Utility to replay StarTools sessions

[Guy]

I have developed a small Windows-based software tool (called STReplay) which uses the StarTools log file to recreate a previous processing session. This may be useful in various ways - like comparing different approaches in processing.

Update 4th December 2019 - The first generally available beta version for Windows is now available see here
Update 10th December 2019 - Request for help testing Linux version see here
Update 18th April 2020 - The second generally available beta version for Windows (for StarTools v1.5 and 1.6) is now available see here
Update 11th May 2020 - The third generally available beta version for Windows is now available see here
Update 30th July 2020 - The fourth generally available beta version for Windows is now available - supports versions to 1.6.399 see here
Update 22nd February 2021 - The fifth generally available beta version for Windows is now available - supports versions to 1.7.458MR3 see here
Update 28th May 2021 - The sixth generally available beta version for Windows is now available - supports versions to 1.7.461MR6 see here
Update 12th October 2021 - The seventh generally available beta version for Windows/Linux is now available - supports versions to 1.8.516alpha see here
Update 12th December 2021 - The eighth generally available beta version for Windows/Linux is now available - supports versions to 1.8.522RC2 see here
Update 12th January 2022 - The ninth generally available beta version for Windows/Linux is now available - supports versions to 1.8.525 see here
Update 19th May 2022 - The tenth generally available beta version for Windows/Linux is now available - supports versions to 1.8.527MR2 see here
Update 31st May 2022 - The eleventh generally available beta version for Windows/Linux is now available - supports versions to 1.8.527MR2 see here
Update 25th June 2022 - The twelfth generally available beta version for Windows/Linux is now available - supports versions to 1.8.527MR2 see here
Update 30th October 2022 - Beta version 0.63.89 for Windows/Linux is now available - supports versions to 1.8.527MR2 see here
Update 3rd November 2023 - Beta version 0.66.93 for Windows/Linux is now available - supports versions to 1.9.560beta4 see here
Update 8th November 2023 - Beta version 0.67.94 for Windows/Linux is now available - supports versions to 1.9.560beta4 see here
Update 10th December 2023 - Beta version 0.69.97 for Windows/Linux is now available - supports versions to 1.9.561beta5 see here

I am looking for a small number of people to test the stability and portability of the application with a view to making it more widely available - if there is interest.

It can be used in a number of ways - but with varying results:
• If Repeating the processing using the original image file and masks:
- STReplay should produce good, repeatable, results with perhaps a minor deterioration.
• If Repeating the processing using variations of the original image (e.g. a different stack of subs):
- STReplay should produce reasonable, repeatable, results suitable for experimentation. However, once the optimum original image is chosen it is best to go through a full new StarTools processing session to get the best results.

Note: If you use a different image from the original STReplay is unlikely to produce good or repeatable results with any accuracy – it is best to do a new session for a new image.

Limitations:
- It is limited to Windows - there is no version for Linux or macOS.
Update: as of version 0.60.81 there is support for Linux
- It only works with StarTools version 1.4.332 or later.
Update: as of version 0.66.93 it only works with StarTools version 1.7.450 or later - see accompanying notes

If you are interested in helping with this testing then please send me a PM with the details of your computing environment (Computer, OS & Screen resolution).


Guy

[niccoc1603]

Hi,

this is fantastic! I am absolutely keen on helping you with this project. I can't figure how to PM you but count me in

Windows 10,
4k monitor

[Rkonrad]

there is no version for Linux or macOS

yet??

I'm envious of Windows operators now. It looks like a good tool Guy! Let me know if you decide to also develop it for Linux.

Richard

[Guy]

Hi,

Thanks for volunteering, niccoc1603. I've sent you a PM.
Log in and go to the User Control Panel - it should be waiting for you in the Private Messages area.

Richard, I'd have appreciated your opinion of it - unfortunately it uses some operating system elements so I don't think using an emulator would help.
If I do look at it, it will be when the dust has settled on this version - particularly if I can find an 'idiots guide' to programming for Linux!
I'll keep you posted.

Guy

[niccoc1603]

Hi, I have received the PM, however the forum board does not let me send/reply to PM (it says I'm too new to the forum -_-)....

[Guy]

Hi,
No problem. I've sent you a PM with all the information.
I'm sure you'll be allowed to use PM soon.
Until then, use this topic for any issues you have.

Regards,

Guy

[happy-kat]

I am up to have a look at this too, as have a lot of images to batch process for this comet lark so happy to use the new function to test if it fits for you.

[Guy]

I have created a new version of STReplay (0.41) ready for testers to download.

The significant changes are:
- Support for masks embedded in the log - as produced by StarTools version 1.4.340
- A log Pause command - to allow you to make some changes before continuing processing
- Some stability and usability improvements.

Just download it as before.

Let me know of any problems you have - or any ideas for improvements.

Thanks.

Guy

[cytan299]

Hi Guy,
I use a Mac and would really like to be able to replay StarTools sessions. Is it possible to run your program under Wine?

IMO, the greatest weakness of ST (although it's a great program otherwise) is that it is unable to save intermediate processing sessions or replay sessions. Will this feature be available in later versions?

cytan

[Guy]

Hi cytan

I haven't tried running the program under Wine or Mono. I think it unlikely that it would work directly as it requires control over the keyboard and mouse and needs to be able to read the screen.
My focus at the moment is to make sure it works well under Windows but at some point I may look into ways of running it under Linux and MacOS.
I'll add your request to the list.
If I did would you be willing to test it?

Guy