Hi Dave and
to IIS.
I am no expert and I am going through a similar exercise to you. Have a look through my
Lemmon thread and post #10 by Screwdriverone it has some great tips on how to use Deep Sky Stacker.
If you are in the suburbs then light polution will be a problem but I am not letting that stop me from practicing. But a trip to dark skies will definitely give better results.
You can probably go longer than 10sec exposure, I have just tried some at 30sec but haven't processed them yet.
Post a sample of what you have and the experts will be able to advise better.