Merge Two sequences into One

In the advanced sequencer it is important to distinguish between sequences and templates.  The documentation is a bit weak on that.  You can combine templates, not sequences. 

A sequence is everything including state, so when saved (from the icons at the bottom of the screen) it saves everything inside, all targets, the start area, the end area, and also the current state - which lines have been run, how many exposures, etc. 

A template is a set of instructions, and does not include the start area and end area (this is more obvious if you open it up with no sequence).  Everything inside contains nested instructions, e.g. if you start empty and drag in a Deep Space Object instruction Set, you get a series of triggers, conditions and loops.  Each set like this can form a template, the option to save them is on the first line of the section.  Because you can nest these, you can save a template with one or more set of loops (etc).   You can also drag more than one template into a sequence but not nested by dragging it to the end or beginning, i.e. not nested.  

You can put as many templates into a sequence as you want.  So let's say you build a template to do one target in RGB.  Let's say you build another template to do one target in HSO.  You could start a new empty sequence, then drag each of these in one after the other, and then you could drag a target (the same or different) into each.  The result is a sequence which will run first one of these, then the other (changing between would be controlled by however you set the first to end, at a time, altitude, etc.).   The two templates you drag in could be the same, and so you could similarly do two targets. 

Templates do not contain state.  So they always started in a reset state (i.e. no lines completed). 

It is also important to note that a template without a target is saved as a template name (e.g. "One target in RGB" might be a name).  When you drag a target into a template, it renames it for the target so if saved again you get a new template containing the target .

Over time people can build up reusable libraries of templates (typically without targets in them), for different purposes, e.g. different filters, etc.  You can also use a template for non-target oriented stuff, like a setup of steps you always use (unpark, home, calibrate PHD, etc.)  You can use these latter separately, or drag them into the top of a new sequence.

A LOT of people save sequences and reuse them.  I personally think that's usually a mistake, and it is better to create templates.  If you are a programmer think subroutine (class, function, whatever your favorite term).  A program = sequence (we.. a serialized one containing state).   A subroutine = template, reusable. 

This all gets a lot more interesting in 3.x with a lot of plugins that provide really powerful features like "template by reference" (#INCLUDE from programming) making it easier to make changes across lots of templates. 

I don't know if that all helps, especially since I think the core answer to your question is "you can't merge sequences directly". 

Linwood

Linwood, wecubus,

Thanks for both for your responses and explanations.

I am pretty familiar with the use of templates in Advanced sequencer. All of my sequences are built with Templates. I only reuse saved sequences in order to complete them on later sessions (because they contain the history and progress of earlier sessions of this target).  Most of my targets are multi session acquisitions anyway and thus require multiple nights for complete target data.

My question was based on the situation where I have several sequences with only a little more acquisition required -  and I want to complete both in a final session. I have separate sequences with all of the tabulation of sub-frames acquired so far. Most of my acquisitions are based on  looping 'X' number of iterations with several different filters under a "smart exposure" format - so the saved sequence also has all of the looping progress so far. Loops are sually grouping filters by broad band (LRGB) or by narrow band.

If I want to finish two almost finished sequences, I can either create a new sequence manually (using my templates) and re-entering that which needs to be completed for both targets (error prone) - and losing all progress and  tabulation by filter. This alternative also disrupts the image numbering by staring over giving a name <ImageName_0000(1), _0001(1), _0002(1), etc…..>.    Or I can run one sequence to finish that sequence  (with full progress and tabulation); then set a timer (best guess) to wake me up when about done; and then manually load the second sequence to finish the second sequence up. The later seems to be at odds with the whole N.I.N.A. concept associated with the advanced programmer and getting a good night's sleep.

Linwood has said that he thinks that the answer to my question is that "you can't merge sequences". (thanks for that answer). Both alternatives have disadvantages,  but I would prefer to create a new sequence if there was a way to edit in progress and tabulation for the looping groups. I suppose the answer to that is "you can't do that either". If it is true I can't do that, I will likely continue to use existing partially completed and saved sequences one at a time with a wake up alarm for the next saved sequence.

I was hoping there was some kind of scripting to start a second sequence  when the first one finishes.

Thanks again for your responses!

Jim -