ToUcam Info

[Sausageman]

When My 10" LX200GPS arrives on Friday, I was wondering about the ToUcam that many of you use.
The price is right, but,
Will it fit my new scope?
What will I need to be able to use it.?
I have Registax already, but haven't used it yet.
I have a laptop to download everything to, and a mainframe to do the work.
Being new to Astrophotography, I know nothing.

there is probably a thread somewhere, if so, could someone point it out to me?

Mike

[ballaratdragons]

Don't worry Mike, I have the Toucam and I know nothing either, but I'm having fun learning.

You will only need your Lappy for capturing. The Toucam comes with a CD Rom with the program on it. You may need a USB extension lead if you can't get the lappy close to the scope. The standard Toucam lead is about 1200mm long. If your Toucam doesn't come with an 1 1/4" adaptor, you will have to get one. You need it to put the toucam into the focuser.

You already have Registax (good luck, I can't work it out yet) and you will need PhotoShop or similiar for making the pics look pretty. That's it!!

I can't answer whether it will be suitable for your scope, sorry.

[acropolite]

No problems with the ToUcam and LX Mike, but you'll probably find that the LX comes with a free LPI, which is not that far behind the ToUcam and probably a good place to start.

[ballaratdragons]

OOps! Phil just reminded me of something!

It is preferable to get the Toucam with the long exposure Modification. Then you can catch those DSO beasties!!!

The LPI that comes with the scope can't do DSO's. Unless you only want to do Moon & Planets!

[Striker]

Mike.....do you want the LPI & Toucam for imaging or guiding...if it is for guiding...use the LPI...for imaging Planets use the Toucam.

The toucam is fine for guiding if your in a dark site but I find it useless for guiding at my place....I can hardly pick up any stars....I would prefer the LPI with the option of up to 15 second exposure..not 1/4 of a sec Max like the toucam.

[Robert_T]

Actually Ken the LPI can do long exposures of up to 15sec to capture the brighter deep sky objects and you can stack those up. This is a standard feature of the LPI. I've seen some quite nice shots of globulars taken with it - no mods required.

cheers,

[ballaratdragons]

In that case Mike might get away with using the LPI for everything until he wants to get into the faint fuzzies.

[rochler]

There's a good article in the Projects, Articles & DIY section 'Astrophotography with a DOB' which might be helpful. Most of the article applies not only to DOBs and also covers the ToUcam & processing etc. Would give a good idea of what you can do with a ToUcam & what to expect.

Anyhow, I found it very helpful. There is also another article I saw written by David Pretorius along a similar vein - although it's not posted in that section, there might be a link in one of the threads (I can't remember where I got it from). Either PM him, or I can send you a copy (if it's o.k. with you Dave?). :)

[rochler]

that you'll find a lot of answers & useful links/threads in the 'Images & Photography' section - containing forums for planetary, deep space & terrestrial photography etc. It's not just for posting pics but also for discussions about the equipment, what you can do with it, how to use etc.

Cheers & have fun with the new 10" 'beast' - wish I had one haha! Love to put my ToUcam in a 10" SCT <goes green with envy>.... :sad:

[jjjnettie]

I understand that NexImage is dropping in price from around $265 down to $245.

[Sausageman]

Maybe I will wait until Lostock, then I can talk to you guy's in person, I am getting confused already.
I don't really know what I want at the moment.
I know what I want to do, but, I don't know much about astrophotography at all, I only now the photo's are awesome, and want to take some myself.
I have been reading up on "Hypered Film", but with digital I am lost.
Help!!!!!!!
Yes I am old. talking about Hypered Film.

I can fix aeroplanes, trucks and cars, and take good happy snaps, but this is a whole new realm for me.

See you all at Lostock for some help.

Take care

Mike

[GrampianStars]

Why not go straight to ORION STARSHOOT (http://www.bintel.com.au/OrionStarShoot.html)

[Sausageman]

I didn't get an LPI with the rig,
But I have to order more bits anyway, like the 12v adapter, it's going to cost me a fortune in C cells otherwise. ($55 yesterday).

Mike

[Striker]

Or Mike just go get a battery pack from supercheap...you will find the cable that it comes with will plug straight into the LX200...and if it doesn't that's easy fixed...

Dont go any less then 17AH battery pack...minimum...then you can use at home and on trips....

[Sausageman]

Tony,
I have a 130AH pack (I think), but it didnt come with any cables, it is a car starter pack good for 400amps starting, and it has 2 cigarette ligher sockets that I have used for camping stuff. I thought that the scope would have its own wierd size plug.
Tell me what to buy and I will get it..
Thanks and Merry Christmas to you.

Mike

[Striker]

Not sure of the size plug on the Lx200....just go to Jaycar or ****s smith and get a cigarete light fitting with optional plugs....

I just cant find exactly what I mean.

http://www.jaycar.com.au/productView.asp?ID=MP3014&CATID=27&keywords=&SPECIAL=&form=CAT&ProdCodeOnly=&Keyword1=&Keyword2=&pageNumber=&priceMin=&priceMax=&SUBCATID=665

[Sausageman]

Why didn't I think of that.
Cheers Tony.

Mike

[Sausageman]

Hey Striker,

I went to Supercheap, but they only had adapters up to 9v.
**** Smith had what I wanted though, (I hope), I will check it out on the next clear night.
I was going to use the scope last night, and packed it in its case for transport, but the storm came through, and so there it stays until the next clear night.
With all this Christmas stuff in the house, and the grandkids going mad, it will stay there.
Tonight looks like storms as well.
Tomorrow is forecast for clear skies though.

Mike

[xstream]

Mike,
Head this warning!!!! What ever type of plug you use for your LX200; Make sure it is centre positive or you will fry your electronics.

[Sausageman]

Thanks Xtreme.
I will get out my trusty multimeter and check.

I dread to think what I could have done to my scope without your warning.

Thanks again

Mike