How can I contribute to CdC?
You can contribute in several ways:
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I have CdC version 2.76. What do I need to do to run the new version 3. How many files do I download and do I delete 2.76 first
You just need to install the version 3.0 beta for Windows in the same directory as the version 2.76. Do not try to install in another directory and do not delete anything because you can use the two version at the same time, this is useful as long the V3.0 is not completed. Run cdc.exe for the V3.0 or ciel.exe for the V2.76
Are the earlier catalogs associated with CdC V2.76 compatible with CdC V3.00 beta
Yes, all these catalogs can be used with the version 3.0
Where do I install the extra catalogues under Linux, in which directory do they go into?
If you can have root right it is best to put them in /usr/share/apps/skychart/cat to have them with the basic catalogs. But you can also install them anywhere as long as you specify the full path in the catalog configuration menu.
Can I get Cartes du Ciel software for a Macintosh
I recently compiled and ran CdC on OSX 10.4/Intel. This is probably also possible with the previous PPC versions. But this still need some work and I am not a Mac user, please contact me if you have some development skill and want to help with this port.
What can I do with MySQL
MySQL was used as the default database up to the version alpha 7. Since june 2005 it is replaced by the more simple SQLite. You can still use MySQL if required, for example to share the database across a local network. The database is used to store the following data: asteroids and comets elements, object pictures, world locations.
Does CdC V3.0 for Linux support telescope tracking
Yes, CdC V3.0 for Linux use INDI to interface to the telescope. Any telescope model supported by INDI must work with CdC. Also you can use plugins to interface to ASCOM, Meade protocol or a simple encoder interface.
There is no “follow” and “see” telescope in the telescope menu of the V3.0
This is replaced by the “lock on” feature (the anchor button). When the telescope is connected and no other object is selected this button lock on the telescope.
Why is the sky blue
Because it is daytime or the Moon is up. You can change that from the configuration menu, Display, Sky color.
How can I see sky chart with simulation of planets before 3000 B.C
This is not possible because we lack a reliable computation method before 3000 BC. Even the JPL long ephemeride DE406 do not go before.
How can I switch the language from english to my language
Since the version beta 3.0.1.2 the language is detected automatically when you start the program. The menu Setup / System / Language let you select another language.
Does have CdC V3 DDE support
Not at the moment. The standard communication protocol for the V3 is tcp/ip for portability reason. DDE will probably be implemented in the future, maybe as a gateway.
With my Linux version the fonts are too small/ too big
This is a problem with your default Gtk1 setting. There are many ways to solve that. If you use KDE tell it to use is style for the Gtk applications. You can also use the switch application to change the Gtk theme and fonts. Or for the manual way look at this file
I’ve installed CdC V3.0 but program doesn’t display stars or objects
You probably installed only the program. You also have to install the base catalog package. Look at Download page and follow instructions in the Documentation.