does not work. The menu item never enables.
Developer Analysis	Turns out that it will only enable if the second or subsequent serial port in the list is used.
Resolution	Fixed.
Fixed	Crash when creating new documents
	AstroPlanner crashes when new documents are created via File→New... or downloading user-contributed plans.
Developer Analysis	Work-around: Turn OFF the "Re-sort lists after insertion" option in Preferences→Lists→Sorting.
Resolution	Fixed.
Fixed	Fix the "missing" cached DSS image problem
	Sometimes cached DSS images do not get registered in the observing list (i.e. the circle with a "D" doesn't appear).
Developer Analysis	Objects that have RA or Dec coordinates where the seconds part lies between 30.0" and 30.499" can have problems.
Resolution	Fixed.
Fixed	Problems with global observations if Date/Time exactly the same for multiple observations
	If the Date/Time is exactly the same for multiple global observations, then the incorrect observation data can (and probably will) be displayed in the observing tab.
Resolution	Fixed.
Fixed	Warn the user when reticles can't be displayed
	In the DSS/User Images window, the reticles are not displayed if the current plan doesn't have the Current Telescope set to a telescope. There should be a warning about this.
Resolution	Fixed. If no current telescope is specified in the plan, then the reticles option is disabled and a help tag is displayed to answer the question: "Why?".
Fixed	FOV display problems
	a. When RA/Dec is manually changed in FOV tab, remove the ID/Name from the description, as it will cause confusion. b. Deselecting and reselecting object in Observing list should cause redraw in FOV (if that option is selected). c. If user object type is (say) "Open+Neb" then draw it as type "Open" rather than "unknown".
Resolution	Fixed.
Fixed	More efficient method of storing script arrays
	Use a more efficient method of storing arrays created by scripting methods: Save/RestoreXXXValue.
Resolution	Fixed.
Fixed	Speed up closing of plan documents without changes
	Plan documents with no changes can take a while to close.
Resolution	Fixed. Code optimised (quite significantly :^)
Fixed	Make sure all edit fields in dialogs have a contextual menu
	Some edit fields in dialogs do not have contextual menus, which makes copy and paste impossible in some circumstances.
Resolution	Fixed.
Fixed	Scripting: Labels going missing in EditParameters
	Under certain conditions, labels are invisible in the EditParameters dialog.
Developer Analysis	Workaround: don't have SetChoiceParameter as the first parameter.
Resolution	Fixed.
Fixed	Scripting: Assorted fixes
	a. Shell() needs Timeout parameter (currently the default is 2 secs). b. TimeToDouble() needs implementing, documenting (APC_TimeToDouble() already works) c. DoubleToTime() implemented but not documented.
Resolution	a. Done. Extra Timeout parameter, in milliseconds. Default=2000 (2 sec). b. Done. c. Done.
Fixed	Slow FOV rendering for large catalogues when \|dec\|>70 deg
	Slow FOV rendering for large catalogues when \|dec\|>70 deg. This is typically not noticeable for most catalogues, but will be in very large catalogues to come.
Resolution	Fixed.

1.5.2	Release Date: Tuesday, August 1, 2006
Implemented	24-hour clock option
	Time entry should be 24-hour clock time, esp. for variable star observations.
Resolution	Implemented. New "Time Input" setting in Preferences→General. Either the Operating System settings are used, or you can force it to 24-hour clock time.
Implemented	Ability to "scroll time" in the Sky chart
	Add a method (other than by using the Fix Date feature) to view other parts of the sky in the Sky view.
Resolution	Implemented. Time Offset slider on the Sky tab allows you to view the sky at any time +/- 24 hours from the current local time.
Implemented	Add "Delete Highlighted" to the Delete popup on the Planning tab
	Add "Delete Highlighted objects and observations" to the Delete popup on the Planning tab. This seems like an "obvious" addition.
Resolution	Implemented.
Implemented	Add "pseudo GoTo" capability to Sky Commander
	Add the ability to "go to" a particular AstroPlanner object with the Sky Commmander controller (by uploading the coordinates to the special user object 99 and allowing the user to "zero" the scope coordinates)
Resolution	Implemented. Telescope→Send Object Coordinates to Sky Commander will send the RA/Dec coords of the currently selected object and stash it in user object 99. Telescope can be connected or disconnected at the time. Untested.
Implemented	Add Find, Find Again support to script editing window
	Add Edit→Find... , Edit→Find Again support to the script editing window.
Resolution	Implemented. Added bonus: if text is selected when Edit→Find... is used, that selected text will be used as the default search text.
Implemented	Add Go To Line#... feature to script editor
	Add Go To Line#... feature to script editor. This will help in returning to a particular line in the script.
Resolution	Implemented. Script→Go to Line...
Implemented	Add Sync capabilities to NexStar telescopes
	V4.10+ of the NexStar telescope firmware allows the Sync feature (currently available only in Meade scopes). Making this functional will allow features such as Iterative Polar Alignment, etc. to be available to Celestron users.
Resolution	Implemented. It remains to be seen whether the sync feature works in the same manner as that of Meade telescopes. Feedback appreciated.
Implemented	Add ability to access Resource parameters in scripts
	Be able to access Resource (telescope, eyepiece, etc.) information in scripts. This will allow for calculation of magnifications, etc.
Resolution	Implemented. Details in next revision of the Scripting manual. Example shows magnification and FOV tables created in a script based on available telescope, eyepiece and visual aid resources.
Implemented	Add ability to click on objects in FOV and have them added to the plan
	Add the ability to click on objects displayed in the FOV and have them added to the plan document as user objects
Resolution	Implemented. Contextual clicking (right-clicking) on the object will show a "Add ... to plan" entry which will add the object to the planning/observing list.
Implemented	Add ability to create/edit observations in scripts
	Add ability to create/edit observations in scripts. Currently observations can be accessed, but only in a read-only fashion. The ability to add new observations and/or edit their contents would allow for innovative import strategies, etc.
Resolution	Implemented. See updated scripting manual for details.
Implemented	Add additional formatting options to scripting
	Add additional formatting options to scripting to support additional precision for RA/Dec and to import RA/Dec values.
Resolution	Implemented. Added FormatRA, FormatDec, ParseRA, ParseDec functions. Modified RAFormatted and DecFormatted properties to have optional extended precision. See scripting manual for details.
Implemented	Add auto-backup of plan documents
	Auto backup. I would like to have the option of saving an original of the plan document upon opening, via a checkbox in Preferences.
Resolution	Implemented. "Make backup copy" option in Preferences→General→Opening plan documents. Whenever a plan document is open, if no backup is present, or if the plan document is more recent than the backup, a backup file of the plan document will be made, with "_Backup" appended to the name.
Implemented	Add constellation names to the FOV chart
	Showing the constellation names on the FOV would help with general comprehension.
Resolution	Implemented.
Implemented	Add iTunes-like vertical lines to Observing/Planning (and other) lists
	Add "Grey Vertical" option to Preferences→Lists→Appearance→Grid lines.
Resolution	Implemented.
Implemented	Add scripting support for acquiring on-line web pages
	Add scripting support for acquiring on-line web pages, by specifying URL.
Resolution	Implemented. GetURL(url [,timeout]) returns the web page contents in a string.
Implemented	Add scripting support for searching catalogues
	Add scripting support for searching catalogues in the same manner as the Search Catalogues... feature.
Resolution	Implemented. Added an APSearch object, which allows parameterised catalogue searches. Details in scripting manual.
Implemented	Add scripting support for talking to serial ports
	Add scripting support for talking to serial ports.
Resolution	Implemented. See updated scripting manual.
Implemented	Add scripting support to include a script ahead of another
	Add scripting support to include a script ahead of another, so that a script can be used as a common "library" for other scripts.
Resolution	Implemented.
Implemented	Add scripting support to load and display image files
	Add scripting support to load and display image files on a Canvas.
Resolution	Implemented. Added a DrawImage method to Canvas in the scripting languge that allows display of arbitrary image files on the Canvas.
Implemented	Add scripting support to set user column headings, etc.
	Add a means to change the parameters of the user columns in the Observing/Planning lists. i.e. as in Edit→List Columns...
Resolution	Implemented. UserHeading, UserColumnText and UserColumnNumeric now defined. See Scripting manual (when released).
Implemented	Add site altitude to Site Resource
	Add site altitude to Site Resource. This is useful for, say, calculating atmospheric extinction.
Resolution	Implemented.
Implemented	Add site location support for cities outside the US
	Add site location support for cities outside the US, e.g. Canada, UK, etc.
Developer Analysis	There are two problems involved here: a. Locating the data. b. The enormous size of the data.
Resolution	Implemented. Canadian cities have been added. A world-wide solution would need to be web-based and is not viable at this time.
Implemented	Add support for downloading user-contributed scripts
	Add support for downloading user-contributed scripts (similarly to user-contributed plans)
Resolution	Implemented. "Down Arrow" under script list allows downloading from a list of scripts.
Implemented	Add support for uploading user-contributed scripts
	Add support for uploading user-contributed scripts (similarly to user-contributed plans).
Resolution	Implemented. "Up Arrow" under script list allows uploading the selected script, adding associated info, document file, etc.
Implemented	Add time to "Show data flow" window
	Add a time column to "Show data flow" window. This would assist with identifying time-related delay problems with scope control.
Resolution	Implemented. Only appears in the saved Data Flow.txt file.
Implemented	Assorted script conveniences
	a. Add Sites, Eyepieces,..., Filters. These will return an array of those APResources. b. Add Catalogs. This will return an array of APCatalog. c. Allow SetPopupParameter and SetChoiceParameter to take an array of APResource or APCatalog. d. MinuteSymbol & SecondSymbol (a la DegreeSymbol) e. RA/Dec reformatting function/s (e.g. DD:MM:SS, DDd MMm SSs, etc.) f. SetTimeParameter and GetTimeParameter functions for EditParameters. g. Keyboard shortcuts to Execute and Save&Execute.
Resolution	Implemented. a-f: Done. g: Ctrl/Cmd-E will Execute a script in the Script Editor window, saving automatically if necessary (new Execute entry in the Script menu).
Implemented	Automatically check sign of GMT offset
	Compare the GMT offset entered by the user with the longitude given, and reverse the sign where necessary.
Resolution	Implemented. If GMT offset is off by 3 or more hours (based on longitude), the value turns red and the help tag suggests a more correct value. The sign isn't changed "automatically", however.
Implemented	Check Software Versions should show changes in latest beta
	The File→Check Software Versions feature should show changes in latest beta so that users can determine whether they should download it or not.
Resolution	Implemented. Added a link that will redirect your browser to the beta page where changes are listed.
Implemented	Check for changed AAVSO charts
	From time to time AAVSO produce and make available new variable star charts. These are currently downloaded by AP. To this to this functionality would it be possible to notify the user when a chart, for a variable in an observing plan, is updated? This would minimise the possibility that an observer is using an old chart.
Resolution	Implemented. Check for New Charts... button will access the AAVSO web site and check for any newer charts than the ones you have cached. If found, you get the option to download them.
Implemented	Compressed-mode printing
	AP printing of an observing list is very flexible. Yet, it would be nice if we could control the width of the columns being printed when printing in the compressed mode. For example, the titles Azimuth and Altitude impose a printed width much larger than needed to read the numbers, losing paper space. In addition, the width used to print the notes is not adequate in the cases I use, except if I print the notes in the last column.
Resolution	Implemented. Two enhancements: (a) if no data appear in a particular column, that column is omitted. This helps "compress" the printed data further. (b) There is now a Multi-line option in the print dialog that will print the data as two or more lines if that data overflows a single line.
Implemented	Compute Heliocentric Julian Day
	What about a column for Heliocentric Julian Day? It would also be nice to have it available to be logged in the observation data. It's used in extrasolar planets, and variable stars.
Resolution	Implemented. 1. New HJD column in observing list (default=not visible) 2. Preferences→Lists→Heliocentric Julian Date Display gives the option of displaying the full HJD (2450345.12345), the difference between JD and HJD in days (-0.00561) or the difference in minutes (5.7654). 3. Can delete Conditionally on HJD, Export HJD. 4. Included in AAVSO observations. 5. Added to scripting features (see scripting manual).
Implemented	Compute correct orientation of Saturn/Jupiter and satellites w.r.t. north
	Compute correct orientation of Saturn/Jupiter and satellites w.r.t. north, and display the planets/satellites in that orientation.
Resolution	Implemented. Bonus: the satellites are now plotted directly into the FOV.
Implemented	Create a user plan containing alignment stars
	Be able to add alignment stars for the chosen telescope (in Preferences→Telescope/GPS) to the current plan document (if applicable).
Resolution	Implemented. Telescope→Add Alignment Stars to Plan...
Implemented	Data entry assistance in Resources window
	Allow alternative ways to enter data in the Resources window.
Resolution	Implemented. 1. Can enter site altitude in feet (as xxx'). 2. Can enter aperture, focal length, etc. in inches (as xxx") 3. When entering the GMT Offset, a help tag reports what time zone/s it represents. 4. You can enter your time zone abbreviation (PST, EDT, CST, BST, etc.) and AstroPlanner will attempt to convert it to the correct value.
Implemented	Describe the AstroPlanner scripting language in the manual
	The AstroPlanner Scripting manual only concerns itself with extensions to the built-in scripting language. The actual language itself is not defined (it's a subset of REALbasic). This needs to be addressed.
Resolution	Implemented.
Implemented	Display Julian Date without the need for arithmetic
	Currently the Julian Date is displayed on the observing tab (assuming you're using that option) as "JD 2440000+ xxxx.xxxx". This requires some arithmetic. It would be better to display as "JD xxx- xxxx.xxxx", where xxxxxxx.xxxx is the actual JD.
Resolution	Implemented.
Implemented	Display correct orientation of Saturn's rings
	Display correct orientation of Saturn's rings. Do a better job of rendering them.
Resolution	Implemented. Saturn (in the FOV at present) displays correctly oriented and sized rings and the planet is correctly oriented w.r.t. N and has correct oblateness.
Implemented	Enhance dialogs for scripting
	The EditParameters dialog for scripting is not optimal, utilising as it does a list box for editing the various parameters. Re-implement the dialog using "proper" controls.
Resolution	Implemented.
Implemented	Enhancements to handle very large catalogues
	Add enhancements to reduce size of catalogues containing extremely large numbers of objects.
Resolution	Implemented.
Implemented	Enhancements to scripting
	(a) Be able to locate the Current Telescope and Current Site from the Observing tab. (b) Be able to locate the Default Site, Telescope, Eyepiece, etc. resource.
Resolution	Implemented. CurrentSite, CurrentTelescope, DefaultSite, DefaultTelescope, DefaultEyepiece, DefaultVisualAid, DefaultFilter.
Implemented	Enhancements to scripting window
	a. Display a caption showing what line (number) the cursor is on, or what line/s is/are selected. b. Auto-indent when typing code. e.g. after typing a "if ... then" line, autoindent the next line of code. c. Fix problems with scripting menu not changing after renaming a script.
Resolution	Implemented.
Implemented	Get AP to work with Equinox LE
MacOSX only	AstroPlanner doesn't work with Equinox LE. There's no reason why it shouldn't.
Developer Analysis	EqX LE uses a different creator code (signature) from Eqx. AP will need to take this into account.
Resolution	Implemented.
Implemented	Highlight objects that are visible during a given time period
	Add the ability to highlight objects that are visible at some time during a given time period.
Resolution	Implemented. The Altitude rule now has two extra settings: "Above horizon" and "Below horizon". If the site has a horizon defined that will be used, otherwise 0° will be assumed for the horizon.
Implemented	Implement new Autostar daylight-saving commands
	Autostar V42Ed includes new commands to get/set daylight-saving. These should be recognised and used in AstroPlanner.
Resolution	Implemented. Note: only for Autostar V42Ed and after. Not currently for Autostar II.
Implemented	Import AAVSO observations from PCObs file
	Add ability to import AAVSO observations from PCObs-formatted text files. Either to local plan file or global observation database.
Resolution	Implemented. Scripting additions and a sample script have been added to allow import of AAVSO-formatted (PCObs-formatted) observations into plan documents.
Implemented	Import Astromist User Catalogues (PDB format)
	Add ability to import Astromist user lists/catalogues (in .pdb format) directly into a plan document.
Resolution	Implemented. File→Import→Astromist User catalogue...
Implemented	Include focal length increases caused by Obs. Aids
	Add parameter to Obs. Aids that increase basic focal length of the telescope (in mm/inches).
Resolution	Implemented.
Implemented	Keeping user images of solar system objects
	User images are associated with objects by RA/Dec. Obviously this isn't a good solution for solar system objects, that have a continuously changing RA/Dec.
Resolution	Implemented. User images of solar system objects should now be associated with the object. Note that images for Jupiter and Saturn will appear at the bottom of the drop-down menu under the images, after the satellite information.
Implemented	Keyboard shortcut for Force Highlighting
	A keyboard shortcut to toggle the 'Force Highlighted' status of an object. Ctrl-h (if not already used) might be a suitable key – on Windows anyway.
Resolution	Implemented. Object→Toggle Forced Highlighting (with Alt-H shortcut on Windows and Opt-Cmd-H on Mac) does the trick.
Implemented	Make adding sample scripts a bit more intuitive
	The method used to select a sample script at present is a bit obscure (in order to get the user to give the script a name first). A more intuitive method is desirable.
Resolution	Implemented. Samples... button is now on the main script editing window.
Implemented	Make sample scripts easily accessible
	Make sample scripts (in Scripting manual) easily accessible for examination and use.
Resolution	Implemented. When you create a new script, a Samples... button appears. Clicking produces a list of scripts from the Scripting manual. Selecting one and clicking OK will populate your new script with the code from the corresponding manual example.
Implemented	Method to change an existing plan's list columns to the specified default
	Add a method to change an existing plan's list columns to the specified default (specified in Edit→List Columns...)
Resolution	Implemented. Set to Saved Default button in Edit Columns dialog will set the columns to reflect those previously saved as the new document default.
Implemented	Modify observing forms script (Script 10)
	Modify script 10 so that: a. Prints either or both charts and forms. b. Saves/restores settings between uses.
Resolution	Implemented. Modified script (as a text file) is available now at (http://www.ilangainc.com/astroplanner/misc/script10.txt). Copy and paste.
Implemented	More digits in Air Mass
	More digits in the Airmass. When used, the air mass of two objects is subtracted, one from the other, so more digits helps.
Resolution	Implemented. Currently set to 6 dec. places. If more places are required, feel free to ask.
Implemented	Print object notes with FOV Chart
	Add an option when printing the FOV tab also to print right and bottom panes of the "Object Notes" window (i.e. info on the object at the centre of the FOV, and any object notes attached to that object).
Resolution	Implemented. Print Object Info checkbox in FOV printing dialog should do the trick.
Implemented	Remember previously selected DSS/User image
	When DSS/User images are displayed, remember the last one displayed for a particular object, and default to that image the next time the same object is selected.
Resolution	Implemented. Also remembered when plan document is saved.
Implemented	Scripting enhancements
	a. Make sorting methods available. e.g. sort by RA, Altitude, Minimum Slewing Distances, etc. b. Calculate the distance (angle) between two objects. c. Add methods/properties to return the number of highlighted objects, and a list of those highlighted objects. d. Add ability to select from more than one open plan document, where applicable.
Resolution	Implemented. a. SortObservingList(column,ascending) and MinimumSlewSort b. AngleBetween c. nHighlighted and HighlightedObject(n) d. nPlans, GetPlanName(n), SelectPlan(n)
Implemented	Scripting issues
	Add/Modify: a. On canvas window, little up/down arrows should work the other way (i.e. down should increase the page number) b. PgUp and PgDn keys should be enabled. c. Give some kind of feedback as pages are being generated. d. Some method of being able to abort a running script.
Resolution	Implemented. (a) Done, (b) Done (PgUp, PgDn, Home, End), (c) Done. Floating progress window lets you know how many pages have been generated/printed, (d) calling UserAbort returns TRUE if the user aborted (esc in Windows, cmd-period in MacOS).
Implemented	Scripting support for external applications
	Add scripting support for external applications (Cartes du Ceil, EquinoX).
Resolution	Implemented. GetExternalCoords(ra,dec) and SetExternalCoords(ra,dec[,fov]) will retrieve and/or set the RA/Dec coords from/to the external application.
Implemented	Scripting support for plan date/time
	Add scripting support to return the current plan document local date/time and local sidereal time. Add support to set the current plan document's local date/time (effectively doing a "Fix Date"), and reverting back to real date/time (removing Fix Date).
Resolution	Implemented. t=PlanLocalDateTime; PlanLocalDateTime=t; PlanRealTime; t=PlanGMT; t=PlanGMST; t=PlanLST; t=PlanJulianDate
Implemented	Scripting support for printing
	Add scripting support for printing: i.e. be able to create charts for objects (FOV and/or sky), choose catalogues to display, display options, etc. and print those charts.
Resolution	Implemented. Details and examples will be in the V1.5.1 Scripting Manual
Implemented	Scripting: Add debugging feature
	Add Debug(s as string), which will write the string to a debug window.
Resolution	Implemented. Uses the built-in (but seldom seen, fortunately) AP debugging window, which also gives you the ability to save the debug output to file, etc.
Implemented	Scripting: Additional features
	a. Confirmation dialog (basically YesNo with configurable button captions). b. Progress bar widget for long processes, with ability to cancel long processes. c. Creating new plan documents. d. Opening existing plan documents. e. Saving and closing open plan documents. f. Copying object information from one plan to another. g. Get ID of currently-selected plan document. h. Method to check if plan document has been changed. i. Get ID of plan document given its name.
Resolution	Implemented. a. Confirmation(body,button1,button2[,default]) b. StartProgress(), StopProgress(), UpdateProgress() c. NewPlan([path][,silent][,unique]) d. OpenPlan([path]) e. SavePlan(n), ClosePlan(n[,silent]) f. APObject.Contents g. CurrentPlanNumber() h. PlanChanged(n) i. GetPlanNumber(name)
Implemented	Scripting: Additional features
	a. AngleBetween(a,b) where a,b are APCatalogueObjects or APPlanObjects. b. AllTypeNumbers(), AllTypeNames() c. SaveXXXValue/RestoreXXXValue with arrays.
Resolution	Implemented.
Implemented	Scripts: Add SetSliderParameter to EditParameters
	Add SetSliderParameter/GetSliderParameter methods to EditParameters so that a parameter can be given a value via a slider control.
Resolution	Implemented. SetSliderParameter/GetSliderParameter. You can set the range and step size.
Implemented	Scripts: Allow multiple columns in script dialogs
	The scripting dialog (EditParameters) is a single column of controls. It would be nice if this could be multiple column if the user desires it.
Resolution	Implemented. All SetXXXParameter methods now start with an optional "append" boolean parameter that allows you to append a parameter field to the right of the previous one, rather than below. AstroPlanner will figure out column widths, etc.
Implemented	Scripts: Assorted language additions
	a. Ability to get constellation names, abbreviations, etc. b. Ability to get names of object types, and sets (e.g. stellar, DSO, etc.). c. Set/GetCheckListParameter. Get an array of booleans from a list of checkboxes. d. A method of executing in the background (with major caveats). e. Yes/No or OK/Cancel dialogs. f. Copy data to/from clipboard.
Resolution	Implemented. See scripting manual for details. a. nConstellations, ConstellationName(i), ConstellationAbbreviation(i), Constellations. b. TypeName(n), TypeNumber(s), StellarTypeNumbers, DSOTypeNumbers, StellarTypeNames, DSOTypeNames. c. SetCheckListParameter, GetCheckListParameter. d. Yield e. YesNo, OKCancel f. Clipboard.
Implemented	Scripts: EditParameters Dialog debugging
	A mechanism to display complete dialog field captions (e.g. "Caption.2:12") in EditParameters for debugging purposes is desired.
Resolution	Implemented. Added debug parameter to EditParameters().
Implemented	Scripts: Separate FieldID in SetXXXParameter
	A separate FieldID in SetXXXParameter would allow several captions to be the same. At present the captions must all be unique in order to connect SetXXXParameter with GetXXXParameter.
Resolution	Implemented. If the caption ends in a period followed by a number (e.g. "Filter.1") then the period and number are not displayed in the control's caption. This allows unique captions, but non-unique displayed captions. In the example screen shot, the three controls at the bottom have the captions "Fifth.1", "Fifth.2" and "Fifth.3".
Implemented	Scripts: User-defined Tab-ordering in EditParameter script dialog
	A method of arranging the tab order in EditParameters to suit the user would be appreciated.
Resolution	Implemented. Appending ":<number>" to a SetXXXParameter caption will change the tab ordering of that item to the number order specified. Note that if a subset of the SetXXXParameters are reordered in this way then all unordered ones will come first in the tab-ordering, followed by the specifically-ordered ones. The ":<number>" is not necessary in the corresponding GetXXXParameter calls.
Implemented	Show Reticle rotation angle
	Show Reticle rotation angle in FOV and DSS Image and next to the corresponding slider control. Also be able to set/read it in scripts.
Resolution	Implemented. Sliders show angle, FOV and DSS image with reticle overlays show angle, ability to read and set added to scripting.
Implemented	Show Site Lat/Long/GMTOffset on a world map
	Show Site Lat/Long/GMTOffset on a world map. This would make it easier to ascertain that you have the coordinates set correctly.
Resolution	Implemented. Map... button on Reosurces→Sites shows the information, on a cool map of the earth showing the horrors of light pollution. Site is shown by a small red "target", GMT by a red dotted line and the GMT Offset by a green dashed line (the last two should, in most cases, coincide.
Implemented	Sort highlighted objects to front of list
	Add the ability to sort so that all highlighted objects appear together before all unhighlighted objects in the observing list.
Resolution	Implemented. Preferences→Lists→Sorting→"Sort highlighted objects to top" (default=OFF) will do the trick.
Implemented	Take atmospheric extinction into account
	Take atmospheric extinction into account when calculating apparent magnitude of objects.
Resolution	Implemented. 1. New Extinct (Atmospheric Extinction in magnitudes) and App Mag (Apparent Magnitude) columns in observing list (default=not visible) 2. Can Delete Conditionally and Export on these columns 3. Added to scripting features (see scripting manual). Atmospheric extinction is dependent on site altitude, current altitude angle of object and site latitude (to determine winter/summer). Apparent Mag = Mag + Extinction.
Implemented	Telescope Park feature
	Add a generic "park" feature for telescopes. This would move the telescope to a specified Alt/Az and disconnect.
Resolution	Implemented. Telescope→Park Telescope... will slew the telescope to a preset Alt/Az. Disconnection is optional.
Implemented	Uploading scripts now informs administrator
	Uploading scripts now informs the administrator that a script has been uploaded, making for faster "turnaround".
Resolution	Implemented.
Implemented	Warning if script references a prefix file
	If a user-contributed script references a prefix file, the user should be warned on uploading, since the prefix file might not be available on-line.
Resolution	Implemented.
Fixed	16-bit character drawing bug in script
	Drawing characters that are 16-bit (e.g. degree symbol) are not being drawn correctly.
Resolution	Fixed. Added the DegreeSymbol function that return the ° symbol and can be used in strings where necessary.
Fixed	Adjust main window size to be smaller than screen size on startup
Windows only	If you decrease the screen size between runs of AstroPlanner (say from 1280x1024 to 1024x768), the main window migh be displayed out of the window bounds without a means to adjust it. Make sure main window size is always equal to or smaller than the screen size when starting up.
Resolution	Fixed.
Fixed	AstroPlanner doesn't work if file paths have non-ASCII characters
	AstroPlanner doesn't work if file paths have non-ASCII characters
Resolution	Fixed. As an added bonus, AstroPlanner should now be more robust if you happen to rename folders or files, or move files around, especially on Mac OS.
Fixed	Astrometric eyepiece with barlow problem
	When using an astrometric eyepiece with a barlow, you double the size of the astrometric display (so the scales don't fit in the FOV) rather than leaving it the same.
Resolution	Fixed.
Fixed	Autostar controller initialisation problems
	If initialising telescope with lat/long/etc., make sure (a) GMT Offset is sent before updating local date/time. Also (b) check sign on GMT offset for Autostar controller.
Developer Analysis	a. Done. b. Is incorrect.
Resolution	Fixed. (a) has been changed. (b) has been fixed. I also tweaked the Compare Computer-Telescope Settings window to add a "Difference" column and some extra text to help track down problems.
Fixed	Better FOV label placement for galaxies
	Better FOV label placement for galaxies is desired, since the labels are often placed far away from the galaxy outline. This should be independent of position angle.
Resolution	Fixed.
Fixed	Big delays on startup with BlueTooth
	Having Bluetooth enabled causes big delays on startup.
Developer Analysis	You should find it will continue after a longish wait. I suspect what is happening is the first time AP accesses a port (even to see if it's there, not necessarily to use it), the OS goes off to see whether it's a real port, tries to connect to the BT device, fails, retries, and eventually times out. I have seen the same problem on my PC. I can probably work around it by only accessing the serial ports when needed. You'll still get the delay, but only when you access the ports (e.g. connecting to the telescope, going to the Preferences→Telescope/GPS tab, etc.
Resolution	Fixed. Well, partially. Once you have selected a serial port (BlueTooth or otherwise) then the port scanning only takes place if you open preferences and go to the Telescope tab. Unfortunately, the first time you run this version, the same delay will occur. Patience will be necessary.
Fixed	Changing a plan's info does not make the plan "dirty"
	Changing a plan's info via File→Get Info does not make plan "dirty" (i.e. does not enable the File→Save menu command)
Resolution	Fixed.
Fixed	Check delay before slew problem with NexStar controller
	There is a 10 second pause between Get Scope attention ("?") and Slew to commands.
Developer Analysis	I'm not sure why this is happening. What I will do is try eliminating the "get attention" thing, which might well be redundant.
Resolution	Fixed. READ CAREFULLY: What I have done is to suppress the "get scope attention" command. To enable this "suppression" you will need to go to Preferences→Telescope and switch on Custom Feature #2 (lower right of window). If this temporary fix works, I will make itpermanent.
Fixed	Check scripting Canvas.Target() function
	In Script 10, I noticed that on the d1 chart, when FOV is set to 0 (for constellation centering), Canvas.Target() seems to centre on neighbouring Ophiuchus when asked to centre on Serpens Caput.
Developer Analysis	This isn't a bug as such. Serpens is annoyingly in two parts (Cauda and Caput) with Ophiuchus in between. AstroPlanner considers Serpens as one constellation. It uses the boundaries of both to determine the centre - which happens to be in Ophiuchus. However I might be able to resolve this (at least partially).
Resolution	Fixed. The Canvas.Target method is now defined as: Target(constellation [,ra,dec]) If you supply the optional ra and dec parameters, the constellation will be further refined to either Serpens Caput or Serpens Cauda depending on which part of Serpens ra/dec is in. Script 10 has been modified to include this.
Fixed	Closing plan document/s while Script window is open
	Closing a plan document while the Scripting window is open, and then executing a script, causes an exception. Opening (reopening) a plan document doesn't help. Similar nasty things happen if you launch a script from the Scripting menu.
Developer Analysis	Workaround. You need to close and reopen the Scripting Editor window. Make sure at least one plan document is open.
Resolution	Fixed.
Fixed	Column width resetting problem
	Every time I change the column order, for example, all the column widths of the standard columns get reset.
Resolution	Fixed.
Fixed	Comet user images not being displayed
	If a user image is added to a comet object, it does not get displayed either to the right of the observing list, or if the Object→Display DSS/User Images menu command is used.
Developer Analysis	This was a mixture of problems, mainly involving importing comet images where the ID included a hyphen.
Resolution	Fixed. However, you will have to add the comet user images again for them to be displayed.
Fixed	Crash in Catalogue vs. ID/Type window
	I tried to use Preferences / Catalogue vs. ID/Type and I get a crash when I use Catalogue vs. Type.
Resolution	Fixed.
Fixed	Crash when adding User Image
	Crash when using Add User Image... (see attached crash report).
Resolution	Fixed.
Fixed	Crash when opening a plan document
MacOSX only	Crash when opening a plan document by double-clicking it. Happens if AstroPlanner is not running.
Developer Analysis	Documents are getting opened before the app has finished initialising. Workaround: make sure AP is running before double-clicking a plan document.
Resolution	Fixed.
Fixed	Daylight Savings check not being done
	The check that produces an alert when daylight savings time changes is not being done. No alert was produced when DST started this year.
Resolution	Fixed. You will get the alert the first time you run this version, but it will be fine thereafter.
Fixed	Delete key doesn't work in the Observing list
	The Delete key doesn't work in the Observing list, even though it should.
Resolution	Fixed.
Fixed	Duplicating scripts
	Add feature to be able to duplicate a script.
Resolution	Fixed. "++" button in the script editing window does the trick.
Fixed	FOV legend overflow when landscape printing
	When printing the FOV tab, and the extended mag range option is active along with the legend, in landscape mode the star symbols go off the page.
Resolution	Fixed. Also fixed some problems printing Astrometric reticles as a bonus.
Fixed	FOV problems
	FOV selection bugs (http://groups.yahoo.com/group/astroplanner/message/8169).
Resolution	Fixed.
Fixed	Fix Astromist export
	Fix Astromist export. Write output directly to PDB files without the need for multiple memos.
Resolution	Fixed. Now exports directly to PDB file (on all platforms). No external software necessary.
Fixed	Fix Messier catalogue problems
	Fix Messier catalogue problems. In particular M45.
Developer Analysis	Messier objects without corresponding NGC synonyms (i.e. M25, M40, M45) were not updated during the last Messier catalogue update. They are probably Epoch 1950 rather than J2000.0.
Resolution	Fixed. M25 and M45 coordinates tweaked. Available on registered users web page or via File→Catalogue Manager...
Fixed	Fix catalogue searching bug
	Fix a bug that makes searching for the minimum or maximum magnitude object return bogus results.
Resolution	Fixed.
Fixed	Greek characters on FOV sometimes not Greek
MacOSX only	On occasion, Bayer IDs of bright stars are showing as Roman letters rather than Greek on the screen FOV.
Developer Analysis	Appears to be a Mac OS X-only problem. For some reason, things seem to change between OS versions.
Resolution	Fixed.
Fixed	Improve feedback when adding many objects
	When adding, say, 5000 items to a plan from a search or catalogue, give users feedback so that they don't think the app has frozen.
Resolution	Fixed.
Fixed	Improve visual magnitude limit interface in telescope resources
	Improve visual magnitude limit interface in telescope resources: disable entry into override value unless checkbox is on, and reflect value in info list below.
Resolution	Fixed.
Fixed	JPL/NASA comet/minor planet format change
	The JPL/NASA folks not only moved their data on their web site recently, but also changed the format. This means that if you choose to import the JPL Comet (and possibly minor planet) elements in AstroPlanner, you are going to get junk results (e.g. 73P Schwassmann-Wachmann 3 parts are all over the sky).
Resolution	Fixed. The format for both Comets and Numbered Minor Planets has been corrected.
Fixed	LX200 Set Declination command not correct
	When AP sends the Set Declination command it uses the syntax "#:SdDDMM#" (short format). But the "official" format of the LX200-command is "#SdsDDMM#" where the small s indicates the sign. For positive declinations, a "+" sign is necessary, but not present.
Developer Analysis	Note that this does not seem to affect Meade telescopes, but just some other LX200-compatible devices.
Resolution	Fixed.
Fixed	MPCORB.DAT problems with 6-digit minor planet numbers
	Astroplanner seems to be having problems finding objects with 6 digit numbers - it just won't let me search for them in the MPCORB.dat file and it appears to not find them via their name if they do have a 6 digit number associated with them.
Developer Analysis	Some of the comet numbers are internally stored in a "packed" format and were not being found.
Resolution	Fixed.
Fixed	Make changing star magnitude range in Sky chart more obvious
	It's not obvious that double-clicking the Magnitude Limit for Stars in the Sky chart display options will allow you to edit the value. Make it a bit more obvious.
Resolution	Fixed. Added a caption below the list to remind you that you can double-click the Mag Limit to change it.
Fixed	Massive slowdowns on startup
Windows only	Launching AstroPlanner can take over a minute under some circumstances.
Developer Analysis	The slowdowns were two-fold: a. a bug in the loading of lists was causing about 30% of the slowdown. b. 70% of the slowdown was caused when the app first accessed serial ports. This was due to a missing BlueTooth adapter.
Resolution	Fixed. (a) fixed. (b) is not fixable since it occurs at a system level. However, I have changed the code for the startup splash screen so you can at least be aware of what is causing the slowdown.
Fixed	Moving or renaming AstroPlanner folder renders DSS images unusable
	Moving/renaming the AstroPlanner folder makes the DSS Image cache unusable, requiring a deletion and subsequent rebuilding of the DSS Index file.
Resolution	Fixed. If this situation occurs, the index will be deleted and rebuilt.
Fixed	Night vision mode crash using 16-bit resolution display
Windows only	I am using a 16-bit colour resolution on my laptop and this seems to have crashed astroplanner when trying to use the grey night vision mode.
Developer Analysis	Yup. Anything less than a 24-bit colour setting on the screen will cause AstroPlanner to fall over nastily as soon as you go to (any colour) night vision mode. No workaround, I'm afraid, apart from using a 24-bit colour setting or above. Windows only - does not affect the Mac.
Resolution	Fixed.
Fixed	Obs Aid change in the FOV doesn't recalculate chart
	When only an obs aid is changed in the FOV tab (such as adding or subtracting a F6.3 focal reducer ), no update happens to the FOV unless I click the update button twice. The first click has no effect the second does the trick.
Resolution	Fixed.
Fixed	Oddities when site has latitude=0
	Various strange effects are apparent if your site is bang on the equator.
Developer Analysis	Certain quantities were not being initialised correctly if latitude=0 and/or longitude=0 for the chosen site when the application was launched. I doubt this affects anyone (unless you have a bad/empty latitude or longitude for your site)
Resolution	Fixed.
Fixed	Orientation of FOV not changing in script
	The FOV refuses to draw flipped. Here's a code excerpt: c.FOVOption("Horizontal", defaultFinderFlipH) c.FOVOption("Vertical", defaultFinderFlipV) c.DrawFOV x1,y,size,isPrinting,ctitle
Developer Analysis	That should be: c.FOVOption("Flip Horizontal", defaultFinderFlipH) c.FOVOption("Flip Vertical", defaultFinderFlipV) Then it should work as advertised.
Resolution	Fixed. Well, not _actually_ fixed, but the scripting manual has been updated to be more specific.
Fixed	Printed chart text sizing problem
	Printed text in charts appears too small.
Resolution	Fixed.
Fixed	Problems displaying user images of Saturn/Jupiter
	Problems displaying user images of Saturn/Jupiter on the observing tab.
Resolution	Fixed.
Fixed	Problems identifying Meade RCX400 telescope
	AstroPlanner identifies the RCX400 scope as an LX200 Classic (which works, but some features might be limited), rather than as an Autostar II driven scope.
Developer Analysis	The #:GVP# is not returning what I expected.
Resolution	Fixed.
Fixed	Resubmitting AAVSO observations problem
	The Resubmit button in the AAVSO submission dialog does not enable the Submit... button.
Developer Analysis	Minor glitch. Workaround: uncheck one of the entries and recheck it, and the Submit... button will be enabled
Resolution	Fixed.
Fixed	Scripting file line endings
	Scripting file line endings appear to be CR, rather than CRLF. This causes some problems with other software.
Resolution	Fixed.
Fixed	Scripting: Find dialog not functioning correctly
Windows only	The Find button on the Find dialog remains greyed out until the search string is changed. This is also the case if you select a previous search string from the drop-down list.
Developer Analysis	Windows-only (which is why I didn't notice until now). This also affects the Find dialog elsewhere in the application.
Resolution	Fixed.
Fixed	Sky chart printing problems
	The sky printout in Version 1.47b is much better for visual use at night than the new 1.5 version. The star sizes in version 1.5 are much less variable in size than in ver. 1.47, and the lines that make up the targets are thicker in version 1.5. This makes it much more difficult to read the sky chart. Also, if I select the 2x-hi res feature to print, the chart objects are so small they are unreadable.
Resolution	Fixed. Added a WYSIWYG checkbox ("what you see is what you get") to the print dialog for Sky and FOV charts. If this setting is off, AstroPlanner will increase the resolution, making lines thinner, etc. The default is off. If on, this setting will try and print what you see on the screen, with thicker lines, etc.
Fixed	Sorting the Resources->Combinations list does not work
	Sorting the Resources→Combinations list should only sort the rows associated with eyepieces. Also the sort order is not necessarily numeric.
Resolution	Fixed. Telescope parameters have been moved to a separate list below the main one. Sorting now works correctly. Telescopes (columns) are now ordered by aperture.
Fixed	The telescope/site, etc. popups are not disabled for Global observations
Windows only	When a global observation is selected in the Observations list, the popup lists to the right are not disabled (apart from the Eyepiece one).
Developer Analysis	For some reason, lost in the mists of time, I stopped disabling those popup menus in Windows. I suspect the reason for that has gone away, so I will now disable the popups when needed.
Resolution	Fixed.
Fixed	USNO B1.0 feature inoperative
	The USNO B1.0 download feature appears inoperative.
Resolution	Fixed. Bonus - also added the ability to work through a proxy server, which was inadvertantly omitted before.
Fixed	Using Enhance Contrast with 16-bit colour setting causes crash
	Using the Enhance Contrast option when downloading DSS images, with 16-bit colour setting, causes crash.
Developer Analysis	Workaround: Change to 24- or 32-bit colour settings.
Resolution	Fixed.
Fixed	Warn if USNO B1.0 service is broken
	If the USNO B1.0 on-line catalogue service is broken (as it is now: 28 July 2006), AstroPlanner does not close the progress window, or warn that the service is malfunctioning.
Resolution	Fixed. Progress window closed and a warning dialog displayed.
Fixed	Windows do not seem to remember their size between runs
Windows only	Windows do not seem to remember their size or position between runs. They are opening too large to fit in the main window.
Developer Analysis	Some bugs were found (e.g. moving, rather than resizing, the window didn't register a change) and fixed. Turns out that M$ doesn't return the correct values of some windows metrics for Win XP.
Resolution	Fixed.
Fixed	extraneous lines printed across the FOV
	Extraneous lines are printed across the FOV, even though they don't appear on the screen.
Developer Analysis	The problem you are seeing appears to be caused by Preferences→FOV→Solar System Object Motion→Show Motion Track in FOV. Switching it off seems to resolve the problem. However, why it's showing in the printout but not on the screen is something that needs investigation.
Resolution	Fixed.

1.5	Release Date: Friday, January 20, 2006
Implemented	A feature to include latest release notes in the application
	Include the latest release notes in the application (embedded in the AstroPlanner Data file) and a means (menu command) to view those notes.
Resolution	Help->Revision Notes. Also when you run a new version for the first time, an alert is displayed making you aware of the menu item.
Implemented	A method of telling that you're a registered/paid user
	Add some indication in the About window that the user is registered/paid.
Resolution	Line added to About window. If the user is unregistered (i.e. hasn't paid), then it will read "UNREGISTERED USER"
Implemented	Ability to Lookup multiple without blank field
	Currently, if you want to lookup multiple IDs, you either have to make sure no planning objects are selected, or create a new object with a blank ID. This is inconvenient.
Resolution	Implemented. Hold down the shift key while clicking Lookup ID... or Lookup Name... Note that if an object is selected and its ID is non-blank then the Shift/Lookup ID... will not overwrite that object with an object found in the search, but will create a new object.
Implemented	Ability to disable the Greek letter/double star ID palettes
	Add the ability to disable the Greek letter/double star ID palettes. If they're not being used they can be irritating.
Resolution	Implemented. Checkbox in Preferences->Lists
Implemented	Ability to display catalogue objects on Sky chart
	Add the ability to display selected catalogue objects on the Sky chart.
Resolution	Implemented. Use the "S" column in Preferences->Catalogues to select which catalogues to display in the Sky chart (WARNING: if choose a big catalogue, Sky charts might take a long time to display). Select the "Catalogue Objects" display option (and a suitable magnitude limit if applicable) to show the objects. Colour selectable in Preferences->Sky. Example shows Landolt stars brighter than mag 11 in red.
Implemented	Ability to mark AAVSO observations as "already submitted"
	Add the ability to mark AAVSO observations as "already submitted". This helps in cases where observations are re-entered, but shouldn't be resubmitted to AAVSO.
Resolution	Implemented. The submission dialog now has a "Mark as Submitted on:" button with an associated date field.
Implemented	Ability to mark multiple AAVSO observations as Submitted/Unsubmitted
	The ability to mark multiple AAVSO observations as Submitted/Unsubmitted at one time is requested. Currently only one at a time can be processed.
Resolution	Implemented. You can do multiple selections. Please excuse the obviously faked observations in the screen shot!
Implemented	Ability to show Name rather than ID on FOV chart
	Add the ability to show Name rather than ID next to catalogue objects on the FOV chart
Resolution	Implemented. Added an "N" column to the catalogue list in Preferences->Catalogues. Checking this will use the contents of the Name field in the selected catalogue rather than the ID, unless the name field is empty or non-existent.
Implemented	Add "Highlighted user objects" setting to FOV
	If highlighted objects only is selected in the Sky tab, only these objects show in the Sky view but all objects show in the FOV tab. Perhaps that option of showing only highlighted objects could be offered in the FOV tab along with the many others shown in the small window at the bottom right of the FOV tab.
Resolution	Implemented. Added "Highlighted objects" setting to display options on FOV tab. Note that this only has an effect if the "Display User Objects in FOV" preference settings are enabled.
Implemented	Add "compass" to show azimuth/altitude of currently selected item
	I wish we can have a small enhancement, if we can have a small graphic compass point the direction of each planned object, it's much more easier to know which direction to point for binoculars users, we have very convenient Rise/Transit/Set graphic now, it will be more informative with graphic compass besides it.
Resolution	Az/Alt indicator graphic now appears to the right of the rise/set graphics on the observing tab, if either or both are being displayed. The Altitude indicator is red if the object is currently not visible. Azimuth orientation same as Sky chart.
Implemented	Add "search" field to Catalogue window, etc.
	Currently if you start typing an ID in the catalogue window, the list scrolls to the first match. e.g. in Hipparcos if you type "HIP12", it will scroll to "HIP12", "HIP121", etc. depending on which "page" you're on. This should operate globally, and the window should change to the relevant page. Better still, add a "search" field to the window. Also enable Edit->Find... to do this.
Resolution	Added a Find field to the catalogue window. Also enabled Edit->Find... and Edit->Find Again to do the same thing.
Implemented	Add Air Mass/Error submission to AAVSO observations
	The AAVSO requests the submission of Air Mass and Error values when submitting CCD-based observations. Add support for this.
Resolution	Implemented.
Implemented	Add Celestron Microguide and Meade Astrometric eyepiece reticles
	Add Celestron Microguide and Meade Astrometric eyepiece reticles, either as reticles or as special eyepieces (probably better).
Resolution	Done. Reticle type is chosen in Preferences->FOV, display of the reticle is done via new "Astrometric" checkbox on FOV tab. Note that a telescope must be selected (since the reticle is scaled by focal length). Reticle can be rotated via the reticle angle slider. Note that this is for registered users only. Note also that the reticles may differ slightly from reality, but the scales (linear and angular) are accurate.
Implemented	Add European Union DST rules
	Add support for EU Daylight Saving Time rules (http://webexhibits.org/daylightsaving/b.html).
Resolution	New checkbox in Resources->Sites.
Implemented	Add Mag2 and Sep columns to Search Results window
	Add Mag2 and Sep columns to Search Results window to aid in selecting double stars
Resolution	Done.
Implemented	Add a Refresh button to the FOV
	Add a Refresh button to the FOV, so that a user can manually "force" an update. Currently that can only be done by, say, selecting/unselecting a FOV option or catalogue.
Resolution	Implemented.
Implemented	Add ability to display ID and/or Name for user objects on FOV
	A recent change added display of the ID next to user objects in the FOV. What if I want the Name? Or both?
Developer Analysis	More options, eh? Currently the ID is displayed or, if there isn't one, the Name. I guess I can add two more checkboxes.
Resolution	Done.
Implemented	Add ability to find nearest bright star to an object via scripting
	Add the ability to find nearest bright star (brighter than some specified magnitude) to a user object, using the AP scripting language.
Resolution	Implemented. Added the ClosestStar(mag as double) function to APObject. Returns the APCatalogObject of the nearest star of magnitude less than or equal to mag.
Implemented	Add ability to import observations from text files
	Currently only object data can be imported. Observation data import is also requested.
Developer Analysis	This requires matching up incoming observations to plan objects, presumably by ID.
Resolution	There's now an Import option that lets you choose either Objects or Observations to import. You must include ID and Date as importable fields (and time is recommended too).
Implemented	Add bolide radiant information and prediction
	Add some method of predicting/displaying bolide showers and their radiants. e.g. (http://www.astrosurf.com/somyce/c_bolidos/terentjeva.htm). Also a means of reporting observations to an authoritative body.
Developer Analysis	Reporting will have to wait for a future version.
Resolution	Implemented. Similarly to Meteor Showers, bolide showers from the Terentjeva list can be displayed in the Sky chart by using the "Bolide shower radiants" checkbox. These are drawn with thicker lines, but fewer "radiants".
Implemented	Add colour option for displaying selected object in Sky chart
	Add a separate colour option for the Select Object on the Sky chart.
Resolution	Done (In Preferences->Sky->Colours).
Implemented	Add comet element support to Planetarium export feature
	Add the ability to import comet elements from AstroPlanner into Planetarium.
Resolution	The Planetarium export now recognises comets and minor planets and exports them to separate memo files in the correct format.
Implemented	Add larger preset FOV settings
	In the FOV tab, you have a pull down menu for selection of the size of the FOV. The largest listed FOV is 10 degrees. I would suggest larger values be added such as 20, 40 and 60.
Resolution	Implemented. Added 20, 30, 45 and 60 degrees.
Implemented	Add meteor shower radiant information and prediction
	Add some method of predicting/displaying meteor showers and their radiants.
Resolution	"Meteor shower radiants" checkbox in the Sky tab enables display of most common showers. The number of "radiants" increases on the day of the peak (as in the example for the Leonids shown here). You can change the colour of the radiants in Preferences->Sky.
Implemented	Add new U.S. Daylight Saving Time rules
	In 2007, DST rules change in the USA (http://webexhibits.org/daylightsaving/b.html). AstroPlanner should take these into account. Before 2007, everything should remain the same.
Resolution	New rules implemented. Will take effect for dates in 2007 or after.
Implemented	Add on-line USNO B1.0 catalogue access
	Add the ability to access the on-line USNO B1.0 catalogue in the FOV chart. This WILL require a fast Internet connection
Developer Analysis	The on-line USNO B1.0 catalogue goes down to magnitude 22. The positions of stars are fairly accurate, but magnitudes might not be accurate.
Resolution	Implemented. Registered (paid) users only.
Implemented	Add serial port "refresh" button to Preferences->Telescope
	Add a "refresh" button to Preferences->Telescope/GPS in order to re-populate the serial port list.
Resolution	Refresh button added to Preferences->Telescope/GPS. Note: also refreshes the serial port list for GPS.
Implemented	Add support for PalmDSC object lists
	Export objects in a format suitable for import into PalmDSC (http://palmdsc.dougbraun.com/)
Resolution	File->Export->PalmDSC Objects...
Implemented	Add the detection/display of Autostar version info
	If the user is using an Autostar-controlled telescope, acquire the version information when connecting, and display it somewhere.
Resolution	Done. For Autostar-based controllers, the GVN command extracts and parses the version. It is displayed at the bottom-right of the Show Flow window and in the "Connected to telescope" checkbox label for reference purposes, and will be used to determine availability of other features - coming soon.
Implemented	Add visibility-over-period rule to custom highlighting
	Be able to highlight objects that will be visible over a specified period.
Resolution	The custom highlighting dialog now allows you to highlight objects that rise above/fall below a given altitude between given hours. e.g. highlight objects that rise above 45 degrees altitude between 20:00 and 01:00.
Implemented	Alignment star lists for emulated telescopes
	Add a "fake" list of alignment stars for emulated telescopes, to add to the experience.
Resolution	Emulated scopes now use the LX200 Classic alignment star list.
Implemented	Allow different pole stars for iterative polar alignment
	For folks on or near the equator, the iterative polar alignment routine is challenging since neither Sigma Oct nor Alpha UMi (Polaris) is visible or far above the horizon. A means to select an alternate "pole star" is requested.
Resolution	A Choose... button on Iterative Polar Alignment dialog allows you choose an alternative from a list. This alternative pole star is remembered until it is changed.
Implemented	Allow selection of font and size in the Sky view
	Allow selection of font and size in the Sky view (similar to the FOV font selection, in Preferences)
Resolution	Implemented.
Implemented	Allow selection of pole for polar alignment if site is low latitude
	If a site is close to the equator, allow selection of which pole to use in the iterative/drift alignment features.
Resolution	Implemented. If the site latitude is within 5 degrees of the equator, you are asked which celestial pole you wish to use.
Implemented	Arbitrary FOV rotation checkbox unnecessary
	FOV tab -- remove the "arbitrary" check box to rotate the FOV, we can always slide the bar to the left, and you rarely need it in a particular rotation because the scope is always moving.
Developer Analysis	Agreed that this checkbox is largely unnecessary.
Resolution	Checkbox has been removed.
Implemented	Astromist object list export
	The Palm application Astromist will have the ability to import (export?) object lists in the forthcoming version. The ability for AstroPlanner to produce such lists is desirable.
Developer Analysis	Compatible with V2.2 of Astromist or after. Previous versions do not have import/export capabilities. Note that there will probably be issues with this in V1.5, since the Astromist feature is new and testing is difficult.
Resolution	Implemented. File->Export->Astromist Objects...
Implemented	Auto sort after adding new object
	Enable (optional) auto-resorting of plans (according to the last sort used) when inserting new objects. Currently, one must sort on a different column then re-sort on the primary column, or sort the primary twice (once down, once up) when adding new objects to a sorted list.
Resolution	Added a "Re-sort lists after insertion" option to Preferences->General
Implemented	Be able to centre a position/object not currently at the centre of the FOV
	A means of centring a position/object not currently at the centre of the FOV is desired.
Developer Analysis	Note that you can already do this by Shift-clicking the object.
Resolution	Implemented. Now has a contextual menu item: "Centre FOV here".
Implemented	Be able to change globally the font and size used for controls
	In Windows especially, if you use a non-standard theme or the Large Fonts option, the interface can look pretty nasty. Add a feature to allow the user to select the font/size used in the controls throughout the app.
Resolution	Implemented. "GUI Interface Font" setting in Preferences->General. Note: Results May Vary. Use judiciously.
Implemented	Be able to save changes to Resources
	Presently, all changes made to Resources (sites, telescopes, etc.) are automatically saved when the application quits. If it crashes for some reason, the changes aren't saved. It would be nice to be able to save changes (File->Save) during a run.
Resolution	Done. File->Save will be active/enabled with the Resources window foremost, if changes have been made.
Implemented	Be able to show the object Notes field in its entirety
	Currently there's no way of seeing selected object Notes in their entirety if they overflow the text area above the Observing Notes field.
Resolution	Similarly to edit fields, you can now context click on the object notes text and (a) copy it to the clipboard, (b) change the font and size it's displayed in, and (c) Show the text in a separate, resizable window.
Implemented	Be able to slew to a position/object not in the centre of the FOV
	A means of being able to slew to a position/object not in the centre of the FOV is desirable.
Resolution	Implemented. Now has a contextual menu item (assuming telescope is connected): "Slew Telescope here"
Implemented	Be able to use Import settings for export and v.v.
	In the export generic text or xls file, I create an export setting file and export a document. If I wish to import the same document with import generic text file, and if I try to use the same import/export file I used to export it with the button load settings, I get the message: "This does not appear to be a valid export/import file".
Developer Analysis	Currently Import setting can only be used for importing, and similarly for export settings. However, there's no reason you can't mix the two.
Resolution	Implemented. Can now use import settings for exporting and v.v.
Implemented	Catalogue window should only show selected types/IDs
	When you, say, select "Show Catalogue..."->Globular Clusters->Messier Catalogue, only the globular clusters should be displayed, or at least highlighted in some way.
Developer Analysis	Showing just objects of the type specified requires major surgery. Hence, Plan B.
Resolution	Items are highlighted as specified.
Implemented	Catalogues being opened in read/write mode
	Catalogue files are being opened in read/write mode by default. This prevents 3rd party software from accessing the catalogues while AP is running.
Resolution	The catalogue files are now opened in read-only mode.
Implemented	Change DSS default from POSS 2G Blue to POSS 2G Red
	Change the DSS default data set, since the current default (POSS 2G Blue) is unreliable for some reason. Rather use the Red data set.
Resolution	Implemented.
Implemented	Change FOV redrawing delay
	When changing FOV parameters, AstroPlanner waits for at least 5 seconds or so to make sure you're not going to change another parameter before redrawing the FOV chart (since this can be time-consuming if you have large catalogues involved). The ability to change this redrawing delay is requested.
Resolution	Preferences->FOV now has an option ("Delay while changing FOV parameters") which can be set to 0 through 10 seconds (default 5).
Implemented	Changing resources that affect the FOV do not cause FOV redraw
	If you change a resource name or value (such as field of view for an eyepiece), the FOV tab does not update itself unless you close the plan and reopen it.
Resolution	Although it's technically a "bug", it was not fixed for a reason: really long FOV redraws would slow things down enormously while you were changing resource parameters. Hence a compromise enhancement has been made: underneath the Telescope, Eyepiece and Visual Aid lists, a new button has been added that, when pushed, will redraw the FOVs of any open plan documents.
Implemented	Clicking Rise/Set graphic should Fix Date to the time clicked
	Allow clicking on the rise/transit/set graphic to quickly set the date and time to a "fixed date". This lets me set the date and time quickly to something useful, like when an object will be best visible and when there's no moon, and then click over to the sky view and see what else will be visible at that time.
Resolution	Double-clicking on the Rise/Set graphic fixes the date/time to the given interval. Right-clicking (or Control-clicking on the Mac) will bring up a contextual menu to do the job as well.
Implemented	Clicking user object in sky should select object and show in FOV
	When clicking on or close to a user object displayed in the Sky chart, that object should be selected in the observing list, and then drawn in the FOV.
Resolution	Done. Any user object (or star with a known common name) will open in the FOV with "exact" coordinates. Additionally, user objects will be selected in the observing list.
Implemented	Common name for FOV mouse-over
	When mousing over an object in the FOV that has a common name, show that common name in the text beneath the chart.
Resolution	Done.
Implemented	Deal with Autostar "check mount"
	Basically, when viewing up near the zenith and issuing a slew request from within Astroplanner, the Autostar issues a "check mount" message to have the operator verify the OTA won't crash into the tripod legs during the slew. Astroplanner reports this as a "system refused command, object below horizon?" (or something similar to that). All that's needed is to press "enter" on the control paddle to have the mount complete the slew but it does mean having to do this manually at the telescope.
Resolution	User should receive a "Check Mount" Yes/No dialog. If the user chooses "Yes", the system will send ":EK13#" to the scope (which, in theory, will tap the Enter button). Untested.
Implemented	Display slew limits in Rise/Transit/Set charts
	Display altitude/azimuth/RA/Dec slew limits in Rise/Transit/Set charts. (see Preferences->Limits). See also associated report with ID 24.
Resolution	Done. Object is displayed in the sky "Slew Limit" colour if it is outside the limits.
Implemented	Display slew limits in Sky chart
	Display altitude/azimuth/RA/Dec slew limits in Sky chart. (see Preferences->Limits)
Resolution	Preferences->Sky has Slew Limits colour. Sky chart now displays those limits.
Implemented	Display user notes in FOV tab
	Display object notes when a user object is hovered over in the FOV
Resolution	Implemented. FOV display parameters has "Show object notes". When this is set on, and the FOV tab is showing, a floating window with information is displayed. This includes the information under the FOV chart and, if the object being pointed at is a use object, the object's Notes.
Implemented	Documentation in Help menu
	Links to documentation should appear in the Help menu.
Resolution	Implemented. Any PDF files found in the application's folder, or one level deep in sub-folders, will be listed in the Help menu. Selecting such an entry will open the document in a suitable application (Preview, Acrobat Reader, etc.)
Implemented	Double-clicking Annual Rise/Set graphic should Fix date
	Allow clicking on the annual rise/transit/set graphic to quickly set the date and time to a "fixed date". (already implemented for the "daily" graphic in V1.5)
Resolution	Implemented
Implemented	Download recent supernova positions
	Download SN positions from CfA, display in a dialog, and allow selected items to be added as plan objects.
Developer Analysis	This will be for registered users only.
Resolution	Implemented. See File->Import->Comets/Minor-Planets/Supernovae...
Implemented	Enhance Jupiter/Saturn display
	(a) Display information on one line per satellite in the popup menu. (b) Allow identification of satellites by initials rather than numbers.
Resolution	Implemented. The first two letters of the satellite name can be selected via the popup menu.
Implemented	Enhance Visibility rules to avoid daylight, twilight, etc.
	Restrict the Visible column in the Observing list to show "Yes" only during specified hours, or after astronomical twilight begins, etc. i.e. if it isn't dark enough, the object will not be visible.
Resolution	Preferences->General now has a setting for visibility restrictions.
Implemented	FOV: Text under chart is too small
	Increase size of text of object information displayed under the chart -- it's far too small. Make it same size as rest of text on window, or even bigger (some of us have poor eyes as we age!!)
Developer Analysis	The text is made the same as the font and size used in the FOV, which is selected in Preferences->FOV. This is probably less than desirable.
Resolution	Changed to a standard size font.
Implemented	Grey-level night vision mode
	As well as red and green, offer a grey-level option for night-vision.
Resolution	Grey added. Preferences->General->Night Vision Mode Settings has changed slightly. There are also improvements in the colours used in Windows (a bug fix).
Implemented	Highlighting by observation content
	Ability to highlight objects based on what i've put in my observations.
Resolution	Implemented. Custom Highlighting dialog now has an Observations tab. If one or more observations associated with an object comply with the rules set here, then the object will be highlighted in the list. In the example screen shot here, all objects that have associated observations made on 16-17 November 2005 will be highlighted.
Implemented	Highlighting on Name field
	Ability to highlight based on Name field.
Developer Analysis	An omission. I might combine that with the Notes field (i.e. highlight if "xxx" is present in the Name or Notes fields).
Resolution	Done. (Notes and Name field combined, at least for the present).
Implemented	If Jupiter/Saturn displayed in the FOV, show moons
	If Jupiter or Saturn are displayed in the FOV, display the moons in a small area (say top left or right) of the FOV.
Developer Analysis	The problem is mainly to determine the tilt of the image w.r.t. the sky. I will need to do some investigation.
Resolution	Implemented. Also fixed a printing problem so that planets are now printed at a correct scale.
Implemented	Improve Cartes du Ciel interaction
	Allow manual control of Cartes du Ciel. i.e. you tell AstroPlanner when it should "synch" the FOV with CdC.
Developer Analysis	This would also be available for Mac users and Equinox.
Resolution	Implemented. Prefs->External now has a "Manual control of FOV checkbox". If this is set, two buttons ("->E" and "<-E") appear on the FOV tab. You can use them to manually synchronise the FOV with the external planetarium app at any time. The automatic updating will be disabled.
Implemented	Improve Seeing, Transparency and Object Type popups
	Use an improved widget to popup values for Seeing, etc. Particularly on Windows.
Resolution	Done. The improved widgets also use fewer resources.
Implemented	Improved dialog to avoid confusion about uploading plans
	Currently it's not obvious that the same dialog is used to download AND upload user-contributed plans.
Developer Analysis	This is trickier than I thought, so I have partially implemented a less confusing solution.
Resolution	Implemented. File menu now has a "User-Contributed Plans" submenu, containing Upload... and Download... These dialogs now contain only the relevent buttons. This should cause less confusion.
Implemented	Increase FOV to show object
	When an object is selected that has a Size column entry, and the Show Field of View button is used, increase the size of the FOV if necessary to fit the object.
Resolution	Done.
Implemented	Increase control over Visibility highlight feature
	Be able to highlight objects where Visible is "Yes" or "Horz". i.e. ability to use an inclusive OR rather than an exclusive OR.
Resolution	Custom highlighting dialog now allows "Yes" or "No" or "Horz" or "Limit" or any combination.
Implemented	List of recently-opened plans should have the most recent at the top
	I notice the list of recently opened plans has the latest plan at the bottom of the list rather than the top which I've normally encountered.
Developer Analysis	A fair request.
Resolution	Changed. The most-recently opened document will now be at the top of the list (and initially selected).
Implemented	Load DSS images for objects without images
	Would it be possible to add an entry in the DSS download selection dialog to only add images to those objects which do not contain images?
Resolution	Done.
Implemented	Local buttons in Sky chart to select NSEW orientation
	Local buttons in Sky chart to select NSEW orientation, rather than being dependent on telescope settings, etc. Especially for folk who live near the equator.
Resolution	Implemented. Added "Flip East/West" and "Flip North/South" items to the Sky chart display options. Note that these work in addition to the "default" settings in Preferences->Sky.
Implemented	Lookup Name should be able to cross-index by ID
	Lookup ID can cross-index by ID. There's no (valid) reason why Lookup Name shouldn't be able to do the same.
Resolution	Implemented.
Implemented	Means to slew telescope to current pointing of the FOV
	Include a button in the FOV tab to slew the scope to where the FOV is pointing, because the FOV may not be positioned at an object in the observing list, but I might have just browsed around a little by dragging the FOV and then want to slew the scope to the position i'm at.
Resolution	Implemented. A small button to the right of the FOV chart will slew the telescope to the current centre of the FOV. Of course you will need to be connected to a goto telescope for this button to be enabled.
Implemented	Mouse-over on the Greek symbol/DS palettes to show meaning
	Allow some kind of mouse-over functionality so that a user can see what the Greek symbols and double-star IDs mean.
Resolution	Information shown below palettes.
Implemented	Multiple sets of resources
	When dealing with multiple observing locations that have different equipment (scopes, eyepieces, etc. specific to the site) available, a method of maintaining multiple sets of resources is required.
Resolution	Each type of resource (telescopes, eyepieces, aids, filters) has an "At Site" setting. You can specify which site the resource belongs to (or "All").
Implemented	Object notes text issues
	I've noticed something when you added recently the Alt/Az indicator on the Observing Tab; the "Notes" text for an object, if long enough, is displayed underneath the Alt/Az indicator. Is there anyway to turn off the indicator? How about a text box with word wrapping capability, instead of just writing the notes to the same area occupied by the indicator? Anyone else notice this?
Developer Analysis	I can probably (a) make the new alt/az thing optional (at present it appears if either of the other two graphics are displayed), (b) replace the object notes text with a scrolling text widget, and (c) make the text widget a bit more intelligent in positioning and resizing itself if there's available space.
Resolution	Implemented. (a) Alt/Az graphic thing is now optional (via checkbox in Preferences->General), (b) the Rise/Set and Alt/Az graphics move together to make as much space as possible for the object notes. At this stage the notes are not scrollable.
Implemented	Option for putting IDs into object Name field
	Currently, when an object is created from a catalogue entry, additional IDs for the object are automatically stuffed into the Name field. This should be an option. i.e. either don't use the additional IDs, or choose where to stuff them.
Resolution	New option in Preferences->Catalogues: Creating plan objects from catalogue entries. This selects where the "excess" ID entries should be put when creating a plan object from a catalogue entry: nowhere, in the Name field, the Notes field, or one of the User fields.
Implemented	Option to change colour of FOV sky background
	In full color printing, the background requires a lot of black ink, the paper is a bit deformed by the wetting produced by the ink. A middle gray background like Kodak gray card (20% reflection) would do most of the protection for eye adaptation to dark sky. Perhaps that could be an option (dark or gray background) in full color printing.
Resolution	Implemented. Preferences->FOV (shown) has a new setting for background colour and also Preferences->Sky has an extra colour for sky background. Note that these colours are ignored if you print with the Black on white option.
Implemented	Option to display telescope pointing on the FOV
	If a telescope is connected, supply an optional means to show where the telescope is pointing on the FOV chart.
Resolution	Implemented. There is a "Telescope" checkbox in the FOV display options.
Implemented	Option to turn-off night vision when app is inactive
	When switching out of AstroPlanner to another application, or otherwise deactivating AstroPlanner, night vision mode should be optionally disabled.
Resolution	Added a "Disable night vision when inactive" checkbox to Preferences->General->Night Vision Mode Settings.
Implemented	Optional high-resolution printing of Sky and FOV
	Optionally increase resolution of printed charts, i.e. smaller stars, finer print, etc.
Resolution	Sky and FOV print dialog now has a print resolution setting (Normal, x2, x3, x5, Highest). Warning: you might need a magnifying glass for the Highest setting, esp. with modern hi-res printers.
Implemented	Plan text files should also contain user column order information
	When making a plan with a custom column, such as my Messier Marathon Search Sequence plan, I made the plan so the search sequence column would be listed first in the plan window. However if another person downloads it the Search Sequence will not be listed first. Is there any way to not only have user columns, but have them show where the creator placed them?
Resolution	Plan Text files now include all your column ordering, naming and width information.
Implemented	Pointing at stars in Sky view reveals their identity
	Pointing at stars in the Sky view with the cursor should show common name, etc. below the chart.
Resolution	Implemented.
Implemented	Popup list of Observers
	Keep a popup list of Observers' names, rather than just a plain entry field.
Resolution	Implemented. There's an editable list in Preferences->Observations. The Observer field on the Observing tab of the Plan document now has a pull-down menu of observers. If you enter a new observer name into the Observer field it will be recorded as a valid observer the next time you make an observation. Editing global observations also makes use of the list of observers.
Implemented	Provide information on catalogue magnitude ranges
	Provide some indication as to the magnitude ranges of stars, etc. in catalogues.
Resolution	Magnitude info now appears at various places in the application (the "?" button in the catalogue window is now always enabled, for example, and displays magnitude range information. The magnitude range info is also used elsewhere to optimise searches, etc.
Implemented	Remember serial port setting even if the port isn't available
	Remember the serial port setting, and don't reset it if it's not found - rather inform the user.
Resolution	Implemented. Also, if the required serial port isn't available, the "Connect to telescope" checkbox will indicate that the desired serial port is unavailable.
Implemented	Rename "Select from Catalogues..." button
	Rename "Select from Catalogues..." button to "Search Catalogues..."
Resolution	Done. See also enhancement ID#108.
Implemented	Return to having a popup menu of catalogues on Planning tab
	The "Show catalogue" and "Select from Catalogue" buttons require two clicks. A popup menu is often quicker.
Resolution	Done (I have figured out a way around former obstacles). Note that the first item in the menu is the same as clicking the button previously.
Implemented	Revise Preferences->General
	The Preferences->General tab is too crowded and contains a mixture of different settings. Do something to make it easier to work with.
Resolution	Implemented. Made a new Preferences->Lists tab that deals with settings for the Planning/Observation lists. Moved the Chart tab stuff to Lists. Revised and reworked the General tab.
Implemented	Save global observation database whenever plan docs are saved
	The global obs database is only "saved" at the end of a run. A crash will lose obs data. Can there be an option to save the Global Observation Database whenever a plan document is saved (File->Save)?
Resolution	Implemented. New option in Preferences->Observations.
Implemented	Select FOV to cover user objects
	Provide a means to select a size and centre for the FOV to cover all (or highlighted) user objects (if possible, noting that the FOV has a maximum diameter of 60 degrees)
Resolution	Implemented. Object->Select Field of View to Include...
Implemented	Select user objects by clicking them in the FOV
	Right-clicking a user object in the FOV should provide a means of selecting that object in the Observing list.
Resolution	Implemented. The contextual menu has an entry "Select Object in Observing List", which will do just that.
Implemented	Set AutoStar location and date and disconnect
	In order to set the date/time/location on Meade telescopes before doing an alignment, a feature to connect, do this, and then disconnect is requested.
Developer Analysis	Also found and fixed a bug when setting GMT offset on Meade scopes.
Resolution	Implemented. Telescope->Set Telescope Location/Date/Time will do what you want, whether the telescope is "connected" or not. If not connected, the commands are sent and disconnection occurs. Note: only available for Meade GoTo scopes at this time.
Implemented	Show only highlighted objects in the sky view
	A checkbox in the Sky tab that displays only those user objects that are highlighted.
Resolution	Done. The checkboxes on the Sky tab have also been replaced by a list of checkboxes for future expansion. Also Horizon and Limits are now separate options.
Implemented	Show selected user object differently in FOV
	Currently any user objects displayed in the FOV (if the option is on) are displayed the same way. Change the way such an object is displayed if it is selected in the Observing list
Resolution	Implemented. Description is displayed inverted.
Implemented	Showing ID and/or Name in Sky View
	Yet another Sky View Show Object request. What do you think of this? A selection that basically says "Show object name where possible, else show object ID". That way a name would be displayed if one exists and the ID if there is no name; instead of one, the other or both.
Developer Analysis	I don't think this needs another option setting. If you have the ID checkbox set only then it will show the ID only, unless there isn't an ID, in which case the name is shown. Similarly if Name is checked. If both are checked, then you get both.
Resolution	Done. Minor change to Preferences->Sky->Sky View to make it more obvious what's going to happen.
Implemented	Slewing and centering FOV
	At present, when you right-click and select "Slew Telescope" in the FOV chart it doesn't centre the FOV on the target.
Developer Analysis	This is considered a feature. You can right-click and select Centre FOV. However, a separate combined "Slew and Centre FOV" command might be convenient.
Resolution	Implemented. New "Slew Telescope and Centre FOV here" contextual menu command. As a bonus, if the slew cannot proceed (e.g. object below horizon), you are informed of the reason. That's actually a bug fix.
Implemented	Sorting on Visibility column should sub-sort on altitude
	When you sort on the Visibility column, the sub-ordering of the objects that have the same visibility is random. Since this column is resorted regularly, objects can change position in the list in a rather annoying fashion. Sub-sorting on the altitude column should resolve this.
Resolution	Implemented.
Implemented	Tweaks to telescope resources UI
	Minor tweaks to Telescope Resources UI to allow for more information to be shown.
Resolution	Implemented.
Implemented	Use Common Star Name list for extra duties
	When doing a Lookup Name operation, check the Common Names file first. When adding items from the catalogue, check the Common Names list and add the name if necessary.
Resolution	If Lookup Name or Lookup ID doesn't find a match, and the search term is a common star name, then the search will continue using the star's SAO number. When transferring from the Catalogue window, the common name/s are appended to the Name field.
Implemented	Use common names in star lists
	In features that have lists of stars (e.g. high-precision slewing, polar alignment, etc.), use the extended list of star common names where applicable.
Resolution	Done. More stars now have common names, although some of them are a bit obscure...
Implemented	Warning when uploading plans with duplicate file name
	Provide a warning when uploading plans with duplicate file name, unless the user name is the same. This should provide some warning against overwriting someone elses plan.
Resolution	Implemented. A warning is displayed and you can opt to abandon the upload.
Implemented	When selecting objects, ignore those already observed, etc.
	An option to ignore objects already observed (Select from catalogue/s, Planning Wizard, etc.). Also make "Delete objects with observations" work on "globally" observed objects.
Developer Analysis	There are several desired features, here. The "Delete objects with observations" does already work on "globally" observed objects.
Resolution	Implemented: a. "Obs" column in Results window shows number of (global) observations. b. "Don't add if observed" checkbox in catalogue and results windows make transferring observed objects impossible.
Fixed	AAVSO recent data problem
	The AAVSO recent data feature stopped working properly because of a format change.
Resolution	Fixed.
Fixed	AND/OR operators in Highlighting not behaving correctly
	OR operator ("+") on the User1 field in custom highlighting (with the option "Contains") seems to be working like an AND operator ("&"), but the AND operator doesn't seem to work.
Resolution	Fixed.
Fixed	Accessing non-existent Internet causes crash
	Hit "Select" button on AAVSO dialogue while I wasn't connected to the internet. Application crashed.
Resolution	Fixed. Should not crash if Internet connectivity is not available.
Fixed	Adding a new site resource takes an inordinately long time
	Adding a new site resource, by clicking the "+" button takes an inordinately long time. Why?
Developer Analysis	Delay occurs if any plan docs are open - visibility updates are run unnecessarily, etc.
Resolution	Fixed.
Fixed	Anomaly if moving to FOV via Sky chart
	If say M51 is selected in the observing plan is selected and I go to the Sky View -- M51 is shown as highlighted. But then if I switch to the FOV tab, M51 is not shown unless i go to the planning or observing tab and then to the FOV tab.
Developer Analysis	This assumes you have the Preferences->FOV->"FOV tab shows selected object" option on.
Resolution	Fixed.
Fixed	Avoid multiple identical labels on "stacked" objects in the FOV
	If one has multiple identical objects (say the same star from several different catalogues) shown in the FOV, there can be several identical labels pointing at the same thing. Avoid this if possible.
Resolution	This problem has been significantly reduced. It was particularly nasty if you had the "Use common names" option on in Prefs->FOV.
Fixed	Better page scrolling in tree views
	Tree views (e.g. the list of catalogues when you click the Select Catalogue... button) do not page scroll well when you click the scroll bar above or below the thumb.
Resolution	I managed to get the author of the tree widget used in AstroPlanner to fix the problem for me.
Fixed	Cannot assign values to object User1...User4 fields in scripts
	You can't use Object(i).User1 = s in a script.
Developer Analysis	Ooops. Forgot to add that code.
Resolution	Fixed.
Fixed	Catalogue Manager bug
	Catalogue Manager crashes on opening.
Developer Analysis	This appears be because a partial or corrupted inventory file was downloaded.
Resolution	If a partial or damaged inventory file is found, the user is now warned.
Fixed	Catalogue window shows incorrect number of observations
	The number of observations in the catalogue window does not tally with the actual number of observations, after deleting and recreating the Global observation database.
Resolution	Fixed.
Fixed	CdC not opening with defaults
Windows only	When AP launches CdC it ignores the saved default settings. If CdC is launched manually, it does remember the default settings.
Developer Analysis	I'm not sure why this should happen. However, I have changed the launching code for CdC to load a chart file called "astroplanner.cdc". If you save your settings, etc. in such a file (presumably in the CdC folder)
Resolution	Fixed.
Fixed	Centering objects in small FOVs
	When an object is centred and the FOV zoomed in to a small size (say 3 arcsec), it isn't possible to centre an object with any degree of accuracy.
Developer Analysis	I have found (and fixed) a bug that has the effect that any user object entered from a catalogue, or selected in the Planning list, will have any decimal places of seconds in RA/Dec truncated. Hence when you zoom in in the FOV, the position of the user object might differ from the catalogue objects by up to 7.5 arcsec in RA and 0.5 arcsec in Dec.
Resolution	Fixed.
Fixed	Change FOV zoom in/out icons
	Change FOV zoom in/out button icons to more-commonly-used "+" and "-" magnifying-glass icons. Also add tool tip to Zoom out button.
Developer Analysis	Could not reproduce the missing tool tip problem.
Resolution	Fixed.
Fixed	Changing User Field 1 heading changes Object Notes heading
	When I'm renaming the User 1 field heading, the Edit column dialog changes the heading of the object notes field, although the right names display above each column.
Resolution	Fixed.
Fixed	Changing object ID should change ID in the global observation database
	I noted that if revise or correct the ID of an object in the plan, the ID in the global observation database is not revised.
Resolution	Fixed. Note that if you subsequently close the plan document without saving changes, the global observation data will not revert back.
Fixed	Check to ensure uploaded plans made it intact
	Some users (probably dialup or international) are finding that uploaded plans are incomplete or truncated.
Resolution	Fixed. AstroPlanner now downloads and verifies the uploaded plan. If there's a problem then the user is notified and requested to retry.
Fixed	Clicking too fast in the Planning list causes trouble
	Clicking too fast in the Planning list after entering object data can cause edited data to be associated with the wrong object.
Resolution	Fixed.
Fixed	Copy/paste of scripting code doesn't work
	Copy/pasting lines of code from the scripting manual produces code that doesn't compile.
Developer Analysis	This is because MS Word converted the plain quotes to left- and right-quotes in the manual, which the scripting language doesn't recognise. Replacing the quotes with plain ones resolves the problem.
Resolution	Fixed. AstroPlanner will replace the quotes with the correct ones for you.
Fixed	Correct Surface Brightness calculation
	Surface brightness computation is incorrect (although will typically give an answer close to reality).
Resolution	Fixed.
Fixed	Crash after unsuccessful catalogue download
	Opening a plan document after an unsuccessful Catalogue Manager download causes a crash.
Resolution	Fixed. I think. Note that this doesn't resolve the problem of unsuccessful downloads, but should deal with the subsequent crash.
Fixed	Crash when downloading DSS Images
	(bug report error file supplied)
Resolution	Fixed. Should no longer fall over if Internet connectivity is not available.
Fixed	Crash when selecting Page Setup or Print
Windows only	Some users are reporting a hard crash in Windows XP, when attempting to print or use the Page Setup menu command. It appears to be connected with the way printer settings are being stored in preferences and restored when AP is launched.
Resolution	Unable to reproduce this bug. For those who have problems, a "Save Page Setup settings between runs" setting has been added to Preferences->Printing, and this can be switched off.
Fixed	Crash when using "Delete all non-observed objects"
	Crash when using "Delete all non-observed objects" in the Delete popup on the Planning tab.
Resolution	Fixed.
Fixed	Current time line on Rise/Set graphic drawn behind horizon
	The line on the daily graphic which shows the currently set time is drawn behind the horizon. If I am obstructed to the zenith or almost so, it is difficult or impossible to see. If it were drawn in front of the horizon, it would obviously be easier to find.
Fixed	DSS Image printing on observing forms
	If an object has multiple DSS images and/or user images associated with it, only the first three will get printed, and these are typically the smallest size (5'x5') ones. What about the others?
Resolution	Fixed. There's still a maximum of three printed, however, user images and larger sizes will get priority and one of each size if necessary.
Fixed	DSS memory leak
	Downloading DSS images seems to have a memory leak. After a while the application consumes large amounts of memory.
Developer Analysis	Verified on both Mac and Windows. Turns out the plugin I use to save JPEG images to disk has a bad memory leak (about 250KB per image). The workaround is to use the Preferences->General->Use Quicktime option until I can get the other plugin fixed.
Resolution	Fixed.
Fixed	Del key in planning/observing list deletes multiple items
	Using the "Del" key on the Planning or Observing list deletes the selected object and the one following, rather than just the selected object.
Resolution	Duplicate deletion bug fixed.
Fixed	Double-clicking an observing/planning list row doesn't show catalogue+entry
	Double-clicking a planning list row _used to_ show the catalogue with the object selected, but it seems to have stopped working (again). This might only be a problem on slower computers.
Resolution	Problem has been resolved.
Fixed	Drag "sky" rather than FOV option has no effect
	The 'Drag "sky" rather than FOV' option in Preferences->FOV has no effect.
Resolution	Ooops. It was replaced by the "Mouse dragging" option and I forgot to remove the mentioned check box. It has now gone.
Fixed	Drawing of extraneous constellation lines on FOV
	Extraneous horizontal constellation figure lines are being drawn on the FOV chart.
Resolution	Fixed.
Fixed	Entering local observation does not update other open plans
	After entering a local observation for an object, the OBS column correctly updates. However, other observation lists do not correctly update the OBS column for that object until an observation is entered on that specific observation list. The observation appears in the observation area, but the OBS count is not correct until an observation is entered locally from that list.
Resolution	Fixed.
Fixed	External app continually updates FOV
	External app continually attempts to update FOV if the RA/Dec is fractional (e.g. after moving the FOV)
Resolution	Fixed.
Fixed	FOV chart printing problems
	Black and white printing, black on white background: The user objects, stars, Telrad and constellation lines print very well now. However, the constellation boundaries, the N-S, E-W letters and lines,and the large boundary circle are very dim. Colour printing: The stars (white) and the objects (red, or white) are there. The symbols attached to the objects or in the legend are not visible either in red or white. The constellation lines and boundaries are not visible. The Telrad lines are not visible. The line around M31 is not visible on the print although very strong on the monitor.
Developer Analysis	These are caused because I neglected to scale the lines properly for the printer. There are probably there, but very thin (1 printer pixel wide).
Resolution	Fixed.
Fixed	Fix ASTORB/MPCORB import for the new formats
	ASTORB.DAT and MPCORB.DAT have new formats. AstroPlanner will need to be updated to read them correctly.
Resolution	Fixed.
Fixed	Fix JPEG file save memory leak
	All JPEG images saved to disk incur a large memory leak. This is internal to a third-party plugin I am using. Using to Preferences->General->Use QuickTime option aleviates the problem, but does require QuickTime to be installed.
Resolution	Fixed. The vendor (in Iceland) fixed the problematic plugin - on Christmas Day!
Fixed	Fix Messier RA/Dec in the AP DSO Catalogue
	The are several bogus RA/Dec coordinates in the AP DSO Catalogue, esp. the Messier objects.
Developer Analysis	Yup. This catalogue needs to be retired...
Resolution	All Messier objects in APLDC.apcat have had their RA/Dec coordinates replaced with those from the Messier catalogue. No other changes were made. Revised catalogue available on-line.
Fixed	Getting the FOV sliders to do the Night Vision thing
Windows only	The slider controls in the FOV tab do not change colour when changing to/from night vision mode. It is necessary to click on them to make them respond.
Resolution	Fixed.
Fixed	Greek symbols not printing
MacOSX only	I am trying to print out the FOV window that has some stars labeled with greek characters. The greek characters are coming out as question marks on the printout.
Developer Analysis	This appears to be a recent fix to Mac OS X that rendered my previous "workaround" inoperative. Removing my workaround removes the problem.
Resolution	Fixed.
Fixed	Highlighted object export to Argo Navis causes non-sequential numbering
	If a whole AstroPlanner apd file is exported to a file in the AN format, the letter aa, ab, ac...and number 001, 002, 003... ordering added works very well. If the highlighted items only are exported, then the letter and number ordering work differently, and are non-sequential.
Resolution	Fixed. Added bonus: the settings are now remembered for the next time you use the feature.
Fixed	Highlighting doesn't work in planning list
	Highlighting doesn't work in planning list, or at least only with some types of highlighting. In particular, highlighting visible objects doesn't work.
Resolution	Fixed.
Fixed	ID field on printout cannot be disabled.
	Even if I make sure the box for "ID" is unchecked the printout still gives me that field.
Developer Analysis	For "technical reasons" it is not possible to disable ID or Name from the printing process.
Resolution	Since ID/Name are not able to be disabled, I have removed them from the list and added a note.
Fixed	Inability to change observation date to "no date" after the fact
	I've set the option to ask me what date and time to use for an observation. When it asks me I chose "no date" and in Global Observations this shows correctly. However I can't change existing observations to be "no date".
Resolution	Editing observations in the Global Observation window now allows you to set/reset the "No date/time" status. As a bonus, you can now double-click in the list to edit an entry.
Fixed	Incorrect colours used in Green/Grey night vision mode
Windows only	Several things appear in red or white on the various tabs when I try the green or grey night mode (for ex the sliders on the FOV tab and the "Observations" list and parts of the rise/transit/set and best time to view displays on the observing tab and the list of alignment stars on the Sky tab)
Developer Analysis	I don't have control over the colour of the sliders, and list boxes. However, I do need to tweak the Rise/Set graphics a bit.
Resolution	Tweaked. I have also modified the Rise/Set, FOV and Sky charts to adjust their brightness to match the settings.
Fixed	Incorrect fonts used in some nested group boxes
Windows only	Under Win XP, some nested groupboxes (esp. in Preferences) have incorrect fonts assigned to their titles. This is a Microsoft themes bug, apparently. However, I have recently discovered a workaround.
Resolution	Fixed.
Fixed	Magnitudes not showing on FOV
	In FOV, if Magnitude option is selected, the magnitude show in brackets: excellent. If the Separation option is selected (Magnitude on or off, Multiple stars on or off, no separation is given.
Developer Analysis	This is for user plan objects only. Displayed catalogue objects are OK.
Resolution	Fixed. As a bonus, I added a "Position Angle" option to the FOV display options.
Fixed	Making Cartes du Ciel centre and track
	Is there a setting to make CDC center and track an object? Right now it centers the object, but as CDC refreshes, the object does not stay centered in the FOV.
Developer Analysis	CdC is currently only notified if there's a change in the FOV coordinates.
Resolution	There's now a refresh rate in Preferences->External. You can specify how often you would like CdC to be reminded of the FOV centre coordinates.
Fixed	Menu disappears after closing emulated scope window
	The main menu disappears (and other anomalous effects occur) after closing the emulated scope window.
Developer Analysis	This happens on both Mac and Windows. This only occurs if you are using digital setting circles (emulated or otherwise)
Resolution	Fixed.
Fixed	Minimised plan documents restore badly on next execution
Windows only	If you minimize a plan and exit, next time you start AP the plan will be 'restore down' size vs. minimized, but at the bottom of the screen (same x/y as where the minimized bit was, with 95% "below" the viewing area).
Resolution	Fixed.
Fixed	Moon info not computed if no objects in plan
	If there are no objects in a plan, then changing the date (Fix Date) doesn't affect the moon info.
Developer Analysis	Also affects Sun and Twilight info.
Resolution	Fixed.
Fixed	New object should be scrolled to in the planning list
	The problem with the + button on the Planning tab is that right after you click it you display the greek alphabet palette, and the screen is not scrolled to show the new line.
Resolution	Fixed.
Fixed	Observation list refresh causes loss of cursor position
Windows only	While typing observation notes, each time the observation list was refreshed, the cursor returned to the beginning of the notes. This occurs if the list is sorted by, say, Altitude, and the "Re-sort dynamic columns every 30 seconds" option is on.
Developer Analysis	Appears to be a Windows problem (not present on the Mac).
Resolution	The resorting is temporarily halted while you edit an observation.
Fixed	Option to show ID/Name text next to user objects in FOV
	Currently, when user plan objects are shown in the FOV, their ID is not shown. This should be an option.
Resolution	Actually, it's a bug. Now fixed. It also found another bug: any object with an ID of 2 or fewer characters (e.g. M3, C7, etc.) will never get a label displayed. Also fixed.
Fixed	Planning wizard creates many duplicates
	The Planning Wizard does not take into account duplicate objects when constructing a plan. Hence you can end up with many duplicates.
Resolution	Wizard now considers any objects within 5 arcmin of each other a duplicate, and ignores them.
Fixed	Printing extra blank page on observing forms
	Under certain circumstances (seemingly to do with drawing templates or cached DSS images), a blank page is printed at the end of an observing form.
Resolution	Problem has been resolved.
Fixed	Problem with Fix Date window
	From the Observing Tab if I click on the fixed date check box, then open the fixed date calendar, then switch to the FOV view, change the date, click on Apply. The apply button goes grey. Then even on the observing tab, if I close or do anything with the calendar, and press apply it goes grey.
Resolution	Fixed.
Fixed	Problems when zooming the FOV
	When I use the zoom buttons on the FOV tab, the telescope gets set to "no telescope" yet the eyepiece remains. And also when there is no telescope the custom reticles dissapear and I lose the sense of scale. I think rather than setting "no telescope", leave the telescope setting and set the eyepiece and observing aids to nothing. Because really zooming doesn't affect the telescope, just as choosing "Finder" for the field width doesn't affect the telescope setting.
Resolution	Fixed.
Fixed	Problems with highlighting by rating
	When I edit custom highlighting and choose a rating. The rating I choose is ignored and it reverts to "no rating" if I reopen the edit custom highlighing box. Also I can only choose "at least" or "at most", I would like to choose "equal to". Other fields allow the full set of comparisons.
Resolution	Fixed. Note if you have a rating already set in the Highlighting dialog, you'll need to reset it.
Fixed	Problems with obstructed horizons
	Rise/Set times incorrect for obstructed horizon, esp. if object never rises above the obstructed horizon.
Resolution	Fixed.
Fixed	Putting 0 into the Julian Date field in the Fix Date Time dialog causes hard crash
Windows only	Putting 0 into the Julian Date field in the Fix Date Time dialog causes a hard crash. This is easy to do if you accidentally tab to that field.
Developer Analysis	This represents a date outside the knowledge of Windows and the calendar widget, I presume. Not a problem on Mac.
Resolution	Fixed, by demanding reasonable Julian dates (which are coloured red if unreasonable).
Fixed	Refresh Objects from Catalogue loses selection
	The Object->Refresh Objects from Catalogue... command loses any Observing/Planning list selection.
Resolution	Fixed.
Fixed	Reopening Cartes du Ciel
	If I close CDC I can't find a way to get it to open again from within AP.
Resolution	Fixed. CdC will restart automatically when required.
Fixed	Resorting list changes selected item
	When the Observing list is resorted automatically (e.g. if it's sorted on visibility or altitude), it doesn't retain the correct object selection if the sort order changes.
Resolution	Problem resolved. See ID 36 for a related item.
Fixed	Set site information when starting Cartes du Ciel
	When AP starts Cartes du Ciel it always sets the observatory location to Geneve.
Resolution	Fixed. Whenever the site name or location changes within AstroPlanner, the information is sent to Cartes du Ciel the next time it is accessed, including the first time. Note: You will probably need to visit the Observatory preferences in CdC and change the GMT/UTC offset, since there's no way to do that from AP.
Fixed	Sky chart printing problems
	Printing in colour: All objects, user objects, alignment stars, other stars are fine and in their chosen colors. The letters N,E,W,S are also fine. Lines are absent. Outer graph boundary, constellations and constellation boundary lines are not visible. The symbols attached to the user objects are not visible.
Developer Analysis	These are caused because I neglected to scale the lines properly for the printer. There are probably there, but very thin (1 printer pixel wide).
Resolution	Fixed.
Fixed	Sky cursor issue
	I was testing the "use cursor to identify currently selected object in sky chart" then did a "refresh objects from catalogs" from the planning tab. When I came back to the Sky tab only the "selected object" will display, not "all objects". And the current selected object no longer identifies. Close, save, reopen refreshed all names.
Resolution	This happens because the "refresh objects from catalogues" command erases the visibility column in the observing list. So the workaround is to select the observing list and let the visibilities get calculated or use Object->Refresh Object Visibilities from the Observing tab. The problem is fixed for V1.4.8a2.
Fixed	Sky view shows only the selection from the Observing list
	When you select an object in the Planning list, the selected object does not change in the Sky view, unless you select the Observing tab (which effectively synchronises the two lists (if that option is set))
Resolution	Fixed. When moving from the Planning tab to the Sky tab, the selected object is noted.
Fixed	Some plan files do not open to full screen and do not accept clicks on the Sky chart
	With some of my AstroPlanner apd files, left clicking within the Sky tab switches immediately to the FOV tab with the FOV centered where I left clicked within the Sky tab. With some other files, nothing happens when I left click within the Sky tab. I noticed the following peculiarity: with preference at opening apd files at full screen, those files that indeed open at full screen are also those that switch to FOV upon left clicking within the Sky view. Those files that refuse to open at full screen are also those that will not switch to FOV when I click within the Sky view.
Developer Analysis	One problem (now fixed) is that if you open plan docs via some methods (e.g. the "Open Recent" menu item), the "resize to fit screen" doesn't kick in. Ditto when the app is launched. The other problem is caused if you are displaying Alignment Stars in the Sky chart. Clicking on such stars enable/disable them. However, clicking elsewhere should do the FOV thing. This is now fixed.
Resolution	Fixed.
Fixed	Sorted column causes Save Changes request
	If a column of the Observing list is sorted and the plan document saved, then whenever the plan document is opened, it is marked as requiring "save changes", when this is unnecessary.
Resolution	Fixed.
Fixed	Spurious constellation lines displayed on FOV
	I noticed "stray constellation lines" are still popping up when I look at NGC7789 in CAS using the FOV view (bug #84). I see two horizontal lines appear when I place the FOV in such a way that the rightmost RA rolls over from 00:00:00 to 23:59:59. I can make them disappear when there is no 23:59:59 to 00:00:00 rollover in the FOV.
Resolution	Fixed.
Fixed	Stack overflow when sorting
	I have managed to crash the program on a stack overflow exception. I achieved this by trying to sort the observing tab by right-clicking, then sorting first on set time with an offset of 9pm and next by altitude. My plan has a fixed date of 3/25/06 at 11:00pm.
Resolution	Fixed. Hopefully. The algorithm is no longer recursive.
Fixed	Time/Date widgets don't select properly in Fix Date window
MacOSX only	The date/time widgets used in Astroplanner don't work correctly in the Fix Date window.
Resolution	This appears to be because the window is a floating window. It has been changed to a normal document-type window for the Mac OS version.
Fixed	Timer.action bug
	Recursive TimerAction bug. This is an internal problem that appears randomly. It might be associated with collecting the OTA temperature on Meade telescopes, etc.
Resolution	Code put in place to avoid the problem occurring.
Fixed	Update the Check Software Versions dialog whenever a release is done
	Update the Check Software Versions dialog whenever a release is done. Currently this shows no alpha releases as being available.
Developer Analysis	This was previously done manually. I need to to twiddle with my "automation" software so that it updates the file on the server containing this information.
Resolution	Fixed.
Fixed	Use cursor to identify currently selected object in Sky chart
	When the cursor is moved over the selected plan object displayed in the Sky chart, details of the object should be displayed below the chart. This is currently not happening.
Resolution	Fixed.
Fixed	When removing duplicates in FOV, give precedence to non-USNO catalogues
	When removing duplicates in the FOV, make sure the USNO/UCAC2 stars don't get chosen over other catalogue stars.
Resolution	Fixed.
Fixed	Workaround for CdC bug
Windows only	Cartes du Ciel (V2.76) has a bug in its DDE routines which has the effect that a Dec coordinate between 0 and -1 degrees (e.g. M2) does not function correctly, and the negative sign is ignored. Hopefully there's a workaround.
Resolution	Fixed.

Previous Version Release Notes:

V1.4

V1.3

V1.2

V1.1

V1.0