How to Handle Negative Pixels and Wrap Error After Calibration? Use 32 bit float?

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1

Hello! I’m still looking at this problem.
Would converting everything to 32-bit float cause any problems?
During last night’s run, I had a number of images that had dark pixels darker than the Master Dark resulting in negative pixels and division by zero. The resulting calibrated images were worthless. (It appears my old SBIG ST402 does not like the very dark skies that I sent it to. Images taken when the moon is up do not seem to show this dark pixel problem.)
I converted a couple of raw images, master darks, and master flats to 32-bit float images and then calibrated and reduced the data with MPO Canopus. Everything looked fine, and the data matched the current light curves.
I am unsure if there are any problems converting everything to 32-bit float. Might this cause any problems? Thank you.
Mike

2

Hello! I just finished last night’s run. Converting everything to 32-bit float worked great! I did not need any other manipulation in order to obtain the reduced data. All the data matched up with the established light curves.
So, no need to replace the camera at present. Best regards.

Mike

3

Hey Mike, what software are you using?
MaxIm DL Pro does 32-bit float internally on 16-bit images.

4

MPO Canopus. It is a great photometry program for sequential images, having been designed for asteroid work. However, the 32-bit conversion has to be done by hand.
Mike