MegaStar5 List Builder 

Generate MegaStar5 Observing Lists 

About MkMegaStar5List   

REVISION 3 FROM   24Aug2008 NOW POSTED (Many improvements and fixes)

The tool takes as input a simple list of objects that have one entry per line ( 'NGC 7331' ) and outputs an observing list that can be directly used along with MegaStar5. Because I am not aware of copyright restrictions I cannot include the actual database entries from MegaStar so this program is only of value if you have the MegaStar5 program already. I may someday find a royalty free list to use with this program so may be able to supply a database as well at some future time.

How To Setup And Use  MkMegaStar5List

The zip file near the end of this page needs to be unzipped into a folder on a Windows pc that can run Win32 console applications (Windows 2000, XP, maybe Vista). I have only tested Windows XP as of Feb 2008.

The program allows you to make MegaStar5 compatible observing lists as long as you have the MegaStar5 program as a source of data.
You must have a file called: MegaStarDbRef.txt which you have first prepaired by an extract from MegaStar using the Database utility which I will explain how to use later in this help file. A very short database file is included in the zip file as well as a very short input file for testing.
C: >  mkMegaStarList ObjectNamesSample.txt  >  ObservingListSample.txt

This tool runs from within a 'DOS concole' window only at this time.

Unzip the package into a folder on a Windows XP system and then START then the Run and type 'cmd'.   Change directory to the folder you saved the files into and then you can run the tool.
Take as input a list with simple object names that are made of 2 parts.

 Part 1: Letters for the catalog like M, NGC, Cr, Stock
 Part 2: Numbers or in some cases groups of numbers with dash or :

 This program will find the objects if they are found in the database on as one of the first 3 sets of designations on the 1st of the database 2-lines per object format. Sometimes MegaStar may have many more designations but this program ignores those as of Jan 2008.
 Output is 2 lines per input line that are directly from a MegaStar format observation list which I will call the reference file.
 Requires a MegaStar reference file which needs to contain all the objects in the input list. Objects not found will appear in the output file as 'not found' so you will see that placeholder but they will not be able to be clicked upon to get MegaStar to go to them.
 The file named by mySimpleList.txt must have 1 object per line  and these objects can be in the following formats
 M42         Simple Messier object.
 NGC 7331    NGC object (also accepts no space)
 IC 1338     Object from IC catalog
 
 There can be a space or not between M, NGC, IC and the number.

 Output: File suitable to be loaded as a MegaStar5 observing list

 Other detailed notes and explanations:

 Forming a MegaStar format Reference File:
The MegaStar format reference file is formed by using MegaStar menu options of 'DSO - DSO Utility' and from there use filters or other ways and then save that output by using 'list objects' which opens an observing list. Then use 'Save Obs List' to a file which will be the database this script needs. Must name megastar 'reference' as MegaStarDbRef.txt
 
Many objects have 2 or more names on the 1st of the 2 lines in a MegaStar observing list format file. The program will first try to find a match for name1 (first on the line) and then if it cannot find a match will try for 2nd then third name. But in the output file the origional MegaStar line will show up so don't let that confuse you when you see the list. Be sure to support the lines below with text OBJECT_CATALOGS: where you need to add more catalogs should you want more objects available

This tool is free for personal use only but if you wish to make a donation I will not mind.
BOOKMARK THIS PAGE FIRST OR GET THE ZIP FIRST
BECAUSE THE LINK BELOW MAY NOT RETURN TO HERE.