SkyGate 1.0 - Description & Pricing Information

SkyGate is a full function astronomy database and planetarium system.  Database objects are plotted on a graphical display of the sky.  The user is then provided with point and click access to the datatabase records and telescope control for Celestron's Compustar.  Night vision is provided via OS/2 scheme palette.  SkyGate also includes SkyView, a 32 bit viewer for .gif, .bmp, .pcs and other image formats.

SkyGate.Zip may be downloaded containing full features.  However, this demo will expire after 30 days.  If the user wishes to continue to use SkyGate he must obtain a "key" for $139.  The database and SkyView are provided free and will not expire.  SkyGate requires OS2 v2.0 or higher, 4m disk space.  An 80387 math coprocessor is STRONGLY recomended for 386 users.    

Files on CompuServe include:
  SkyGate.Txt  - Description & Pricing Information.
  SkyGate.Zip  - SkyGate executables and default database.
  SkyDataX.Zip - SkyGate database extended (optional).

The user is given complete control of the graphical display.  Extensive database filters are provided for object selection.  The user also controls the display of object names, constellation lines and grid lines.  Both slide bar and spin button are provided for the user to both quickly and accurately set the field of view (zoom).  The field of view may be set from 1 degree to 360 degrees.  The user may also reverse the display both horozontally and vertically.

The default database contains more than 10,000 deep sky objects, the Sun, Moon and planets, and the SAO catalog of stars down to 5.4 magnitued.  For those who require additional precision an alternate database is provided which contains the SAO catalog down to 8 magnitude.  This file may be downloaded from CompuServe as SkyDataX.Zip.

A comprehensive log file is provided where the user can save coments about his observations.  The user can also attach graphical files (.gif's, etc.) to the log.  SkyGate can be used to invoke SkyView to display the images.

Extensive query facilities are provided, using both the data file and the log file as arguments.  All data is stored as dBase IV files containing standard .mdx's.  Users who have access to dBase can create their own queries and reports.

There is no attempt on the part of AstroGrafx to "sell" data.  The SAO and other catalogs may be obtained on CD from NASA for about $25.  The deep sky objects included are from the Saquaro Astronomy Club's Database v6.0 and are being used by permission.  This database may be acquired in text format free from the source.

Sources for information used in the development of SkyGate include:

 Saquaro Astronomy Club - SAC 6.0 database.
 CompuServe ASTROFOR Forum.
 CompuServe OS2DEV1 Forum.
 IBM Corporation "The Developer Connection for OS/2"
 Blain, Delimon & English "Real-World Programming for OS/2"

It is our goal to make SkyGate the very best it can be.  User comments and suggestions are always welcome.  Please address all comments to:

 Wayne L. Gary
 AstroGrafx
 7317 Falmouth Dr.
 Ft. Worth, TX 71640
 Phone: 817.483.4653
 CIS:  71640.3466