[Aavso-photometry] request for help dataset

[David Craft]

Anyone have more data than they have time to reduce?

I wish to ask if someone has a data set that could be made available to 
me.  I wish for a data set having multiple images suitable for 
developing a light curve of a dim (mag > = 16) object over several days 
or months, definitely using stacked images, preferably including more 
than one optical band (part of BVRI), and including dark frames, flat 
frames, flat-darks and Landolt fields, together with whatever meta-data 
necessary to create proper light curves from the set. The ideal data set 
would include a 'known' object, allowing me to judge the precision and 
accuracy of my result.  I sense this is much to ask for.  Obviously, my 
philosophy of begging is: 'If you must beg, beg for the best'.

My observatory will not be completed until 2008, or later.  I wish to 
begin developing an image processing methodology now; lacking an 
observatory, there is nothing else I can do right now.  Those data I am 
asking for will be used only to explore image processing issues.  I have 
collected several useful applications including, Peranso, AIP, CCDSoft, 
MPO, MIRA, IP, and past job requirements have caused me to gain some 
knowledge of both image processing and signal processing, so I'm not 
starting from scratch.  Several data sets are available to me either 
bundled with the software apps or on the web, but none of them are close 
to the ideal set I described above.  As I intend to use my observatory 
to create long term light curves for several dim objects, it seems like 
the easiest way to learn how, and create a data storage process, and to 
evaluate the time and power requirements (it is an off-grid observing 
operation) is to start with a representative set of data.

In return I can offer my service reducing some of your data using that 
process I develop from this work (indentured servitude), or, a small 
cash donation.

Also- if anyone had ideas regarding how my effort can be directed or 
expanded such that the result becomes more generally useful to persons 
other than me, please advise.  I expect I will spend much time fooling 
with this data set simply to satisfy myself, I would appreciate a means 
to make that effort more valuable.

If you choose to provide a data set, I hereby swear I will not pester 
you for help during my learning process.  I understand I am not and will 
not become the owner of this data; it will not be used, or transferred 
nor will any results be published without your permission.

I will gladly assume all costs associated with the duplication and 
shipping of this data.  I will attend the 94th meeting of the AAVSO in 
Las Cruces, NM during March 2005; this may be a convenient opportunity 
to share the data.

Thanks, 
 Dave Craft