Harvey Norman web cams.

[bloodhound31]

Can anyone tell me which is the best currently available webcam at Harvey Norman for under $150, that I can use for guiding and planetary imaging?

I am under the assumption that all I have to do is glue on an eyepiece tube and away I go. Is that right?

I keep losing focus and falling asleep at the illuminated EP during my long exposures. Even worse when I fall asleep and headbut the scope out of alignment...:ashamed:

Baz.

[iceman]

I don't think you'll get anything suitable at Harvey Norman.

Get the ToUcam 900nc. It's good for planetary imaging and guiding, though the guide star will need to be bright enough unless you plan to do a long-exposure mod on it.

You'll need to spend about $200, with the adapter (not including long-exposure mod).

Alternatively, spend $400-$500 and get a DMK21AU04. It's a much better camera.

[rogerg]

You can get logitech QC Pro 5000's at HN. They are good for planetary work, but not quite as good as the ToUCam. You can unscrew their lens and put in an adaptor from Mogg Adapters. Or you can superglue a film canister to the front.

I think you'd be better off buying a ToUCam with adapter. It'll cost you less I think (only a little difference).

Harvey Norman is about the most expensive place you could buy a webcam. Plenty of place on the web to buy them from, suggest using Static Ice (http://www.staticice.com.au/) to find a good price from a PC retailer, if you don't want to go down the ToUCam from an astro shop line.

:thumbsup:

[dugnsuz]

Hi Baz,
I got mine from ebay...
http://cgi.ebay.com.au/BN-Philips-840K-ToUcam-PRO-II-webcam-CCD-sensor-1-2MP_W0QQitemZ330196056060QQihZ014QQ categoryZ130881QQssPageNameZWDVWQQr dZ1QQcmdZViewItem
...just under $100.
Cheers
Doug

ps...you can get modded Toucams from Telescopes and Astronomy in Adelaide
http://www.telescopes-astronomy.com.au/

[ballaratdragons]

Baz, the Toucam 840k Pro II is cheaper than the 900NC and gives pretty much the same result.
I have seen 840k's going for about $90 new lately. Then add about $30 for the adaptor.

[bloodhound31]

Lots of good info there guys.

Do I need to also buy software for guiding? Is this done at the PC end or does it need to go into the controls for the Celestron somehow?

Are any of you guys Canberra local and use a webcam for guiding? I would like to invite you to my observatory to pick your brains.....and have a quiet ale of course.....

[iceman]

PHD Guiding is free!

[ballaratdragons]

There are quite a few Free guiding programs :thumbsup:

[bloodhound31]

ok...thigh bone connected to the...knee bone....

So. Webcam connected to Telescope via EP holder....Webcam connected via USB cable to PC.....PC connected to____________ with a _____________?

I take it the free guiding software on your PC, sends signals (corrections), based on the image (designated guide star) from the webcam to the drive motors on the telescope to keep that star on designated pixels on the monitor screen?

Is that right?:shrug:

Baz.

[dugnsuz]

Spot on Baz, but the corrections are sent from computer to the mount via a 'Guide Port interface' - commercial product sold by Shoestring astronomy...
http://www.store.shoestringastronomy.com/products_gp.htm
Pick the one that suits you, USB or Parallel Port.
I have the USB version - worked straight away , no dramas!

Cheers
Doug:thumbsup:

[bloodhound31]

Doug! That is GREAT! Thank you so much. What an awesome little reference and resource.

I may be autoguiding before Christmas!

Thanks to every one else who answered my thread here. You have all been a fantastic help!

God bless!:thumbsup:

Baz:D

[dugnsuz]

All the best Baz, good luck:)
Cheers
Doug:thumbsup: