DSS and StarTools???

[Gordon]

I haven't used GIMP in a while. Are you pretty familiar with it? You should be able to reduce the size keep the ratio in place.

Holler if you need help!

[Larry 1969]

I haven't used GIMP in a while. Are you pretty familiar with it? You should be able to reduce the size keep the ratio in place.

Holler if you need help!

I didn't want to process the images in any way before StarTools because it didn't seem like StarTools likes anything but virgin data.
I'm not sure how to process in GIMP and reduce the file size without changing something I shouldn't. I honestly have no clue what I'm doing but I'm enjoying the challenge!
I will re-stack with the recommended settings and report back.

Thank all of you SOOO much!

Larry

[Larry 1969]

One more quick question , if I may?
When registering there is a "star detection threshold" with an adjustable slider.
What's my goal here? I read that 100 stars or so but I imagine that's different for different parts of the sky?

Thanks!

Larry

[bobharmony]

Basically you are correct adjusting the slider to the right will decrease the number of stars detected in the lights you have checked off. Around 100 usually works well. So pick a slider position and click "calculate". If you area lot lower than 100 stars, slide the slider left and run the calculate again. Rinse and repeat until you get a number around 100-150.

In the past I have gone as low as 2% to get a set of images to stack. Much depends on the quality of the data, how many stars are actually in the image, etc. The main thing oi that these are tools - feel free to experiment with them. As Gordon says - avoid the Drizzle! That will come into play if you ever have a small undersampled image. Then you can draw a selection box around the part of the image you want to drizzle, and only then, select 2x or 3x. Selecting drizzle for an entire image WILL give you a huge file and/or bring your PC to its knees!

Bob

[Larry 1969]

Thanks Bob!
I turned off drizzle and I'm working on re-stacking now.
I have such poor equipment that I'm afraid I'm not in the "norm".
Just going to have to fool around and see what I get!

Larry

[Larry 1969]

OK. I just re-stacked my original M81-M82 with the recommended settings and I have a nice, workable fit file of 206 MB!
Thanks guys!

Larry

[Larry 1969]

Here's a link to my M81-M82 fits file. (only 206MB).
https://www.dropbox.com/home?preview=M81-M82+redo.fts
All my pics have this blown out part on the lower left...…. No idea what that is...…
I seem to stall with StarTools right around the time to create a mask. I don't know how to use it or when to keep the pic.
Anyway, it's fun to play with!
Thanks!

Larry

[bobharmony]

OK. I just re-stacked my original M81-M82 with the recommended settings and I have a nice, workable fit file of 206 MB!
Thanks guys!

Larry

206MB - that sounds more like it! Can't wait to see what you do with it!

PS- I'd download the file from Dropbox, but it is asking for access to all my contacts, so that ain't happening - sigh. Maybe Gordon will take a crack at it

Bob

[Larry 1969]

PS- I'd download the file from Dropbox, but it is asking for access to all my contacts, so that ain't happening - sigh. Maybe Gordon will take a crack at it

Bob

Really?
Is that typical for dropbox? I've never used it before??????

Larry

[bobharmony]

PS- I'd download the file from Dropbox, but it is asking for access to all my contacts, so that ain't happening - sigh. Maybe Gordon will take a crack at it

Bob

Really?
Is that typical for dropbox? I've never used it before??????

Larry

I have no idea if it's typical. It seems to me the trend is for apps to ask for much more information than they need, I have to assume it's for data mining purposes. No harm done, just no download for me.

[Larry 1969]

Sorry Bob......
I wasn't trying to set a trap! Lol.
When I click the link it just starts to download.....
Strange. And I agree about the data mining concept.
Can't trust anyone........

Larry

[bladekeeper]

I've never had that particular issue with Dropbox.

Anyway, it appears the file is no longer there?

[Larry 1969]

I've never had that particular issue with Dropbox.

Anyway, it appears the file is no longer there?

Crazy!
When I click the link it starts to download........ :Think:
I'll work on it tomorrow. Thanks again!

Larry