VStar 2.16.2 has just been released!
The most important thing to note about this version is that you MUST go to the VStar webpage and download VStar again by clicking the blue button. Please discard any old versions you may have of vstar.jnlp because it has changed. This is the one exception to the rule about getting automatic updates to Java Web Start applications.
With this release, David has also implemented the changes necessary to re-establish use of the APASS and BSM Epoch Photometry plug-ins for AAVSO members. If you haven't tried plotting data using one of these plug-ins you really should check it out. It is pretty neat to be able to view light curves that have probably never before been viewed with human eyes!
There are now 15 different plug-ins available for use with VStar and it is easier than ever to access or update them using the Plug-in Manager (Select "Tool" then "Plug-in Manager..." from the menu bar). This brings up a list of all available plug-ins, including a brand new one from VStar CHOICE course graduate, Paul York. Paul's plug-in, called "Observer's by series" will display a list showing which observers submitted observations in each of the bands present in the light curve you are viewing. With this, it is possible to see quickly who is observing visually and who is making CCD V-band observations for a given star, for example. Thank you Paul!
Another neat plug-in related note is that for certain observation source plug-ins (ASAS, Kepler, and Catalina Sky Survey so far) you now have a choice to upload the data via URL as well as by traditional text file. For example, VStar is now able to read data in the format you get when you search ASAS for a light curve then click "GetData" on their website. All you have to do is enter the URL from the results page into VStar - no more cutting and pasting the data into text files! Click here for an example.
As usual, David has been busy fixing bugs and adding new capabilities to VStar. You can read more about them in the ChangeLog.
Don't forget that there is an up-to-date User Manual for VStar that explains how to use all of VStar's many features. Should you have any questions, you are more than welcome to post them to this forum.
Thank you once again for all your hard work, David Benn!
Thanks Sara for your support, as always.
Yep, it's great to see others starting to write plug-ins. Thanks Paul, I appreciate it. One of the things Paul, Blake (also on the recent VStar CHOICE course), myself and others have briefly talked about is a possible plug-in development course. Something for future consideration.
In recent times, requests for a number of plug-ins have come up. So, after I've caught my breath, and after this weekend (when my kids will keep me busy), some of the things I'll be looking at are:
Also, I will probably tweak the Leavitt's Law plug-in menu item text some more as it can be improved. Don't be afraid to delete and re-install plug-ins via the Plug-in Manager.
Above all, if you have problems or feedback, let us know via the forum or email!
David