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Just an update: the above results were obtained with ST 1.7-436, and I've just tried 1.7-439 and for some reason, the Wipe phase using the "Uncalib" preset doesn't get an even field.

Ivo, Ok, so I've followed your advise to better compare pattern noise, let me know if the procedure is correct: 1) Load the image, using the 2nd button from the left. 2) AutoDev - Keep 3) Crop a square area with the galaxy in the middle (around the same on both images) 4) Wipe - Uncalibrated preset ...

Hmmmm... Do let us know how you go! If you are already dithering, then I cannot think of any reason why that pattern noise would still be there... That's really odd. :think: Perhaps indeed try increasing the amount by which you dither (a spiral pattern is preferable). Hello Ivo, Yes, I've been dith...

Hello Ivo! I don't have good news, the pattern noise seems to be there no matter what. Here's an example of stacked 300 secs subs without calibration frames: Sculptor-300sec-uncalibrated.jpg And here's an example of stacked 150 sec subs with calibration frames: Sculptor-150sec.jpg Both were dithered...

Update: I've re-stacked the dataset from last night with DSS and this worm-like background noise is still there (or at least I think so), and also I think APP is doing a better job than DSS: DSS_stack.png APP_stack.png Even with this kind of background noise, I was able to get something I like, not ...

Hi Ivo! Thanks for taking the time to answer and look at my dataset. About dithering: I'm doing it with every exposure. I'm taking 5 minutes exposures and dithering with a max pixel setting of 10 (using the Asiair Pro). Do you think I should shorten the exposure time (opening the lens) to have more ...

Following up on this, I think I got something that starts to be acceptable. I had to do lots of cropping to remove the gradient, not sure if it was really necessary but when using the Wipe module, it didn't go away otherwise. Helix_Nebula-20201008_20201009_20201011_20201012_20201013_20201016-ST1.7-4...

Hi Ivo! I've re-processed the data on the Helix Nebula, taking out those frames that don't have the same exposure time and gain, following your advice. My remaining integration time is about 11 hours and I asked APP to just select the top 90% so what I got is ~10 hours of exposure. Also, I didn't do...

Oh, I forgot one thing. My original question is about getting at least similar results as my usual workflow (APP's post processing tools + StarNet + Photoshop), and to my eyes, your attempt is very near but I see more fine details on my version. The question is: is that detail "real" or is it made u...

Thanks for your advice! I'll have a second go on your step by step procedure so I can tinker with those settings. Regarding the green cast, I supposedly stacked using APP's recommended settings for StarTools. I think I drizzled it so I can also change the integration type to standard and see what ha...