Exposure Templates¶

Exposure Templates allow you to save and reuse common imaging goal configurations across multiple targets.

What are Exposure Templates?¶

An Exposure Template is a saved set of imaging goals that can be quickly applied to new targets. Instead of manually configuring L, R, G, B goals for every galaxy, create a template once and apply it with a single click.

Managing Templates¶

Access Templates¶

Navigate to Settings → Exposure Templates

Create a Template¶

1. Click "New Template"
2. Enter a Name (e.g., "Standard LRGB", "Deep Narrowband")
3. Add imaging goals
4. Configure each goal's settings
5. Click Save

Template Structure¶

Template Goals¶

Each template contains one or more goals:

Goal Properties¶

Example Templates¶

Quick LRGB:

L:  120s × 30 = 1 hour
R:  120s × 15 = 30 min
G:  120s × 15 = 30 min
B:  120s × 15 = 30 min
Total: 2.5 hours

Standard LRGB:

L:  300s × 60 = 5 hours
R:  300s × 20 = 1.7 hours
G:  300s × 20 = 1.7 hours
B:  300s × 20 = 1.7 hours
Total: 10 hours

Deep Narrowband (SHO):

Ha:   600s × 40 = 6.7 hours
OIII: 600s × 40 = 6.7 hours
SII:  600s × 40 = 6.7 hours
Total: 20 hours

Using Templates¶

Apply to New Target¶

When scheduling a new target:

1. Click "Add Target" or "Schedule"
2. In imaging goals section, click "From Template"
3. Select your template
4. Goals are populated automatically
5. Adjust counts if needed
6. Save the target

Apply to Existing Target¶

To apply a template to an existing target:

1. Edit the scheduled target
2. Click "Apply Template"
3. Choose how to handle existing goals:
4. Replace All: Remove existing, add template
5. Add to Existing: Keep current, add template goals
6. Merge: Update matching filters, add new ones
7. Select template
8. Save

Template Categories¶

Organize templates by category:

By Object Type¶

• Galaxies: LRGB focused
• Emission Nebulae: Narrowband
• Reflection Nebulae: LRGB with extra blue
• Planetary Nebulae: RGB or narrowband
• Clusters: Short exposures

By Equipment¶

• Fast Scope (f/2.8): Shorter exposures
• Slow Scope (f/8): Longer exposures
• OSC Camera: No filter changes
• Mono Camera: Multi-filter

By Time Available¶

• Quick (2-3 hours): Reduced counts
• Standard (8-10 hours): Normal plan
• Deep (20+ hours): Extended counts

Advanced Features¶

Conditional Goals¶

Some templates may include conditions:

• Only include if moon phase allows
• Skip filter if not in equipment
• Adjust count based on object size

Linked Equipment¶

Templates can be linked to equipment profiles:

• Validates filter availability
• Suggests appropriate binning
• Warns if incompatible

Minimum Altitude¶

Templates can include observability requirements:

• Minimum altitude for this imaging plan
• Helps ensure quality data

Template Management¶

Edit Template¶

1. Go to Settings → Exposure Templates
2. Click Edit on the template
3. Modify settings
4. Save

Duplicate Template¶

Create a variation:

1. Click Duplicate
2. Modify the copy
3. Save with new name

Delete Template¶

1. Click Delete
2. Confirm deletion

Existing targets are not affected.

Best Practices¶

Template Strategy¶

Goal Counts¶

Maintenance¶

Example Template Library¶

Beginner Templates¶

Intermediate Templates¶

Advanced Templates¶