Processing Seestar S50 images

[AndrewP]

Hi All

I was wondering whether anyone has used AA8 for processing images from Seestar S50. If so, do you have any helpful tips or main processing techniques that should be used to improve the image quality.

Regards
Andrew

[fabdev]

Hi Andrew, I see that it can produce FITS files, are these already demosaiced, or just RAW?

https://store.seestar.com/products/seestar-s50
"Which type of shooting files saved"

Fabio.

[AndrewP]

Hi Fabio

They are raw FITS files. I’d just be interested to know what’s recommended to simply process the images to make them look pretty

Cheers
Andrew

[Iver]

Hi Andrew, what you are asking for could not be answered in a simple reply on a message forum. I suggest you look into some books about astrophotography image processing.
Years ago I started out with a book by Ron Wodaski "The New CCD Astronomy" it's pretty old now but that's one I would recommend. I'm sure there are many others now.

https://www.amazon.com/New-CCD-Astronom ... 0971123705

[fabdev]

Are these RAW files similar to those produced by DSLRs? If yes, you may use the same workflow. Feel free to send me a sample image for a better advice.
This little device seems really nice, I would like to have the time to use one. Since it's altazimuthal, does it include a derotator too?

[AndrewP]

Hi Fabio

They are fits images. No derotator, the system takes 10s images and stacks them. Works fine for elevations less than about 80 deg. You can download the individual 10s fits images to use in image processing software such as AA8. The images are also corrected for darks. I’ve done astrometry on some of the images of some 14-15th mag asteroids and can readily achieve residuals less than 1”. In fact I’ll be applying shortly for a MPC Observatory code.

I’ve also been able to determine BVR transformation coefficients using standard fields for use in photometry.

Whilst I like using the system for “scientific” purposes, I’d love to know how to perform simple processing in AA8 to improve some “pretty” deep sky objects!

I’ll send some images through to you shortly. Feel free to play around.

Regards
Andrew

[TKnightKY]

I know this is off topic but the SeeStar now has the option for 10, 20 and 30 second images.

[gregor]

Fabio - I think it would be nice if you guys could consider assisting with a set of simple steps to post process the RAW subs from the ZWO Seestar immensely & popular fully automated amateur scope. Or perhaps ask one of your genius acquaintances who have time to assist. There is a good Seestar post-processing routine offered by the astro SW known as SIRIL, but many of us would prefer using our AA8. I know you are busy with professional things, but this may be fun and would be appreciated. ZWO SeeStar S50 FITS subs are standard compliant with auto-Dark correction applied to each sub, and then require alignment /stacking with rotation due to the scope's alt/az mount. The post processing in AA8 yields a particularly funky normal resultant with lots of vignetting which we could use advice on. I will continue to work on my own process, but your knowledge would be helpful... Can provide a stacked AA8 FITS if you'd like. If interested in one approach to post processing of images from this highly popular amateur scope, using SIRIL and a script, I would recommend: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ao812ZCFOtM&t=4s Gives a feel. Thanks and have a good day, Greg

[fabdev]

Hi Greg, this happens almost every week (advice on processing a sequence of images) (but not on the forum).
Just prepare the files and write me by email, see: https://www.msb-astroart.com/support.htm
This forum is just a community of users. I understand that for other software the support is given by public forums, but for Astroart it's different, the support is private and is provided by email or phone (nothing to hide, this is just quicker and more efficient, also considering that usually it requires exchanges of several screenshots).
Once the problem is solved, the process could become a tutorial, which of course should be published on this forum.
Fabio.

[gregor]

Roger that... and Sorry Fabio. I forgot how things worked. Wll send email.

[gregor]

Hi - With Fabio's valuable inputs, I have assembled a step-by-step approach to processing Seestar S50 automatic telescope subframes (if saved) in Astroart. This is it. This approach achieves a level of output not unlike that provided by the Seestar S50's automatic processing to yield its final image. It is also similar to one which is achieved using the SIRI app approaches online. (Of course, I prefer Astroart.) I am sure the approach & steps can be improved upon by Astroart "masters". For me, it was a further learning experience in Astroart. Good luck and thanks - gregt

AN ASTROART APPROACH TO PROCESSING SEESTAR S50 IMAGES FROM ITS FITS SUBS

STEP1
-----
Using TOOLS, Preprocessing...

Under the "Files" Tab
----------------------------
a. Place/Copy the Seestar target light subs into the "Images" area
- there are no flats
- there are no darks (each light subframe has dark frame already applied)

b. Select the "Images" Dropdown Area and then, "Sigma + Sum" - Option: Select 'Sigma' in Dropdown box of 3, 4, or 5 for Sigma--seemed to get less noise with Sigma = 4

Under the "Options" Tab
-----------------------
c. In "Align" Area

Select "Auto Alignment" then "Star pattern (translation +rotation)" & OK.
Select both "Fractional Alignment" and "Copy Missing Borders"

d. Under "Format" check Remove negative pixels, select/click Demosiac RGB, and when in the RGB Demosiaic screen which appears, Select "BGGR" color box (last on right), "Bilinear 1x1", Saturation "20", Hot pixels % "30", then OK.

d. Under 'Normalization and Sigma Clipping/Images' select Add. Leave the other stuff alone.

Click OK
!! ONLY When all of the items above in Preprocessing are set as indicated.

Best to double check.

With your okay, the Alignment and Stacking Begins.

STEP 2
-------
After the alignment and stacking are complete
---------------------------------------------
a. Select, using mouse, an area that does not include light border due to rotation and then use "Image/Crop" to do just that.
b. Select "Filters" then "DDP" to access this sub-screen, select Preview and Lock.
Begin adjusting Each item within the DDP work area to improve image to your liking. Ex: Gamma 90, White Point 19, Background 20, Saturation 63, White Balance 51, Sigma 0, Strength 0.

With each image, any or all of these might need refining.

I also often like to try sharpening stars - see AA8 Manual for this process.

Good luck with your efforts... and if you improve upon this approach, please let me know.

Cheers,
greg