AA6 Workflow?

[Forum_2017]

I'm relatively new to LRGB image processing, and have been using AA6 for a couple weeks, so far only for image processing, and like it so far. I've watched the U-Tube videos and looked through the program tutorials for an idea of how things work. But, the workflow documentation is a bit on the thin side, both written and on video and I find myself struggling to move beyond the basics.

Does anyone here know of a good step by step workflow schedule, either on the internet or otherwise, that might help move me along?

Thanks for any help or suggestions,
John

[Forum_2017]

No one? Nothing?

[Forum_2017]

Hello, I consider LRGB combine only as a last easy step of another complex procedure. Once you get a good L master image and a good (as color balance) RGB image, the final combine is immediate.

Usually the hard part is to get a RGB image with proper colors despite its noise.

To test only the LRGB combination I suggest this:

1) Take a your own (good) B/W final image, this will be the L.
2) Search and download from Google (Images) a reference image of the same subject (jpeg) where you like the colors.
3) If this image is noisy you may apply a low pass filter to it.
4) Align it to your B/W 16 bit image, using Coregister if necessary.
5) Do LRGB to "steal" the colors from the Jpeg image and apply them to your image.
This will reveal how to apply the colors from another image to your own, without adding noise.

[Forum_2017]

Thank you for your information. Okay, I've got it now,
John

[Forum_2017]

Soooooo, should I give up trying to achieve good color in RGB with AA? I am struggling a little, but attributed it to my novice abilities?
thx
Charles

[Forum_2017]

Hello, post or make public your master R, G and B image (even in jpeg format).

[Forum_2017]

Very well sir: Here is one recent effort with the Crescent Nebula. It's about 7 subs ea. @ 210 sec. RGB only if I recall correctly. I am enjoying the challenges very much, but feel like doing a copy of an internet picture would be cheating..I look forward to getting better at color development...

I am eager to maximize AA..
thx again
Charles

[Forum_2017]

Crescent nebula needs quite long exposure.
Was this 7 x 210s R, 7 x 210s G, 7 x 210 B ?
What scope & camera ?

[Forum_2017]

Hi there,
Yes only RGB for this frame. Using an 8" Edge w/.7 reducer. I have a very good camera, Atik One 9.0. Also, these subs were 1x1 binning. I am beginning to believe that really good color must come from more than 7 or eight RGB's, even if those are binned. I have achieved fairly good collection of color through my refractor with the same game plan for exposures, but I am getting impatient with my several results at this point with my SCT - that is, achieving color in the stars. I will attempt to color balance my exposures with the white star test tonight...but I seek the knowledge on just how much data/and number of exposures will it take for good RGB collection.

thx for the assist..
Charles

[Forum_2017]

Einari,
Correction...I meant to say these RGB subs are all 2x2 binning.
thx
Charles

[Forum_2017]

The LRGB "stealing" was just a tutorial to show how LRGB works .
In the image the blu channel is very weak, I think that it can be boosted during the trichromy since your image is still noise free.
25 minutes for R, G and B may not be optimal as S/N ratio, this is why I suggested to post the separate channels. Depending the sensitivity of your CCD and the filters, something like 20 / 25 / 30 may be better.

[Forum_2017]

thank you so much..I will work on it. I will actually be posting an effort with RGB and M13 on this same string. I am working on it tonight and took it after doing the best job I could on attaining estimates with the white star test. I did not get highly consistent results, but will post results soon and hope someone will be willing to critique it. thank you again.