startools Getting Started with StarTools

[morayskies]

Hi All

To date I have been using DSS to stack and (dare I say it) to also perform some image processing.  The final, resultant TIFF file has been further processed using such applications as PaintShop Pro, GIMP or even Windows Photo Gallery.  I have read that DSS is good for stacking but, ideally, should not be used for any processing.  I have downloaded a trial version of StarTools but am having a few issues getting to grips with it or getting any results that are anywhere near as good as those so far obtained with just DSS, PSP etc.  I appreciate that learning how to use StarTools will involve a steep curve (I was, in a previous life, a Microsoft Office Specialist Master Trainer so have first hand experience of the difficulties of mastering new software!) but it's starting off on the right foot that is throwing me, namely;

1. I understand that no processing should be performed in DSS, so, what stacking settings/options should be set here?  Does anyone know of a definitive list of the best options to use?
2. StarTools likes the FITS image format.  Do I use the Autosave FITS file DSS can produce or do I use the "Save picture to file...." option in DSS?  If the latter, which option 16/32bit, integer/rational, apply adjustments/do not apply adjustments to saved image?

I have asked a lot of questions here and any advice/guidance will be greatly appreciated so thanks for taking the time to read and, if you do, replying to my post.  Once I know I am on the right track with a starting image for StarTools, I feel I will have a fighting chance of learning how to use StarTools itself, however, I am sure that will be another story altogether.......

[The Admiral]

Hi Richard, yes, like any software there is a learning curve, but with a bit of practice you'll find StarTools can give very satisfactory results quite quickly, but it also has a lot of hidden power and that takes a time to get to grips with (I know, I'm still trying!).

The first thing is to go on to the ST web site and go to the bottom of the home page and download the (as yet, incomplete) manual where it says "pdf document". On page 18 you'll see some information about using DSS. There is also an "unofficial manual" (http://download.startools.org/StarTools Manual V1_3_5 Unofficial.pdf), but written by Ivo as well, where you'll find a lot more explanation and examples. Next, have a look at the ST Forum (http://forum.startools.org/viewforum.php?f=3), where specifically there is a section called "video tutorials". The most useful for starting off though is a (very, very!) long web-chat by Ivo on the Astro Imaging channel https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hqm4mB2TKN0 . If you can stay awake, there is a lot of good stuff there.

You should use the autosave FITS file option (p25 of the Unofficial Guide).

A good few of us who contribute to the "No EQ Challenge" thread use StarTools with varying degrees of success, usually good , but we are still honing our skills.

Ian

[morayskies]

2 hours ago, The Admiral said:

Hi Richard, yes, like any software there is a learning curve, but with a bit of practice you'll find StarTools can give very satisfactory results quite quickly, but it also has a lot of hidden power and that takes a time to get to grips with (I know, I'm still trying!).

The first thing is to go on to the ST web site and go to the bottom of the home page and download the (as yet, incomplete) manual where it says "pdf document". On page 18 you'll see some information about using DSS. There is also an "unofficial manual" (http://download.startools.org/StarTools Manual V1_3_5 Unofficial.pdf), but written by Ivo as well, where you'll find a lot more explanation and examples. Next, have a look at the ST Forum (http://forum.startools.org/viewforum.php?f=3), where specifically there is a section called "video tutorials". The most useful for starting off though is a (very, very!) long web-chat by Ivo on the Astro Imaging channel https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hqm4mB2TKN0 . If you can stay awake, there is a lot of good stuff there.

You should use the autosave FITS file option (p25 of the Unofficial Guide).

A good few of us who contribute to the "No EQ Challenge" thread use StarTools with varying degrees of success, usually good , but we are still honing our skills.

Ian

Thanks for these pointer Ian - I will take a look at the links you have posted.

Cheers

 

Richard

[happy-kat]

The important starting point for startools is your dss settings. Firstly you must ensure it outputs an autosave fits file, then it is ensure all calibration options are off then you can process the stack. Startools gets best results where flat frames had been in your dss stack.

I'll add a link later.

[happy-kat]

The startools forum is good to search in or check out from time to time.

DSS settings I've read by Ivo to ensure that on the stacking summary that the following are set no:

RGB channels background calibration

Per channel background calibration

Method try Median for first try at stacking

When on the startools site if you go to the modules tab link here then you can generate what you see as a pdf.

 

[alacant]

Hi. Do you mean when in ST? Assuming you have a fits file loaded from dss. Choose the first option '...or is white balanced', AutoDev > Crop (1cm from each edge) > wipe > AutoDev. Should get you started. HTH.

[DorsetBlue]

2 hours ago, alacant said:

Hi. Do you mean when in ST? Assuming you have a fits file loaded from dss. Choose the first option '...or is white balanced', AutoDev > Crop (1cm from each edge) > wipe > AutoDev. Should get you started. HTH.

Although, from personal experience, if your data isn't the best - using Develop instead of AutoDev the second time and slowly ramping up the 'Stretch' until you get to a nice compromise means you can keep the amount of noise under control.

[alacant]

25 minutes ago, DorsetBlue said:

Develop instead

Yep, that's another way. Or define a ROI in AutoDev, yet another...

[spillage]

1 hour ago, alacant said:

Yep, that's another way. Or define a ROI in AutoDev, yet another...

+1 for that.

 

[happy-kat]

Reading what all the modules do I need to break out of my habits and use some more of the available functions. Must have a play again with my last image.