AstroPlanner Beta Testing

ID:
7909

Status:
Implemented

Date:
2025/08/28

Dreyer translation

Make it possible to include the expanded description of the Dreyer description (in the NGC/IC catalogues, for example) in the Object Notes.

Resolution:
Implemented.
(a) Under Catalogue Notes below the object list, if the object is from the NGC or IC catalogues.
(b) A new object list column (Dreyer Translation) which shows the Dreyer translation into English where applicable.

ID:
7997

Status:
Fixed

Date:
2025/08/27

Issue with editing observation attachments

I did create an observation for an object, every thing go well. After that I go into the Observation database. Click on the last observation I juste created to add attachement to the objet (basically I would like to link the Zip file which contain raw data and copy into the database the JPEG processed file). When I close and save, observation database is messed up. The last observation disappear or is replaced with a new observation of current date. The link with the object I was observing is lost and there is no way to recover because I can’t add object to existing observation. I have to remove this two new entry and repeat all operation to create the observation.

Resolution:
Fixed.

ID:
7884

Status:
Fixed

Date:
2025/08/26

Editing Object's Name and a User-Defined Field Causes a Hangup

Open the attached document and do the following to duplicate:
1. Click the pen icon to open the field editor.
2. Select the object with the ID MWSC3539.
3. Paste the value "Elephant Trunk Star Complex, IC1396" in the Name field.
4. Immediately go over and single-click in the Description user-defined field.
5. In the field type "Tr37" and it won't do anything.
6. Click anywhere in the plan object area.

The program will freeze and show an hourglass.

Attachment: Complex Companions (Freezes).apd

Resolution:
Fixed.

ID:
7995

Status:
Fixed

Date:
2025/08/26

CURLConnection.Get: Nil Object Exception

Exception Type: Nil Object Exception

1: Function CURLConnection.Get( string, FolderItem, int64 ) as boolean
2: Function Astronomy.IsDoubleStarID( string ) as boolean
3: Function Catalogues.CataloguesContainingID( string, byref string, Dictionary ) as Catalogue()
4: Sub MainWindow.LookupID( MainWindow, string, boolean, boolean, boolean, boolean, string, boolean )
5: Sub MainWindow.LookupName( MainWindow, string, string )
6: Sub MainWindow.LookupNameBtn_Action( MainWindow, APPictureButton, string, int64 )
7: Sub APPictureButton.DoAction( string, int64 )
8: Sub APPictureButton.Event_Pressed()
9: Sub DesktopApplication._CallFunctionWithExceptionHandling()

Resolution:
Fixed.

ID:
7922

Status:
Fixed

Date:
2025/08/26

MainWindow.GetResults: Nil Object Exception

Exception Type: Nil Object Exception

1: Sub MainWindow.GetResults( MainWindow, boolean, boolean, boolean, string )
2: Sub ResultsWindow.AddSelectedBtn_Pressed( ResultsWindow, APPushButton )
3: Sub APPushButton.Event_Pressed()

User description of above error trace:

I noticed that Spica was returning wrong results for its altitude when I selected it in the Nova, Quasars and UFOs plan (I had recently merged my old Main Objects plan with it to get the object). It was also in the wrong spot on the constellation chart. I think it was from an older version of the Yale catalog. So I clicked the plus sign to add a new object and chose the Yale catalog. When I chose to add it to the object list I saw some message about searching for duplicates and then this exception appeared.

Attachment: 2021-03-31 Novas, Quasars and UFOs.apdAttachment: Main Objects.apd

Analysis:
Can't reproduce, but I have beefed up the relevant code.

Resolution:
Fixed.

ID:
7881

Status:
Fixed

Date:
2025/08/26

Utility.CopyTo: I/O Exception

Exception Type: I/O Exception
Exception Number: 112

1: Sub BinaryStream.CheckForError()
2: Sub BinaryStream.Write( string )
3: Function Utility.CopyTo( FolderItem, FolderItem ) as boolean
4: Function Utility.SafeCopyFileTo( extends FolderItem, FolderItem ) as int64
5: Sub DatabaseFile.Save()
6: Function PlanDocument.Save( boolean ) as boolean
7: Function MainWindow.DoFileSave( MainWindow ) as boolean
8: Function MainWindow.DoFileSaveAs( MainWindow, boolean, FolderItem ) as FolderItem
9: Function MainWindow._FileSaveAs_Action( MainWindow ) as boolean
10: Sub DesktopApplication._CallFunctionWithExceptionHandling()

User description of above error trace:

I noticed that the attached Visible Objects document was suddenly showing no User-Defined field information anymore, so I did a Save As and then this error immediately followed after the Save As completed.

I had previously removed and object from, and then re-saved, the Main Objects document.

number112

Attachment: Visible Objects 2024-01-30.apdAttachment: Main Objects.apd

Analysis:
I/O error 112 on Windows implies the target disk drive is full.

Resolution:
Fixed. Well, this error should no longer cause an exception.

ID:
7790

Status:
Fixed

Date:
2025/08/26

Long-term visibility widget issue

I have turned off the ‘Long term visibility‘ widget as it runs through multiple iterations before finally refreshing. It displays a percentage and then starts again and again. This only happens every so often.

Resolution:
Fixed. Possibly just a mitigation of the effects, since I can't reproduce the issue.

ID:
7996

Status:
Fixed

Date:
2025/08/25

SkySafari export issue

The SkySafari export feature sometimes puts the Name field contents into the CatalogueNumber line in the exported file, rather than the ID.

Resolution:
Fixed.

ID:
7990

Status:
Fixed

Date:
2025/08/20

Date.SQLDateTime.Set: Unsupported Format Exception

Exception Type: Unsupported Format Exception
Exception Message: Invalid Date format

1: Sub Date.SQLDateTime.Set( int32, string )
2: Sub HighlightingRule.Decode()
3: Sub HighlightingRule.ReadWrite( boolean, MWPreferencesGroup, string )
4: Sub HighlightingRuleDate.ReadWrite( boolean, MWPreferencesGroup, string )
5: Sub HighlightingCollection.ReadWrite( boolean, MWPreferencesGroup, string, int64 )
6: Sub HighlightingRuleSet.ReadWrite( boolean, MWPreferencesGroup, string )
7: Sub MWHighlightPreferences.ReadWrite( boolean, boolean )
8: Sub MWPreferences.ReadWrite( boolean, boolean )
9: Sub MainWindow.OnOpen( MainWindow, FolderItem, boolean )
10: Function App.OpenADocumentFile( FolderItem, byref MainWindow, string, boolean, boolean, int64 ) as boolean
11: Function App.OpenDocuments() as boolean
12: Sub App.Event_Opening()
13: Sub DesktopApplication._CallFunctionWithExceptionHandling()

User description of above error trace:

Something really wrong with the application and/or planfiles.

Planfile(s) becoming corrupted. Screenshot + 1 planfile attached.

message=Invalid Date format

Attachment: Scherm��afbeelding 2025-08-20 om 16.20.33.jpgAttachment: Orion [5-6].apd

Resolution:
Fixed.

ID:
7993

Status:
Fixed

Date:
2025/08/20

Ctrl-Y keyboard shortcut issue

The Ctrl-Y keyboard shortcut is used both for instigating the Image Manager and for Preferences.

Resolution:
Fixed. On Windows, Preferences is now Ctrl-, (Control-Comma), which also brings it in line with MacOS (Cmd-Comma).

ID:
7988

Status:
Implemented

Date:
2025/08/17

Add descriptions to Image Manager

Add the ability to display descriptions for user images in the image manager.

Resolution:
Implemented. Added a Description column to the image list. Made ID and Description columns optional via checkboxes. Added description to top-right of each displayed image.
BONUS: Many other improvements to the Image Manager have been made.

ID:
7976

Status:
Fixed

Date:
2025/08/16

Database.ExecuteSQL: DatabaseException

Exception Type: DatabaseException
Exception Message: attempt to write a readonly database
Exception Number: 8

1: Sub Database.CheckForError()
2: Sub Database.ExecuteSQL( paramarray osA1v )
3: Function SynonymManager.FixupSynonyms( boolean ) as boolean
4: Function ObservationDatabase.FixupSynonyms( boolean ) as boolean
5: Sub ObservationPrefsWindow.ResetSynonymsBtn_Pressed( ObservationPrefsWindow, PDPushButton )
6: Sub DesktopApplication._CallFunctionWithExceptionHandling()

User description of above error trace:

I have shared database on Dropbox seems link is not working. So I updated path on both computer.
Then once i open Observation database software was empty on both computer, and asked my to rebuild synomyms. When i clicked software crashed

Analysis:
Looks like the application doesn't like to open and update database files on Dropbox and probably other similar shared folder systems.

Resolution:
Fixed. Added an option in Observation Preferences (a checkbox that you should set if you are storing your observation database on a shared folder).

ID:
7983

Status:
Fixed

Date:
2025/08/15

PlanWizardDatabase.UpdateCatalogueEntry: DatabaseException

Exception Type: DatabaseException
Exception Message: cannot start a transaction within a transaction
Exception Number: 1

1: Sub Database.CheckForError()
2: Sub Database.BeginTransaction()
3: Sub PlanWizardDatabase.UpdateCatalogueEntry( Catalogue, int64, boolean )
4: Sub PlanWizardThread.Event_Run()
5: Sub APThread.Event_Run()

User description of above error trace:

Just checking newly installed AP software, and starting a new plan wizard, software has an error and stopped running.
Also, not able to connect to my Mesu 2 mount so using CDC instead for telescope control. It would be good to have a method to copy the object catalogue name from the observing generated list, however the name is truncated and also not able to copy just the object name to paste in CDC...if that makes sense?
number=1
message=cannot start a transaction within a transaction

Resolution:
Fixed. I think.

ID:
7984

Status:
Fixed

Date:
2025/08/15

ObservationWindow.RestoreObsSessionState: Nil Object Exception

Exception Type: Nil Object Exception

1: Sub _CallLaterTimer.Event_Action()
2: Sub DesktopApplication.DoEvents( int64 )
3: Sub ObservationWindow.RestoreObsSessionState( ObservationWindow )
4: Sub ObservationWindow.obs_DoublePressed( ObservationWindow, StripedListBox )
5: Sub DesktopApplication._CallFunctionWithExceptionHandling()

User description of above error trace:

Closed the observation database window and switched to the objects window.

Resolution:
Fixed.

ID:
7987

Status:
Fixed

Date:
2025/08/15

NewObservationEditDialog.Constructor: Out Of Bounds Exception

Exception Type: Out Of Bounds Exception

1: Sub NewObservationEditDialog.Constructor( NewObservationEditDialog, PlanObservation(), int64, string )
2: Function ObservationWindow.EditObservation( ObservationWindow ) as boolean
3: Sub ObservationWindow.obs_DoublePressed( ObservationWindow, StripedListBox )
4: Sub DesktopApplication._CallFunctionWithExceptionHandling()

User description of above error trace:

On Observations screen.
Created a new session
Clicked on blank ID field

Resolution:
Fixed.

ID:
7986

Status:
Implemented

Date:
2025/08/14

Adding optional tooltips for user notes, etc.

Since there’s currently no setting for showing tooltips for User Notes, perhaps it could be added to the Object List Preferences. That way, users could decide per plan whether or not to enable it — which might be a flexible solution that works for everyone.

Resolution:
Implemented. There's now an option in Object List Preferences for displaying tooltips for User Notes, Catalogue Notes, and Name (which are the most likely fields to need it).

ID:
7981

Status:
Fixed

Date:
2025/08/06

Text in user notes slows down object list scrolling

Excessive amounts of text in user notes slows down object list scrolling.

Resolution:
Fixed. Well, greatly improved...

ID:
7982

Status:
Implemented

Date:
2025/08/06

Converting user notes to plain text

When you paste text copied from elsewhere into the User Notes editor, it can carry over style info, such as Font, bold, size, etc. This is not straightforward to remove.

Resolution:
Implemented. Right-click menu for all styled text field editors has a "Convert to Plain Text" entry. For the User Notes editor only, it also has a "Convert ALL User Notes to Plain Text..." (with a suitable warning).

ID:
7980

Status:
Fixed

Date:
2025/08/05

Editing Object List Columns changes column width

AP 2.4.1b6 issue:

Editing Object List Columns changes column width.

I opened an AP plan and proceeded to edit the object list columns by selecting the "Edit List Columns" menu item.

In the "Edit Object List Columns" window I turned off the display of the "SB" column.

I then clicked the "OK" button.

The plan then showed no "SB" column (as expected) but unexpectedly showed modified spacing of the columns to the right (i.e. the "Transit" column and the "User Notes" column) of where the "SB" column had been displayed.

It seems as if, in the post-edit plan, the "Transit" column that was immediately to the right of the newly hidden "SB" column has taken on the width of the hidden "SB" column. Likewise, the "User Notes" column has taken on the pre-edited width of the column to its left, i.e the "Transit" column.

Attached please find screenshots of the plan window both before and after editing. I've reproduced this issue in a few different plans.

AP 2.4.1b6

Mac Studio, macOS 15.5
Issue also reproduced on MacBook Air (M2), macOS 15.6

Resolution:
Fixed. Added code to keep the widths of existing columns stable (unless you have the "Adjust column widths to fit text" checkbox checked).

ID:
7979

Status:
Implemented

Date:
2025/08/02

Add Import text modifier to select from a list

Sometimes a field in an import text file might contain, say, a list of IDs separated by commas, and you want to import just the first ID. Can the Text Modifier option have extra rules to allow this?

Resolution:
Implemented. Options added to select text before or after a specified separator, between two specified separators, or the n-th field in a list.

ID:
7978

Status:
Implemented

Date:
2025/08/01

Add "Best Altitude" column

Add "Best Altitude" object list column which shows the altitude of the object at the Best Time.

Resolution:
Implemented.

ID:
7977

Status:
Fixed

Date:
2025/07/26

CURLConnection.Get: Nil Object Exception

Exception Type: Nil Object Exception

1: Function CURLConnection.Get( string, FolderItem, int64 ) as boolean
2: Function DownloadScriptDialog.OKCancel_OKClicked( DownloadScriptDialog, OKCancelWidget ) as boolean
3: Sub OKCancelWidget.OKAction( OKCancelWidget, boolean )
4: Sub OKCancelWidget.OKBtn_Pressed( OKCancelWidget, APPushButton )
5: Sub APPushButton.Event_Pressed()
6: Sub DesktopWindow.ShowModal( DesktopWindow )
7: Function App._UserContributedScriptsDownload_Action() as boolean
8: Sub DesktopApplication._CallFunctionWithExceptionHandling()

User description of above error trace:

I was going to download a single script but realized that once the download started that all available scripts were being downloaded (I assume because I had not selected the single script I wanted to download ).

Not wanting to download all of the scripts, I clicked on the cancel button and then got this Application Exception window.

Resolution:
Fixed. Using a different method to download that should be more robust.

ID:
6931

Status:
Fixed

Date:
2025/07/25

ObservationDatabase.BeginDBTransaction: DatabaseException

Exception Type: DatabaseException
Exception Message: cannot start a transaction within a transaction
Exception Number: 1

1: Sub Database.CheckForError()
2: Sub Database.BeginTransaction()
3: Sub ObservationDatabase.BeginDBTransaction( string )
4: Sub ObservationDatabase.WriteObservations()
5: Sub ObservationDatabase.Save()
6: Function MainWindow.DoFileSave( MainWindow ) as boolean
7: Function MainWindow._FileSave_Action( MainWindow ) as boolean
8: Sub Application._CallFunctionWithExceptionHandling()

User description of above error trace:

This exception popped up again when saving the planfile by Cmd+S. After sending this report the small window "Save Observation database" remains open.
number=1
message=cannot start a transaction within a transaction

Resolution:
Fixed.

ID:
6878

Status:
Fixed

Date:
2025/07/25

ResourceDatabase.CloseDatabase: DatabaseException

Exception Type: DatabaseException
Exception Message: cannot start a transaction within a transaction
Exception Number: 1

1: Sub Database.CheckForError()
2: Sub Database.BeginTransaction()
3: Sub ResourceDatabase.CloseDatabase()
4: Function ResourcesWindow._FileSave_Action( ResourcesWindow ) as boolean
5: Sub Application._CallFunctionWithExceptionHandling()

User description of above error trace:

Another error to save the data. This time when I tried to add a new Site. Looks like there’s some issue related to the Resources Database.
number=1
message=cannot start a transaction within a transaction

Resolution:
Fixed.

ID:
7975

Status:
Implemented

Date:
2025/07/24

Data displayed over FoV rendering: addition of value for Size

All kinds of data can be selected to be displayed directly above the FoV chart rendering. Addition of the Size of the object selected in the Object list would be useful.

Resolution:
Implemented. Size / Pos.Angle added.

ID:
7969

Status:
Fixed

Date:
2025/07/21

SynonymManager.nextGUID.Get: Nil Object Exception

Exception Type: Nil Object Exception

1: Function SynonymManager.nextGUID.Get( int32 ) as int64
2: Function SynonymManager.ProcessID( SynonymRequest, SynonymManagerThread ) as SynonymRequest()
3: Function SynonymManager.LookupGUID( string, boolean, double, double ) as int64
4: Function ObservationDatabase.GetGUID( boolean, string, double, double, string ) as int64
5: Function ObservationDatabase.GetGUID( boolean, PlanObservation ) as int64
6: Function ObservationDatabase.AddNewObservation( MainWindow, PlanObject, PlanObservation ) as PlanObservation
7: Function PlanObject.AddObservation( MainWindow, PlanObservation ) as PlanObservation
8: Function MainWindow.CreateNewObservation( MainWindow, Date, boolean, boolean ) as boolean
9: Sub MainWindow.MakeObservation( MainWindow, string )
10: Sub MainWindow.APTools_ButtonClicked( MainWindow, APToolbar, int64, int0(), w.MainWindow.BarItems, boolean )
11: Sub APToolbar.ClickTimer_Action( APToolbar, Timer )
12: Sub DesktopApplication._CallFunctionWithExceptionHandling()

Resolution:
Fixed.

ID:
7893

Status:
Fixed

Date:
2025/07/21

Compatible Highlight Rule Transit Dates not Imported

Transit dates that are exported with the same date they are imported to show a Transit Date Bad Rule error.

Steps to Dupe:

(Note: Steps 2 and 3 are from Visible Objects plan)

1. Open the two attached documents. Make sure the date is set to 12/20/24 at Civil Twilight end at the EM (KitchWell-S 2.07) site.

2. Make sure that the Not Seen / Rated, Near Opposition, Near Transit, Prime rule is selected for the highlight rule. This rule should have the transit date not between 1/4/2025 and 12/5/2025.

3. Save this rule or use the attached rule export.

4. Change to the Main Objects document and load the highlight rule by choosing the Highlight combo box in the Site Widget and choosing to Edit Custom Highlighting > Load.

5. Notice that in Main Objects, it sees the transit rule as having bad dates and doesn't keep what was there.

Attachment: Main Objects.apdAttachment: Visible Objects 2024-10-25.apdAttachment: AstroPlannerV2-W32.prefsAttachment: AstroPlanner ResourcesAttachment: New-Beta(2.4.1b1) No Listman Opt Desc, Extra NearOpp.hrules

Resolution:
Fixed.

ID:
7919

Status:
Fixed

Date:
2025/07/21

A Light Dome and Horizon Marker do not show.

I just saved my changes to a plan and chose Save All before sending this. I had set the date to 2/28/2025 and 9:32:04pm at my site called EM (KitchWell 1.06)H. I had Wezen highlighted, went into Edit> Resources, and set a light dome and obstruction (only ones at this site) because I had observed two other objects with issues and Wezen was around the same area in the sky. The Alt/Az indicator shows the horizon obstruction and light dome right below the object but the Short Term indicator doesn't show either one at all.

The plan I had open was 2024-10-12 Candidates.

I suspect that if I exit the program and come back in then everything will look fine. I have turned off the forced date and time in General Prefs and will see what happens. If things then show up correctly I'll let you know in another report. However, one still shouldn't have to restart the program and it might cause someone to miss something while planning another session.

Attachment: AstroPlannerV2-W321.prefsAttachment: AstroPlanner ResourcesAttachment: 2024-10-12 Candidates.apd

Resolution:
Fixed.

ID:
7971

Status:
Fixed

Date:
2025/07/19

"Right click - create new object" not working

In the FoV, the option to right click on a position, then select "Create new object centered at cursor position" is no longer working.

Perhaps related to the "right click download image for position" not working (and since fixed) ?

Analysis:
It appears to be working, so the other fix I did probably cures both issues.

Resolution:
Fixed.

ID:
7972

Status:
Fixed

Date:
2025/07/19

Adding new built-in object list columns

Adding new built-in object list columns is causing a "Corrupt" message when editing list columns.

Resolution:
Fixed.

ID:
7973

Status:
Implemented

Date:
2025/07/19

Addition of a column for "Distance to anti-solar point"

Would it be possible to add a column in the objects tab to display the angular distance , in degrees, of any object to the current anti-solar point?

Formatted as degrees, delta Alt/Az, or delta RA/Dec.

Resolution:
Implemented.

ID:
7974

Status:
Implemented

Date:
2025/07/19

Add Area type object

Add a new Area type object that defines a rectangular area centered at the given RA and Dec. The Size field specifies the length and breadth of the rectangle, and the Position Angle specifies its angle w.r.t. N. The area should be plotted on the field of view chart, and on the sky chart, where applicable and visible.

Resolution:
Implemented.

ID:
7968

Status:
Fixed

Date:
2025/07/18

USNO stars not showing in FoV

The stars in the USNO catalog will not longer display in the FoV. No such problem for other star catalogs. The USNO stars can still be added to a planfile from the catalog and then will display correctly. Screenshot attached.

Attachment: 38355954111

Analysis:
Currently you have to select the checkbox next to the enclosing "USNO A2.0" (which selects all of the enclosed USNO sub-catalogues) in order to use any of the USNO sub-catalogues. However, this shouldn't be the case. i.e. you should be able select just one or more of the USNO A2.0 sub-catalogues.

Resolution:
Fixed.

ID:
7970

Status:
Implemented

Date:
2025/07/18

Addition of a column for "Distance to ecliptic"

Would it be possible to add a column in the objects tab to display the vertical distance (delta declination), in degrees, of any object to the ecliptic?

For example, object Dead Horse Nebula, 15.2° N

If this is an easy implementation, could I perhaps get a pre-release version?

Resolution:
Implemented.

ID:
7939

Status:
Fixed

Date:
2025/07/18

Maximized window doesn't work permanently

This is a small cosmetic problem I have experienced for a long time (many years).

How to reproduce the problem:

1. Maximizing the main program window
2. Opening another window (e.g. Resources)
3. Closing the other window (e.g. Resources)

When you close the other window (e.g. Resources), the main program window will leave the maximized status.

Resolution:
Fixed.

ID:
7967

Status:
Fixed

Date:
2025/07/15

Planets and the sun position all at 0 (zero) R.A. and Dec.

Any planet + the sun that is present in a planfile (or added to a planfile by means on the button "Add Special" in the Objects tab) is positioned at 00:00:00 right ascension and +00°00'00" declination.

Additional info: I was looking at historical data and the time in the application was set to the year 1880. Apparently it is then that the application will not calculate proper positions. All is well at current day.

Analysis:
Solar system algorithms use data that is only valid on or after 1900-01-01.

Resolution:
Fixed. Added warning message on the Date/Time widget if the year is before 1900.

ID:
7964

Status:
Fixed

Date:
2025/07/14

Downloading image in FoV tab for cursor position not working anymore

When attempting to download (an) image(s) when in the FoV tab, by means of a right click on the FoV rendering, then selecting "Download images centred at cursor position...", nothing happens; the Download Image window will not open.

Resolution:
Fixed.

ID:
7965

Status:
Fixed

Date:
2025/07/14

Different rendering of Dialog.ListChoiceParameter in Windows and Mac

The Dialog.ListChoiceParameter requires column padding in Windows 11 to allow the display of the required columns. This is not the case on a Mac.

The Dialog.ListChoiceParameter does not respect the minimum rows to display on Windows 11.

Resolution:
Fixed.

ID:
7963

Status:
Fixed

Date:
2025/07/14

New "Field rotation column" automatically selected in all planfiles + associated sorting problem

The new "Field rotation column" is automatically selected and displayed in all planfiles, requiring manual deselection.

Also, some user Sort List presets are not functioning any more as the Field Rotation column seems to interfere with the set preset (not a big problem as a sort preference is easily re-created).

Resolution:
Fixed.

ID:
7932

Status:
Implemented

Date:
2025/07/14

Image Manager tweaks

1. It would be convenient to have a quick button to access the Image Manager instead of going to the menu etc...
2. Image Manager displays a maximum of 11x11 images and it is not possible to scroll through multiple pages. In my case the photos are many more
and I cannot see from the 122nd onwards. See for example the Messier catalog.
3. Image Manager tends to display all the images up to a maximum of 11x11 reducing their size to fit on the page.
It's fine if there are few images but beyond 12 it's a bit too narrow, and in any case it stops at 121.
It would be nice if it displayed a matrix of your choice for example 3x3, 4x4,...11x11 and you could perform pagination if there are many images

Resolution:
1. Cmd-Y (Mac) or Ctrl-Y (Windows) will reveal the Image Manager window.
2. The image display now lets you select how many images across to display (1 - 10) you want, and always displays all images in a vertically scrolling display.
3. Cmd-Option-Y (Mac) or Ctrl-Alt-Y (Windows) is now the shortcut for Image > Add User Image...

ID:
7962

Status:
Implemented

Date:
2025/07/12

User-defined field values as tooltips

Would it be possible to display the contents of the “User Notes” field (and ideally any other user-defined text fields) in a tooltip when hovering over the corresponding cell or item?

This would make it much easier to quickly view important notes without opening the full details pane, especially when scanning through lists of objects during planning or observing sessions.

If it’s feasible to implement for all fields containing text – not just built-in ones but also user-created ones – that would be fantastic.

Resolution:
Implemented. In the user-defined field editor you can now choose to display the field's value in the tooltip.
Bonus: Observation list and Session list user fields (in the observation database window) now display text and background attributes as defined in the user field definitions (where applicable).

ID:
7940

Status:
Fixed

Date:
2025/07/10

Alternate application support data path not readable in user interface

When setting an alternative application support data path, this path is not fully readable in the "Preferences" window.

Resolution:
Fixed.

ID:
7960

Status:
Fixed

Date:
2025/07/10

Highlight visible does not update when changing observing site

Having selected highlight visible the list of objects:

- When changing to a new observation site at different location, the yellow color is updated only in a few columns, in my case: Best time and transit time. When you scroll or reorder the screen, al columns get updated.

- When changing to a new sites at the same location, but different horizon, the yellow color is not changed in any column and is not updated if you scroll or reorder the screen. Workaround: change to a different location, then to the place with different horizon, and scroll.

Tested in v2.4 and V2.4.1b4, same behavior.

Resolution:
Fixed.

ID:
7953

Status:
Fixed

Date:
2025/07/09

ObjectListbox.ColumnVisible: Out Of Bounds Exception

Exception Type: Out Of Bounds Exception

1: Function ObjectListbox.ColumnVisible( int64 ) as boolean
2: Function ObjectListbox.GetCellData( int64 ) as A1v
3: Sub StripedListBox.ExportToExcelFile( boolean )
4: Function StripedListBox.ServiceMenu( DesktopMenuItem ) as boolean
5: Sub StripedListBox.MakeContextualMenu( int64, int64 )
6: Function StripedListBox.Event_MouseDown( int64, int64 ) as boolean
7: Sub DesktopApplication._CallFunctionWithExceptionHandling()

Resolution:
Fixed.

ID:
7955

Status:
Fixed

Date:
2025/07/09

AltAzIndicatorCanvas.!Draw: Nil Object Exception

Exception Type: Nil Object Exception

1: Sub AltAzIndicatorCanvas.!Draw( Graphics, double, double, MainWindow, SiteResource, double, boolean )
2: Sub ObservationWindow.obsVisibility_Paint( ObservationWindow, DesktopCanvas, Graphics, Xojo.Rect() )
3: Sub DesktopApplication._CallFunctionWithExceptionHandling()

User description of above error trace:

I was simply browsing the tabs in the obs database to look for an attribute for an object. It happens mostly at the tab "object visibility" or when clicking a tab away too fast. I’ve had this error before, but simply pressing "continue" doesn’t lead to more issues.

Resolution:
Fixed. I hope.

ID:
7957

Status:
Fixed

Date:
2025/07/09

MainWindow.ShowObservationInFoV: Nil Object Exception

Exception Type: Nil Object Exception

1: Sub MainWindow.ShowObservationInFoV( MainWindow, PlanObservation )
2: Sub ObservationWindow.obs_MenuAction( ObservationWindow, StripedListBox, string, string, string )
3: Function StripedListBox.ServiceMenu( DesktopMenuItem ) as boolean
4: Sub StripedListBox.MakeContextualMenu( int64, int64 )
5: Function StripedListBox.Event_MouseDown( int64, int64 ) as boolean
6: Sub DesktopApplication._CallFunctionWithExceptionHandling()

User description of above error trace:

clicking "reproducing observation in the FOV chart" prompted the error.

Resolution:
Fixed. I hope.

ID:
7961

Status:
Implemented

Date:
2025/07/09

Add Field Rotation rate as an object list column

For the benefit of Alt-Az mount users planning to image, a numerical value of the current field rotation rate (degrees/hr) would be a benefit.

Resolution:
Implemented.

ID:
7956

Status:
Fixed

Date:
2025/07/07

Chart number IDSA off

Not a bug as such, but a question. How is the IDSA page number attributed?

I like to underline the observations in my idsa to see which ones I still need to observe. But looking up the pages can sometimes be a stress on my ageing eyes.

I was happy to see the chart number can be set to the idsa. But it looks like it is off sometimes. For example: for ngc 3811, 3877, 3172 Astroplanner tells me they are at page 5. But they are at page 21,22 in my book.

Not sure if this is a common thing. I could provide you with RA, dec numbers for the pages, that could possibly help to make a script to get the pages correct? (but it would work for ALL objects, not only the ones in the IDSA, so maybe contacting Ronald Stoyan for his index pages might be easier :) )

Analysis:
This is a misunderstanding of how the Object Fields data in the observation database window is collected.

Resolution:
Fixed.
(a) some explanatory blurb added below the Object Fields to make it clear that the data is as of when the observation was made.
(b) the chart abbreviation was added to make the original chart used clear. e.g. "Chart # 22" is now "Chart # IDSA: 22".

ID:
7958

Status:
Fixed

Date:
2025/07/05

ObservationDatabase.FixBadGUIDs: DatabaseException

Exception Type: DatabaseException
Exception Message: cannot rollback - no transaction is active
Exception Number: 1

1: Sub Database.CheckForError()
2: Sub Database.RollbackTransaction()
3: Sub ObservationDatabase.FixBadGUIDs()
4: Sub ObservationDatabase.FixupDatabase()
5: Sub ObservationDatabase.OpenDB()
6: Sub ObservationDatabase.Initialise()
7: Function ObservationDatabase.!db.Get() as ObservationDatabase
8: Sub App.Event_Opening()
9: Sub DesktopApplication._CallFunctionWithExceptionHandling()

User description of above error trace:

1. Error occurred immediately as soon as I started up AP. AstroPlanner Error Log.txt was created on the desktop but has no data at all in it.

2. Opening the application

Resolution:
Fixed.

ID:
7959

Status:
Fixed

Date:
2025/07/05

Backup falls over if the archive file is > 4GB

Backup falls over if the archive file is > 4GB and produces a "too large" error.

Resolution:
Fixed. Now uses ZIP64 archive.

ID:
7926

Status:
Fixed

Date:
2025/06/14

MainWindow.GetFoVRADec: Nil Object Exception

Exception Type: Nil Object Exception

1: Function MainWindow.GetFoVRADec( MainWindow, int64, int64, byref double, byref double ) as boolean
2: Sub MainWindow.CentreFoVOn( MainWindow, int64, int64 )
3: Sub MainWindow.FoV_MenuAction( MainWindow, CMMCanvas, string, string, string )
4: Sub AddHandler.Stub.27( string, string, string )
5: Function CMMCanvas.Event_ContextualMenuItemSelected( DesktopMenuItem ) as boolean

User description of above error trace:

In FoV tab. Rt-Click image and selected "center on cursor" and got Exception.

Resolution:
Fixed.

ID:
7931

Status:
Fixed

Date:
2025/06/14

SynonymManager.AddObservationToGUIDList: Nil Object Exception

Exception Type: Nil Object Exception

1: Sub SynonymManager.AddObservationToGUIDList( PlanObservation )
2: Sub ObservationDatabase.AddObsToGUIDList( PlanObservation )
3: Sub ObservationDatabase.LoadData()
4: Sub ObservationDatabase.Initialise()
5: Function ObservationDatabase.!db.Get() as ObservationDatabase
6: Sub App.Event_Opening()
7: Sub DesktopApplication._CallFunctionWithExceptionHandling()

Resolution:
Fixed.

ID:
7934

Status:
Fixed

Date:
2025/06/14

MainWindow.GetFoVRADec: Nil Object Exception

Exception Type: Nil Object Exception

1: Function MainWindow.GetFoVRADec( MainWindow, int64, int64, byref double, byref double ) as boolean
2: Sub MainWindow.CentreFoVOn( MainWindow, int64, int64 )
3: Sub MainWindow.FoV_DoublePressed( MainWindow, CMMCanvas, int64, int64 )
4: Sub DesktopApplication._CallFunctionWithExceptionHandling()

User description of above error trace:

1. Double clicked the FoV to center a position and this exception popped up.

2. Double clicked a position in the FoV, to center it, and this exception popped up.

Resolution:
Fixed.

ID:
7935

Status:
Fixed

Date:
2025/06/14

Default font (size) in observation database does not stick

When setting a different font size for observation notes in the observation database, the font size does not "stick", but reverts back to its previous setting.

For example, when setting the font size for an observation note to 18, it reverts to 13 once a different object is selected. I think the preferred behavior is to set a font size which is then applied to (and maintained for) all observations in the database.

Attachment: Scherm��afbeelding 2025-04-22 om 13.49.38.jpg

Analysis:
The observation notes, in this case, are read-only, and the Default Font... item should not be present.

Resolution:
Fixed. The Default Font... item is removed from the contextual menu if the field is read-only.

ID:
7936

Status:
Fixed

Date:
2025/06/13

ObservationDatabase.LoadData: Nil Object Exception

I had tried to run an expired beta version of AP and, as I recall, was appropriately warned about this.

However, I just noted an AstroPlanner Error Log on my desktop that I believe was generated when I had tried to run the expired beta.

I assume the "Nil Object Exception" is unexpected behavior, so please consider this a (belated) bug report.

=====

Version: 2.4.1b2

Expires: 4/4/25

Date: 4/8/25 10:34:32 AM CDT

OS: macOS 15.4.0 (24E248) (ARM) [64-bit app]

Exception Type: Nil Object Exception

1: Sub ObservationDatabase.LoadData()

2: Sub ObservationDatabase.Initialise()

3: Function ObservationDatabase.!db.Get() as ObservationDatabase

4: Sub Sync.UsageData()

5: Sub App.Event_Closing()

Resolution:
Fixed. I think.

ID:
7938

Status:
Fixed

Date:
2025/06/13

AltAzIndicatorCanvas.!Draw: Nil Object Exception

Exception Type: Nil Object Exception

1: Sub AltAzIndicatorCanvas.!Draw( Graphics, double, double, MainWindow, SiteResource, double, boolean )
2: Sub ObservationWindow.obsVisibility_Paint( ObservationWindow, DesktopCanvas, Graphics, Xojo.Rect() )
3: Sub DesktopApplication._CallFunctionWithExceptionHandling()

Resolution:
Fixed.

ID:
7941

Status:
Fixed

Date:
2025/06/13

Logged objects displayed with zero observations logged

In my observation database (attached) 10 entries for 7 unique objects are listed with 0 (zero) observations logged, even when one or more observations are presents in the observation database. Screenshot attached.

This also means that planfiles containing these object(s) do not highlight an object as observed.

Attachment: Observation DatabaseAttachment: Scherm��afbeelding 2025-05-01 om 15.53.31.jpg

Analysis:
These issues were all caused by bugs in the custom synonym code. That code is the most arcane code in AstroPlanner, designed (sic) to patch over unseen issues with the original catalogues.

Resolution:
Fixed. Hopefully.

ID:
7942

Status:
Fixed

Date:
2025/06/11

Not possible copy & paste within all fields

From this version it is no longer possible to Copy & Paste inside all the fields.
In addition, the options in the main menu are also grayed out.

Resolution:
Fixed (I hope).

ID:
7943

Status:
Fixed

Date:
2025/06/11

Opening a txt plan file

When I go to open a user contributed plan file that is a .txt file, such as "Burnham_Hya_D.txt", AP provides a Plan Information Window. I click OK and then the plan file window goes away. AP is still running fine as far as I can tell.

Just wondering if there is a setting that I should be toggling to allow txt files to be imported.

Thank you.

Analysis:
Code is wrong. Workaround: Click Cancel instead of OK in the Plan Information dialog.

Resolution:
Fixed.

ID:
7947

Status:
Fixed

Date:
2025/06/11

MainWindow.SortCompareRows: Nil Object Exception

Exception Type: Nil Object Exception

1: Function MainWindow.SortCompareRows( MainWindow, int64, int64, int64, int64, string, pListBox.SortDirections, byref int64 ) as boolean
2: Function MainWindow.ObjectList_RowComparison( MainWindow, ObjectListbox, int64, int64, int64, byref int64 ) as boolean
3: Sub DesktopApplication._CallFunctionWithExceptionHandling()

User description of above error trace:

Hi, since I switched to the new release I had to rebuild a complete new database as I got an error on older database triggering the « no show » of all dynamic columns. I was happy with my new database repopulated but unfortunately I just had the same symptom on this brand new database I am using since several months now. Suddenly I have this error and AP shut down abruptly and then when I reopen it the dynamic column do not appear anymore and if I click on it I trigger a fatal error and shutdown

Analysis:
Seems to be associated (sic) with object associations. I can't reproduce it, but I have tightened up the (rather complex) code to avoid this type of exception.

Resolution:
Fixed.

ID:
7928

Status:
Fixed

Date:
2025/04/11

Imaging Planner script - needs horizontal scroll bar

I'm using version 2.4.1b3 of AstroPlanner on a Mac.
I'm using the "Imaging Planner" script, which is fine.
The problem is that it displays the results horizontally in a window that doesn't have a horizontal scrollbar. To see all the results, I have to export them to an Excel file.
Would it be possible to have a vertical display with a scrollbar?

Analysis:
Not having a horizontal scroll bar is a bug.

Resolution:
Fixed. Horizontal scroll bar enabled. Script modified to "force" vertical formatting as an option.

ID:
7914

Status:
Fixed

Date:
2025/03/20

CTRL+V opens Export Screen

When using the keyboard shortcut CTRL+V to paste text into the Observation Notes under the Observations Tab, the dialog box for Export to Multiple Formats now pop up. This behavior is new with 2.4.1b3.

Attachment: AP Bug.jpg

Analysis:
Sorry about that, I didn't test it enough on Windows. I guess your only workaround would to use the Edit > Paste menu option.

Resolution:
Fixed. Changed the menu shortcut slightly.

ID:
7879

Status:
Implemented

Date:
2025/02/22

Finding the centerpoint of large extended objects

When, in the FoV, trying to find the centerpoint of a large, extended object such as nebulae, open clusters, etc., in order to right click the object to display catalog data and/or its synonyms or to add it to a planfile, it can be difficult to find that centerpoint. Perhaps it would be possible to add the right-click option to an object's label, too.

Analysis:
More of a bug than a feature request.

Resolution:
Implemented/fixed. Extended objects (i.e. those with Size > 0) will be selected if the cursor is within the extended object. If more than one object falls into this category then the one whose centre is closest to the cursor is used.

ID:
7905

Status:
Fixed

Date:
2025/02/22

MainWindow.Event_CancelClosing: Nil Object Exception

Exception Type: Nil Object Exception
Exception Message: @ H

1: Function MainWindow.Event_CancelClosing( MainWindow, boolean ) as boolean
2: Sub DesktopWindow.Close()
3: Function MainWindow._FileClose_Action( MainWindow ) as boolean
4: Sub DesktopApplication.DoEvents( int64 )
5: Sub ObservationWindow.RestoreObsSessionState( ObservationWindow )
6: Sub ObservationWindow.obs_DoublePressed( ObservationWindow, StripedListBox )
7: Sub DesktopApplication._CallFunctionWithExceptionHandling()

User description of above error trace:

Editing an object's R.A./Dec. in the observation database.

Analysis:
Interesting one. It looks like the underlying plan document was closed while you were editing. Not sure how.

Resolution:
Fixed. Well, not fixed, since I can't figure out why this occurred. However, if it happens again, the closing of the plan file will be canceled.

ID:
7907

Status:
Fixed

Date:
2025/02/22

Object Find & Replace fields not filling

When trying to populate user fields in a plan file by means of "Object Find & Replace", empty fields will not populate.

Analysis:
Ouch. Bug basically causes any change to a user-defined field to fail silently.

Resolution:
Fixed.

ID:
7908

Status:
Fixed

Date:
2025/02/22

Selecting all sessions in obs database by means of Cmd+A

In the observation database, using Cmd+A to select all session does not work.

Resolution:
Fixed.

ID:
7888

Status:
Fixed

Date:
2025/02/08

FoV and objects that lack data

Don't know whether to send this as a bug or as a feature request:

My workflow consists of adding double stars from the WDS catalog to AstroPlanner, using that data to filter out all I need for my observations using Excel, then import single lines for each object back into a new AstroPlanner planfile. By doing so I have an observing guide (after a bunch of macros in Word), a tourfile for my Autostar controller and a nice and clean planfile for all of the doubles without any duplicates.

When importing the data back into AstroPlanner, the lines contain an ID, a Name, R.A. & Declination and Type. No more, as that is all that I need for the planfile. That means all other fields are empty.

The result is that these objects' labels (Name, ID) do not show in the FoV, nor is the object (the star in this case) colored to the color value set under preferences. When I add a magnitude value, they do display with the set color.

Long story short: can a feature be added to make objects always display in the FoV, even when there is no further data for them in the planfile, such as a blank magnitude field?

Resolution:
Fixed. Stellar objects without magnitudes are now drawn in the FoV with a unique symbol to show they no not have a defined magnitude.

ID:
7896

Status:
Fixed

Date:
2025/02/06

Image Manager - Edit User Image Attributes

I added a new User Image to an object and checked it displayed in the Object and Field of View tab. I then went into the Image Manager and edited the description of the image and pressed save. The image remained in the Object tab but failed to display in the Field of View tab.

Going back into the Edit User Attributes revealed that the Image Size parameters were missing. It looks like the Image Size information is not being preserved on an edit. If I repeated the procedure, but when editing the Image description I also re-entered the Image Size info (even though the dialog was still showing the correct data) then all was well.

Please find attached a screenshot of before and after editing the user image description.

Resolution:
Fixed.

ID:
7899

Status:
Fixed

Date:
2025/02/06

MainWindow.Maximise: Nil Object Exception

Exception Type: Nil Object Exception

1: Sub MainWindow.Maximise( MainWindow, boolean )
2: Sub MainWindow.MaximiseTimer_Action( MainWindow, Timer )
3: Sub DesktopWindow.ShowModal( DesktopWindow )
4: Function App.Event_UnhandledException( RuntimeException ) as boolean
5: Sub DesktopApplication._CallFunctionWithExceptionHandling()
6: Sub REALbasic._RunFrameworkInitialization()

Resolution:
Fixed.

ID:
7889

Status:
Implemented

Date:
2025/02/02

Exporting - use multiple settings

Currently, exporting data from AstroPlanner can be done using a self created preset, selected in the exporting dialogue window under "Settings - Load".

Would be very useful if multiple user settings could be selected, instead of only one, to batch export data in varying format simultaneously.

Resolution:
Implemented. File > Export > Multiple Generic Text, Excel, XML, or JSON files...
This allows you to apply multiple (pre-made) export settings files to the current plan document.

ID:
7891

Status:
Fixed

Date:
2025/01/30

ObjectListbox.CellTextAt: Out Of Bounds Exception

Exception Type: Out Of Bounds Exception

1: Sub ObjectListbox.CellTextAt( int64, int64, assigns string )
2: Sub MainWindow.NextInlineCell( MainWindow )
3: Sub MainWindow.InlineTimer_Action( MainWindow, Timer )
4: Sub DesktopApplication._CallFunctionWithExceptionHandling()

User description of above error trace:

Entered text in a user field, hit the Return key on my keyboard and this exception popped up.

Resolution:
Fixed. I modified the code a bit to make it more robust, and added a bunch of debug stuff that will help next time this happens.

ID:
7900

Status:
Implemented

Date:
2025/01/29

Show session user-defined field values under the session list

Show any session user-defined field values for a selected session under the session list in the observation database window.

Resolution:
Implemented.

ID:
7901

Status:
Fixed

Date:
2025/01/29

Only user-defined session definitions with at least one actual value are displayed in the session list as a column

Only user-defined session definitions with at least one actual value are displayed in the observation database window session list as a column. Otherwise the column is not displayed.

Resolution:
Fixed. Both defined and undefined user value columns are now displayed.

ID:
7895

Status:
Fixed

Date:
2025/01/01

Bug/Feature/Exception email issue

Fixes a problem introduced in the last beta that "bounces" any messages sent from the application.

Resolution:
Fixed.

ID:
7894

Status:
Fixed

Date:
2024/12/20

Ioptron CEM40 needs baud rate of 115200bps

My mount is an Ioptron CEM40 which requires 115200 bps baud rate
It uses the same commands as the CEM60 and connects ok with NINA or MaximDL

It will not connect to Astroplanner 2.4 as the baudrate is fixed at 9600 when an Ioptron mount is selected.

Resolution:
Fixed. You can now select the bit rate of the serial port with iOptron mounts.

ID:
7886

Status:
Fixed

Date:
2024/12/16

EquatorialCoordinates.Operator_Compare: Nil Object Exception

Exception Type: Nil Object Exception

1: Function EquatorialCoordinates.Operator_Compare( EquatorialCoordinates ) as int64
2: Function GotoDialog.GetRADec( GotoDialog, byref double, byref double ) as boolean
3: Sub MainWindow.CentreFoVAtCoordinates( MainWindow )
4: Sub MainWindow.FoV_MenuAction( MainWindow, CMMCanvas, string, string, string )
5: Function CMMCanvas.Event_ContextualMenuItemSelected( DesktopMenuItem ) as boolean
6: Sub DesktopApplication._CallFunctionWithExceptionHandling()

User description of above error trace:

Attempting to center a position by entering a B1950 R.A./Dec. in the FoV. This exception pops up and the position entered is not centered.

Resolution:
Fixed. I think.

ID:
7892

Status:
Fixed

Date:
2024/12/16

User Defined Date/Time field problem

Done some more research and it appears that the only user field I use which defined as a Date time field when displayed in the object list as a column has the time element of the value from NOW - the script is loading it with full date and time of the next setting time for the object (with adjustments).
I have sorted out a workaround of storing the data and time as an SQLDateTime() string and Parsing this to recover it in later reports I generate in the script.

Resolution:
Fixed.

ID:
7885

Status:
Fixed

Date:
2024/12/04

Issue with Synscan GoTo driver

Synscan driver issues badly formatted slew messages on some mounts.

Resolution:
Fixed.

ID:
7866

Status:
Fixed

Date:
2024/10/26

Vertical size change of Object list and Observations lists is not responsive

In the Observations window, when Widgets are showing, dragging the "handle" to increase the vertical height of the Object list section (and thereby decreasing the height of the Observations list section) results in the inability to reverse the change and decrease the height (back to where it was) of the Object list section.

Furthermore, the vertical height of the Object section jumps in size such that only 2 or 3 Observations can be seen unless the Observations list is scrolled.

This is very annoying if 3 or more Observations of an object are present because the Observations section has been made too "short" and can't be changed back to a useful height.

Turning off the Widgets display allows one to increase and decrease the height of the Object list section as expected. Also, there is no "jump" when changing the vertical height.

Resolution:
Fixed.

ID:
7831

Status:
Fixed

Date:
2024/10/17

MainWindow.SortCompareRows: Nil Object Exception

Exception Type: Nil Object Exception

1: Function MainWindow.SortCompareRows( MainWindow, int64, int64, int64, int64, string, pListBox.SortDirections, byref int64 ) as boolean
2: Function MainWindow.ObjectList_RowComparison( MainWindow, ObjectListbox, int64, int64, int64, byref int64 ) as boolean
3: Sub DesktopListBox.Sort()
4: Sub MainWindow.SortObjectList( MainWindow )
5: Sub MainWindow.MultiSortObjectList( MainWindow, boolean )
6: Sub MainWindow.SortObjects( MainWindow )
7: Sub MainWindow.SortListPopup_Action( MainWindow, SelfLoadingPopup, string )
8: Sub SelfLoadingPopup.Event_Action( string, int64 )
9: Sub APPictureButton.DoAction( string, int64 )
10: Sub APPictureButton.Event_Pressed()
11: Sub DesktopApplication._CallFunctionWithExceptionHandling()

User description of above error trace:

I am doing some experiments: I tried to sort the list of a plan with the button at the bottom « sort list » on the transit time. The same error happens as when I click on the head of the column. I tried to save the plan (created with the former version) and reopen it but the problem stays the same.

Resolution:
Fixed. Hopefully.

ID:
7865

Status:
Fixed

Date:
2024/10/17

GotoDialog.GetRADec: Nil Object Exception

Exception Type: Nil Object Exception

1: Sub GotoDialog.GetRADec( GotoDialog, byref double, byref double )
2: Sub MainWindow.CentreFoVAtCoordinates( MainWindow )
3: Sub MainWindow.FoV_MenuAction( MainWindow, CMMCanvas, string, string, string )
4: Function CMMCanvas.Event_ContextualMenuItemSelected( DesktopMenuItem ) as boolean
5: Sub DesktopApplication._CallFunctionWithExceptionHandling()

User description of above error trace:

In the FoV "center FoV at coordinates" window, I accidentally entered the value "60" in the declination seconds window.

Resolution:
Fixed.

ID:
7873

Status:
Implemented

Date:
2024/10/17

Selecting objects in the WDS catalog

The WDS catalog is perhaps unique, in that different components of a double star have identical ID's.

When extracting the information for all components of a double star, it would be very useful if the search would result in all components of that double star (read: all matching ID's) were selected.

For example, the double star STF123, per attached screenshot: it has 4 components (A through D), all of which currently need to be manually selected to be added to a planfile. The search function in a catalog (the WDS specifically, but perhaps other, too) would benefit greatly from a user selectable option "select all objects with matching ID's".

Attachment: VAvW 2024-10-06 om 09.56.07.jpg

Resolution:
Implemented.

ID:
7876

Status:
Implemented

Date:
2024/10/15

Remove requirement for SMTP parameters

Remove the requirement to specify an outgoing SMTP service to send messages to AstroPlanner support.

Resolution:
Implemented.

ID:
7874

Status:
Implemented

Date:
2024/10/10

Add KStars as an external (planetarium) app

Add KStars as an external (planetarium) app. Mac and Windows.

Analysis:
Can only sync Kstars' FoV to reflect AstroPlanner's - not the other way around (at this time).

Resolution:
Implemented.

ID:
7868

Status:
Fixed

Date:
2024/09/25

Script no longer working as before

These two lines of code no longer work in latest beta version 2.4.1b1

ImageTime = ImageTime.ParseDate(obj.UserField(TargetNumberFieldName).Value)
Plan().LocalDateTimeSynchronous = ImageTime

definition of ImageTime
dim ImageTime as new Date

ParseDate always returned the Date and time form of the string stored in the UserField

The Plan display then updated correctly after recalculating the plan for this date and time.

Now this fails silently and the plan reverts to the current date and time - causing a total failure of the script logic

Will have to revert to previous beta of Astroplanner where the same script works perfectly

Resolution:
Fixed.

ID:
7871

Status:
Implemented

Date:
2024/09/25

Add additional eyepiece to printed Finder Charts

Add at least one additional eyepiece to printed Finder Charts, so I can show medium and high magnification.

Resolution:
Implemented. Added 3 additional eyepiece options. If chosen, the largest FoV eyepiece will define the field of view, and the rest will be drawn as annotated circles within the field of view.

ID:
7870

Status:
Fixed

Date:
2024/09/23

ASCOM Unparks the telescope on connecting

When the telescope is connected (and ASCOM is used), AstroPlanner tries to Unpark the mount, when it wasn't previously parked causing the mount to slew uncontrollably.

Analysis:
Forgot to check AtPark before attempting to Unpark. Note that this is only an issue with scope mounts that can be parked.

Resolution:
Fixed. Verified by Peter G.

ID:
7863

Status:
Fixed

Date:
2024/08/26

Searching for PK027-03.2 does not succeed

Searching for PK027-03.2 does not succeed, even though there is at least on catalogue containing it.

Analysis:
An issue with PK and PNG object searches.

Resolution:
Fixed.

ID:
7829

Status:
Fixed

Date:
2024/08/24

Long term visibility widget shows black crosses

Version 2.4 release. Also was in 2.4b25.
If horizon is enabled, some of the red crosses are shown as black (whether the item is below the specified horizon or not).

Analysis:
Not (completely) fixed in V2.4.1b1. There's an issue if an upper horizon is used.

Resolution:
Fixed. Issue no longer occurs if an upper horizon is defined.

ID:
7789

Status:
Fixed

Date:
2024/08/24

Possible memory leak issue

I am experiencing performance issues. AP just slows down over time (with no scripting). Also, the use of images in the FOV tab causes the “Computing” message to be displayed for a few seconds when switching between objects. I did try using AP on a lower powered laptop and it was slow. The redraw of the UI was painful in some cases. If I turn off images, then The FOV tab is pretty good but over time the slowdown is quite bad.

Analysis:
I couldn't find any obvious memory leak issues. User verifies that this is no longer happening. However, the memory cache option was basically non-functional. I have refactored it to be more efficient (memory-wise)

Resolution:
Fixed. Well, the memory cache issue anyway.

ID:
7910

Status:
Fixed

Date:
2024/08/23

ObservationWindow.EditObservation: Nil Object Exception

Exception Type: Nil Object Exception

1: Function ObservationWindow.EditObservation( ObservationWindow ) as boolean
2: Sub ObservationWindow.obs_DoublePressed( ObservationWindow, StripedListBox )
3: Sub DesktopApplication._CallFunctionWithExceptionHandling()

User description of above error trace:

Closed the observation database by hitting Cmd+W, immediately followed by Cmd+S and this exception popped up.

Analysis:
The error indicates a double-click of the observation list. Not sure what is going on here, but I added some code to avoid it happening in the future.

Resolution:
Fixed.

ID:
7862

Status:
Fixed

Date:
2024/08/22

FindCityDialog.FindCity: Out Of Bounds Exception

Exception Type: Out Of Bounds Exception
Exception Message: (Error near B)

1: Sub FindCityDialog.FindCity( FindCityDialog )
2: Sub FindCityDialog.TypingTimer_Action( FindCityDialog, Timer )
3: Sub DesktopWindow.ShowModal( DesktopWindow )
4: Sub Utility.ShowModalFromDialog( extends DesktopWindow, DesktopWindow )
5: Sub SetupWizardDialog.FindPlaceBtn_Pressed( SetupWizardDialog, APPushButton )
6: Sub APPushButton.Event_Pressed()
7: Sub DesktopWindow.ShowModal( DesktopWindow )
8: Sub App.Event_Opening()
9: Sub DesktopApplication._CallFunctionWithExceptionHandling()

User description of above error trace:

trying to find a place in New Mexico
message= (Error near B)

Analysis:
I think the other changes I already made should fix this.

Resolution:
Fixed. Hopefully.

ID:
7845

Status:
Fixed

Date:
2024/08/15

App.OpenFileFromDisk: I/O Exception

Exception Type: I/O Exception
Exception Number: 60

1: Sub TextInputStream.CheckForError()
2: Function TextInputStream.ReadLine( TextEncoding ) as string
3: Function App.OpenFileFromDisk( FolderItem, boolean, int64, int64, int64, int64 ) as MainWindow
4: Function App._FileOpen_Action() as boolean
5: Sub DesktopApplication._CallFunctionWithExceptionHandling()

number=60

Resolution:
Fixed.

ID:
7847

Status:
Fixed

Date:
2024/08/09

CURLConnection.Get: Nil Object Exception

Exception Type: Nil Object Exception

1: Function CURLConnection.Get( string, FolderItem, int64 ) as boolean
2: Function Utility.HTTPGet( string, FolderItem, int64, byref int64, string, string ) as boolean
3: Sub MainWindow.SevenTimerChart( MainWindow )
4: Function MainWindow._Observation7TimerChart_Action( MainWindow ) as boolean
5: Sub DesktopApplication._CallFunctionWithExceptionHandling()

User description of above error trace:

triggering 7Timer chart

Resolution:
Fixed.

ID:
7844

Status:
Fixed

Date:
2024/08/09

MainWindow.DrawConstellation: Nil Object Exception

Exception Type: Nil Object Exception

1: Function MainWindow.DrawConstellation( MainWindow, Graphics, Constellation, uint64, PlanObject ) as ConstellationPicture
2: Sub MainWindow.DSSPictureThread_Run( MainWindow, APThread )
3: Sub APThread.Event_Run()

Resolution:
Fixed.

ID:
7903

Status:
Fixed

Date:
2024/08/09

MainWindow.Maximise: Nil Object Exception

Exception Type: Nil Object Exception

1: Sub MainWindow.Maximise( MainWindow, boolean )
2: Sub MainWindow.MaximiseTimer_Action( MainWindow, Timer )
3: Sub DesktopApplication._CallFunctionWithExceptionHandling()

User description of above error trace:

pening a observing plan I recently downloaded from, File>recent plans

Resolution:
Fixed.

ID:
7841

Status:
Fixed

Date:
2024/08/09

ImageManagementWindow.DeleteSelectedImages: DatabaseException

Exception Type: DatabaseException
Exception Message: cannot start a transaction within a transaction
Exception Number: 1

1: Sub Database.CheckForError()
2: Sub Database.BeginTransaction()
3: Sub ImageDatabase.Delete( int64 )
4: Sub ImageDatabase.Delete( int64() )
5: Sub ImageManagementWindow.DeleteSelectedImages( ImageManagementWindow )
6: Sub ImageManagementWindow.DeleteBtn_Pressed( ImageManagementWindow, PDPushButton )
7: Sub DesktopApplication._CallFunctionWithExceptionHandling()

User description of above error trace:

Using Image Manager as I tried to delete an image that showed "Cannot open image #243[A]" instead of the real image I uploaded."Repairing damage image database" is running for more than a week
number=1
message=cannot start a transaction within a transaction

Analysis:
I believe this is related to report #7834

Resolution:
Fixed.

ID:
7842

Status:
Fixed

Date:
2024/08/09

PlanObject.Serialise.Set: JSONException

Exception Type: JSONException
Exception Message: lexical error: invalid bytes in UTF8 string.

1: Sub Xojo.ParseJSON( string )
2: Sub JSONItem.Constructor( string )
3: Sub JSONItem.Load( string )
4: Sub PlanObject.Serialise.Set( int32, string )
5: Function ObjectListbox._EditPaste_Action() as boolean
6: Sub DesktopApplication._CallFunctionWithExceptionHandling()

User description of above error trace:

Tried to paste rows from clipboard into existing plan using “Edit” and then “Paste” from menu in title bar.
message=lexical error: invalid bytes in UTF8 string.

Resolution:
Fixed. I hope.

ID:
7843

Status:
Fixed

Date:
2024/08/09

ComputeDarkTime.data: Nil Object Exception

Exception Type: Nil Object Exception
Exception Message: (A B C D t=2024-06-12 22:55:05 iday=-1 twEnd=2024-06-10 21:00:00 iday=0 twEnd=2024-06-11 21:00:00 iday=1 twEnd=2024-06-12 21:00:00 E twstart=nil twend=21:00 E4 vStart=nil vEnd=21:00 F)

1: Sub ComputeDarkTime.data( MainWindow, int64, string, bjectField, boolean )
2: Sub PlanObject.Data( MainWindow, int64, string, bjectField, boolean )
3: Sub PlanObject.ComputeVisibility( MainWindow, SiteResource )
4: Function PlanObject.AddObservation( MainWindow, PlanObservation ) as PlanObservation
5: Sub MainWindow.DuplicateObservation( MainWindow )
6: Sub MainWindow.DuplicateObservationBtn_Action( MainWindow, APPictureButton, string, int64 )
7: Sub APPictureButton.DoAction( string, int64 )
8: Sub APPictureButton.Event_Pressed()
9: Sub DesktopApplication._CallFunctionWithExceptionHandling()

message=(A B C D t=2024-06-12 22:55:05 iday=-1 twEnd=2024-06-10 21:00:00 iday=0 twEnd=2024-06-11 21:00:00 iday=1 twEnd=2024-06-12 21:00:00 E twstart=nil twend=21:00 E4 vStart=nil vEnd=21:00 F)

Resolution:
Fixed.

ID:
7857

Status:
Fixed

Date:
2024/08/09

ObjectListbox.Number: Nil Object Exception

Exception Type: Nil Object Exception

1: Function ObjectListbox.Number( int64 ) as int64
2: Function MainWindow.FindListRow( MainWindow, int64 ) as int64
3: Sub MainWindow.UpdateObject( MainWindow, PlanObject, string )
4: Sub MainWindow.CommitObjectListChange( MainWindow )
5: Sub MainWindow.ObjectListTimer_Action( MainWindow, Timer )
6: Sub DesktopApplication._CallFunctionWithExceptionHandling()

User description/s of above error trace:

a. Opened the application and saw this.

b. Opened the application with an observing plan that had 672 objects.

c. opened the application

Resolution:
Fixed.

ID:
7853

Status:
Fixed

Date:
2024/08/09

FindCityDialog.FindCity: Out Of Bounds Exception

Exception Type: Out Of Bounds Exception
Exception Message: (Error near B)

1: Sub FindCityDialog.FindCity( FindCityDialog )
2: Sub FindCityDialog.TypingTimer_Action( FindCityDialog, Timer )
3: Sub DesktopApplication._CallFunctionWithExceptionHandling()

User description of above error trace:

The city I noted doesn't exist in the list of towns

Analysis:
The issue occurs when you delete the search field contents. It tries to search on a blank field and falls over.

Resolution:
Fixed.

ID:
7856

Status:
Implemented

Date:
2024/08/04

Improve site Find... function

Add an interactive map showing the location of the city within the state /province / country. Correct the all-uppercase US place names to title case (current upper case).

Resolution:
Implemented.

ID:
7915

Status:
Fixed

Date:
2024/08/01

DateExtensions.AsDateTime: InvalidArgumentException

Exception Type: InvalidArgumentException
Exception Message: Month out of range. Attempted to convert Date(28296, 10465, 0, 0, 0, 0)

1: Function DateExtensions.AsDateTime( extends Date ) as DateTime
2: Sub APDateControl.Value( assigns Date )
3: Sub PlanWizardDialog.OpenStuff( PlanWizardDialog )
4: Sub PlanWizardDialog.OpenTimer_Action( PlanWizardDialog, Timer )
5: Sub DesktopWindow.ShowModal( DesktopWindow )
6: Sub App.NewPlanCreationWizard( MainWindow )
7: Function App._FilePlanCreationWizard_Action() as boolean
8: Sub DesktopApplication._CallFunctionWithExceptionHandling()
User description of above error trace:

I started the plan creation wizzard. I previously modified some criteria.
message=Month out of range. Attempted to convert Date(-9832, 4220, 0, 0, 0, 0)

Resolution:
Fixed.

ID:
7851

Status:
Fixed

Date:
2024/08/01

City missing

To locate the observation city, my country Colombia is found, but the capital city, Bogota, is not found. Can you correct that?

Analysis:
Seems that I forgot to add larger cities to the database.

Resolution:
Fixed.

ID:
7850

Status:
Implemented

Date:
2024/07/31

Scripting: additions to the framework

Add Astronomy class that allows some astronomical math stuff to be done without having to resort to including the code in the script.

Add Picture class that allows pictures (from picture files (JPEG, PNG, TIFF) to be loaded, saved, manipulated. Also gets FoV chart, Sky chart, Constellation, Images, etc. to be acquired, manipulated, and saved.

Resolution:
Implemented.

ID:
7834

Status:
Fixed

Date:
2024/07/31

ImageDatabase.AddImage: DatabaseException

Exception Type: DatabaseException
Exception Message: cannot start a transaction within a transaction
Exception Number: 1

1: Sub Database.CheckForError()
2: Sub Database.BeginTransaction()
3: Function ImageDatabase.AddImage( Picture, string, string, double, double, boolean, string, double, double, boolean, boolean, double ) as int64
4: Function ImageDatabase.AddUserImage( double, double, string, boolean ) as int64
5: Function ImageDatabase.AddUserImage( PlanObject ) as int64
6: Sub MainWindow.AddUserImage( MainWindow )
7: Sub MainWindow.ObjectList_MenuAction( MainWindow, ObjectListbox, string, string, string )
8: Sub AddHandler.Stub.63( string, string, string )
9: Function StripedListBox.ServiceMenu( DesktopMenuItem ) as boolean
10: Function StripedListBox.Event_ContextualMenuItemSelected( DesktopMenuItem ) as boolean

User description of above error trace:

About 2 weeks ago I lost a few images/fotos and this message appeared "Repairing damage image database". I left it working for 4 consecutive days but it didn't recover any of those missing images. Now everytime I star Astroplanner the same message comes up.I tried to add manualy these missing images but the system doesn't let me and when I try this error condition appears.What can I do?
number=1
message=cannot start a transaction within a transaction

Resolution:
Fixed. I hope.

ID:
7849

Status:
Fixed

Date:
2024/07/31

Scripting editor fixes

a. Scripting error line can be off-by-one if the script starts with one or more blank lines.
b. Pasting text can be in the wrong place if the script contains any multi-byte characters before the paste position.

Resolution:
Fixed.

ID:
7848

Status:
Fixed

Date:
2024/07/31

Export object list to APT format not working

I previously had this problem with earlier software. the export feature worked in version 2.3.2 but does not work in version 2.4.
When I try to export the astroplanner list to the ATP format, none of the objects show up.

Analysis:
Looks like a Windows-only issue.

Resolution:
Fixed.