nikonshooter Loc: Spartanburg, South Carolina

I got an email from Ken (developer) that he is giving up on SGP and taking a leave of absence. He said the hobby has lost it's appeal and constant client complaints has burned him out. He said he is finished. He is offering a refund for anyone who purchased the software in the last 60 days.

I own it...but do not use it. I have not taken the time to learn all of it's capabilities and prefer platesolving with Astrotortillia and combining that with BYEOS for NIkon or ATP for my CCD.

Regardless, I hate to see him give up and quit the work he and Jared have done.

Oknoder Loc: Western North Dakota

Odd I have not received this email, nor do I see any indication on their website. Not that I doubt you but what sucks is ken is the main developer of new modules and features. I think that SGP has gotten such a large following that a few programmers will step up, or maybe we can get them to open the source and allow users to contribute. I use this program exclusively as I can run the full setup without any input from me, so I can sleep while it works. At least presently it works fine with all my gear and have no desire to purchase anything new other than a mount, and that I am sure is already working since I will more than likely purchase used.

Matthew

nikonshooter Loc: Spartanburg, South Carolina

I was looking for the email and cannot find it....I am sure I delete it but I did find on their website in the Forum section a similar statement ..here is the link http://forum.mainsequencesoftware.com/t/signing-off/3592

Oknoder Loc: Western North Dakota

Thanks for the reply, after reading the posts, I am glad to see if his break becomes permanent he is open to thinking about open source. I love this program as many others do, it simplifies things by being all inclusive, no need to run a few different programs to accomplish a night's task. Only thing really missing is the planetarium side of the hobby. Incorporating Stellarium into its interface would be welcome but until then Starry Night is what I will continue to use.

Thanks Ed,
Matthew

nikonshooter Loc: Spartanburg, South Carolina

I tried using the SPG Plate solving feature and failed. Not too sure what I did wrong. There are no tutorials using the new IU...a bit disappointing. For my purposes, if it cannot plate solve - I will not use. I may to set up a conference call with you to work out the wrinkles.

Oknoder Loc: Western North Dakota

I use the Astrometry.net to plate solve, used to use something else which required an installed program, but can't recall the name, either way the Astrometry.net route was much quicker at solving. I agree if plate solving isn't incorporated I don't even want to begin playing with it.

I have become dependant on plate solving it is just so helpful, especially blind solving.

Matthew

nikonshooter Loc: Spartanburg, South Carolina

I added Pinpoint...it installed properly and is recognized. I am sure I have something set wrong. I totally understand the workings of Astrotortillia and if I have issues in poor seeing know how to tweak the numbers to get a solve - takes longer but works.