SkyPortal or SkySafari or ???

[Flyhigh7]

Though my scope has not yet arrived I want to finalize what GoTo software I will use with it so I don't have to learn more than 1 system. I hear many use skySafari over the SkyPortal and I'd like to understand the advantages it offers. I do not have SkySense so if SkySafari requires it than I guess I won't use it.

I have loaded the SkyPortal in my Apple iPhone 7 and used it in compass mode but it doesn't show deep space objects unless I zoom the screen but then I don't recognize the labels such as 'v OPH'. I do see HR numbers (whatever they are) but no Messier or NGC numbers.

Whatever software I decide to use I would like it compatible with the Celestron Telescope Handset as well as my phone.

So what software do you Sky Masters like to use with your telescope and why do you like it.

Thanks in advance!

[Flyhigh7]

I see SkySafari Pro has an initial cost of $29.00. Fine but they talk about a regular subscription to Live Sky and SkySafari Premium. Can you use SkySafari Pro without any subscriptions and recurring charges?

[AstroBee]

I see SkySafari Pro has an initial cost of $29.00. Fine but they talk about a regular subscription to Live Sky and SkySafari Premium. Can you use SkySafari Pro without any subscriptions and recurring charges?

Yes, you can use SkySafari without an ongoing subscription. I use SkySafari Pro and it is a great app. It is my go-to app for planning objects for star parties and even imaging sessions if all I have is my phone or tablet.
The LiveSky feature is of no use to me and seems more like a money grab. Not worth it. I guess it's nice if you want to keep track of objects you have viewed in an online database and they have a forum of sorts for other users to collaborate. Again, nothing I have found useful.

[Flyhigh7]

Thanks. AstroBee. No Subscription, I'm in!

[JayTee]

Even the free version of SkySafari is pretty powerful. I own both SkySafari 6 & 7 Pro. So worth it, and no subscriptions needed.

[Bigzmey]

I have tried a few apps and I like SkySafari Pro the most. I don't even use printed atlases anymore. It is scalable and most detailed sky atlas, Moon and planets app, most comprehensive DSOs and doubles data base all in one. I control my GoTo mounts via SkySafari Pro to.

[Flyhigh7]

Do you guys use skySafari with a phone or with an iPad. I know it works with both but it displays so much info on a tiny phone screen I wonder if it motivates you to get an iPad.

[Bigzmey]

Do you guys use skySafari with a phone or with an iPad. I know it works with both but it displays so much info on a tiny phone screen I wonder if it motivates you to get an iPad.

Ye, it is smallish on the phone. However, I like that it fits in my palm. I can hold it in one hand as a reference and use the other hand to operate the scope, change EPs, etc.

[Flyhigh7]

I can hold it in one hand as a reference and use the other hand to operate the scope, change EPs, etc.

Good point.

[JayTee]

I like keeping my phone close by so I use Sky Safari on my phone. The reason I keep it close by is that I dictate my observing notes into the phone while I'm looking through the eyepiece. This makes it so I don't have to remember anything when I go to put those notes in my log.

[Flyhigh7]

The reason I keep it close by is that I dictate my observing notes into the phone while I'm looking through the eyepiece. This makes it so I don't have to remember anything when I go to put those notes in my log.

That's cool JayTee. I saw that SkySafari has a section to log your visual experiences.

[AstroBee]

I have it loaded on both my phone and tablet. Works great on both. Obviously much larger screen on the tablet.

[Juno16]

I used Skyportal for Goto on my Nextar before using Skysafari. I believe that Skyportal is just a scaled back version of Skysafari.

I use version 7 pro and version 6 plus. I still have 6, but use 7 exclusively, however, I really prefer the version 6 to version 7.

Like JT said, it is really convinient to take voice logs with Skysafari on the phone. When I rarely do visual, I use Skysafari on my ipad to control the scope. The bigger screen is much easier to see with my oldish eyes.

[Bigzmey]

I use version 7 pro and version 6 plus. I still have 6, but use 7 exclusively, however, I really prefer the version 6 to version 7.

I also prefer 6 pro over 7 pro. I think this is mainly because they decided to change icons in 7 pro for no good reason. Other than that I don't believe there any significant differences in functionality.

[JayTee]

I use version 7 pro and version 6 plus. I still have 6, but use 7 exclusively, however, I really prefer the version 6 to version 7.

Ditto! Sort of. I use 6 way more than I use 7. Just not a fan of the 7 GUI
I got a new Samsung galaxy phone for Christmas and just last night installed my local horizon on 6 and 7. Having this as an option makes it more usable to me. Of course, I can do this in Stellarium too.

[AstroBee]

I use version 7 pro and version 6 plus. I still have 6, but use 7 exclusively, however, I really prefer the version 6 to version 7.

Ditto! Sort of. I use 6 way more than I use 7. Just not a fan of the 7 GUI
I got a new Samsung galaxy phone for Christmas and just last night installed my local horizon on 6 and 7. Having this as an option makes it more usable to me. Of course, I can do this in Stellarium too.

I knew you could do custom horizons in Stellarium, I've done that. But I was not aware it was possible in SkySafariPro! Looks like I have another rainy day project to fool around with.

[BigKahuna]

I also use SkySafari 7 Pro on my phone and both of my android tablets. It, to me, is much better than stellarium and skyportal. It is well worth the cost.