Processing Console

[DaveS]

Is there a way of preventing that irritating Processing Console window, from appearing when PI is opened.

I have prevented the PI 'splash screen' from appearing, but cannot find way of preventing the Processing Console from doing so.

Maybe I'm not 'seeing the wood, for the trees', but I cannot see what purpose it's appearance serves, other than to irritate.

Dave

[dayers]

Well, it's only one quick click to close it. I like to see it so that I know what was loaded, even though it rarely changes (if my computer is on its best behavior).

Another Dave.

[DaveS]

One 'click' it is indeed Dave, but I have to wonder what the point of displaying it is.

Just as it comes up after applying every processing step, displaying every step in the sequence.

AA5, Maxim, and Photoshop just get on with it 'behind the scenes', and then deliver the result.

I have greatest of admiration for those with the skills to 'write' processing software, and PixInsight is up there with the best of them, which is why I bought it.

However, as an 'end user', do I really need to see the 'wheels turning' everytime I implement a process?

Dave

[dayers]

I guess some do, some don't. I agree that PI is an amazing piece of software that offers an alternative to Ps.

[Sean]

Hi Dave,

I find that as I become more familiar with PI, I'm using the Processing Console more often. It contains a lot of useful information, especially after processes like Image Integration, that you can use to review and fine tune your work.

If you have a dual monitor setup, you can put the Processing Console and the History Explorer on your second monitor, and leave them open all the time - I find that a really efficient setup.

Your mileage may vary of course!

Yours,

Sean

[DaveS]

Hi Sean

I guess its because I've spent so long using other image processing software, that does it's work behind the scenes, but still gives me the desired end result.

As I said, I like PI a lot. It does some things better than other software, and visa-versa. For me, I don't use it as a 'stand-alone' package, but as a valuable addition to my image processing software armoury.

As with the PI 'splash screen', the ability to have to the processing console on or off, would be a nice facility. At least IMO that is.

Dave

[Juan Conejero]

The console cannot be 'silenced' because it is the mouth and the hands of PixInsight; it is the primary resource for communication of information to the user. However, you can increase the time elapsed to show the console automatically, which does basically what you want. Do the following:

- From the main menu, select Edit > Global Preferences.

- On the Preferences interface, select the Miscellaneous Process Settings section on the list to the left.

- Increase the console window delay parameter. This is the time elapsed in milliseconds to automatically show the console window after a process is launched. If the process terminates before this time elapses, the console is not shown unless the process explicitly shows it (which is infrequent) or the process fails. The default value is 750 ms. You can increase it up to 60,000 ms = 1 minute.

- Click the Apply Global button (blue, circular) or press F6 to execute globally.


Alternatively, you can use the console to do this in a much simpler and direct way. Just type this command:

set Process/ConsoleDelay=60000

and press Enter.

It must be emphasized that PixInsight is not like most applications, and definitely it is not like Adobe Photoshop. PixInsight does not work 'behind the scenes' when a process is being executed because that is not our philosophy of software development. Other applications try to minimize the information provided to the user. PixInsight works just in the opposite way: it maximizes information as the best way to provide full control to the user. Simplifying processes and making things easier are not primary design principles of PixInsight. Within reasonable limits of usability, we don't sacrifice functionality, versatility or efficiency to make something easier.

[DaveS]

Hi Juan

Thank you for taking the time to respond, it is much appreciated, and your suggestion of changing the delay time to suit my personal preference, is most welcome.

I fully understand your rationale with regards to the processing console's appearance, and I am sure that this is a valuable resource for the development team, or indeed anybody with an interest in software development and functionality.

In my case, I came to PixInsight (PI) because having trialled it, I was impressed with it's capability.

My background, although in technical R&D, is not in software development, and as such I look upon PI as a 'tool' with which to process my astro images. My enjoyment in using PI comes from the results that it can deliver, and not in understanding the mathematical algorithms and sequences, responsible for delivering these results.

I will implement your suggestion, and as such derive greater enjoyment from using PI.

Many thanks

Dave