Polaroid ST-7E, ST-8E, ST-9E manual Tracking Functions

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Section 5 - Advanced Imaging Techniques

what alignment operations were done to the individual components of IMAGE to achieve the end result. In the following discussions this track list file will be referred to as TRACK.

5.Repeat steps 3 and 4 as many times as desired for all the objects you wish to image, each time choosing a set of corresponding new names for the IMAGE and TRACK files.

6.You will now create a combined flat field image for each Track and Accumulate image you captured. Invoke the Add by Track List command. The software will bring up a file directory dialog showing all the track list files. Select the TRACK file corresponding to the image you wish to correct. The software will load the TRACK file and present you with another file directory dialog showing all the images. Select the appropriate FLAT image. The software will align and co-add the FLAT image using the same operations it performed on the Track and Accumulate image. Finally save the combined flat field image using the Save command. In the following discussions this combined flat field image will be referred to as COMBINED-FLAT. Repeat this step for each of the TRACK files using a corresponding name for the COMBINED-FLAT image.

7.You will now flat field correct the Track and Accumulate image with the combined flat field image. Use the Open command to load the IMAGE file, then use the Flat Field command. The software will present you with a file directory dialog where you should select the corresponding COMBINED-FLAT image. After the software has finished correcting the image you can view the results and save the flat field corrected image with the Save command. This image will be referred to as the CORRECTED-IMAGE file. Repeat this step for each of the IMAGE files using the corresponding COMBINED-FLAT image.

At SBIG we have adopted the following naming convention for our various image and related files. If it helps you organize your files please feel free to adopt it or any method you feel helps sort out the process of naming files:

Image type

Name

 

Uncorrected image (IMAGE)

XXXXXXXX.

(blank extension)

Flat field file (FLAT)

FLATXXXX.

(blank extension)

Track list file (TRACK)

XXXXXXXX.TRK

 

Combined flat field (COMBINED-FLAT)

FLATXXXX.C

 

Flat field corrected image (CORRECTED-IMAGE)

XXXXXXXX.F

 

5.8.Tracking Functions

The CCDOPS software allows your ST-7E/8E/9E to be used as an autoguider or self guided imager. It does not function as a stand-alone autoguider like the ST-4, but instead requires using a PC to perform the function. These cameras have considerably better sensitivity than the ST-4.

CCD autoguiders alleviate you from having to stare down the eyepiece for hours at a time while guiding astrophotographs. They are not the end-all, cure-all approach to telescope

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Contents Operating Manual Page Table of Contents Technique Road Map of the Documentation IntroductionQuick Tour Ccdops Software Ccdops for Windows or MacintoshCCD Camera Page Cameras in General Introduction to CCD CamerasHow CCD Detectors Work Full Frame and Frame Transfer CCDs Camera Hardware ArchitectureCCD System Block Diagram CCD Special Requirements CoolingDouble Correlated Sampling Readout Dark FramesFlat Field Images Pixels vs. Film GrainsGuiding Electronic Imaging Black and White vs. Color Page Step by Step with a CCD Camera At the Telescope with a CCD CameraAttaching the Camera to the Telescope Focusing the CCD Camera Establishing a Communications LinkCamera Back Focus Finding and Centering the Object Taking an ImageDisplaying the Image Processing the ImageAdvanced Capabilities Crosshairs Mode Photometry and AstrometrySub-Frame Readout in Focus Track and Accumulate Autoguiding and Self GuidingAuto Grab Color ImagingAt the Telescope with a CCD Camera Connecting the Power Connecting to the ComputerConnecting the Relay Port to the Telescope Camera HardwareUsing Mechanical Relays Push to Make Switch Modification Modular Family of CCD Cameras Joystick ModificationSystem Features 20.6x sizeum Focal length cm Camera Hardware Connecting the older model CFW-6 filter wheel to the Camera Battery Operation Page Advanced Imaging Techniques Lunar and Planetary ImagingDeep Sky Imaging Terrestrial ImagingTaking a Good Flat Field Changing the Camera ResolutionBuilding a Library of Dark Frames Flat Fielding Track and Accumulate Images Tracking Functions Advanced Imaging Techniques Page Accessories for your CCD Camera Cooling BoosterTri-color Imaging Camera Lens Adapters and Eyepiece ProjectionFocal Reducers AO-7 and Lucy-Richardson SoftwareThird Party Products and Services SGS Self-Guided SpectrographWindows Software Image Processing SoftwareSbig Technical Support Common Problems Common Problems Common Problems Page Glossary STV Glossary Glossary Appendix a Connector Pinouts Appendix a Connector ad CablesSbig Tracking Interface Cable TIC-78 Figure A1 CCD Connector for TIC Mating Cleaning the CCD and the Window Appendix C MaintenanceRegenerating the Desiccant Page Appendix C Capturing a Good Flat Field TechniquePage Index IBM PC Separations
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