New to PI and very confused

[cbobchin]

All,

I've got the trial version of PI and am trying to process an image of M16 I took a couple of weeks ago. It was captured with Nebulosity and I'm not happy with the results I'm getting from it. 


I've watched Harry's videos several times and while I can follow along, I don't get the same results. I've posted the raw files along with my stacked version from nebulosity up on my Dropbox public folder: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/grlvcfopgepspt1/dShr_o5xnH

The Darks and Flats are in the M16zip file and the bias is in the Bias.zip file.

If someone can take a look at these and let me know what I'm doing wrong I'd appreciate it.

I tried using the preprocessing script as in harry's calibration video but I wind up with a lot if individual frames and not one master image. I'm not sure how to stack and combine them into one image.

I also tried processing a stacked image from nebulosity and got nowhere fast.

I really wish there was a manual that laid out the basic workflow that I could read, but alas there isn't.

Thanks in advance.

[vpcirc]

Look at Warren Keller's Pixinsight series on IP4AP.COM. It will take you from setting up your PI desktop to all the processing steps to the intermediate level.

[cbobchin]

Thanks. I looked at the free ones and they look very similar to what Harry has. But a bit more complete. I have to give serious thought to buying the video series to supplement an already expensive program (providing I do in fact buy PI).

[astropixel]

When you select an output folder, a master folder is created. Is there no master folder? The master files are in there.

DSLR, I presume? RAW files.

Were your master files calibrated/processed in any way in nebulosity, prior to importing them to the batch processing script?

Do you have a set of untouched raw files to use with the batch preprocessing script? That is straight out of the camera? Try those first.

With a little guidance, I'm sure that you don't need to purchase how to videos to evaluate PI.

Using untouched raw frames and using the batch preprocessing defaults for now,

Load your frames by tab - Bias, Dark, Flat, Light

Select a reference image from your light raw frames

Select an output directory

"Run" - diagnostics will alert you about any fundamental errors to this point.

Coffee, tea...

When all done your linear integrated image is found in the master folder of the output directory.

Hope this answers some of your questions

[vpcirc]

I'm sure spending $49 on tutorials is a killer! The PI user interface is not intuitive by any means. I would of dumped it before buying it without Warren's tutorials. It's an outstanding program, but for a beginning imager without experience with any complex software, it's not easy to understand. 

[Harry page]

Hi

I had no problem using the script just chucked it all in and got the usual master frames ?

Regards

Harry

[Harry page]

Hi

Did a very basic process

DBE-histogram stretch-acdnr-star reduction with morph trans-LHE and a little saturation added at the end

Pi handles your data very easily I promise

Harry

[cbobchin]

 

Hi

Did a very basic process

DBE-histogram stretch-acdnr-star reduction with morph trans-LHE and a little saturation added at the end

Pi handles your data very easily I promise

Harry

Harry, That's amazing. May I ask you to share the workflow and various settings  that you used to do this?  I want to try and learn by following the examples.

[Harry page]

Hi

Will do , but cannot sort anything out till tomorrow 

Harry

[cbobchin]

Hi

Will do , but cannot sort anything out till tomorrow 

Harry

Thanks Harry, Can you please send me/post a full sized image of shot you processed?

[cbobchin]

When you select an output folder, a master folder is created. Is there no master folder? The master files are in there.

DSLR, I presume? RAW files.

Were your master files calibrated/processed in any way in nebulosity, prior to importing them to the batch processing script?

Do you have a set of untouched raw files to use with the batch preprocessing script? That is straight out of the camera? Try those first.

With a little guidance, I'm sure that you don't need to purchase how to videos to evaluate PI.

Using untouched raw frames and using the batch preprocessing defaults for now,

Load your frames by tab - Bias, Dark, Flat, Light

Select a reference image from your light raw frames

Select an output directory

"Run" - diagnostics will alert you about any fundamental errors to this point.

Coffee, tea...

When all done your linear integrated image is found in the master folder of the output directory.

Hope this answers some of your questions

Rowland, that does answer some questions. But I'm using an SBIG ST8300c not a DSLR, though they are both OSCs.

The drop box links I posted has the unprocessed FITS.

I was expecting the calibrated/stacked image to open automatically after the processing was complete.

Once I knew where to look I was able to find it. Thanks,.

[astropixel]

It would be nice if BPS presented the finished image once complete.

[Harry page]

Hi

See here for a small video

http://www.harrysastroshed.com/Temp.html

All basic stuff , but might help   8)

Regards

Harry

[astropixel]

You will need to select a different Bayer/colour matrix in BPS debayer options for your 8300 - BGGR, I recall.

[cbobchin]

Hi

See here for a small video

http://www.harrysastroshed.com/Temp.html

All basic stuff , but might help   8)

Regards

Harry

Thanks Harry. The Video is very helpful. I'll be using it regularly. Can you please add a link the final FITS file as well?