StarTools

Here are some notes relating to using this module. It is not the only way to use the module and experimentation is encouraged.
They relate to StarTools version 1.7 and later
Please let me know if anyone sees any errors or has any additional advice they think helpful.
I will update this post as needed.
For an index of similar notes on the other StarTools modules see StarTools Main Window Use.

Crop Module Use

Purpose:

• To crop the sides of the image.

Description:
The Crop module allows you to remove stacking artefacts and reframe your image.

Useful Sources
The Official StarTools English Manual (pdf) gives a good description of all the modules. It relates to StarTools version 1.6+.
The Unofficial StarTools English Manual (pdf) is a good general source of help. There are versions that relate to StarTools version 1.6 and
version 1.7
The processing video 'StarTools complex LLRGB composite processing in 9 minutes real-time, with the Compose module' shows the use of the Crop module. This shows v1.5 but is still relevant for this module.

When to use:

• Before the Wipe module. Normally just before or after the Bin module (if used).
• After the Lens module, if used. The Lens module relies on the image being centred relative to the camera sensor - and can also warp the image when correcting distortion - so it is important this is done before using the Crop module.

Example Workflow (v1.7):
{Compose}-AutoDev-{Lens}-Bin-Crop-Wipe-AutoDev (or FilmDev)-{Contrast/HDR/Sharp/Decon/Flux}-Color-{Shrink/Filter/Entropy/SuperStr}-Track/NR-{Layer/Heal/Repair/Synth/Stereo 3D}
Key: {...} optional modules

Example Workflow (v1.8):
{Compose}-AutoDev-{Lens}-Bin-Crop-Wipe-AutoDev (or FilmDev)-{Contrast/HDR/Sharp/SVDecon}-Color-{Shrink/Filter/Entropy/SuperStr/NBAccent/}-Track/NR(Unified-Denoise)-{Flux/Repair/Heal/Layer/Synth/Stereo 3D}
Key: {...} optional modules

Example Workflow (v1.9):
{Compose}-OptiDev-{Lens}-Bin-Crop-Wipe-OptiDev (or FilmDev)-{Contrast/HDR/Sharp/SVDecon}-Color-{Shrink/Filter/Entropy/SuperStr/NBAccent}-Track/NR(Unified-Denoise)-{Flux/Repair/Heal/Layer/Synth}
Key: {...} optional modules.

Method:

1. Either: Adjust the X1, Y1, X2 and Y2 sliders to move the crop the sides as needed.
2. Or: Click and drag on the image to define the area to keep.
3. If combining LRGB and processing them separately - all the cropping should be done exactly the same (to give the same image pixel dimensions)
4. 'Keep' when done.

What result to look for:

• Check the stacking artefacts have been removed.
• Check the image framing is how you want it.

After Use:

• Use the (optional) Bin module if not already used - and then the Wipe module.

Special Techniques:

Previewing the datasets
This is the first opportunity in StarTools, and quickest way, we have to view how the separate Luminance, RGB and Narrowband Accent raw datasets look.
For OSC/DSLR data - the Narrowband Accent view shows the data with only the channel(s) selected by the Compose module by 'NB Accents Type' setting.

Description of Controls:

Presets

• 3:2-- (v1.8- <) - adjust to 3:2 aspect ratio - by reducing the dimensions in one direction
• 2:3< (v1.8- <) - adjust to 2:3 aspect ratio - by reducing the dimensions in one direction
• 16:9-- (v1.8- <) - adjust to 16:9 aspect ratio - by reducing the dimensions in one direction
• 9:16-- (v1.8- <) - adjust to 9:16 aspect ratio - by reducing the dimensions in one direction
• 1:1-- (v1.9) - adjust to 1:1 aspect ratio - by reducing the dimensions in one direction
• 3:2++ (v1.8- >) - adjust to 3:2 aspect ratio - by increasing the dimensions in one direction
• 2:3++ (v1.8- >) - adjust to 2:3 aspect ratio - by increasing the dimensions in one direction
• 16:9++ (v1.8- >) - adjust to 16:9 aspect ratio - by increasing the dimensions in one direction
• 9:16++ (v1.8- >) - adjust to 9:16 aspect ratio - by increasing the dimensions in one direction
• 1:1++ (v1.9) - adjust to 1:1 aspect ratio - by increasing the dimensions in one direction

Color/Luminance (1.6.393+)/NrwBand (1.8.521+)
Toggles between view of the Luminance and Color (chroma) and Narrowband Accent datasets that are being processed. Only available when Compose mode is active. A temporary AutoDev is applied to the Color and Narrowband Accent datasets.
The Color and Narrowband Accent views are useful if there are stacking artefacts only in these datasets.

X1
Sets the Left hand edge crop position - position shown is measured from the left.

• Default is 0 pixels. Range is 0 pixels to maximum width.

X2
Sets the Right hand edge crop position - position shown is measured from the left (right).

• Default is maximum width in pixels. Range is 0 pixels to maximum width.

Y1
Sets the Top edge crop position - position shown is measured from the top.

• Default is 0 pixels. Range is 0 pixels to maximum height.

Y2
Sets the Bottom edge crop position - position shown is measured from the top (bottom).

• Default is maximum height in pixels. Range is 0 pixels to maximum height.