webcam unmodied Q

[p3nn]

Hi Guys

I'm a complete noob to astronomy myself and going thru the learning curve of course. My Q is re unmodified webcams, i.e. with lens still on. I'd assume one would try to butt the cam's lens right up against the lense for best effect? My particular webcam is an iLook 300 which i've tried some experimenting with both with and without it's lens. I always end up with the better views with its lense intact but never looking that crash hot. I do have a nexImage ccd on it's way which should arrive next week so I also look forward to experimenting there. Any advice re this type of setup?

James :D

[Paul Haese]

James you really need an eye piece adapter which screws into the body of the webcam. You can buy them from Telescopes and Astronomy and Bintel.

Just out of interest can you unscrew the lens and take it right off the webcam? If so the adapter will work. You then slip the adapter into your focusor and commence focusing.

[p3nn]

Hi Paul

Thx 4 the reply. I just noticed last night that the lens can unscrew once the case is off. For the moment I hot glued some plastic tube to it and that appears to be working as I imaged the moon with it the other night. Still playing around with the settings for now as well. Just found where I can source the adapter locally so will likely end up getting that

[iceman]

Normally you'd use it without the lens, and use a barlow to get a larger image scale at prime focus iwithout an eyepiece).

Post some pics!

[p3nn]

Hi Iceman

Well here goes nothing as I try to upload my first attempt re the moon. Lets see if this works

[iceman]

Great start! Well done!

[p3nn]

not too bad considering a $21 webam was used LOL

[p3nn]

Plus I had to stack it manually using gimp

[Paul Haese]

That is a very good start, focus is a little off but that will come with practice. Well done.