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Beta Preprocessing

Distributed WBPP

Run PixInsight's WBPP across several PCs on your local network, transparently.

Download ↗ Source code (GitHub) ↗ Documentation ↗

Overview

Distributed WBPP runs PixInsight's WBPP (Weighted Batch Preprocessing) across several PCs on a local network, transparently. Everything is configured in the native WBPP UI on the main machine; on the others, you simply start the script in client mode. The cluster auto-discovers available machines and moves frames over the network, with no shared folder required. The heavy steps (light calibration, measurements, registration, local normalization, calibration master integrations) are spread across the machines while the final assembly stays local. A strict version handshake (identical PixInsight and WBPP on every node) and an automatic local fallback guarantee a result identical to a local run, validated bit for bit.

Features

Native WBPP UI, unchanged

Configure your sessions as usual in the native WBPP dialog: distribution grafts onto it, nothing changes in your habits. The only addition is starting the same script in client mode on the other PCs.

LAN auto-discovery

A lightweight companion (single executable, no runtime to install) discovers machines on the network and transfers frames with SHA-256 verification. No shared folder required.

Adaptive per-frame split

Light calibration, measurements, registration and local normalization are split according to each machine's measured cost, transfer included.

Parallel calibration masters

Bias, dark and flat master integrations are each leased to a free machine while the server integrates its own share locally.

Safe by design

Strict version handshake between nodes and automatic local fallback on any hiccup: never a silently wrong result. Validated bit-identically against a fully local run.

Live monitoring

A dashboard lists clients and their live activity, and WBPP's Execution Monitor tags every distributed step (frames processed locally / on the cluster).

Install

  1. 01

    Add the CaeloWorks repository

    In PixInsight, open Resources → Updates → Manage Repositories and add the URL https://pixinsight-scripts.caelo.works/update/

  2. 02

    Check for updates

    Run Resources → Updates → Check for Updates and accept: PixInsight downloads and installs the script.

  3. 03

    Restart PixInsight

    Relaunch the application: the script shows up in the Script menu. Future updates then arrive automatically.

Once installed, the script shows up under Script → Batch Processing → Distributed WBPP: Server mode on the main machine (the native WBPP dialog opens), Client mode on the helper PCs. Every node must run the same PixInsight (1.9+) and WBPP versions.

Changelog

  • 1.0.0 2026-07-02

    First public release (beta, GPL-3.0), distributed through the CaeloWorks update repository. Validated end-to-end on PixInsight 1.9.3 / WBPP 2.9.1.