Pocket Stars FAQ
|
|
|
|
|
Why are
there five different versions of Pocket Stars? Which one
should I use? |
Pocket Stars PDA runs on Pocket PC
devices.
Pocket PC 2002 and later devices only use the ARM processor.
Prior to
Pocket PC 2002, three different processors were used to build Win
CE devices: ARM, MIPS, and SH3. To determine your processor, go to Settings.System.About.
An "Over-the-Air" (OTA) version is also available
for all ARM devices. This version installs directly on your
PDA without requiring use of a PC. If you're using a Mac or
Linux, you probably want this version.
Pocket Stars SP
runs on Windows Mobile Smartphones.
Pocket Stars PC is available for
Win98SE, WinME, Win2K, WinXP, Windows Server 2003, and later operating systems.
|
|
Does Pocket Stars PDA run on
Palm or Handspring Devices?
|
No. Pocket Stars
PDA only runs on Pocket PCs running Pocket PC 2000, 2002, 2003
and Windows Mobile 5 for Pocket PC devices. This includes
all
devices labeled with the Pocket PC brand.
If you are looking for a similar program for Palm devices, check
out
Celestnav from Mobile Geographics LLC.
|
|
Where do I find detailed installation
instructions? |
Pocket Stars PDA Installation.
Pocket Stars PC
Installation.
|
|
Can any portion of Pocket
Stars PDA be installed on a CF or other external memory card?
|
Yes. The entire
application and data files can be installed on an external
memory card.
|
|
How much memory does Pocket
Stars PDA require?
|
Approximately 3.0 MB with a 10 year ephemeris file.
|
|
I'm having trouble upgrading on Windows Mobile 5.
What to do? |
Unlike all previous versions of the Pocket PC
Operating System, WM5 automatically attempts to un-install the
old version of an application during an upgrade. While this is
fine in theory, in practice, for yet unknown reasons this
de-installation step sometimes fails. Not just with Pocket Stars
but with many other applications as well. If the de-installation
step fails, then the installation aborts with an error. Then the
application is in limbo, unable to either install or uninstall.
If you experience this problem, follow these steps to convince
WM5 that the application is not installed:
- Exit Pocket Stars (Menu.Help.About.Quit)
- Attempt to manually uninstall Pocket Stars (Start.Settings.System.RemovePrograms
Nomad Electronics Pocket Stars). If an error occurs,
answer “Yes, remove from list of installed programs”.
- From your desktop:
ActiveSync.Explore.MobileDevice then delete the directory
“\Program Files\Pocket Stars” on your Pocket PC.
- Perform a normal installation.
|
|
|
I have my registration code, but it doesn't seem
to work!
|
You can visit the
following page to retrieve lost registration codes, or update an
existing code for Version 5.0:
Click here to update your Registration Code!
As of
Version 5.0, the registration scheme employed by Pocket Stars
has changed. If you have an earlier version of Pocket
Stars installed, you can upgrade to Version 5.0 by just
installing over your old version.
But if your PDA has had a hard reset since
Pocket Stars was installed, and you did not re-install your old
version, then you'll need a new registration code.
Version 5 Registration codes are derived from
the user name of your device. Click the link above if you
need to update or change your registration code.
Note that spaces and capitalization are
important in the "Registered Name"!
|
I've lost my registration code.
How do I
retrieve it?
|
First try this link:
Click here to find your Registration Code!
If you can't find your purchase record using the above link,
then you'll need to contact the distributor from which you
purchased Pocket Stars directly.
Most distributors have a page where you can
retrieve purchase records. For RegNow purchase, click
here.
|
I purchased the SH3 or MIPs version but I
really wanted the ARM version. What to do?
|
Just
download and install a trial copy of the correct version and use
the registration code you've already received.
|
|
How do I
register the product?
|
When you
download Pocket Stars from any of the distributors, you have the
option of receiving a free demo copy, or you can pay to receive a
registered copy. In either case the software downloaded is
identical.
Shortly after purchase of a registered copy, a registration code
will be sent via email. After installation is completed,
enter this code on the "Menu.Help.Registration" page (PDA version) or "Help.Registration"
(PC version) page.
|
|
What if I
don't register the product?
|
After 15
calendar days from installation, some functions will
become disabled and nag screens will sometimes appear.
|
I already
have the demo version.
If I register, do I need to download
another copy?
|
No.
Just enter the registration code into your existing copy of Pocket
Stars at Menu.Help.Registration. But please do make sure you're
running the latest version since improvements and additions are
being added frequently. |
|
What is the difference between a
"license" code, a "registration" code, and an "unlock" code?
|
Nothing.
Each distributor sends out purchase confirmation email containing
your registration code, and some call it a "license code", some a
"registration code", and some an "unlock" code. We have no
control over the contents of this email and for the purposes of
registering Pocket Stars please use all of these terms
interchangeably. |
|
|
I am a
registered user of an earlier version of Pocket Stars.
Can I
upgrade for free?
|
Yes!
Just download and install
the latest "trial" version.
The "trial" and "buy" versions are identical - you just don't get
a registration code when you download the "trial" version. Note
that you will not need to re-enter your registration code when
upgrading.
Just make sure you exit Pocket Stars before
starting the upgrade. On the PDA version, hit
Menu.About.Exit. On the PC version use Menu.Exit. |
|
|
|
How can I obtain a printed manual for Pocket
Stars?
|
Here
are manuals in .doc, .pdf, and .chm formats. |
What data sources were used to produce Pocket
Stars?
|
See References and Bibliography. |
Where is the history of Pocket Stars releases?
|
Check the Release History
section. This also includes a short summary of the changes
in each version.
|
|
What the heck does PDA stand for?
|
Personal Digital Assistant.
|
|
I really like Pocket Stars. Is
there any other way to express my pleasure?
|
Sure.
You can cast a vote for Pocket Stars in the
Handango People's Choice Awards. |
|
|
|
Uh, why is "West" shown on the right hand side
of the screen and "East" on the left hand side of the screen?
Isn't this backwards? |
Pocket Stars, like almost all other star charts, is
designed to be viewed with the PDA held overhead, in line between
the observer and the heavens. But you can flip the
orientation by selecting "Flip chart along North - South axis" on
the Preferences Page, or by "Tap-n-Hold.Horizon.Flip East - West".
Note that this capability is only available in versions 2.0.13.0
and beyond.
|
Can I use Pocket Stars for dates outside the
range of 2000 to 2020?
|
Yes, you can download ephemeris files with longer
date ranges on this
page.
|
What data sources were used to produce Pocket
Stars?
|
Look at the References and Bibliography section
here. |
|
|
|
|
|
What does
the Sextant Page do?
|
The Sextant Page is used to perform sight
reductions. Using a sextant and an accurate clock you can
locate your position anywhere on earth to within a few miles.
Here is a
demonstration movie showing the Sextant page in use.
|
