Cheap webcams!!!

[telemarker (Keith)]

I would like to put in a word of thanks for Ken. I took up Ken's offer and received a couple of flashed cams today. Another fine example of the community spirit of IIS members here.

[Nico13 (Ken)]

Originally Posted by Cloudyagain

Looks like my $32.97 AUS including VAT has turned out a bit of a winner. Doesn't happen to me too often.

Only waited a week as well.

You have to wonder about their proceedures as the prices people are ultimately paying here seem to be a bit of a lottery.

Neale.

Couldn't help myself have one for guiding but needed another for planetary imaging.

Will mod one for long exposures.

Even with the price rise and an 1.25" adapter included about $53 is pretty dam good.

Ken.

[Merlin66 (Ken)]

I'm just about to flash another couple of cameras.
A camera and adaptor cost 26.20gbp posted to Oz.
At todays exchange + 4% paypal fee this is: $44.26
Ken

[bobson (Bob)]

HELP!!

I flashed camera, installed it and everything works fine but...

When i remove lens and install eyepiece adapter, install wxAstroCapture and run it I cant see anything?? I looked at their website and their picture showing the PC screen and room around it with this program is clear. I tried on Jupiter tonight thinking maybe its supposed to be like that but I still can't see nothing, all blur, faded colours depending which way i turn the camera too.

I put lens back and everything works fine again??
I tried to find some tutorial for using ToUcam but nothing that explains what I am suppose to see ones I remove lens from camera and install eyepiece adapter

What am I doing wrong?
I just want to see on screen what I see visually and make simple point shoot pics with it on planets and Moon.

Thanks

[Merlin66 (Ken)]

Bob,
Don't panic!
What you are seeing/ experiencing is normal.....
When the small lens is removed from the webcam you need to use the telescope as a giant telelens to image onto the webcam CCD.
99% of the first time users frustrations/issues relate to finding the focus.
Try it on the moon to start with..set-up the telescope and focus on the moon with say a 12mm (or thereabouts) eyepiece.
Remove the eyepiece and slip the webcam into the focuser.
On the PC screen you should now see a bright and probably lumpy image..use the focuser to gently (like very gently!) move the webcam into the best focus position you can find.
That's about it for starters...

[Merlin66 (Ken)]

I'm just about to order a couple of webcams and adaptors for members...
If any other members want to buy them (flashed to 900nc) through me could they let me know ASAP. It's slightly cheaper in the UK (postage) to buy a few rather than one at a time.
Ken

[asimov (John)]

This thread is like a blast from the past..A lot of us here were doing this like, 4-5 years ago

Great little webcam though, so go for it guys!

[bobson (Bob)]

Thanks Ken,

The reason I got confused is the image on the wxAstroCapture website where they show the image of the room where the computer is. Its shows nice clear image of it? On mine I can't see bloody anything ones I remove lense

Is it possible I can't reach focus? Cos i tried what you just told me to do and looks like I need to go back in with the focuser but I cant go down any more. Anyway, I will try what you just told me and see how I go.

Thanks again

cheers mate

[Sharnbrook (Mike)]

My Webcam arrived today, exactly 2 weeks after ordering it. They acknowledged receipt of the order the morning after I placed it, and I assume it was sent within the 24 hours that they claim is normal practice, but there was no date of posting on the package. UK postal authorities are not known for their speedy service! My cost was also GBP 30.26, or A$50.32 inc VAT and Card charges. They also took the GBP 9.99 for Int'l postage as a separate bite, but I'm not getting hot under the collar, as I knew I would have to pay that. I may ask them why VAT had to be charged on an export order, and see what they say.

[Merlin66 (Ken)]

Yes,
It seems as if they have been overwhelmed by the demand for these webcams and adaptors.
If you just order the webcams (at least here in the UK) you can get them within a couple of days. If you order adaptors that's were the delay seems to come in....I'm still waiting on three cameras with adaptors.....it's now been four days.....
I think the guy who is machining them (Wayne Weedon) just can't keep up with the demand!
Anyway, it's still a bargain at the moment, so a little wait is still worthwhile.

Ken

[Stu Ward]

Still yet to receive mine

Stu

[michaellxv (Michael)]

I emailed them last night and got a prompt reply. Mine was posted on 21/09/2010. 'The post office tells us that in exceptional circumstances it can take up to 15 days'

Just need to be patient for a bit longer.

[erick (Eric)]

Keep peddlin' that lathe, Wayne! We are waiting!

Credit card has been debited. VAT included. Hopefully they will refund the VAT. No response to two emails as yet.

[Robert9 (Robert)]

I had to ask for the VAT refund, which happened about 3 days after they acknowledged they would. My unit ordered and accepted16th, posted 21st, still waiting.
Robert

[erick (Eric)]

Both emails were asking about a VAT refund.

[Merlin66 (Ken)]

The backlog seems to be clearing -all my outstanding orders were delivered yesterday. The cameras have now been flashed and I will ship them to the members first thing tomorrow.

[Merlin66 (Ken)]

All the webcams and adaptors have been shipped.
Enjoy!!

[bartman (Bart)]

Hi Ken,
Any chance of getting one of you aswell?
I must have missed this post for some reason, and only know about it because of another post linking to this one!
For some reason I cant PM so ....I have to do it this way.
Thanking you in advance
Bartman

[bartman (Bart)]

Hi Ken,
got your PM, did you get mine?
Just curious...
thanks
Bartman

[Merlin66 (Ken)]

Bart,
Yes, got it and replied.