Davekyn
04-01-2010, 11:10 AM
Hi Guys, (*Note Pics at bottom of page)(10" LCD viewing screen not pictured)
It’s time to pop in and ask for some advice again. I know I always seem to beg the question. The truth is, it looks as if it is going to be some time before I can afford to get any “real imaging gear” however; after playing with a cheap Kodack digi camera and using its 30 second video options on the moon, I’m now thinking of the possibilities of simply getting into “astro-videoing” as another form of observing.
On the cheapest side possible I’ve been thinking about web-cams/wireless security-spy cameras & even reverse cameras + USB capture devices. The Mods on various Web-cams seem a little overwhelming, although if I could afford to try several times, I reckon I could pull it off…eventually :)
Therefore not knowing anyone or wanting to spend hundreds on a modded version of some webcam, I’ve come to the conclusion that perhaps your “average/standard every day run of the mill” camera device may be as good as what I got with the 30 second video results of my Kodack digi cam, when shooting bright objects” such as the moon and planets…(I’m not talking spiffy astrophotography here, but anything that will help me spot a shadow more easily type of thing)
At the moment I’ve been more than happy to trip over my camera tripod as I play with the afocal method atop of my many 12” Dobs eye pieces. My friends & family who know nothing about astronomy or stargazing have genuinely been amazed at this method and the results I have emailed here and there.
I took my little nephew and niece out the other day and they were blown away with some basic moon viewing. Of course anyone who has done this with little kids would know, you have to watch your gear as they run about in an excited atmosphere asking heaps of questions and chopping at the bit for their turn again. Thankfully I only had my Dob setup and no trip-pods as my nephew went head over heels above my sturdy 12” Dobsonian mount ;) – So now I figure I will attempt to use a 10” LCD touch screen I have in the shed, with some type of camera for our next viewing session instead and see what they’ll think of that.
I seem to of come up with a very “BASIC” but cheap system however would like some comments as to whether this plan is workable or not?
For $52.00 including postage –
-I can get a Wireless Mini CCTV Hidden Color Pinhole Camera SPY Cam
-VGA TO TV RCA S-VIDEO CONVERTER ADAPTER
-USB 2.0 VHS to DVD Converter Adapter Video Capture Card (I am sure this will accept the rca from cameras receiver?)
I thought I could extend the 9Volt clip so as to mount the battery to the base of my Dobs focuser, and simply hook it up to the camera (which I was going to house inside of a 35mm plastic roll (canister)) once in place. I like the idea of no wires or trip hazards.
Of course this all sounds too good to be true! Which is why I have come in here with the dreaded anticipation it will all be shot to bits ;(?
None the less…I’m going to keep thinking of ways to somehow join in and the Bottom end…The USB Capture device is an effort so that I can record like a webcam would on my laptop. Now I am not sure if a webcam would win hands down (over moon & planets) but I would prefer this method over a webcam, simply because of the wireless capabilities. Also, using my 10”inch screen for simply viewing will use way less power in the field + I don’t always have to take my laptop.
Here are the specs of the camera with some pics of the gear I am talking about:
Descriptiion:
TV Color System : NTSC or PAL
Camera Specifications:
Validity Pixel: PAL - 628x582, NTSC - 510x492
Horizontal Definition: 380 Lines
Minimum Illumination: 3 Lux
Focus: Manual adjustable from 30 mm to Infinity
Horizontal Viewing Angle: 50 Degree
Effective Range (line of sight): 300 ft to 1000 ft
Voltage: 8V DC
Weight: 20gram
Size: 20 x 22 x 24(mm)
RF Power: 500mW
Receiver Specifications :
Output: Video RCA Jack
Voltage: 12V DC
Power consumption: 1.2W
Weight: 130 gram
Receiver Size : 60 x 115 x 20 (mm)
Any advice on the concept of using such equipment for viewing the Moon and Planets at such a cheap price would be great…I am aware you get what you pay for and don’t expect too much from the set-up, however appreciate any comments relating to what won’t work and how I may be able to better embark on such a mission. If a web cam set-up can match my proposal for less than $52.00 (incl postage) as well I’m all ears. Once again, bear in mind the wireless advantages.
Ultimately I would like to somehow incorporate a 1.8inch LCD view finder atop of my scope, running off the same camera via some kind of video splitter so that I could actually work the scope while others could more easily do their own thing and view at the same time. I believe this method - working in tandem with a partner, who may present interesting information as say each different object passes by would make for a terrific showing of the MOON! At any rate a 1.8” LCD view finder would indeed be very advantageous:
Perhaps there is a webcam based model that uses a mini card to record to as well as output a video signal…keep the cord relatively short and a small screen, then perhaps I could reap all the benefits?
I’ve come across such cameras that record to a small card or solid state device; however they never seem to have the option for video out at the same time?
Thanks for any feedback guys
Dave
It’s time to pop in and ask for some advice again. I know I always seem to beg the question. The truth is, it looks as if it is going to be some time before I can afford to get any “real imaging gear” however; after playing with a cheap Kodack digi camera and using its 30 second video options on the moon, I’m now thinking of the possibilities of simply getting into “astro-videoing” as another form of observing.
On the cheapest side possible I’ve been thinking about web-cams/wireless security-spy cameras & even reverse cameras + USB capture devices. The Mods on various Web-cams seem a little overwhelming, although if I could afford to try several times, I reckon I could pull it off…eventually :)
Therefore not knowing anyone or wanting to spend hundreds on a modded version of some webcam, I’ve come to the conclusion that perhaps your “average/standard every day run of the mill” camera device may be as good as what I got with the 30 second video results of my Kodack digi cam, when shooting bright objects” such as the moon and planets…(I’m not talking spiffy astrophotography here, but anything that will help me spot a shadow more easily type of thing)
At the moment I’ve been more than happy to trip over my camera tripod as I play with the afocal method atop of my many 12” Dobs eye pieces. My friends & family who know nothing about astronomy or stargazing have genuinely been amazed at this method and the results I have emailed here and there.
I took my little nephew and niece out the other day and they were blown away with some basic moon viewing. Of course anyone who has done this with little kids would know, you have to watch your gear as they run about in an excited atmosphere asking heaps of questions and chopping at the bit for their turn again. Thankfully I only had my Dob setup and no trip-pods as my nephew went head over heels above my sturdy 12” Dobsonian mount ;) – So now I figure I will attempt to use a 10” LCD touch screen I have in the shed, with some type of camera for our next viewing session instead and see what they’ll think of that.
I seem to of come up with a very “BASIC” but cheap system however would like some comments as to whether this plan is workable or not?
For $52.00 including postage –
-I can get a Wireless Mini CCTV Hidden Color Pinhole Camera SPY Cam
-VGA TO TV RCA S-VIDEO CONVERTER ADAPTER
-USB 2.0 VHS to DVD Converter Adapter Video Capture Card (I am sure this will accept the rca from cameras receiver?)
I thought I could extend the 9Volt clip so as to mount the battery to the base of my Dobs focuser, and simply hook it up to the camera (which I was going to house inside of a 35mm plastic roll (canister)) once in place. I like the idea of no wires or trip hazards.
Of course this all sounds too good to be true! Which is why I have come in here with the dreaded anticipation it will all be shot to bits ;(?
None the less…I’m going to keep thinking of ways to somehow join in and the Bottom end…The USB Capture device is an effort so that I can record like a webcam would on my laptop. Now I am not sure if a webcam would win hands down (over moon & planets) but I would prefer this method over a webcam, simply because of the wireless capabilities. Also, using my 10”inch screen for simply viewing will use way less power in the field + I don’t always have to take my laptop.
Here are the specs of the camera with some pics of the gear I am talking about:
Descriptiion:
TV Color System : NTSC or PAL
Camera Specifications:
Validity Pixel: PAL - 628x582, NTSC - 510x492
Horizontal Definition: 380 Lines
Minimum Illumination: 3 Lux
Focus: Manual adjustable from 30 mm to Infinity
Horizontal Viewing Angle: 50 Degree
Effective Range (line of sight): 300 ft to 1000 ft
Voltage: 8V DC
Weight: 20gram
Size: 20 x 22 x 24(mm)
RF Power: 500mW
Receiver Specifications :
Output: Video RCA Jack
Voltage: 12V DC
Power consumption: 1.2W
Weight: 130 gram
Receiver Size : 60 x 115 x 20 (mm)
Any advice on the concept of using such equipment for viewing the Moon and Planets at such a cheap price would be great…I am aware you get what you pay for and don’t expect too much from the set-up, however appreciate any comments relating to what won’t work and how I may be able to better embark on such a mission. If a web cam set-up can match my proposal for less than $52.00 (incl postage) as well I’m all ears. Once again, bear in mind the wireless advantages.
Ultimately I would like to somehow incorporate a 1.8inch LCD view finder atop of my scope, running off the same camera via some kind of video splitter so that I could actually work the scope while others could more easily do their own thing and view at the same time. I believe this method - working in tandem with a partner, who may present interesting information as say each different object passes by would make for a terrific showing of the MOON! At any rate a 1.8” LCD view finder would indeed be very advantageous:
Perhaps there is a webcam based model that uses a mini card to record to as well as output a video signal…keep the cord relatively short and a small screen, then perhaps I could reap all the benefits?
I’ve come across such cameras that record to a small card or solid state device; however they never seem to have the option for video out at the same time?
Thanks for any feedback guys
Dave