Calibration frames for ASI 1600MC

pwhit

I'm trying to determine the optimum calibration workflow for deep-sky images using my ASI1600MC camera. I'm in a rural area so light pollution is reasonably low. I shoot my light frames at -20C and my subexposures tend to be 2 min or less. I use Pixinsight for pre and post-processing My questions are :

1) Is there any need for Dark Frame calibration as the camera has low thermal noise and I shoot with the cooler on at -20C ?

2) If Dark Frame calibration is not necessary can I ignore Bias correction also ?

3) Should I calibrate my Flat Frames (0.005 sec exposure using EL panel at -20C) ? Is there any point calibrating these with a dark frame exposed for 0.005 sec ?

4) Do I need to change how I calibrate depending on the Gain and Offset settings that i use ?

slamdunk

1) Yes, use dark frames as it subtracts the amp glow from the lights

2) I don’t use bias frames, but tend to use a large number of dark frames

3) Don’t know

4) Use a master dark for each gain/offset/exposure length combination that you use. Uncheck “optimize” in ImageCalibration.

Support@ZWO

1) Is there any need for Dark Frame calibration as the camera has low thermal noise and I shoot with the cooler on at -20C ?

Yes, dark must have same parameters as light.

2) If Dark Frame calibration is not necessary can I ignore Bias correction also ?

Dark frame still useful if you don't take bias.

3) Should I calibrate my Flat Frames (0.005 sec exposure using EL panel at -20C) ? Is there any point calibrating these with a dark frame exposed for 0.005 sec ?

Yes, same temperature.

4) Do I need to change how I calibrate depending on the Gain and Offset settings that i use ?

Gain and offest must be same for calibrate frames, same as light.