ToUCam first attempt

[programmer]

Had a go at using my ToUCam for the first time last night, prime focus. All I could see was a very nice image of the secondary mirror, slowly drifting across the screen :rolleyes: As there was no Moon, and Jupiter already too low, I just picked the brightest star I could point at and hoped I'd be able to see something. I was just running the VLounge software that came with the ToUCam, all standard settings. Any beginner tips?

[iceman]

Focus was off?

Your secondary would not drift across the screen, but the shadow of your secondary (cast by an out of focus star) would probably do that.

[programmer]

Thanks iceman. I couldn't get an image from one end of the focuser travel to the other. A Barlow will fix this? I've seen discussions on this (moving primary up the tube, etc.) but I'm hoping I can get it going without mods.

Edit: yes I have read your 'astro with a dob' article where you say "The magnification is controlled by changing the focal length of your telescope, usually by adding a barlow lens (2x - 5x)." but not sure if this is a cert to work or not. If so I'm going out at lunch time and getting a Barlow, probably 2x.

2nd edit: just realised how dumb my comment above was, as I'm pretty sure the Barlow will only magnify the out of focus image.

[oggie doggie]

Programmer, I am an noob to all this but I had a similar problem when I got my toucam.
I couldn't get any focus at all. I then snipped off part of the switch which allowed me to move toucam closer in to the focusser. This helped but I still couldn't get enough in focus. I have purchased a low profile crayford which I hope to fix the problem, but unfortunately the weather has prevented a proper test at this stage.

I hope this helps.

[programmer]

It all helps, thanks for that. I see a low profile 10:1 crayrod at Bintel for $149. Don't think I'll spring for one just yet.. already spent far too much for the time being. Please let us know how it goes for you.

[[1ponders]]

Actually if you are unable to get focus (even after removing the offending switch) you may find that you are able to get focus using a barlow. It will depend on the barlow but often when using a barlow you have to focus outwards from where a bare eyepiece would come to focus.

Try the switch trick first.

[programmer]

Not sure what the switch thing is (oggie doggie?) I have a 900NC which is a different shape to the previous models, and I don't think there is anything obstructing the focuser. Will grab a Barlow anyway :)

[oggie doggie]

The switch I was referring to is the long exposure switch (You may not have this mod on your toucam). And mine is a 840K so possibly your not having the same problem as me.

[[1ponders]]

Ok you shouldn't have any problems getting the 900 close enough. Can you post a picture of how your setup looks with the 900 attached?

[programmer]

Sure, will organise that when I get home tonight.

oggie doggie: it's unmodded.. no switches. Seems like a great shape for the purpose actually.

[ving]

cant get focus... I am gunna ask the question we should have asked first up...

have you removed the lens on the webcam?
when i first started i didnt remove the lens and all i got was what you got. the telescope its self is a lens so if you are placeing the toucam with its own lens on another lens (telescope) they kinda cancel eachother out and you get zip... remove the lens and focus can be achieved.

of course if you have already done this that ignore my entire post :)
let us know how you go.

ps: switches? what the...?

[programmer]

Probably the best question so far in some ways :) But yes I have removed the lens, in order to fit the adapter. Really need a cap though, as I don't like the thought of a naked CCD sensor (i.e. without lens) gathering dust when not in use.

[ving]

ok :)

if you are not getting enough inward focus you can remove (apparently) the outer casing of the 900nc so it sits lower... or at least i have heard this somewhere before.
if you arent getting enough outward travel for focus create an extention tube out of an old gutted barlow. :)

[programmer]

As promised, here's some photos of the cam attached to the scope.

[[1ponders]]

Hmmmm :confuse3: I see your ToUcam is sitting about 5mm or so our from the 1.25" insert for your 2" focuser. What is holding it out? Mine go all the way and sit hard up against any 1.25" insert I use.

[programmer]

Just the way the adapter is I think. I could possibly screw the adapter further into the cam, but I'm afraid of damaging the fine thread. I might open the whole thing up tomorrow and see just what's going on.