Webcam and autoguiding

[04Stefan07]

Has anyone tried modding a webcam to be used as an autoguider?

[mithrandir]

There's no reason why a webcam like an SPC900NC wouldn't work. PHD works with most WDM cameras.

You would probably be constrained by how big your guide scope was as they don't have high QE.

[04Stefan07]

Maybe I can mod it to a right angled finder?

[Amaranthus]

If you're going to use a webcam, Stefan, I'd strongly recommend you try out Metaguide rather than PHD2 for the guiding program. It uses a 'lucky centroiding' method that suits video frames over longer integration.

[kosh]

Hi Stefan,

I started with a Logitech c200 or something. $30 from JB HIFI :lol:
I had a 1.25" nosepiece with uv/IR cut built in for it and it actually did ok on my 9x50mm guidescope, but only where there are bright stars, such as Orion . It worked on phd, but it would probably be better on metaguide.
I moved to the qhy5l-ii soon after, and couldn't believe the difference. I still have it just in case I feel like delving into planetary imaging at some point.

Goran.