New guy! Logitech c920 Mod

[Minty]

Hi Guys,

Newbie here and glad to join the forums. :D

I have always been into into astronomy but I finally have deep enough pockets to get back into it.

I've recently bought a ED100 refractor and mount.
I've been very, very impressed with the performance (checking out Jupiter and it's moons) so I've decided to get into the astrophotography side of things.

I'd like to share with you a few pics from my recent modification of a Logitech c920 webcam (to be used for imaging). It's a latest generation 1080p camera that I hope I can get to play ball...so to speak.

I should start by saying THIS IS NOT A GREAT WEBCAM FOR STARTING OUT as it is entirely the wrong shape and getting things aligned is not particularly easy. This webcam is top of the range but getting a viable setup has taken some work...a lot of work.

It took me a few days to figure it all out but I'm hoping for good results as soon as there's clear sky's here in, sub-tropical, Brisbane Australia. So far the view of hill sides has been great...

I started with the whole webcam and stripped it down to the board. I chose to remove the lens but keep the IR/UV filter (fitted to the bottom of the square bracket) for planetary imaging.

I cut a suitable sized heat sink, from an old CPU cooler I had, and attached it directly to the back of the CMOS. The camera already had a small, tin, heat sink.

It is now replaced with the monster pictured below.

Good to meet you all! I love the forum and hope I can contribute to it. I'll post astro pics as soon as possible.

Leigh


http://s4.postimg.org/j4hzkuawd/logitechhdprowebcamc920_650x487.jpg

http://s17.postimg.org/atcg0tksv/IMG_20150327_152314771.jpg


http://s13.postimg.org/79uqh05d3/IMG_20150327_172102790.jpg

http://s29.postimg.org/hyphvnmx3/IMG_20150327_183016354.jpg

http://s9.postimg.org/3op5z1d27/IMG_20150327_183134289.jpg

http://s14.postimg.org/b3b3jkrm9/IMG_20150327_183941911.jpg

[mikerr]

Hi Leigh, and welcome.:welcome:

Thanks for posting your project.:thumbsup:

I will be watching the progress with interest and I'm sure others will as well.

This thread may better get the attention it deserves in the DIY section. Maybe the moderators could help move it if you want to.

Looking forward to the next installment.

Michael

[Minty]

Thanks for the warm welcome Michael. :thanks:

I might ask about getting the tread moved after I update it with some actual shots of planets! :astron:

I got the c920 out, this evening, and took a few quick vids of the moon between the clouds.
I'm super pleased with the results and can't wait for a clear night to do some real planetary stuff. In fact I might go crazy waiting for the weather to clear up.

I've attached a screen grab of the raw vid in VLC as well as a quick 120 frame stack from Registax.

Very pleased my destroying a perfectly good webcam wasn't a waste! :party::party::party::party::party:

Below are the shots from tonight.

Edit: These were taken at prime focus with the diagonal still in place.

[Visionary]

Minty,
From one Newbie to another.... Brilliant work!

David

[Minty]

Thanks David. :D

Some extra info..

I captured the vid using FireCapture, not VLC.

I had to use the diagonal to get prime focus. Without the diagonal the tube is too short on a 100mm f/9 refractor.

I followed this (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wAZYQdoXrAg) dudes tutorial on youtube for the Registax bit.

:)

[AG Hybrid]

Noice!

[raymo]

Most refractors require an extension tube to get prime focus without the diagonal.
raymo