Frequently Asked Questions

about Voyager III and SkyGazer

This page provides answers to some common questions and problems our users have encountered. If you have a question or problem not discussed here, please contact us by phone, FAX or e-mail. Before calling for support, try to duplicate the steps which lead to the trouble, so you can explain the details of the problem. It is helpful to be at your computer with the program running. Problems reported such as "The program doesn't work !" are very difficult to diagnose without more information.

To contact Carina Software for technical support:

• E-Mail your question or problem to support@carinasoft.com
• FAX your question or problem to (925) 838-0535
• Call our main office at (925) 838-0695

What are the differences between Voyager III and SkyGazer?

SkyGazer is the educational version of Voyager III. It has sometimes been called "Voyager junior", since it does not include advanced features like the orbit elements of comets and satellites, or telescope control capability. The sky charts in Voyager III and SkyGazer are essentially identical, though SkyGazer has fewer display options. Users of SkyGazer generally have little need for galactic coordinates or sinusoidal projections.

SkyGazer has a strong focus on presenting astronomical concepts in a simple way. It is generally non-numerical, so with no knowledge of precession or the obliquity of the ecliptic, you can investigate how Earth's axis wobbles over a 26,000 year period. Using animations and QuickTime movies, SkyGazer presents a full range of astronomical concepts. It is an excellent tool for teachers and for those new to astronomy.

Can I use my older Voyager settings files with Voyager III?

Yes. Setting files from Voyager II v2.0 and v1.0 can be read by Voyager III. Some information in older setting files may not translate to the Voyager III format. When you open an old setting file, make any necessary changes, and then save the file using the new Voyager III format.

The Voyager catalog data from earlier versions (stars and deep sky objects) has been replaced with newer and more accurate catalogs in Voyager III.

Do I need to use the Voyager III CD when I run the program?

No. You install Voyager III from the CD. A folder is created on your hard disk (about 20-40 megabytes in size) which contains the program and necessary files. After installation, the program runs directly from the hard disk.

The CD includes several large astronomical databases and a Picture Gallery of over 1000 celestial pictures. If the CD is mounted, the optional information on the CD will be used in the program. If the CD is not mounted, the program uses only the data installed on your hard disk. When you install Voyager III, you may choose to install some of the larger data files on to your hard disk.

Can I copy the Hubble Catalog, the Tycho Catalog, or the Picture Gallery to my hard disk?

Yes. These catalogs are options when you install the software. The Hubble Guide Star Catalog requires approximately 180 megabytes of storage. The Tycho catalog requires a more modest 25 megabytes, and the HC13 catalog needs about 50 megabytes. The Picture Gallery requires over 200 megabytes.

How can I start the program so it begins at my own location?

Both Voyager III and SkyGazer allow you to set your location, as well as other program preferences, and then save these preferences for future use. The program will then start up with the parameters that you have selected. The procedure is explained in detail in the manual. Basically, first adjust the parameters (location, chart colors, time, etc.) to your choosing. Then save this configuration in a settings file with the name "Startup". This file will be used the next time you run the program.

After upgrading to Voyager III, why is some data missing in the sky chart?

This is usually a result of the program not being able to find the necessary data files. Both Voyager III and SkyGazer look for the program data in a folder called "SkyData". This folder must be located inside the SkyGazer or Voyager III folder. Be sure you don't change the location of this folder or rename it.