Stacking in Pixinsight using Fast Batch Preprocessing and Weighted Batch Preprocessing

This is how I stack images in Pixinsight using the script of WBPP or FBPP. I will compare the output from these routines to those I stack in Deep Sky Stacker. How long does each routine take and what are the differences in the final stacked image? Also, suppose you have a computer with an accelerated graphics card. In that case, I will show you how to avoid losing the CUDA advantage when upgrading Pixinsight with its latest software release.
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Setting up CUDA on WINDOWS:
docs.nvidia.com/cuda/cuda-ins...
CUDA for PixInsight:
rikutalvio.blogspot.com/2023/...
Russell Croman's CUDA in PixInsight Tools:
www.rc-astro.com/gpu-accelera...
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Chapters
0:00 Intro
2:54 Using CUDA in Pixinsight
4:44 Stacking Script FBPP versus WBPP
7:12 Comparing the speed of scripts
8:45 Comparing the image outputs on the Dumbbell Nebula
13:54 Comparing using the Eagle Nebula
17:14 Conclusion
20:30 Brief views of the Dahlias in bloom
#pixinsight #backyardastronomy #tbaic

[@ABCMO-bl5pi]

Excellent video, Pat. Although it wasn’t the purpose of the video, you have provided an excellent model for how to do this kind of comparison!

[@HeavenlyBackyardAstronomy]

Why thank you. That was very kind of you to say.
Clear Skies

[@AmatureAstronomer]

Nice.

[@HeavenlyBackyardAstronomy]

Thank you

[@Aerostar509]

WBPP and Cosmetic Correction really cleans up the images from my QHY268M camera. Great video as usual. We were in Highlands, NC this past weekend and the dahlias are just getting 2 ft high there.

[@HeavenlyBackyardAstronomy]

Thanks, Tim.
I am currently imaging on M27 with the big C-11 at f/10. For the moment, the sky is super dry and clear. I am getting great 5-minute subs with very round stars. I am guiding via StarSense AutoGuider.
WBPP will get a workout tomorrow.
Thanks for watching my video.

[@robaro7866]

Thanks for this comparison, confirmed what I have seen too. As quality is important to me I will stick with WBPP. Keep up the good work!

[@HeavenlyBackyardAstronomy]

Thank you

[@nikaxstrophotography]

I use Astropixel Processor to stack as it has features like extracting H and O channels from dual band filters and just stacks very well and twice as fast as wbPP Thanks and what a wonderful garden

[@HeavenlyBackyardAstronomy]

I've heard many good things about Astropixel Processor but decided to concentrate on PixInsight since I invested so much time and money in it.
The garden gives me great pleasure plus keeps me out of trouble... ha.
Clear Skies

[@sevenskiesastro]

Nice video and comparison Pat. I guess some things are worth waiting for with stacking. Clear skies bud.

[@HeavenlyBackyardAstronomy]

Thank you, Rob.
WBPP does take quite a bit of time, but, as you say, well worth the wait. I am guessing you don't have much astronomical dark skies this time of the year. I am further south at 32N latitude and get about 6-7 hours this time of the year ... oh, but that humidity! Ugh.
Clear skies, Rob

[@sevenskiesastro]

@@HeavenlyBackyardAstronomy nope not completely dark for me but enough to image for 3 hrs but the mean is a tad high. Makes getting clean data problematic. Clear skies

[@Microtonal_Cats]

Did they remove Drizzle check box in this? Do you just check "Rejection maps / drizzle files" in Calibration?
It's not clear in the documentation if that runs Drizzle, or just prepares for it

[@HeavenlyBackyardAstronomy]

I don't see any options to drizzle in FBPP. I am assuming the FBPP is for a quick look and the standard WBPP is for a detailed stacking.
Thank you for watching and commenting on my video.
Clear Skies