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Old 03-10-2007, 01:18 PM
alphamone
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webcam modification

i have got a webcam, i was just wondering if there was any way (such as special software) that would be able to get it to be used as a makeshift scope cam. I have seen how I can convert it to fit my scope, but the software that came with it seems a bit lacking in features (it cant even make it take a still image.).

I was just wondering if anyone has an idea of what i can do?

btw, it is a vimicro zc0301pl.
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Old 03-10-2007, 01:21 PM
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[1ponders] (Paul)
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What sort of webcam is it alphamone? Can you include a picture? or a weblink?
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Old 03-10-2007, 02:13 PM
alphamone
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http://store.scienceblog.com/21-1725...ug_Webcam.html
that is all i could realy find about this webcam. It is just a cheap one, which is why i am not concerned about stuffing it up totaly while modifying it.
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Old 03-10-2007, 02:27 PM
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Sorry, but it doesn't look likely. I don't see how you are going to remove the lense and then replace it with an adapter.

This one might be more likely http://store.scienceblog.com/21-1725...SB_Webcam.html

but without the specifications for it, it is only a guestimate. Info you would need are chip specification, frame rates, lux sensitivity, what sort of compression is used in the image transfer. Most people starting out use a ToUcam as it is such a well know and reliable webcam plus the adapters are readily available for it. If you want to try yours, as long as you can get the lens out without damaging the chip or circuitry then you could try to glue an old 35mm film canister with the bottom cut out onto the camera and put that into your eyepiece holder.

btw what sort of scope are you considering using for this little adventure?
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Old 03-10-2007, 03:08 PM
alphamone
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sorry, should have specified that i was planning to do the good old 35mm film canister method. I will try and get the chip info later
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Old 03-10-2007, 05:21 PM
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I have done an extensive search on that particular chip in that camera and nowhere do they specify the lux rating.

The lux rating tells you if a webcam is suitable for astro work. If a webcam has a lux rating of <1 (less than 1 lux) it is usable. Any higher and it is useless for astro work.

If a camera DOES have a lux rating of <1, it gets mentioned in the specs and the advertising, as that means it is very good and is a great advertising point.

The other problem is it is a CMOS.

System Specifications

* Sensor: High quality VGA CMOS
* Video Capture: 160x120, 176x144, 320x240, 352x288, 640x480, 800x600,1280x960
* Video File Type: AVI ,MPEG
* Image File : BITMAP
* Frame Rate: Up to 30 frames per second (with recommended system)
* Field of View: 42 degrees horizontal
* Optics: Manual focus
* White Balance: Automatic
* Color Depth: 24 bit true color
* Cable length: 5 ft. USB cable
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