EP Projection Method

[Bert Candusio]

In order to achieve good results, any standard Variable EP Projection Tube can be used (Meade,etc).
It is important to balance the Pixel Size ratio (5.6 Microns in the case of the Philips Toucam) to the Image Size projected so that the maximum amount of data is placed onto the entire CCD Chip without saturation or loss of resolution.
In this case, 12.5 to 15mm Orthoscopic Eyepieces of good quality work best.
A spacer is required in order to achieve focus. This spacer is screwed onto the rear of the EPP tube and then the 1 1/4 inch eyepiece holding tube is inserted into it. A standard webcam adapter is then added to complete the setup.
So you end up with the following starting from the Telescope Focuser:
2 inch Focus Ring, Variable EPP Tube, 12.5 to 15mm eyepiece, Machined Spacer, 1 1/4 inch eyepiece holding tube, Webcam Adapter, Webcam.
I can supply the required Spacers to suit the Chinese Standard Focusers in Polished Solid Brass for $90.00 plus Postage. Email me at mro@darksky.net.au if you require them.
Hope this helps.
Bert Candusio

[davidpretorius]

Bert,

what is your opinion on prime focus (ie straight into the focusser) with the toucam as opposed to eyepiece projection?

It gets a relatively expensive option for an extra $90 if prime focus does the same thing?

[[1ponders]]

Hi Bert. I'm trying to visualise where the spacer goes. I have the meade variable EP Projection Tube. Does the spacer screw onto the "T" thread at the end of the Tube? If so how long does it need to be?

[davidpretorius]

Thanks Bert,

had a good look at the website, nice stuff.

"When you say prime Focus is suitable for a Wide Field image."

That makes sense for me the noobie say with a 50mm Canon 350d, where the mag is 25x

My toucam has a rough fl of say 5mm, giving magnification of roughly 250x in my 10" x 1250 newtonian. I can only get wide field images ie 30x thru leaving the lens in the toucam and shooting afocally with the platform support of a digiscope.

I had a tough time getting eyepiece projection working (now i know i need an extender) I was under the understanding from the supplier that epp would give me whatever magnification the eyepiece was.
"If you intend to do planetary work, then you need to increase the angular size of the object. A Barlow or 2 can work but your introducing more variables in light transmission through them."

There are some guy here that producing great prime focus work with toucams and barlows
http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=5409

This rumples also produced a ripper Jupiter similiar to your great shot.

Ii supposed i am now confused. I have seen your great images thru epp and similiar great prime focus work on the forum.

We have a star camp in ballarat this friday thru to tuesday. It would be great if you come on out with one of these extenders. There is a buy swap sell and vendors market on the saturday. Hang around for some of the night and 30 odd astronomers can have a look at eyepiece projection???

Thanks for your help, I appreciate it!