Sbig ST-402XME V Phillips Toucam

[Striker]

This is in no way a fair comparison...I am comparing a webcam designed to give live video against a dedicated cooled CCD imager.

But as I see it their both used as guide camera's.

This is just 1 x 1 sec image uncooled I did with the ST402XME...no matter where I point the camera I pick up guide stars....it fantastic.

I could not pick up 1 of these stars to guide on with the toucam......not even 1.

Toucam $200
SBig ST-402xme $2000
A huge diffence in price but boy it does the job.

[JohnH]

Are you trying to wind me up ?

There is another difference Tony - weight...

OK you sold me I need something more sensitive than an LPI/TouCam, I wonder how the Meade DSI/PRO/IIs stack up to your throbmaster delux? I could scrape up $500 I suppose, I wonder if anyone want sto upgrade to a series II and sell off their old DSI? There is an St-5 on here for sale but I am guessing you are not a fan?

[Striker]

I can not comment on the DSI or ST-5 all I know is that the Toucam, LPI and sac 4.2 is very dissapointing to guide with in Brisbane...thats the reason I went all out on a dedicated guide camera.

The ST-5 should be just as a good but with a smaller chip....Eddie Trimarchi used the ST-5 before going to the ST-402me...so they must be good.

You would also think the DSI should also be an improvement over the Toucam with longer exposures.

But it's not just about longer exposures..I set the LPI to 15 seconds exposure's and still didn't get any of these guides stars.

http://www.astronomics.com/main/SBIG_S402XME_camera_wih_Class_2_dee cor_and_inernal_colS402XME.asp/catalog_name/Astronomics/category_name/E835M5L30QRX9J5WH3T6885G85/product_id/402ME2C

[ving]

sounds very cool tony :)
when are you buying one for me? ;)

[JohnG]

This is the relative sizes of the various chips. Outside in, 350D ST-402, Meade LPI and ST-4.

JohnG