Test Results - IR Filter with Modified Toucam

[ballaratdragons (Ken)]

I have done the IR Filter modification mentioned HERE and I have posted the results in this thread.

This image shows the comparison of 'The Keyhole Nebula in Carina' with and without the IR Filter. Both images are 3 minute exposures with identical settings.

The first thing to notice is that the Filter does not bloat the stars as much as without the filter, making them much crisper. Secondly, the background sky is darker. And thirdly, the Stars have colour! I prefer the IR Filtered version.

[ballaratdragons (Ken)]

And here are the finished products of IR Filtering a Modified Toucam with all the glitz and glamour done!

1. Keyhole Nebula
2. Jewel Box

[ballaratdragons (Ken)]

Both images larger.

Sorry, couldn't help myself, as I am happy with them.

[RB (Andrew)]

Wow, what a difference the filter makes !

Fantastic results once again Ken, just when we thought you reached the peak, you start to take things to a whole new different level.

[avandonk]

The colour filters on most colour chips let through IR so that the camera can work in a pseudo B&W mode for IR illumination. These CCD chips have high sensitivity to IR. This will wash out colours and bloat stars. The use of a UV/IR blocking filter will really improve the image.
Having said that it looks like Ken has proved it for the ToUcam.

Good result Ken.

Bert

[Ric]

An excellent comparison Ken, it really highlights the difference. Your two finished products are lovely, the Jewel Box is a ripper.

Cheers

[[1ponders] (Paul)]

I'd say you are on a winner there Ken. A huge improvement.

[erick (Eric)]

Love the Jewel Box, Ken!

[ving (David)]

premium images on a basement budget! excellent ken

i noticed however that while the amp glow has decreased the amound of visible nebula has too. if you take a longer exposure to regain that lost nebula do you get the bloating and amp glow back?

[ballaratdragons (Ken)]

Originally Posted by erick

Love the Jewel Box, Ken!

Just for you Ric & Eric

A super-duper close-up.

[ballaratdragons (Ken)]

Originally Posted by ving

premium images on a basement budget! excellent ken

i noticed however that while the amp glow has decreased the amound of visible nebula has too. if you take a longer exposure to regain that lost nebula do you get the bloating and amp glow back?

Vingo, I can't explain why there is less amp glow, maybe coz it was colder, but the Neb is a bit fainter because I was imaging thru foggy haze last night with the filter. Transparency was miserable, whereas on the night I took the unfiltered image the sky was like glass.

I attempted 2 Galaxies (M83 & NGC4945) and they came out terrible, and the extra exposure time made the Amp glow show up just as much as without the filter. Even though the Galaxies were a failure, the stars around them still looked nice. Maybe the fog killed the Galaxies, dunno, but I'll try them again on a clear night.

[erick (Eric)]

Originally Posted by ballaratdragons

Just for you Ric & Eric

A super-duper close-up.

Cool, thanks! Colour print, then this is going straight to the pool room!

[ballaratdragons (Ken)]

Originally Posted by erick

Cool, thanks! Colour print, then this is going straight to the pool room!

Tell him he's dreaming

[Dr Nick (Nick)]

Definetely much better with the filter!

[ving (David)]

cool, thanks ken

shootin thru fog cant be easy!

[Ric]

Ta Ken, a lovely example of the Jewel box. The spikes really set it off as does the framing.

Cheers mate

[dugnsuz (Doug)]

Very nice Ken

[atalas]

Nice work...always IR Ken!