FLATS not found by SC

[kaymann]

I have had this problem for quite some time (over a year)... for background I have all non-custom naming schemes in SC filename settings. I do have the first 8 checkboxes checked with the exception of WinJUPOS.

I go to Capture then Capture Flat Frame. I select Mono and bias. I Check Apply new flat when capture complete. I also choose Keep individual flat frame image files. Flat capture then goes flawlessly

I then try to start a session of EAA and then SC completely ignores the fact I checked bias frames and errors out saying it cannot use the the flat as it cannot find the flat, because SC is looking in the "C:\Users\Randall\Desktop\SharpCap\Capture\flats" instead of in "C:\Users\Randall\Desktop\SharpCap\Capture\2025-01-03\Bias\flats" which is where SC automatically filed it. BTW when I do point SC to the correct folder all is good until I reconnect or restart SC and then same problem all over again.

What setting am I missing or is this a bug of some sort?

[admin]

Hi Randall,

I tried the filename settings that you suggested and it does create the master flat frame inside a 'bias' subfolder, which isn't really supposed to happen - I will have a look at that.

However, the flat was loaded successfully at the end of the flat creation process, so SharpCap knew at that point where to find the file. I am guessing that the same happens for you as you don't mention any error at the end of flat creation.

So, the question comes down to why is SharpCap trying to load from the Capture\Flats folder not the Capture\Date\Bias\flats folder? There are a couple of ways that SharpCap could be trying to load a flat frame without you explicitly telling it to:

1) The automatically restore last used camera settings when opening a camera option - I think this would work correctly as it would save the odd path of the flat frame and re-use it next time

2) Loading a capture profile - either manually or via one being set as 'default' for the camera.

My guess is that it's option 2 above - you have a capture profile set up for the camera that is either being loaded automatically or manually, and that profile contains a flat frame path from some time ago (the one you were using when the profile was created).

Of course, that's all educated guesswork - if it's not that, please send a log which will show the failure to load the flat and hopefully some info about why it happened.

cheers,

Robin

[kaymann]

Hi Randall,

I tried the filename settings that you suggested and it does create the master flat frame inside a 'bias' subfolder, which isn't really supposed to happen - I will have a look at that.

However, the flat was loaded successfully at the end of the flat creation process, so SharpCap knew at that point where to find the file. I am guessing that the same happens for you as you don't mention any error at the end of flat creation.

So, the question comes down to why is SharpCap trying to load from the Capture\Flats folder not the Capture\Date\Bias\flats folder? There are a couple of ways that SharpCap could be trying to load a flat frame without you explicitly telling it to:

1) The automatically restore last used camera settings when opening a camera option - I think this would work correctly as it would save the odd path of the flat frame and re-use it next time

2) Loading a capture profile - either manually or via one being set as 'default' for the camera.

My guess is that it's option 2 above - you have a capture profile set up for the camera that is either being loaded automatically or manually, and that profile contains a flat frame path from some time ago (the one you were using when the profile was created).

Of course, that's all educated guesswork - if it's not that, please send a log which will show the failure to load the flat and hopefully some info about why it happened.

cheers,

Robin

First the bias folder is probably a good idea as the flats are create as non-bias then the bias flats giving me the option to use either (we are talking the individual files before master is created)

I think your number 2) is where I will start to look. Given that 2) is the problem is there any way I can not have a profile choose/change the flat selection since as new flats are created I would like to use the new one?

[admin]

Hi,

as long as you are happy to edit the capture profile file in a text editor then you can make it so that it won't change the flat. By default, the capture profile saves everything, but if you wipe out the 'ApplyFlat=.....' line then when it is loaded it will not change the flat selection.

You can find the capture profile file on disk fairly easily - go to the 'Manage...' window for capture profiles, then choose the profile you want to edit, then press the 'Locate on Disk' button. You should then be able to edit it in Windows Notepad or the text editor of your choice.

cheers,

Robin

[kaymann]

Hi,

as long as you are happy to edit the capture profile file in a text editor then you can make it so that it won't change the flat. By default, the capture profile saves everything, but if you wipe out the 'ApplyFlat=.....' line then when it is loaded it will not change the flat selection.

You can find the capture profile file on disk fairly easily - go to the 'Manage...' window for capture profiles, then choose the profile you want to edit, then press the 'Locate on Disk' button. You should then be able to edit it in Windows Notepad or the text editor of your choice.

cheers,

Robin

Easy peasy - got no problems with that!