Observation Logging Software - Deepsky or Deep Sky Planner?

[NightCal]

I've recently been looking at transcribing my observing log books on to computer. I want software that allows me to compare observations of the same object and to upload photos and sketches. It must also have search facilties and prefereably have things like seeing and transparency, location, eyepiece, cameras and scopes already in the system so that these don't need to be typed from scratch each time. Planning and telescope control would also be nice, but not essential.

Up to now I've been using the excellent Astroplanner for my planning, but the logging part of the program isn't really what I'm after.

I've done some searching and I've found three programs that seem to fulfil my criteria. These are:
Deepsky http://www.deepsky2000.com/screenthumb.htm (http://www.deepsky2000.com/screenthumb.htm)
Deep Sky Planner http://knightware.biz/dsp (http://knightware.biz/dsp)
and
SkyTools http://www.skyhound.com/skytools.html (http://www.skyhound.com/skytools.html).

Skytools looks very good, but is beyond my budget (its US$99), so it's between Deepsky or Deep Sky Planner, either of which I can get for US$45.

What are people's experiences of these programs? Has anyone done a comparison of the strengths and weaknesses of these programs?

[jjjnettie]

Here is a pretty good freebie that might suit you.

http://www.davidpaulgreen.com/tsol.html
Website Blurb.
The Simple Observing Log (TSOL) is intended as a place where you can keep track of all your star-gazing information.

You may fill out forms for all the objects you intend to view in a session, then use the forms to keep track of your sucess, or you may observe as you always have, and record your observations during or after your session. After you're done, you can view and print your observing records sorted by date or by object.

There's even a space where you can sketch your observations on the page, or place scans of your sketches after you're done. An "astrophoto" section for each observation lets astrophotographers keep track of their exposures as well.

Also have a look at TUMOL. The Ultimate Messier Object Log.

[Ric]

I use TSOL as well and find it a usefull tool for logging my observations and the price is very good as well $0 :)

Cheers

[JohnG]

You might want to have a look at this program, Astrobyte Logging Program, best of all, it's free:

http://www.mainbyte.com/astrobyte/

May be what you are looking for.

Cheers

[Ric]

Sorry, correction to my previous post the software that John mentions is actually the logging program that I use, a very useful and excellently written program.

I got it mixed up with the other programs that JJJ mentioned which I also us use and have logging capabilities as well.

Cheers

[NightCal]

John G - I had already looked at Astrobyte. It doesn't have much flexibility and it doesn't have the ability to insert scanned pictures; so it's a no.

Jeanette and Ric - I've looked at TSOL and I am tempted because it's free. However, it doesn't have the planning functions, telescope control or lots of handy shortcuts. project files and finder charts that Deepsky or Deep Sky Planner have. I'm also not mad about having to make PICT copies of all image my files as well.

[Ric]

Hi Michael, I was just having a quick look at their websites and the two that you have mentioned certainly look like very capable software packages.

There is just so much to choose from these days.

Cheers

[JohnG]

Hi Michael

No problems, thought you might have been after a free program. :)

I use DeepSky Version # 2007.01.03 quite a lot, I have found it to be a good program for setting up and using a plan for a nights observing run. The ability to use ASCOM for telescope control works well for me as it ties in with other programs I use and talks to the G-11/Gemini combination without any problems.

I typically use it to plan a nights work and the spreadsheet layout gives me all the information I need, the ability to do a quick Logbook entry is a plus, saves wasting time inputting data when you can be at the eyepiece, I have not tried to input my own photographs as I use other programs to show them.

To be honest, I probably use only about 50% of the programs capabilities but what I do use works fine. As I said, I mainly use it to plan a nights observing. I don't think you can go wrong with this program, and, I believe there is a major upgrade coming soon.

Cheers

[Sentinel]

I have Skytools, Astroplanner and Skymap Pro v11. I have a log that records all observations from 01/12/1999.

My Log is my most important file.

I log my observations in Skymap Pro v11 and then import those observations into Astroplanner. Skytools has been sidelined as I have not had my log converted from Skymap Pro to Skytools yet. However, Skytools looks the best, but still has errors in the NGC catalogue.

I have been very impressed with Astroplanner. What is the major issue you have with it, in regards to logging?

Cheers.

[Sentinel]

For this very reason, a program must have the ability to export the log so that it can be easily transferred to another program.

I did this for my Skymap Log and converted to Astroplanner in the space of 30 minutes. You do not want to log in a program and then be not able to transfer it to another. This is why despite being an registered user of Skytools, I do not use it as regularly as Astroplanner and Skymap Pro.

Cheers.

[NightCal]

Up until now it's been the inability to link pictures (CCD images or sketches) to specific observations. However I've just learned yesterday that the latest beta (1.5.9a) allows this. The search and reporting functions for observations and the ability to customise one's observing input or display still don't seem to be anything like as powerful as programs such as 'Skytools' and 'Deepsky'.

At the moment Astroplanner doesn't have the ability to input information about a whole observing session and then refer back to it. What would be nice is the ability to only to have to input the time and date, seeing, transparency etc only once per session. I understand this will be coming in version 2 due out next year. It would also be cool if I could input information about non-catalogued observations such as meteor showers, satellite passes, atmospheric phenomena etc. I understand that there is a work around of creating these 'objects' in each plan, but this is not ideal.

Apart from finder chart production, Astroplanner seems to be every bit as good as these programs and in many areas better. What I love about Astroplanner is the amazing technical support.

In the end I may chose to stick with Astroplanner, but if I'm going to have to shell out for the upgrade to version 2, I might as well take the opportunity to see what else is out there.

[Sentinel]

Lots to digest here. Looks like Skymap may solve your issues here.

You can attach images to observations, it remembers all the previous objects information each time you log, like observing site, etc and also can have user entered log entries for the things like meteor showers etc.

Then also export the log and import into Astroplanner. Get the best of both worlds.

[knightware]

NightCal,

Deep-Sky Planner will do exactly what you mention.

I can now divulge that the Jan 2008 issue of Sky At Night magazine will include Deep-Sky Planner Special Edition on its coverdisc. The logging feature is complete in it so that you can evaluate it completely.


Phyllis Lang
Author of Deep-Sky Planner

[CoombellKid]

Starry Night has a logging feature built into it. You can add images and
sketches and export your logs. It will do pretty much everything your
after. I think there is a trial version available, whether the logging feature
is available in the trial version I'm not sure.

regards,CS