New bugfix release 1.6.2-beta1

[onetwothree]

CMOD Specularity Bug in 1.6.2

If a specularmap image file is specified in a CMOD model, that image is ignored by v1.6.2 (and by v1.6.1). It works in v1.7.0. It'd be nice if the fix could be backported to v1.6.2.

Hi Selden,

I'm unable to reproduce this bug (or missing feature) in 1.6.2:

[L_himalia]

Hi!! I'm a teacher that uses CELESTIA. I usally use the computer at school, but since we are doing everything virtually (I live in Argentina and school has been virtual all year) i've been using my MAC. Problem is that now I can't use Celestia because I have CATALINA. I'm really not good at coding or anything of the sorts... so can someone explain to me, step by step how to install it on my mac? I really appreciate it! Thanks!!

Edit: So I found the build someone posted... new question: Where can I upload the EXTRAS I DL from the celestia motherlode page?

PROBLEM SOLVED!!! THANKS!

[john71]

I'm sorry if it was already mentioned somewhere else, but where can I find the newest win64 exe file?

[SevenSpheres]

I'm sorry if it was already mentioned somewhere else, but where can I find the newest win64 exe file?

On GitHub (that link is also in this post).

[john71]

Thanx!!!

[Georgi]

I don't want to be that guy but I'm curious to ask what are the release blockers for 1.6.2 so far?

In my opinion if no serious bugs are found (or the existing bugs are not critical) this version should be released. If there are any leftovers you can always create 1.6.3 for example.

I'm not in a rush or anything but 1.6.1 is ageing badly right now which leads to support drop from the Linux distributions (the latest official version for Debian is supported in Jessie and was dropped in Stretch and Buster for example). Many other distributions could do the same and also this can create confusion in the potential users of Celestia that the software is long abandoned (not everyone bothers to look at the forum and publicity is lacking). The latest git commit about license changes is a step in the right direction but IMO it's time to finally wrap this up, release it and focus the effort entirely on 1.7.0.

What do you think?

[SevenSpheres]

I don't want to be that guy but I'm curious to ask what are the release blockers for 1.6.2 so far?

Data updates, although at this point I agree with you that it may be better to release 1.6.2 without updated data.

[Anthony_B_Russo10]

Though the 1.6.x branch would be something good to keep around to cater to people who have computers that are graphical potatoes.

[john71]

The last exe version is PERFECT. I tried every add-on in it and not a single problem has surfaced. One more thing would be very nice though: when loading a lot of data (GBs) into RAM, a "loading..." text should appear.

[onetwothree]

test build with point fade backported from 1.7

celestia162test.zip

[john71]

OK, I tried it. It crashes with my texture-heavy non-Sol start.cel file. I think the reason is that I use the new GAIA add-on and this exe file is 32 bit. I tried it using the normal start.cel file and it started OK, but became very slow after that, when I went to my texture and mesh heavy add-on systems. The RAM usage is under 1GB. CPU and RAM usage is very low by the way, can it be the cause of the frequent freezes and very long loading times?

[onetwothree]

probably. i posted it here to test https://github.com/CelestiaProject/Celestia/issues/847 only. what about video memory usage in your texture and mesh heavy add-on systems.

[john71]

I will check that too, but there is no problem with the 3D performance. What I don't understand is why can't Celestia use more RAM and CPU power? Only the hard drives limit Celestia's performance?

[Anthony_B_Russo10]

That is more where 1.7.0 would be. 1.6.2 still has legacy graphics support.

[onetwothree]

I wish this has data updates, but at least this is better than nothing: Final 1.6.2 for Windows. Please test before we make a formal announce.

[Art Blos]

I wish this has data updates, but at least this is better than nothing: Final 1.6.2 for Windows. Please test before we make a formal announce.

Checked it. The only old problem:

[onetwothree]

we need a developer with a real windows. under wine i don't have this issue.

[Markerz]

Here is 1.6.2 for macOS built against the current branch. Note there is a slight increase in binary size. This is due to Apple Silicon support.

[Anthony_B_Russo10]

It does work well.

Though 1.6.2 needs its installer to not default to a 1.6.1's install directory when 1.6.1 is installed. Also Onetwothree you can get Windows for free off of Microsoft website.

[onetwothree]

Though 1.6.2 needs its installer to not default to a 1.6.1's install directory when 1.6.1 is installed.

Do you want to volunteer to make this change?