Webcam opinons.

[Gjn200]

Hi all.
I've seen two types of CCD webcam on Ebay, the phillps one and the Celestron one. Simple question, which is best for me?

http://cgi.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=220775279764&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/NEW-Celestron-NexImage-CCD-Color-Imager-Software-93712-/170598353464?pt=AU_Cameras_Telescop es_Binoculars&hash=item27b8744a38http://

It's primary use will be a live feed on a 150x750 reflector.

Anybody got one?

Cheers,

G.

[mswhin63]

If you use Windows 7 the Philips wont work or is too difficult to get working. Someone else4 could advise an alternative way to get them to work though.

[Astroman]

I have just installed the Philips 900NC drivers for win7 from this site http://tinyurl.com/philips900nc-win7

Worked fine for me, but you have to install the drivers before connecting the camera up to the computer.

You are looking for a file called spc900nc_00_sw7_eng.exe (http://download.p4c.philips.com/files/s/spc900nc_00/spc900nc_00_sw7_eng.exe)

Hope this helps.

[Astroman]

BTW I have not used a Celestron one before, but can vouch that the 900NC is a very nice camera and would work well for what you want, if you only intend on using it for planets etc... For DSO live video you may want to look at a G-Star or similar camera. I forgot to add that the above driver does not install Vlounge or similar program, you will need to find that yourself.. Someone may have an idea what software you can use.

[OICURMT]

You may want to read this... http://www.scopereviews.com/page3i.html

[badabing82]

I've got the nc900 and it's working fine under windows 7 x64 with the above drivers .

has anyone had any success with this and k3ccd tools i find i've had limited success with it either crashing or just not detecting the camera. with philips vlounge it works well but with less control.

anyone got a good combo software wise that works well under windows 7?

sorry to hijack but i guess it's all related =opp

[asimov]

The 900NC is a way better cam in all respects. Follow Andrews advice & you shouldn't have any problems with Win7.

[Gjn200]

Thanks for all the advice!

Phillips it is then and $30 cheaper:thumbsup:Photography with it is not a concern atm as its so the kids can see without hanging on the 'scope.

Just hope it focuses without a barlow as my D90 does'nt. I want to have a go with eyepiece projection with that and thats gonna be a steep learning curve I guess!

G.

Ps How come every morning driving to work (travelling east) the skys have been clear with a great view of the 4 planets. Come Saturday and today, all scoped and cameraed up,what do I get, yep clouds. Bugger.

[renormalised]

Welcome to Astronomy!!! :)

You'll get used to it :):P

[ballaratdragons]

Graham, if you are going to do 'Live' feed, you can also Broadcast your views across the internet while you are also showing the kids :thumbsup:

Join us at Night Skies Network and get your own channel. I'ts easy :)
http://www.nightskiesnetwork.com/

Many people in there broadcast with just a webcam.
Or if you want to learn heaps about how to go about using webcams and cameras for 'Live' shows to the pubic, private, or broadcasting, join in here at Video & Electronically Assisted Astronomy:
http://www.cloudynights.com/ubbthreads/postlist.php/Cat/0/Board/VAA/page/0/view/collapsed/sb/5/o/all

It's all good fun :)

Also, if you want to get a Philips SPC900NC, why not get one of Peter's (a member in here) Modified 900NC's that will also allow you to do DSO's as well.
http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/showthread.php?t=70573