Integration problem

DONALD VANDERDOES

I am getting a really strange result with my image integration. I get the same result with any data that I use. I have followed the videos to the "T" and cannot figure out what I am doing wrong. 

Attached is a screenshot of the result I am getting every time. 

I attempted to use Pixinsight for preprocessing about a year ago with the same result. I have been using a different software for the preprocessing ever since with no problems. I would really like to use Pixinsight for everything.

This screenshot is the Iris Nebula shot with an ASI294MC Pro. I get the same result with old DSLR data as well. I am at a total loss.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance

BlockHead

Hi Donald,

As I am sure you have been told- this is walking noise due to the fact the data is not dithered. (Dithering your telescope when acquiring the images will be a big big help to solve this without haven't to worry about difficult processing options.)

First though, this is a entirely expected result unless the data is not being calibrated correctly. So that is one thing that needs to be checked. If the dark frame is not completely subtracting pixels correctly you will get this result. 

The second point is that if your calibration is correct- you will get this result in any processing program you use if you make an equal comparison. Now before you shower me with a thousand pictures of how wrong I am- I think we need to assess my first statement. But go ahead and show this data as processed with another software and an integrated image with no walking noise pattern stretched to the same degree. With regards to calibration- the other programs are adding/subtracting and dividing in the same way. 

I am suspecting a calibration issue or a data quality expectation mis-match. Lets start!

Can you provide screenshots of your WBPP settings? (You can use the Diagnostics button to generate all screens with one click).

-the Blockhead

DONALD VANDERDOES

Thank you for the response. I had no idea that this was called Walking Noise. I just learned something new.  I want to apologize if I came across the wrong way. I am very new to all of this. I am sure it is something I am doing wrong. I will get you what you request and again thanks for responding so promptly.

DONALD VANDERDOES

Here is the Data you requested.

ASI294MC Pro, APT,PHD2 and APT Flats Aid

Thanks again for help. It is greatly appreciated.

DONALD VANDERDOES

I had to get the right logs

DONALD VANDERDOES

This my end result of completed post processing using the DSS Integrated Stack. I have not tried to post process the PI Integrated Stack. I use Pixinsight Exclusively for post processing.

BlockHead

This last image is from the same data set I assume.

So please make the data available.

-the Blockhead

DONALD VANDERDOES

Do you want the DSS Stacked Image?  I am planning on a session Saturday night and have configured my APT for dithering. After doing some research I think you are right about the walking noise. I honestly have never heard of that but I have only been post processing for a little over year and imaging since November. 

Thank again for your help

Here is the link to my google drive for the data

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1NEknYO3BUgog0vX3Zt2lcCBg8hyENe8c/view?usp=sharing

DONALD VANDERDOES

Here is another link for the Lights and Calibration Frames

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/12xbrPTmzCowtu_iYStrZ0qtJBk1K4G-B?usp=sharing

BlockHead

Hi Donald,

I downloaded your data and ran it through WBPP. The attached screenshot is the master light frame (not color corrected) result. I see no evidence of the walking noise. 

I cannot explain your initial result. 

I do have a suggestion though. In looking at your short exposures (dark frames for the flat field images)- there is quite a bit of banding noise when you blink them. I would recommend making your flat field exposures something on the order of 2-3 seconds. This means you will need to adjust the level light to accommodate this longer time.  

So...the next move is yours. :)

-the Blockhead

DONALD VANDERDOES

That is really strange. I have processed that data and data of other targets many times and get the same result every time. Lots of walking noise. 

I will redo the dark flats and get some more data with dithering and see what happens. 

Thanks for taking the time to help me.

Clear skies

BlockHead

I do not think you need to re-do anything. I literally put the data into to WBPP (your same data) and pressed the button. So, there is a  configuration issue. You might need to tell me what the entire set up you programmed.

I have a sneaking suspicion there is something I did...that DSS tacitly does- that you didn't do in PI?

Did you use Cosmetic Correction? This is a standard processing step in PixInsight. Please see my FastTrack Training (and all workflow videos). I always do this without fail. So I predict if we are using the same data- this is something you didn't do and it can explain your result.

Please let me know.

-the Blockhead

DONALD VANDERDOES

I just got done running the data through WBPP including integrating. Before I ran it I reset everything to default. Set the Quality and Speed to High Quality. I did use Cosmetic Correction before and this time. Low and Behold my end result is a clean master light. I knew it was something I did or did not do. I am still going to redo my flats tomorrow and use dithering. 

I did follow your workflow in the FastTrack Training.

Everything is fine now. I don't have to use DSS anymore. Big Smile here

Thanks again

DONALD VANDERDOES

Next month I plan on subscribing to rest of your training. Great stuff.

BlockHead

Hmm... I am glad things are working... but not happy to not know why.

We would have to look at the output of the (intermediate) files that lead up to the integrated result. The answer is there- but you probably do not have files anymore... 

Thanks for continuing to go through the material!

-the Blockhead