Bad quality? Or get what I paid for?

[DJVege]

Hi astro-buddies,

The items in question are:

* Toucam Pro II 840K
* Orion Shorty Plus Barlow (2X)

I've only recently (like, yesterday) found problems with these 2.

Firstly, the Toucam. Although you can't see it when you use it as a normal webcam, when you unscrew the lens and put on the adaptor for scope use, there is a spot on in the image that is dark (blurry, spot). About 5ml wide on screen. Upon closer inspection, there is a pin point scratch on the plastic chip thingy in the Toucam. This doesn't really phase me, as the "spot" is in one corner (possibly also another one at the bottom of the image). Seeing as I bought this from ebay for $70, not too phased.

The Barlow, however....I thought the image errors were only due to the TouCam, but when i checked out the Barlow, there is a "Bubble-like" dot in the mirror/lens/whatever. In fact, there are a few scratch like marks (not made by me) on it. Is this supposed to be like this? Is this what I get for buying a cheaper barlow, as opposed to a Televue? My powermate is flawless (to my eye). :shrug:

Thanks.

[davewaldo]

I can't comment on the Toucam, but the Barlow should be great. I have one and it performs really well. I have no scratches or marks on mine.

Did you buy the barlow new and what sort of image errors are you seeing when using the barlow?

Cheers,

Dave.

[DJVege]

The barlow I bought new this year. Viewing is fine as far as I can tell (haven't thoroughly checked this), but imaging you can definitely see the bad spot.

[[1ponders]]

Can you post an image of the view both with and without the barlow?

Were both bought of ebay?

[DJVege]

Nah, TouCam was ebay; barlow was Bintel.

I'll do my best with the image. I might even try to take some photos of the actual lenses/mirrors, or whatever they are, and post it here when i get home. :)

Thanks.

[dugnsuz]

Sounds like there's a blemish in the multicoated surface of the barlow lens.
I bought a 3x ED barlow from Andrews with same problem - sent it back for another with no problem. send it back DJV, it'll bug you if you don't!!

I too bought a Toucam through ebay, and I suppose sending it back to say Hong Kong or the Phillipines is a hassle but it'll bug you too!!!!
I use the Toucam for guiding only so an edge abberation wouldn't be so much of a drama.
All the best
Doug

[DJVege]

Yeah, the TouCam isn't modded, so for planetary stuff, it doesn't matter cause I plan to have the image centered anyway.

Will post the pics tonight when I get home.

Thanks guys.

[Aster]

Have been using the same barlow as you, purchased from Bintel, and it performs flawless. Visually, or with the DSI Pro for Lunar imaging.

Send it back for an exchange.

Alexander

[DJVege]

Ok. Here's an image that shows the defect (scratch) the webcam has. This is an image taken ages ago, with a 5X powermate, but I know the powermate is good. I can see this defect even without the powermate, but it's shown well here.

An image with the shorty Barlow is proving difficult to get. There are clouds everywhere, and pointing just the webcam at a white page isn't working. I just see white. :)

[DJVege]

Just want to share...BINTEL rock. :thumbsup:

Don rang me today to ask me where to ship the replacement to after I sent Bintel an email regarding the defects in the barlow. :)

It's already been shipped to me, so I should have it tomorrow! A+ customer service.

[dugnsuz]

That's the service you want eh?
Now for that damn Toucam:P
Doug:thumbsup:

[DJVege]

haha. Yeah, not going to even try with the TouCam!

[IanL]

I have the same two bits of kit and have no problem at all with them ??

Ian
Brisbane

[DJVege]

Yeah, think I was just unlucky with both.