Atik Cameras Forum

Support (Please note, this is primarily a user forum, for direct Atik support, please email support@atik-cameras.com) => Suggestions => Topic started by: ForumAdmin on September 15, 2016, 02:41:48 pm

Title: Suggestions for Infinity
Post by: ForumAdmin on September 15, 2016, 02:41:48 pm
Below is our list of suggestions and features that are due for consideration.

If there's a feature you'd like to see that's not already on the list, we'd love to hear it. To keep this thread manageable, we ask that new suggestions are started as new topics, and remember, the more support a suggestion receives, the more likely it is to make it onto our list!

Suggestion List for Infinity

Name                                              Description                                                                                                                                             Status
ClockAdd clock to the screen to help when in full screen mode
SharpnessAdd sharpness adjustment to image
Night VisionAdd night vision mode, or way to dim screen further
Colour balanceFurther improve default colour balance
InvertAdd option to invert mono image
Record videoOption to record videos locally, rather than just straight to YouTube
FITS HeadersAllow users to add fields to the FITS file. (Object, Telescope, Observer etc)
Broadcast TitleDisplay some text on the screen so that viewers can see what the broadcast is
Stacking optionsAdd in option for sum stacking
Integration infoAbility to add integration information to an image
CrosshairAdd crosshair reticleComplete (Ver 1.4)
SaturationAdd saturation adjustment to imageComplete (Ver 1.4)
HistogramImprove ability to adjust histogram, perhaps with ability to type in valuesComplete (Ver 1.4)
TIFF FilesAdd ability to save as TIFF filesComplete (Ver 1.4)




Guide to Statuses:
Blank - Under consideration at Atik HQ
Complete - It's included in the latest Core Software Download
Title: Re: Suggestions for Infinity
Post by: elpajare on September 16, 2016, 07:59:49 am
Good improvements.

May be the possibility of adjust Histogram, sharpness, saturation in full screen too ? a bar in the bottom?

Adjust Histogram with a "box number" like Artemis Capture ?
Title: Re: Suggestions for Infinity
Post by: StarMike on September 16, 2016, 01:38:03 pm
Looks like a good list.  On the Histogram, typing values sounds good, but I would like to be able to select one of the Histogram bars, and use the arrow keys for fine-tuning.  The mouse just does not seem to have the resolution for fine adjustments to the Histogram
Title: Re: Suggestions for Infinity
Post by: Astrogate on September 17, 2016, 05:19:19 pm
The list looks great and all of these changes would make Atik Infinity software even better but if I had to choose the most crucial options I would like to suggest in order of importance.

1. Histogram - prove ability to adjust histogram, perhaps with ability to type in values
2. Colour balance - Further improve default colour balance
3.  Saturation - Add saturation adjustment to image
4.  Sharpness - Add sharpness adjustment to image
5. Crosshair - Add crosshair reticle
6. Stacking options - Add in option for sum stacking
7.  FITS Headers - Allow users to add fields to the FITS file. (Object, Telescope, Observer etc.)
8. Broadcast Title - Display some text on the screen so that viewers can see what the broadcast is
9. TIFF Files - Add ability to save as TIFF files
10. Integration info - Ability to add integration information to an image
11. Record video - Option to record videos locally, rather than just straight to YouTube
12. Invert - Add option to invert mono image
13. Clock - Add clock to the screen to help when in full screen mode
14. Night Vision - Add night vision mode, or way to dim screen further


I look very much forward to these changes that will take place hopefully soon please!

Thank you.

Chris A
Astrogate
Title: Re: Suggestions for Infinity
Post by: Astrogate on September 17, 2016, 05:22:10 pm
Looks like a good list.  On the Histogram, typing values sounds good, but I would like to be able to select one of the Histogram bars, and use the arrow keys for fine-tuning.  The mouse just does not seem to have the resolution for fine adjustments to the Histogram

Yes I completely agree with you Mike and that is an excellent suggestion esp. during times when the temperatures are cold and some of us must use gloves.

Chris A
Astrogate
Title: Re: Suggestions for Infinity
Post by: Jo on September 21, 2016, 11:55:59 am
I'm really glad we've started this thread, it's already proving really useful and a big thanks for all the suggestions and priorities so far - the histogram is definitely sounding like it's top of the list for now.

We'll see what we can do  :)

Jo
Title: Re: Suggestions for Infinity
Post by: StarMike on September 21, 2016, 09:03:17 pm
Thanks Jo.   I posted this on another thread but it should have been here.  I would like to see other live broadcast options (NSN, Facebook Live).  I would still agree that the Histogram suggestions would have priority over this
Title: Re: Suggestions for Infinity
Post by: BillB on September 28, 2016, 08:52:37 am
Could I add this to the list of possible improvements? Saving images in 16 Bitt Tiff files as well as 8Bit Jpegs, PNG and FITS?

It would help in using post processing software to get the best out of the images (I Think)

Cheers

BillB
Title: Re: Suggestions for Infinity
Post by: donboysail on September 28, 2016, 07:05:34 pm
I'm glad you have picked up on some of the suggestions that have been made in previous posts and would like to emphasize the need to improve color balance.  The two most concerns I hear about the Infinity is:

1. Many folks complain that the images obtained have a yellow/green cast. 

2. Is there a way to increase exposure beyond 120sec inside the Infinity program and not resort to Artemis or some other third party software that results in warm pixels. 

Don
Title: Re: Suggestions for Infinity
Post by: Astrogate on September 29, 2016, 03:57:44 am
Don, I agree with you 100% regarding the color balance issues. Yes if they could increase the exposure time from 120 secs to 180 or max at 240 secs without the hot/warm pixels that would be the golden ticket.

Chris A
Astrogate
Title: Re: Suggestions for Infinity
Post by: roelb on October 01, 2016, 10:45:56 pm
Agree with Don regarding yellow/green cast.
It seems to be a ICX 825 property.
Title: Re: Suggestions for Infinity
Post by: roelb on October 01, 2016, 11:24:40 pm
Suggestion List for Infinity

NEW REQUEST 1: Auto-Adjust Yellow-Green cast.

NEW REQUEST 2: For Windows: Windows-like interface. It's very annoying to double click
                          and adjust the Window each time the program is re-started.
                          When in full screen mode one cannot use the Windows Taskbar!
                          Remember last "Program window" setting.
               
NEW REQUEST 3: When saving files, add automatically <number of stacks x exposure time> & <date + time >.

NEW REQUEST 4: Add possibility to user input the object name,
                          and add this name automatically at the beginning of the file names.
                         (display the object name in the program interface)

NEW REQUEST 5: Remember last used file directory.

NEW REQUEST 6: To select directories, display the Windows like Explorer, which is more user friendly.

Desired scheduling of already suggested improvements:

1. Histogram: Improve ability to adjust histogram, perhaps with ability to type in values 
2. Colour balance: Further improve default colour balance
3. NEW REQUEST 1
4. Saturation: Add saturation adjustment to image
5. Sharpness: Add sharpness adjustment to image 
6. Stacking options: Add in option for sum stacking 
7 to 12. NEW REQUESTS 2 to 6
13. Integration: info Ability to add integration information to an image 
14. Invert: Add option to invert mono image 
15. Clock: Add clock to the screen to help when in full screen mode 
16. FITS Headers: Allow users to add fields to the FITS file. (Object, Telescope, Observer etc) 
17. TIFF Files: Add ability to save as TIFF files 
18. Record video Option: to record videos locally, rather than just straight to YouTube 
19. Crosshair: Add crosshair reticle 
20. Night Vision: Add night vision mode, or way to dim screen further 
21. Broadcast Title: Display some text on the screen so that viewers can see what the broadcast is 

Thanks to take into account this proposals.

Roel.

Title: Re: Suggestions for Infinity
Post by: manu33 on October 05, 2016, 09:42:38 pm
Good idea !!

1. Histogram: Improve ability to adjust histogram, perhaps with ability to type in values 
2. Colour balance: Further improve default colour balance  yellow cast.
3. Can not stack with many stars

Thanks !!

Manu
Title: Re: Suggestions for Infinity
Post by: elpajare on October 14, 2016, 07:51:44 am
Increase the Frame rate and minimum exposure time for use in planetary.

Title: Re: Suggestions for Infinity
Post by: ChrisGolden on October 14, 2016, 10:38:54 am
Hi everyone,

Thanks for all the suggestions. I'm pleased to announce that a new version of infinity is now available to download from our website (www.atik-cameras.com/downloads - core installer). Here is a list of what's included:

1) Improved histogram control - I've added a way to type in the value for the black / white and gray level, which can also be used with the keyboard arrows. This is hidden by default, but you can switch it on by checking: Advanced Settings -> Fine Hist Control

2) Saturation and Brightness - For colour images, you can now adjust the saturation and brightness (See Image Settings)

3) Long exposures - You can now expose for up to 10 mins (Off by default: Advanced settings -> Long Exposures)

4) Cross hairs - See Advanced Settings -> Show Cross Hairs

5) Saving Images - We've added Tiff files and 8 bit images.

6) Saving window position - The application will remember where it was last time it was closed

7) Reset All settings - See Advanced Settings -> Reset all settings

8 ) Hot pixel removal - This has been improved to fix various hot pixel issue that people have been seeing.

Unfortunately, I ran out of time and couldn't add any more features. But we're hoping to release another new version soon. In particular, the 'Yellow cast' issue that people are seeing will take priority. I now have some examples of this issue, so I'll be able to work with them to see how to improve it.

Chris

Title: Re: Suggestions for Infinity
Post by: elpajare on October 14, 2016, 12:30:07 pm
Great Chris.

Many thanks.

Title: Re: Suggestions for Infinity
Post by: StarMike on October 14, 2016, 02:14:52 pm
Thanks Chris.  Can't wait to try it.  Looks like Monday or Tuesday will be my next clear night!
Title: Re: Suggestions for Infinity
Post by: mega256 on October 14, 2016, 05:04:36 pm
Last night on " Nightskiesnetwork.com " with Chris A. and a group of us we enjoyed the new software in action.
The new software took this great camera to the next level of pleasure. "Live Imaging" being done during the broadcast was
amazing...It just worked  as it should and gave the tools to use the camera more expanse of control..
Thank you all at Atik for another great product,the device and its new software is Cutting edge!
Thank you for making your customers  happy!
Title: Re: Suggestions for Infinity
Post by: ssturges on October 14, 2016, 06:46:12 pm
A product I would like to see is the Infinity like software feature(real time stacking and viewing) in a medium or large format camera.  I would really like to be able to the using full 48mm field with out the bulk of the a focal reducer.  I would not even mind the a bin down for going fast.  It would add huge amount of flexibility to the larger format cameras and maybe drive more sales of these.
Title: Re: Suggestions for Infinity
Post by: StarMike on October 14, 2016, 07:10:53 pm
Been playing around with the new software using recorded sessions.  Love the new Histogram control.  Exactly what i was hoping for.  Great job Atik!!
Title: Re: Suggestions for Infinity
Post by: Jo on December 16, 2016, 04:58:16 pm
You might have seen in other threads we're thinking about adding a native video record feature, so you could save a .mp4/.avi/similar directly in the software, and without needing an internet connection.

Is that something many of you would be interested in?

Jo
Title: Re: Suggestions for Infinity
Post by: elpajare on December 17, 2016, 08:08:20 am
Thanks for this improvements, I suggest to finish the features voted:

Clock   Add clock to the screen to help when in full screen mode   
Sharpness   Add sharpness adjustment to image   
Night Vision   Add night vision mode, or way to dim screen further   
Colour balance   Further improve default colour balance   
Invert   Add option to invert mono image   
Record video   Option to record videos locally, rather than just straight to YouTube   
FITS Headers   Allow users to add fields to the FITS file. (Object, Telescope, Observer etc)   
Broadcast Title   Display some text on the screen so that viewers can see what the broadcast is   
Stacking options   Add in option for sum stacking   
Integration info   Ability to add integration information to an image

Good work and very good product and service to the consumer.
Title: Re: Suggestions for Infinity
Post by: elpajare on December 17, 2016, 09:42:50 am
Will be cool that we can record video frames with Infinity.

Make the exposition time more short, please!
Title: Re: Suggestions for Infinity
Post by: Jo on December 19, 2016, 02:46:45 pm
Thanks for the feedback, elpajare, it's really useful.

Though I'm afraid I don't think we can go any shorter than 0.001s for the exposure time!

Jo
Title: Re: Suggestions for Infinity
Post by: JimH123 on December 20, 2016, 02:03:15 pm
I really like the Infinity SW and would really like to use it with other Atik cameras, the Atik 460 for example.
Title: Re: Suggestions for Infinity
Post by: manu33 on January 20, 2017, 10:51:03 am
Hello Team Atik


An ascom interface to guide a star, between poses ?
and darks managment?

Manu
Title: Re: Suggestions for Infinity
Post by: elpajare on January 26, 2017, 05:36:23 pm
The definive tool would be the LIVE Curves option.

If it was possible, this software would be the best for EAA in my opinion.
Title: Re: Suggestions for Infinity
Post by: JimH123 on July 10, 2017, 10:04:06 pm
I really like the Infinity SW and would really like to use it with other Atik cameras, the Atik 460 for example.

I am really, really liking the Infinity SW with the Atik 460ex using the new Beta release.  Good job Atik!

I would like the ability to select the type of files to save when the button is pressed that now auto saves FIT files.  Perhaps I want to save JPEGs or TIFFS (8 or 16 bits) as I watch a comet move among the stars.  And it would be nice to save some information in the file name such as Image # and exposure time as well as a custom base name.  And perhaps save once every X images to allow time for something to show movement.  If a series of JPEG can be saved, an AVI can easily be made from the JPEGs.
Title: Re: Suggestions for Infinity
Post by: ChrisGolden on July 12, 2017, 10:08:08 am
Hi Jim,

Thanks for the suggestion. I'm glad you're enjoying the new software. Anyways, the software currently only auto saves in FITS files as these files contain the additional information needed to replay through the data and this wouldn't be possible with the other files types. However, adding an option to also save in other file types is an interesting idea. I'll add it to the list.

Chris
Title: Re: Suggestions for Infinity - Flats for new Horizon with Infinity a must!
Post by: Astrogate on November 26, 2017, 07:26:58 pm
Hi Chris

After watching Dave Hudson's excellent video demonstrating his new Atik Horizon camera in particular with the Infinity software I would say that 80 to 90% of us with exceptions of those fortunate to have the money for those very expensive astrograph dedicated scopes will be now having issues with vignetting unlike with the much smaller ICX825 sensor in the Infinity camera. Most of us would buy this camera for it's unique live observing properties in conjunction with the Infinity software and not with the Artemis software. Like Sharpcap is now offering in their new release software they incorporated a flat and dark field on the fly subtraction. I think we can live without the dark subtraction due to the excellent algorithm written in the Infinity software but, the flat is a big must since adjusting the background properly without losing faint details in impossible. Chris please consider building live flat subtraction into the Infinity software now that we will be working with larger APS + CMOS sensors.

Thank you

Chris Appleton
Astrogate
Title: Re: Suggestions for Infinity
Post by: Cliff Halliwell on February 04, 2018, 11:39:01 pm
Here is my new suggestion for what would be a major improvement to the Infinity software.  That is a much richer histogram adjustment. 

Yes, it is very nice to be able to set black and white and grey points.  It considerably improves the display image. 

But, as I discovered when post-processing an Infinity software capture taken with a 460EX colour camera on a Takahashi TOA130 (reduced to F5.76), there is more milk in that there cow!  With some further and very quick tweaking of the histogram (in a photo management program called ACDSee Ultimate) I was able to get a much better image. 

Here is a link to the image straight out of the camera: https://cliffhphotos.smugmug.com/Astrophotography/ATIK-460EX-with-Infinity/i-Wbmc4sS/A

Here is a link to an image with some further histogram tweaking in ACDSee: https://cliffhphotos.smugmug.com/Astrophotography/ATIK-460EX-with-Infinity/i-RM88wbj/A

ACDSee has a more sophisticated histogram adjustment tool with a set of sliders to brighten or darken various parts of the histogram.  I don't know how it actually manipulates the image, but it sure does make for a big improvement. 

Given that Infinity will tend to be used for public outreach or quick imaging, having that richer histogram adjustment would be truly great. 

Cliff Halliwell
Title: Re: Suggestions for Infinity
Post by: manu33 on January 01, 2019, 01:59:20 pm
It would be interesting to drive infinity and atik air with a tablet or phone application.

Thank's

Manu
Title: Re: Suggestions for Infinity
Post by: eyegore on April 04, 2019, 03:46:42 am
 I would like to second Jose's suggestion concerning flat frame application. For those of us who cannot afford $5,000 OTA's with 3 inch and larger focusers, and who love doing outreach, cameras such as the Horizon and those with even larger chips are only practical if "on the fly" flat application is possible.
 It is for this reason that I may possibly trade my Horizon camera for a ZWO ASI294, since the Sharpcap application has recently allowed for live calibration frame usage.
 Thank you
 Neil Kelley