3 replies to this topic

[chrispmorris]

I have just had what turned out to be an incomplete imaging session (NGC 2264) and need to collect more data. I'm using DSS to stack and am vaguely aware of the groups function allowing different ISOs etc for different sessions.

 

My question is how accurately will the framing of my second session need to match the framing of the first one, for DSS to stack the whole lot successfully? I am not using a GOTO mount - I have a Star Adventurer (guided) and am using a Canon DSLR with a 300mm prime lens, so the FOV is fairly large - about 4.2x2.8 degrees. Therefore I should be able to get the target roughly in the same place in the frame by eye using test shots - the Xmas Tree cluster is thankfully fairly obvious. However, it will no doubt be many times further away from the first group than the difference between adjacent dithered subs.  

 

Is DSS smart enough to deal with that?

[RPitts62]

I can't answer for DSS, but I would think in many regards its stacking function is similar to other programs like SIRIL. If it is, as long as you're pretty close in your framing from one session to the next, I bet DSS will register it. I use the iOptron Sky Guider Pro, which is very similar to the SkyWatcher Star Adventurer, and I have no problem with my imaging from multiple evenings registering when being stacked. The only disadvantage is you will probably have to deal with a larger than average amount of stacking artifacts once its all been composited, which may mean you have to crop a little more than you would normally.

 

Clear Skies!!

 

Randy

[rj144]

It'll stack if you're around 100 or so pixels off or so, maybe more.  However, you might need to play around with the reference frame and the number of stars it registers.  Slightly counterintuitve, but it does better wtih less stars registered if the images are misaligned.

[chrispmorris]

Thanks guys, I'll give it a go.