Selecting frames in DSS

Questions and answers about processing in StarTools and how to accomplish certain tasks.
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Carles
Posts: 214
Joined: Thu Jul 30, 2020 5:06 pm

Selecting frames in DSS

Post by Carles »

Hello all :)

when stacking frames in DSS, i am not sure how to select good frames or discart bad ones.
Say for instance that during the image session some clouds crossed the area I am imaging...
what parameters I should check in DSS to select the frames? As sometimes I end up with
images with a lot of gradient, even though some individual frames are OK.
Since when I load the files in DSS they all look quite plain... how do I discart bad ones?

Thank you! ^^

Carles R.
almcl
Posts: 265
Joined: Wed Jan 21, 2015 7:15 pm
Location: Shropshire. UK

Re: Selecting frames in DSS

Post by almcl »

By no means an expert in DSS but here are some of the things I've found helpful.

Adjust the image slider at top right to best show the details (you probably already do this):
dragtheslider.jpg
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It may also be helpful to move the end stops to increase contrast (neither of these affect the final image but they may make judging individual subs easier):
move the end stops.jpg
move the end stops.jpg (13.87 KiB) Viewed 5372 times
Then use the columns. Clicking in the column title will order the files either highest first or lowest first. I usually start with the score, and have a look at deleting or removing from the list any that are much lower than the others. Also have a look at FWHM, no of stars and Sky background. A rising sky background coupled with falling numbers of stars may indicate cloud (or dew) whereas big FWHM might show a guiding problem. Again organising the sub by score and having a look at the worst ones with a view to removing them can help improve the final stack.
columns.jpg
columns.jpg (85.07 KiB) Viewed 5372 times
Skywatcher 190MN, ASI 2600 or astro modded Canon 700d, guided by OAG, ASI120, PHD2
Carles
Posts: 214
Joined: Thu Jul 30, 2020 5:06 pm

Re: Selecting frames in DSS

Post by Carles »

Almcl thank you!

That was very helpful indeed :D

I did use the sliders, but didn't see any difference in images, and the "Score tab" too but even selecting the best ones it comes out "wrong" sometimes
I didn't know how to interpret the FWM and sky background values, thanks a lot for the tip! :D I will try it right away! ^^

Regards

Carles.
happy-kat
Posts: 372
Joined: Sun Feb 01, 2015 11:31 am

Re: Selecting frames in DSS

Post by happy-kat »

also set your best or preferred frame as the reference frame
Carles
Posts: 214
Joined: Thu Jul 30, 2020 5:06 pm

Re: Selecting frames in DSS

Post by Carles »

happy-kat wrote: Wed Sep 30, 2020 6:41 pm also set your best or preferred frame as the reference frame
Thank you Happy-kat!
As in the highest score one? Does this get better results than without reference frame?

Carles
Burly
Posts: 390
Joined: Mon Aug 31, 2015 7:06 am
Location: Northamptonshie uk

Re: Selecting frames in DSS

Post by Burly »

If you high light the highest score and right click , set as reference frame also you will see a settings box before stacking you can set best percentage use this to suit say best 80% or whatever suits you .

Regards Dave
happy-kat
Posts: 372
Joined: Sun Feb 01, 2015 11:31 am

Re: Selecting frames in DSS

Post by happy-kat »

Carles wrote: Wed Sep 30, 2020 6:50 pm As in the highest score one? Does this get better results than without reference frame?
particularly useful if building a mosaic as you control the frame the other frames are stacked to in that mosaic portion.
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