newbie problems with some features of PixInsight

[gunny]

    Hello,

    Recently downloaded the trial version of PixInsight and am currently using the recently released tutorial on LRBG combination from Kayron at Light Vortex Astronomy. I also am using the data that is available from Jim Misti's website (M101). Things go well with the combo  of RGB data into a single image with PixInsight (Cropping, linear fit, color combo, dbe, ect.).  I start to have problems once  I try to extract the luminous data utilizing the channel extract function.   I'm trying to  extract a monochrome luminosity image from my RGB data. For this, I select the CIE L*a*b* mode from Color Space. Uncheck a and b, with L checked,  and then click the Apply button.  I am left with a totally black second image on the screen.  STF auto stretch will not function with this image. 
   
     This black image has also occurred with some other functions such as trying to apply masks in conjunction with ATrousWaveletTransform,  and using the HDRMultiscaleTransform tool. 

     The RGB combination went well in PixInsight and I used Nebulosity to combine the RBG with Luminous data.  Looks good, but I'm at a real loss for why some of the functionality of PixInsight is giving me fits and not working.  Any help and guidance would be appreciated.........Gunny   

[cdesselles]

Try some of Harry Page's video tutorials.  They got me up and running pretty quickly.
http://www.harrysastroshed.com/

[gunny]

    Did that also and followed his procedures step by step.  Got the same results..........Gunny

[gunny]

Hope this attachment works

[gunny]

This is a screen shot where I am trying to use channel extraction with no success.

[pfile]

i wonder if it is because the process is set to have the output image have 3 planes like the source image.

a shortcut that usually works here is to click the little icon in the tool bar that's between the edit and view menu titles. it looks like a rainbow with a black and white inset. that should extract the L* from the image.

rob

[gunny]

   Hello Rob,

    I also tried that other icon to use channel extraction.  Here is the result with a stretch using histogram transformation.  Like I said, this is not the only function that causes a blanked out screen..........A real mystery to me since things like color combination, dbe work just great.  Thanks for the input..............Gunny