DSS Groups

[SAW]

Hi,

If I have multiple images of a DSO at different exposures do I stack them separately into each group ? eg. 20 sixty second lights at 1600 plus 10 sixty second darks at 1600 in group one and then in group two I would put 20 ninety second lights at 1600 plus 10 ninety second darks at 1600 and so on ?

If that's correct do I need darks in each group ?

Should I put bias frames in each group ?

Thanks.

[PeterCPC]

Yes you are correct. Each group needs a set of lights, darks etc to build master darks etc. If you are dithering you won't need the darks - just Bias frames.

Peter

[SAW]

Thank you.

Now next question, what sort of settings would I need in the stacking parameters when using multiple groups ?

[PeterCPC]

Same as for stacking single groups really. I would use Kappa-sigma as it seems to give the best results.

Peter

[StargeezerTim]

I don't know if it is still the case, but you used to have to create a 'dummy' group as the first one, or the same flats, bias and darks were applied to all groups. See this vid...

 

 

[PeterCPC]

This from DSS:

To associate each Light Frame with the good Dark and Flat Frames you just need to put all the Light+Dark+Flat Frames from the first night in one File Group and all the Light+Dark+Flat Frames of the second night in another File Group.
Since Offset/Bias Frames are common to all the nights they must be put in the Main Group.

DeepSkyStacker will automatically associate the Light Frames of the first night with the Dark and Flat Frames of the first night and the Light Frames of the second night with the Dark and Flat Frames of the second night.
The Offset/Bias Frames from the Main Group will be associated with the Light Frames of the first and second night.

Peter