Utility to replay StarTools sessions

[Guy]

I have developed a small Windows-based software tool (called STReplay) which uses the StarTools log file to recreate a previous processing session. This may be useful in various ways - like comparing different approaches in processing.

Update 4th December 2019 - The first generally available beta version for Windows is now available see here
Update 10th December 2019 - Request for help testing Linux version see here


I am looking for a small number of people to test the stability and portability of the application with a view to making it more widely available - if there is interest.

It can be used in a number of ways - but with varying results:
• If Repeating the processing using the original image file and masks:
- STReplay should produce good, repeatable, results with perhaps a minor deterioration.
• If Repeating the processing using variations of the original image (e.g. a different stack of subs):
- STReplay should produce reasonable, repeatable, results suitable for experimentation. However, once the optimum original image is chosen it is best to go through a full new StarTools processing session to get the best results.

Note: If you use a different image from the original STReplay is unlikely to produce good or repeatable results with any accuracy – it is best to do a new session for a new image.

Limitations:
- It is limited to Windows - there is no version for Linux or macOS.
- It only works with StarTools version 1.4.332 or later.

If you are interested in helping with this testing then please send me a PM with the details of your computing environment (Computer, OS & Screen resolution).


Guy

[niccoc1603]

Hi,

this is fantastic! I am absolutely keen on helping you with this project. I can't figure how to PM you but count me in

Windows 10,
4k monitor

[Rkonrad]

there is no version for Linux or macOS

yet??

I'm envious of Windows operators now. It looks like a good tool Guy! Let me know if you decide to also develop it for Linux.

Richard

[Guy]

Hi,

Thanks for volunteering, niccoc1603. I've sent you a PM.
Log in and go to the User Control Panel - it should be waiting for you in the Private Messages area.

Richard, I'd have appreciated your opinion of it - unfortunately it uses some operating system elements so I don't think using an emulator would help.
If I do look at it, it will be when the dust has settled on this version - particularly if I can find an 'idiots guide' to programming for Linux!
I'll keep you posted.

Guy

[niccoc1603]

Hi, I have received the PM, however the forum board does not let me send/reply to PM (it says I'm too new to the forum -_-)....

[Guy]

Hi,
No problem. I've sent you a PM with all the information.
I'm sure you'll be allowed to use PM soon.
Until then, use this topic for any issues you have.

Regards,

Guy

[happy-kat]

I am up to have a look at this too, as have a lot of images to batch process for this comet lark so happy to use the new function to test if it fits for you.

[Guy]

I have created a new version of STReplay (0.41) ready for testers to download.

The significant changes are:
- Support for masks embedded in the log - as produced by StarTools version 1.4.340
- A log Pause command - to allow you to make some changes before continuing processing
- Some stability and usability improvements.

Just download it as before.

Let me know of any problems you have - or any ideas for improvements.

Thanks.

Guy

[cytan299]

Hi Guy,
I use a Mac and would really like to be able to replay StarTools sessions. Is it possible to run your program under Wine?

IMO, the greatest weakness of ST (although it's a great program otherwise) is that it is unable to save intermediate processing sessions or replay sessions. Will this feature be available in later versions?

cytan

[Guy]

Hi cytan

I haven't tried running the program under Wine or Mono. I think it unlikely that it would work directly as it requires control over the keyboard and mouse and needs to be able to read the screen.
My focus at the moment is to make sure it works well under Windows but at some point I may look into ways of running it under Linux and MacOS.
I'll add your request to the list.
If I did would you be willing to test it?

Guy