Cheap webcams!!!

[Merlin66]

Morgan Computers in the UK is selling excess stock of the SPC 880 webcam.
These are physically identical to the SPC900nc model. They can be easily flashed to 900nc firmware.
A bargain at the price.
If you have problems getting them, I can buy some, flash them for you and post to Oz at cost.
PM me if I can help.
http://www.morgancomputers.co.uk/shop/detail.asp?ProductID=6313&CategoryID=452&SubCategoryID=522

Oh..they also sell the 1.25" nosepiece to go with it.

[renormalised]

Cheap!!!!...the adapter's worth more than the camera!!!

[wasyoungonce]

Yeah but the price is real cheap to boot.

Nice find Merlin:thumbsup:

[mental4astro]

Please excuse my ignorance, but what is ment by being 'flashed'?

[wasyoungonce]

"flashed" means the firmware (the inbuilt software that the device uses) is uploaded or written to the device.

In this case he is talking about "flashing" the device with Philips SPC900NC firmware so it not only looks but also performs just the same as the 900NC camera.

Why does the camera have different firmware?

Well...its like the QHY Q guider and Orion Starshoot autoguider. They are essentially the same camera but each has different firmware and so behaves slightly differently and are different in price.

[mental4astro]

The camera I have is a Logitech webcam-to-astrocam conversion which I undertook following the instructions in the article in the Projects & Aritcles section. So, just how much better is this camera that Merlin notes is compared to my cheapie job? I'm not about to undertake serious photography, so something casual is what I'm after, but if it is significantly better, it might be worth upgrading.

[ballaratdragons]

Geez, I am sooooo tempted!

I have 2 Toucams now, do I really need some more? :question:

:question:

[wasyoungonce]

I was thinking the same!

The SPC900NC is a very good planetary webcam. For that price...its a bargain.

[asimov]

Yep that's real cheap! Pity I have 2 as well like Ken.

[acropolite]

Thanks for the heads up, I've orered one with adapter, hopefully it will arrive OK.

[astroron]

Would this type of camera be any good to take Comet Images:question:

[Merlin66]

Ron,
Not really. It's a standard webcam which gives streaming video (AVI) at 1/60 or 1/30 sec exposure. You may be lucky if the Comet was bright enough to be able to use RegistxV5 to stack and enhance. The solution would be a webcam modified for long exposure...this would then allow a, say, 10 sec+ exposure to image faint Comets and DSO's.
The FOV due to the small chip size would also be a factor.

Ken

[astroron]

Thankyou Ken :thanx: I didn't think it would , but thought I would ask anyway:thumbsup:

[astroron]

Thanks Steve,:thanx:It looks like I will just have to be happy looking at them in the 16' Scope or Bino's:)
By the way I had a few Pints of Guinness last night:) for the first time in a very long time:drink::drink::drink:
Cheers:thumbsup:

[Stu Ward]

I had a look and i could not work out how to get them to post to Aus ?

Anyone else get it ?

Stu

[acropolite]

I just checked out, took me a while to realise that prices include postage, I'll let them figure it out.

[omnivorr]

add items to cart... add 'overseas shipping' to cart....
give them your address.... make payment.

simple really.

[Merlin66]

Since I complained to them a few days ago they have added the "Overseas postage" option.
If you still want me to buy, flash and ship these cameras that's still OK with me.
I'll close this offer after the weekend and see how many want to get them this way.
Ken

[renormalised]

Might be the best way to get them, Ken.

How much would you want for them??

[Merlin66]

Just the normal Morgan's UK price plus postage to Oz at cost. No margins:)

[renormalised]

Sounds reasonable:)

What would that make them...5.95 + ??? (cost of postage)

Maybe up around the 8-10 pound range??

[Merlin66]

I have to pay VAT so the unit price is 6.63gbp. Plus postage at cost to Oz.
Ken

[Stu Ward]

I ordered one last night
Webcam
Adapter
Shipping

$50

Stu

[gmi101]

I ordered one this morning (and adapter) after emailing them last night re the VAT. Received a prompt response asking me to reply to the order confirmation email and request a VAT refund for an overseas order. Should convert to about $40AUD + card provider charge. Sounds good!!

[bobson]

I ordered one with adapter yesterday before they had overseas postage there. Sent them email asking what to do and this morning i got message:

"
No problem we will add it on
Thank you for your order"


Great!! Now, sit and wait :)

bob

[michaellxv]

Hmmm me too. Just sent them an email, hopefully all will be ok.

I wonder how much stock they have:question:

[Cloudyagain]

Thanks Ken for the info.

I've just ordered one as well. Hope they have a truck load:lol: Will worry about flashing it when it gets here. Perhaps some helpful person could post instructions on IIS:question:
Cheers,

Neale.

[Merlin66]

These instructions were originally posted by Russ on the SGL forum:

Hi all,

I installed the camera first using the INF file from the Morgans site. The camera is recognised as a Toucam 750K. (Ed. Copy the .inf file to a temp directory and then plug in the camera...when it goes looking for drivers point it to the directory)
I then followed the instructions for flashing a Toucam Pro II 840K to SPC900NC:

Philips SPC900NC uncovered (http://home.versatel.nl/m.m.j.meijer/D_I_Y/spc900nc.htm)

PLEASE GO CAREFUL AND READ THROUGH ALL INFO ON THE LINK ABOVE. THIS MUST BE DONE USING A WINDOWS XP SYSTEM!

Download WcRmac and the SPC900NC binary file. Install WcRmac and then copy the SPC900NC binary file to C:\Program Files\TWIRG\WcRmac\binary\8116
Start WcRmac, click the webcam tab at the top, choose DS Interface, select the camera in the window and connect. Click the Binaries tab and you should see the SPC900NC binary you copied to the 8116 folder earlier. Click the 'Get current and save as' button to back up the current binary file. Then highlight the new SPC900NC binary and click on the 'Load into cam' button. Close the program once done. Unplug the webcam.
(Ed. You then need to install the new drivers for the SPC900nc) and install the SPC900NC driver:
SPC900NC/00 Philips Webcam SPC900NC VGA CCD with Pixel Plus - Philips Support (http://www.p4c.philips.com/cgi-bin/dcbint/cpindex.pl?cat=PC_CAMERAS_CA&sct=WEBCAMS_SU&scy=GB&grp=MONITORS_PC_PERIPHERALS_GR&ctn=SPC900NC/00&slg=ENG&mid=Link_Software&hlt=Link_Software)
Plug in the cam, windows will find the device and installs. Job done!

You need to have a webcam capture program running (WxAstrocapture,
Craterlet etc) while running the WcRMac.
Takes less than 2 mins.
NOTE: This must be done on a XP machine....No- It doesn't work under Win7:(

Ken

[Cloudyagain]

Thanks again Ken.

I've downloaded all the files ready for when the camera arrives :P
After reading all the instructions though I'm tempted to leave the camera as is :confuse2:

Neale.

[Merlin66]

Its very straight forward, even a BoF like me managed it first time!

1. Copy the .inf file from Morgans to a temp folder
Download the WcRmac and binary file
Copy binary file to the /8116 directory
Down load the Philips 900nc drivers (ready for step 9 below)

2. Connect webcam and let Windows install
3. Open Craterlet/ K3/ WxAstroCapture etc
4. Open WcRmac
5. Click on DS connection, and tick "accept responsibility"
6. Highlight 900nc binary
7. Click "Download binary to camera"
8. Remove and insert camera
9 Let windows install the new Philips drivers
10 Have a beer - job done!

[omnivorr]

suggest this goes to "Beginners Astrophotography" , for those most likelt to benefit. :)

[Stu Ward]

Has anyone received shipping confirmation ?

[Merlin66]

Most of the interested people have ordered direct from Morgans....
So there's probably no need for me to offer to buy and ship.
Everyone over here in the UK who has purchased from them is extremely pleased with the outcome!
I can honestly recommend them as a source for cheap SPC900nc webcams. I believe they still have hundreds in stock!!
Ken

[Merlin66]

OK, only two members want me to buy/ flash and ship.
If I don't hear from any others I'll purchase the cameras tomorrow. Should be delivered and shipped to Oz by the weekend.
Ken

[Stu Ward]

Anyone recieved theirs yet ? Or even a shipping confirmation ?

Stu

[michaellxv]

No, but I see that my CC has been billed.
I wasn't expecting it overnight, but a shipping confirmation would be nice.

[Cloudyagain]

They took my money on 17/9. The email theey sent said it would be despatched within 24 hours. Not arrived yet.

Neale.

[Cloudyagain]

Correction all,

The post has just arrived and the camera was with it.


Now I'm about to embark on stuffing it up!

Neale.

[acropolite]

Mine was processed on the 20th, hopefully it will arrive in the next couple of days.

[Cloudyagain]

Have it running under XP, It's a stylish unit, now for the major surgery. Will do that after lunch as I think I need a full stomach for that.

I have just been back to the Morgans site and they are now 5.95 ex VAT, I'm sure I paid 9 pound something:(

Neale.

[steve000]

Hi All,

I have emailed them asking for total price to AUS, but is anyone doing a bulk order? might be a way to save on postage.... the adapter looks ok as well

[Cloudyagain]

I have now flashed the camera according to Kens instructions and have a fully functioning SPC900NC. Many thanks again Ken.

My receipt has:
Camera 5.95
Additional postage 8.50
Postal Order 1.95
VAT 2.87

Total 19.27 pounds.
The total in $A on the VISA card was $32.97 includind the VISA fees.

I dont think I will complain about having to pay the VAT ;)

Neale.

[Visionoz]

Hah!! It's gone up in price now to GBP 8.50 exVAT :(

Cheers
Bill

[Merlin66]

Hmmm
Sounds like he's figured out he's on a winner!!
Get the sales while you can...

[Robert9]

Check your CC statement again. They slapped on an additional 9.99UKP ($17) for delivery to Australia as an second attack on my CC.:mad2: Total now $AU52 - still good value I reckon.

Robert (still waiting)

[erick]

Got mine at 5.95. Have asked for the form so I can apply for zero VAT - waiting on a response.......

[Stu Ward]

Anyone else still waiting on theirs ?
Nothing yet for me, ordered on the 17th

[erick]

Still waiting on a response to my request for a VAT refund form......

[Robert9]

I wrote them an email complaining about the surcharge and that they charged me VAT. I also asked for a receipt for the surcharge. I received an emailed reply saying they will be refunding the VAT "shortly". No comment regarding the receipt for the surcharge. Wonder whether it is legal.
No sign of the refund either.

I am still awaiting delivery of the camera and eyepiece adapter.

Robert

[acropolite]

I doubt it, when I checked out I only authorised the amount that was stated, no additional, they have also debited me extra for the International freight, which I don't mind, but they should have asked first. Shows that secure isn't secure when they can withdraw additional funds without authorisation.

[Robert9]

When I queried this, they said it was on their web-site - which it is. However, it should have been shown on the original receipt, not taken as a second debit to the account, and, without apparent authorization. I wonder what VISA would say about it.
If they won't issue a receipt for the extra, I can't but surmise that there might be a tax issue here?

[mswhin63]

I know over here as a business you have to register GST exemption for export. If not then you continue to charge GST on exports.

VAT might be the same, some smaller businesss don't worry about applying for export GST exemption but it is more red tape. One of my businesses does as I also have many GST exempted products anyway so I already got the red-tape to deal with.

[michaellxv]

Still waiting here, unless the CFO has intercepted it on arrival and hasn't said anything.:shrug:

[Merlin66]

I've just bought Four cameras and a couple of adaptors - I see the unit price has increased..
The shipping cost of two camera to Oz was around 6.40gbp; the total for two cameras delivered to Oz (flashed to 900nc) ended up about $44.
(That include VAT at my end)

[Robert9]

A $7.26 refund for the VAT I paid has appeared in my VISA account. This brings the actual amount I paid for camera and adapter to $44.37.
I didn't need a form, I just suggested that I should not have been charged the VAT. (Must admit though - in a fairly strongly worded email.)

Now all I need are the goods!

[bobson]

I got mine today :)

Just looking at it now and can't figure out how to unscrew lens to put eyepiece adopter on? I dont want to brake something.

Also, can I use the camera as it is without flashing it? I mean what are the advantages of flashing it?

Thanks in advance

bob

[Merlin66]

Bob,
There's a couple of "hidden" plastic lugs that clip the lens to the housing..if you feel around the edge of the lens with a fine instrument screwdriver or fine blade you'll find them - pressed inwards will release them.
You can install and use the camera using the Morgan inf file.
It will only work as a basic webcam under XP - if you flash it to the 900nc firmware then all the astro-webcam programs will recognise it, you also get better control functions and it will work under Vista and Win7

Ken

[Visionoz]

Despite the price rise, I did order and then waited and waited ... so I emailed and got a reply from a Carron Richards and I quote verbatim below:

Start quote ++++++++++
Dear Sir/Madam,

Thank your for your email. I am so sorry that your order has been delayed. A supplier of ours let us down and some of your goods did not arrive with us when promised.

We now have a firm commitment that we will be able to ship your order in the next three working days in full. We are proud that we have some 98% can ship immediately but recognise that this is of little consolation to you.

Once again, I apologies and hope you will give us the opportunity in the future to give you the prompt service you deserve.

Kind Regards
Operations
IJT Direct Ltd


++++++++++ End quote


So I'll wait another few days and see what happens :shrug:


Cheers
Bill

[bobson]

Thanks Ken!!

I downloaded all files for flashing and will do it tomorrow.

cheers mate

Edit:

Just flashed it now and all working fine :)

[Cloudyagain]

Looks like my $32.97 AUS including VAT has turned out a bit of a winner. Doesn't happen to me too often.

Only waited a week as well.

You have to wonder about their proceedures as the prices people are ultimately paying here seem to be a bit of a lottery.

Neale.

[telemarker]

I would like to put in a word of thanks for Ken. I took up Ken's offer and received a couple of flashed cams today. Another fine example of the community spirit of IIS members here. :thumbsup::thumbsup:

[Nico13]

Couldn't help myself have one for guiding but needed another for planetary imaging.

Will mod one for long exposures.

Even with the price rise and an 1.25" adapter included about $53 is pretty dam good.:thumbsup:

Ken.

[Merlin66]

I'm just about to flash another couple of cameras.
A camera and adaptor cost 26.20gbp posted to Oz.
At todays exchange + 4% paypal fee this is: $44.26
Ken

[bobson]

HELP!!

I flashed camera, installed it and everything works fine but...

When i remove lens and install eyepiece adapter, install wxAstroCapture and run it I cant see anything?? I looked at their website and their picture showing the PC screen and room around it with this program is clear. I tried on Jupiter tonight thinking maybe its supposed to be like that but I still can't see nothing, all blur, faded colours depending which way i turn the camera too.

I put lens back and everything works fine again??
I tried to find some tutorial for using ToUcam but nothing that explains what I am suppose to see ones I remove lens from camera and install eyepiece adapter :(

What am I doing wrong?
I just want to see on screen what I see visually and make simple point shoot pics with it on planets and Moon.

Thanks

[Merlin66]

Bob,
Don't panic!
What you are seeing/ experiencing is normal.....
When the small lens is removed from the webcam you need to use the telescope as a giant telelens to image onto the webcam CCD.
99% of the first time users frustrations/issues relate to finding the focus.
Try it on the moon to start with..set-up the telescope and focus on the moon with say a 12mm (or thereabouts) eyepiece.
Remove the eyepiece and slip the webcam into the focuser.
On the PC screen you should now see a bright and probably lumpy image..use the focuser to gently (like very gently!) move the webcam into the best focus position you can find.
That's about it for starters...

[Merlin66]

I'm just about to order a couple of webcams and adaptors for members...
If any other members want to buy them (flashed to 900nc) through me could they let me know ASAP. It's slightly cheaper in the UK (postage) to buy a few rather than one at a time.
Ken

[asimov]

This thread is like a blast from the past..A lot of us here were doing this like, 4-5 years ago:lol:

Great little webcam though, so go for it guys!:thumbsup:

[bobson]

Thanks Ken,

The reason I got confused is the image on the wxAstroCapture website where they show the image of the room where the computer is. Its shows nice clear image of it? On mine I can't see bloody anything ones I remove lense :)

Is it possible I can't reach focus? Cos i tried what you just told me to do and looks like I need to go back in with the focuser but I cant go down any more. Anyway, I will try what you just told me and see how I go.

Thanks again

cheers mate

[Sharnbrook]

My Webcam arrived today, exactly 2 weeks after ordering it. They acknowledged receipt of the order the morning after I placed it, and I assume it was sent within the 24 hours that they claim is normal practice, but there was no date of posting on the package. UK postal authorities are not known for their speedy service! My cost was also GBP 30.26, or A$50.32 inc VAT and Card charges. They also took the GBP 9.99 for Int'l postage as a separate bite, but I'm not getting hot under the collar, as I knew I would have to pay that. I may ask them why VAT had to be charged on an export order, and see what they say.

[Merlin66]

Yes,
It seems as if they have been overwhelmed by the demand for these webcams and adaptors.
If you just order the webcams (at least here in the UK) you can get them within a couple of days. If you order adaptors that's were the delay seems to come in....I'm still waiting on three cameras with adaptors.....it's now been four days.....
I think the guy who is machining them (Wayne Weedon) just can't keep up with the demand!
Anyway, it's still a bargain at the moment, so a little wait is still worthwhile.

Ken

[Stu Ward]

Still yet to receive mine

Stu

[michaellxv]

I emailed them last night and got a prompt reply. Mine was posted on 21/09/2010. 'The post office tells us that in exceptional circumstances it can take up to 15 days'

Just need to be patient for a bit longer.

[erick]

Keep peddlin' that lathe, Wayne! We are waiting! :)

Credit card has been debited. VAT included. Hopefully they will refund the VAT. No response to two emails as yet.

[Robert9]

I had to ask for the VAT refund, which happened about 3 days after they acknowledged they would. My unit ordered and accepted16th, posted 21st, still waiting.
Robert

[erick]

Both emails were asking about a VAT refund. :)

[Merlin66]

The backlog seems to be clearing -all my outstanding orders were delivered yesterday. The cameras have now been flashed and I will ship them to the members first thing tomorrow.

[Merlin66]

All the webcams and adaptors have been shipped.
Enjoy!!

[bartman]

Hi Ken,
Any chance of getting one of you aswell?
I must have missed this post for some reason, and only know about it because of another post linking to this one!
For some reason I cant PM so ....I have to do it this way.
Thanking you in advance
Bartman

[bartman]

Hi Ken,
got your PM, did you get mine?
Just curious...
thanks
Bartman

[Merlin66]

Bart,
Yes, got it and replied.

[acropolite]

I'll have to contact the vendor, I was one of the first to order yet have not received mine yet.

[Merlin66]

Sounds a bit strange...I think most if not all the cameras seem to have been received by now.
If you want to PM me the order number on Morgan's I can give them a call for you just to double check.
Ken

[erick]

Mine not arrived as yet. I'll give it a few more days.

[Robert9]

Still waiting. They said posted 21st Sep. and should be here no later than 7th Oct. 2 more days. Wonder whether its coming on a slow boat via.......
Robert

[Stu Ward]

Still nothing for me either

Stu

[firstlight]

They took my money on the 21st, had not received anything for a while, contacted them and got the form message that others had got... arrived yesterday.

I flashed and installed the driver last night. I used it first on my laptop (imaging machine) and at one point when I was moving it around a bit I got the Blue Screen of Death. Used it on the main machine, once again moved it, got the BSoD, skyped a friend and it happened again. Since then I removed the lens and no amount of jiggling has gotten the dread result. Has anyone else experienced any scares like this?

Tony

BTW thanks for allerting us to this... I wanted another webcam for imaging.

[Logieberra]

I purchased one about 2 weeks ago. She arrived today, safe and sound. Very well packaged, and a nice looking unit!

Morgan's is a very trustworthy business. Always a gamble when we buy overseas, especially when they take your credit card number! All fears aside, thx Morgans :)

[Merlin66]

Yes, Morgan's has sold hundred's of those cameras to amateurs here in the UK, and on the local forums I haven't seen any complaints.

[Logieberra]

Ahhh... I spoke too soon :( I'm having problems installing the drivers for this webcam...

I'm running windows Vista.

It attempts to install the driver, and then comes to the following option: "Browse My Computer for Driver Software (Advance)". I point windows to the folder that I made on my desktop. The driver from Morgans is located here.

Then I get this error (see attachment). How can this be a Philips PCVC750K? Do you see the same in your devide manager? My device manager still indicates 'unknown' device...

I also found this thread. The guy experience similar problems: http://stargazerslounge.com/archive/index.php/t-115389.html
I've tried the latest drivers for the 900nc, as he did, but no bueno :(

[Merlin66]

As I said upfront - you need an XP machine to install this camera initially.
After its flashed to SPC900nc it will run on any version of Windoze.

[Logieberra]

:) long thread, easily missed, thx chief

[acropolite]

Thanks Ken, I've emailed them today, if I don't hear within a couple of days, I might take you up on that offer.

[Visionoz]

Received my two days ago - just collected it today!! They were truthful in estimating the delivery time!! Thanks Morgans! :thumbsup:

HTH
Cheers
Bill

[Stu Ward]

Anyone have any pictures that they have taken with this, whilst I wait for mine ?

[Logieberra]

Any of you 'flash camera' guys heading to the IIS Astro Camp this week? If you're bringing an XP laptop, any chance of flashing my webcam for me? I've downloaded all the files, and will bring these, but I'm stuck with Vista:

- WCRMAC
- 900NC driver
- 900NC binary

Cheers.

[bobson]

Mate, I tried a few times making picture of Jupiter but no luck :(
I can't get it in focus just with camera. With 2x Barlow its close but I have 12 Dobsonian and it moves away before i even have a chance to find focus.

Ken gave me advice how to do it and I am still finding it very hard with a Dob. I have beautiful pics that I made just with simple canon camera point and shoot through eyepiece. Both of the Moon and Jupiter. I thought this will be easy with this camera but it looks its much harder than I thought.

I dont give up yet tho :)

cheers

bob

[michaellxv]

Just pulled mine from the letter box. Forecast for this evening is showers.
:cloudy:

Gives me time to check it and flash it.

[asimov]

I'm sure you'll find as many as you want if you care to browse the early archives in the planetary imaging section;)

[Stu Ward]

I'm sure i would, but i meant from the people that actually bought from morgans.

This way i will get to see what im actually missing !!

Stu

[michaellxv]

Flashed mine and had clear enough skies to give it a try tonight. I will post results separately except to say I hope I can only get better :P

[Merlin66]

Just come across this...
Can be used to check any camera (not just cheap webcams)
http://www.starzen.com/Products/Imaging/Utilities/DeadPixelTest/tabid/98/Default.aspx

[Stu Ward]

Still nothing.
I emailed them the other day too, no response

[Robert9]

Likewise, still nothing. Nor a reply to my email.

[erick]

I expect they will catch up - I'll be patient.

[hj47]

I ordered 2 cams & a 1.25 adapter on the 17th September and still haven't heard anything about it. Might give it 1 more week, I guess.:shrug:

[hj47]

Just a quick update, received both my cams this morning :)

It's flashing time :D

[Osirisra]

I still waiting for mine...as well as the heaps of other stuff I've got comming from the US and Aus.

[acropolite]

I did receive a response to my email, I also mentioned the VAT overcharge.


[/LEFT]

[scopemankit]

Hold in there, I ordered on 17 Sept and received mine today 11 Oct.

[Robert9]

Have now received 2 replies to my email. The first said I had to wait 15 days from date of despatch (21st Sept.) before they would send again, the second said 28 days. I'm not confused. :confused2:
I Know for a fact - I still don't have my camera! :rolleyes:

[niko]

A HUGE thank you to Merlin. My camera arrived last week, flashed and all set to go. I've downloaded capture software but due to ill health haven't tested yet.

It was an absolute bargain (with or without the VAT!) and a very generous offer by Merlin.

Does anyone have any photos of the dismantling process so I can install the adaptor...?

Thanks again Ken

cheers,

niko

[erick]

niko

I suspect you just pop the ring around the lens off and unscrew the lens. The adapter should then screw back into where the lens came out.

Here are the pictures if you want to strip it right down:-

http://home.versatel.nl/m.m.j.meijer/D_I_Y/spc900nc.htm

[acropolite]

My Camera and adapter arrived today, I might flash it tonight. Thanks again to Ken for the heads up.:thumbsup:

[niko]

Thanks Eric. That's exactly what I want to do - take the lens out, screw in the adaptor and leave everything else intact.Has that been the experience of others?cheersniko

[scopemankit]

Ken,
Whereabouts on the Morgan's file do I find the INF file?

[bobson]

Chris,

Scroll down on the page until you see this, or just click on the link bellow:

"Please download the driver from here (http://www.morgancomputers.co.uk/downloads/spc880nc.zip)"

cheers

bob

[Merlin66]

The lens is held in place with a couple of plastic clips.
The easiest way to find them is to feel round the base of the lens with a small blade or instrument screwdriver - just push them inwards to free the lens.
The nosepiece adaptor just screws in where the lens came out.

[scopemankit]

Thanks Bob,
I have got to stage 1, it is now flashed to a Toucam.
Next step is to flash for the spc900c.
I may try some quick images over the week-end at our obs.

Chris

[niko]

lens surround and lens removed, adaptor installed

Craterlet and WxAstroCapture both recognise camera

now just need some clear sky htough I must say all this rain has filled my dam for the first time in 7 years.

thanks again Ken et al

niko

[firstlight]

I have a question about the LED. How shold that be disabled? At present I have covered it with some tape, but I imagine that it might be distracting if used in the company of others, and would it also cause some thermal noise?

I've had a brief look in the case and I am not that confident on how to disable it.

Tony

[asimov]

From memory, I stripped the cam & painted it with black paint. In hindsight, it would have been better to disable it all together.

[mithrandir]

Mine arrived today, all safe, sound and flashed. Ordered Sep30, mailed Oct04, at the office in Sydney Oct14.

Thanks Ken.

[Logieberra]

This may be of interest: http://www.flickr.com/groups/SPC900NC (http://www.flickr.com/groups/SPC900NC)

A flickr group dedicated to images produced with the Sony ICX098QB CCD sensor (aka Phillips SPC900NC/880NC, ToUcam Pro, Celestron Neximage and other webcams based on the same high sensitivity low light).

Logie.

[scopemankit]

Flashing finalised. Now I have to turn an adapter. Great daylight images, much better than my cheapie webcam used for Skype.

[gazza83]

Hi,

Finally got my webcam tonight and took some video of Jupiter and the moon with my 10" dob + 2x barlow with wxastrocapture. I found that the webcam focuses with no barlow about where my dslr does, but with a barlow it is over an inch further out. Great fun when the clouds weren't in the way. Hard to focus though - a motorised or 10:1 focuser would help. I also spent some time fiddling with exposure settings etc to dim things down a bit.

I've got no idea how to process this stuff, but here is an image stacked in Registrax using default settings. This looks fairly similar to the movie which was just a few seconds long as Jupiter passed through the field of view of the dob.

Anyway, hope this helps those still considering buying one of these.

Cheers

[erick]

Thanks Logan

And it gives a useful link:-

http://www.orion-xt10.com/philips-spc900nc-webcam.html

[Nico13]

Mine turned up yesterday with adapter all ok, 15 days from from order and payment being taken. :)
Just as well the weather is crappy as this will give me time to flash it and I still have to finish setting up the other one I have with PHD guiding as I haven't got that working fully as yet.

Nice early shot of Jupiter Gazza, I'm keen to try registax as I haven't done anything like that yet just single shots with my slr.

Thanks to the other Ken for putting us on to this little bargain.:thumbsup:

Ken.

[Robert9]

Finally! Ordered 17th September, arrived 18th October.
Now to work.

[Logieberra]

My shots looks a lot like Gazza83's (similar setup, 10" newt).

Should we be using an IR/UV cut filter?

What brand, from where, and how much?

Will it make much of a difference?

Logie.

[erick]

ordered 23 Sep, arrived 18 Oct. 2 cameras and one adapter.

UPDATE:- flashed both successfully. Then forced the lens ring off - eeek! But it came off, a bit worse off.

After that, I found a better picture and instructions on how to remove that lens ring:-

http://www.robertreeves.com/900NC.htm

[firstlight]

Well the weather has finally let me give the Merlincam a run.

Bear in mind that the sky conditions were not that good (Jupiter at times looked like a balloon full of water in an earthquake), and not using a lot of aperture. Uncropped image.

Williams Optics 110 Magrez
NEQ6 (could have been better aligned and balanced)
Televue 4x Powermate
GSO ED 2x barlow
Stacked and processed in Registax 5.1

83690
Am I a happy camper? :party:

[Merlin66]

"Merlincam" ??!!:eyepop:
Now you've got me smiling as well.
Ken

[firstlight]

This has been far and away the best image I have taken of Jupiter. Forgot to mention that there were about 1700 frames in the image, 60fps, pushed sliders here and there.

Thanks again Ken.

[astroron]

Ken,Mine arrived yesterday.:D
:thanx:
Ron

[hotspur]

Are there any Bimbos here,or people in S.E QLD getting one of these?

I would be happy to add my name to any shipment coming to S.E QLD.

My 2ucam software has gone off the rails.

And the price of these Merlincams,It would be cheaper to buy one than fix

my software.

Very impressive results by Tony-well done.

[Liz]

Woohoo Ron, be interested to see how it goes. :)

[astroron]

All ready to go Liz I have attached the adapter,
Now to download the software.and try it out on the 8":)
Cheers

[Logieberra]

I took a few vids on Monday 11 October. Here are my inital results with the toucam and 10" newt. Better than my old webcam that's for sure. But still some way to go...

Cheers,

Logie.

[Logieberra]

Messed with a few colours... I'm VERY new to registax 5.1

[bobson]

Am I the only one with the Dob (12" Bintel) that can not reach focus :(
I need to go in with the focuser just a bit more.

With 2x Barlow I can, but just. With Barlow its OK with The Moon but Jupiter drifts away very fast.

What can I do in order to get camera in focus without Barlow. Some focal length reducer or I need to extend it?

thanks

bob

[Nico13]

Hi guys,

Well had a bit of a play thursday night first time capturing video and first time using registax.
Unguided and mounted on my 8" Meade SCT Super Polaris EQ with Autostar driving.

Got home from work to a clear sky and almost full moon so dragged the peer out and checked everything together.
Took a bit to get video settings close and then captured a few runs on Jupiter and then the moon for a bit.
Had a strange shadow appear when looking at the moon only to realise I had a small spider had got into the works and was dangling his legs in front of the sensor.

The crack in the moons surface at the top of the image is where the spider was dangling, registax made the crack out of it.

Anyway I was happy just to get some images happening and then a bit of a play with registax 5.
Steep learning curve an a lot to go yet but just happy it all worked.
A couple of images to look at with fucus and artifact issues but it works and can get better with some more practice.

Ken.

[erick]

Hey! I just saw a VAT refund credited to my latest credit card statement. I'd given up on it. Well done, Morgan!

[Osirisra]

I still haven't got my cam and adapter, order the 4th October.

[Merlin66]

Bob,
Did you get your problem fixed?
Sounds like you need to move the main mirror up inside the tube by 10-20mm. There may be enough in the length of the collimating screws to get you there....

[Robert9]

Haven't had much luck with clear skies for the last 6 months, :shrug: but did manage one night last week, still with a bit of high cloud. Stacked image (Registax) of 125 frames.

Robert

[bobson]

Hi Ken,

Yes, I fixed the problem but not by moving the main mirror up a bit. That was one of the options but since I am visual user I opted to modify adapter for camera a bit :)

I needed just a few mm to get in focus. Since I have some cheap 2" eyepiece that I dont use I unscrew the barrel of it (the bit that goes into the focuser). Then I put camera with adapter in it and centered it with 3 balls of glutak as good as I could. This way I gained approx. half a cm, more than enough to get in focus.

Last night I finally could see Jupiter bands and made short movie of it.

cheers mate

bob

[acropolite]

Finally got round to flashing my webcan, no real dramas, now I can use my copy of K3 with the ToUcam. Thanks again to Ken for the heads up.:thumbsup:

[OICURMT]

Does anyone know if these are still arriving in a reasonable amount of time?

Last post stated "still waiting"... after one month...

I'm interested in getting a couple.

[Merlin66]

The ones I bought and flashed seem to take 10-15 days to get to Oz.

[OICURMT]

Thanks Merlin, just ordered two, including the adapters...

[trek1701]

I ordered one yesterday.
They should give Ken commission :D

[Osirisra]

Morgan have declared mine lost and they are sending me another so I shall finally get it soon.

[riklaunim]

Instead of looking at ancient USB 1.1 webcam design you can look at USB 2.0 webcams like any top-brand true HD capable cameras (like MS LifeCam HD-5000/6000/Cinema...). Higher speeds and more pixels which comes in handy for Moon etc. You won't be able to do long exposure mods but it's not needed for solar system imaging... And I would even say that those modern webcams may be more sensitive than ancient ICX098 ;)

[firstlight]

I am by no stretch of the imagination an expert, but is the lifecam a ccd or cmos sensor? I can't seem to find any specs. It also seems to capture at 30 fps whereas the Merlincam can capture up to 90 fps in native software and up to 60 fps in K3CCDTools. Is K3 able to use the lifecam to capture? Is the format output able to be put in a program like Registax for stacking and processing? I used the clubs Astrovid to capture some avis a while ago and I had to run the file through Virtualdub (I think it was) to save it in a format that is usable... bit of a pain really.

Might be old tech, but it works and works well. If advancement in tech was seamless I would have downgraded to Vista from XP long ago... we all know how advanced Vista is/was :lol:.

[riklaunim]

It's a CMOS sensor with quite small pixels I think (no specs from MS). It's a 10 FPS at 1280x800 RGB24 capable camera so it's something bigger. I'm playing with few webcams for "fun" and to check, mythbust some astro-webcam myths :D

Here are few Moon shots from the HD-5000 (SCT 8" at f/10, images converted to grayscale, SharpCap - capture, AVIs stacked in Registax, deconvolution in AstraImage):



RGB24, 30 FPS, IR/UV cut
- http://www.rkastrofoto.appspot.com/site_media/astro/orig/webcams-24-11-2010/microsoft-rgb24-30fps-640.jpg

RGB24, 30 FPS, Pro Planet 742, max zoom for 640x480
- http://www.rkastrofoto.appspot.com/site_media/astro/orig/webcams-24-11-2010/microsoft-rgb24-30fps-640-ir-zoom.jpg

RGB24, 30 FPS, Pro Planet 742
- http://www.rkastrofoto.appspot.com/site_media/astro/orig/webcams-24-11-2010/microsoft-rgb24-30fps-640-ir.jpg

i420, 30 FPS, UV/Ir Cut
- http://www.rkastrofoto.appspot.com/site_media/astro/orig/webcams-24-11-2010/microsoft-i420-30fps-640.jpg

RGB24, 10 FPS at 1280x800, Ir-UV Cut
- http://www.rkastrofoto.appspot.com/site_media/astro/orig/webcams-24-11-2010/microsoft-rgb24-10fps-1280-n115.jpg

RGB24, 10 FPS at 1280x800, Pro Planet 742
- http://www.rkastrofoto.appspot.com/site_media/astro/orig/webcams-24-11-2010/microsoft-rgb24-10fps-1280-ir.jpg


Comparing the crater sizes with image from Basler Ace (http://oi53.tinypic.com/59sahd.jpg) with 5,6x5,6 micrometer pixels I say this CMOS has smaller (which give higher resolution). CMOS like to have even 2,2 x 2,2 micrometer pixels. (Unless the webcam is interpolating higher res).

[Osirisra]

Finally got my cam, flashed and had a quick play with craterlet, registax and jupiter.

[trek1701]

Mine arrived yesterday,7 days after purchase :eyepop:

[OICURMT]

Hmm.. 13 days so far and nothing... I assume it's because I'm in Perth :)

I'll give them a couple more days before I send the dreaded e-mail...

[OICURMT]

Received mine today, HOOAH!... 15 days from order. No original packaging though (looks like they took it out of the package to make it smaller for shipping).

Next step... Flash...

[Logieberra]

SOFTWARE ISSUES ON SAMSUNG NETBOOK:

FYI, if anyone is trying to run this cam on their Samsung Netbook, running Windows 7 Basic - don't use the Windows 7 Driver, it crashes like you wouldn't believe.

Just use the vista driver and it works a treat.

Hope this helps someone out there.

Logie.

[Logieberra]

Seeing was shocking on Friday, the planet was jumping all over the place and 'bubbling'. Mirror had been cooling for hours with the fan on. So it had to be seeing... Collimation was spot-on (Catseye gear).

Regardless, here's what the Phillips can produce for your first time shots.

Logie.

[gbeal]

Off to a cracking start Logan, now get a decent night and you will be laughing.
Gary

[Logieberra]

Thanks Gary

It's surprising what 'good processing' can do to the images. Contrast the dodgy one I posted above with the following! Different processing using the same data. REALLY looking forward to a good night now!

[michaellxv]

Just got an email "Half Price for one week only".

https://www.morgancomputers.co.uk/product_detail/10496/Philips-SPC880-webcam/

[swannies1983]

It's still saying half price but turns out to be 44 pounds (37 pounds excluding VAT). All up about AUS$55 exl VAT. Still a good deal or not?

EDIT: ooppss..idiot.....had 2x as quantity. ~AUS$36 exc VAT. I may have to get one. Can this be modified for long exposure even though it's branded as an SPC880?

[Visionoz]

There's an IIS member Exfso here that does mods to the cameras - see here: http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/showthread.php?t=70573

He's done lots of these mods AFAIK

HTH
Cheers
Bill

[swannies1983]

Yeah I have been in contact with Exfso :).

Anyways, I ordered one of these webcams last night. Didn't really need one but couldn't resist.