Video format .SER, frame(s) import module?

[OldSkyEyes]

Hi,

Anyone working on a frame(s) import module, like .SER file, or does it already exist in some way?

This was the first thing I missed in PixInsight, you can say there are ways around it by using other programs first, but it makes sense to be part of this program, it's the same astro camera but another format.
I don't think it's a big deal to add it since what you need is already present: alignment, stacking, blink.
Maybe it should be added in the 'open file' in blink...

Thanks
(new user)

edit sample code for the format:
http://www.grischa-hahn.homepage.t-online.de/astro/ser/

[Niall Saunders]

Hi,

A lot would depend on the numer of users whowouldrequire, or make use of, a file format such as SER (especially since it is apparently a 'video' format).

That said, given that there are some sample code implementations available on the page that you linked to, and given that PixInsight offers users the ability to 'add' to the basic core either as a PJSR Scrip (akin to Javascript), or as a compiled module (written in a high-level language such as C) then 'anybody' could implement a means of examining an SER file within PixInsight.

Several years ago, I wanted to be able to debayer the CMYG images from the early Meade DSI cameras. Yes, I could do this outwith PixInsight, but I might easily have been in a minority of '1' as far asthis requirement being needed within PixInsight. So, I searched for, and found out 'how' to perform the GMYG debayer task, and then I learned how to write a script for PI.

Yes, it was a long struggle - but the end result was worth while. I had plenty of assistance from others more experienced in writing code for PI than I, so I included LOTS of comments throughout my code - to help others who might follow in my footsteps.

The script I created is still part of the standard PixInsight distribution - even though neither I nor, perhaps, anybody else will ever use it for its original purpose. However, it helped at least one other PixInsight user 'to have a go' - giving rise to a script that many, many PI users certainly do use on a regular basis - the Batch DeBayer Script.

So - perhpas your request is best channelled back to you, after all, who better is their to test the script and to make the adjustments needed to perfect its operation.

Remember, as an astroimager, part of our pleasure is 'solving problems' (from optical equipment, motorised mounts, PC control, weather prediction (!!), image acquisition, etc.) Image processing is just the 'end' of the whole process, and the satisfaction of knowing that 'you' were directly involved in making that final image. or video, is hard to beat.

Take up the challenge. Perhaps others here may have similar requirements to you, and may offer to help. Perhaps you have a friend or colleague who just likes solving 'software' or 'coding' issues (in the same way as you enjoy the astro-challenges).

Best of luck!

[OldSkyEyes]

I take that as a No.

I just bought PI so I'm far from adding features.
Do I get paid if I write it?

[Niall Saunders]

Do I get paid if I write it?

Abolutely - you can ask anybody who wants to use it, and pay for using it, to pay you.

But (and, isn't there always a 'but'  ) you would have to pay Juan a huge quantity of wine-vouchers for using the PI core processes. Naturally, as I am obviously now a contracted adviser, I would have a small large fee that would have to be considered as well.

Fortunately, as Juan and I base all our charges as a percentage of what you earn from your code, it shouldn't take a genius to determine the best way of keeping costs down to a minimum 

Do it for yourself first, for your own requirements - then pass it on to the astro community to be loved and nurtured by others. Think of what other free astro-software has given - even the minimal charge for PI is negligible when compared to some packages whose authors charge never-ending fees for code that seems to always be playing 'catch-up'.

Mostly, do it because you want to do it !