How can I contribute to CdC

You can contribute in a number of way:

• Try frequently the last snapshot and report the bugs you found.
• Write some documentation here or correct my misspelling.
• Translate to your own language the program or the pages here.
• Review the program code and propose your improvement.
• Other idea? … contact me.

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 this catalogs can be used with the version 3.0

Where do I install the extra catalogues under Linux, what 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 you can specify the full path in the catalog configuration menu.

Can I get Cartes du Ciel software for a Macintosh

I recently compile and run 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 location.

Will CdC V3.0 for Linux support telescope tracking per V2.76

Yes, CdC V3.0 for Linux use INDI to interface to the telescope. Any telescope model supported by INDI must work with CdC.

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 is many way 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