Toucam Comet SW B

[DavidH]

Hello All,

:screwy: Not sure if I have this right as this is my first post to IIS. Attached (hopefully) is a Comet SW B image taken with my Toucam this morning thru 8" dob. I know its not the best image you've ever seen, but it is all mine. Comes from 19x5 sec exposures captured and stacked with K3ccdtools.

Regards,
David.

[iceman]

Wow! Welcome David, a very nice entry!

Was your dob tracking on anything, or did you use the trusty push and capture method? :)

I take it your ToUcam has the Long Exposure mod done?

Excellent result, look forward to more of your contributions!

[DavidH]

Thanks for your kind words.

No, I don't have the patience to try this sort of thing by push and capture. I believe in making it as easy as possible for myself. The dob is driven by a Sidereal Technology servo controller and an Argo Navis - a great combo. Have also added a remote focus of my own design which I find to be an invaluable tool. The Toucam is modded as per Steve Chambers.

[ving]

great stuff david! :)
welcome to the forum :)

[iceman]

Sounds great David, have you got some pics of your setup?

How much did the servo controller cost, if you don't mind me asking?

[fringe_dweller]

Nice one DavidH - dont see too many comet shots with a webcam!
and Welcome :)

[DavidH]

Thanks for the welcome:)

The controller cost $US350 which translated to about $A600 at the time. The two motors cost $US125 each, so all up for the controller/motor setup was about $A850. It integrates with the AN to give a complete goto/tracking system, although the controller can track on its own , and can also interface with a PC. Previously, I had a PC based stepper system running Mel Bartels software which I used for a few years. The servo system is much more reliable and usable. No waiting for PC's to boot, better slew speeds etc, although the $$$ are more.

The only real drawback compared with say an eq platform, is field rotation if attempting imaging of any extended exposure. Other than that, it is very easy to set up and align and for purely visual use is hard to beat. Am in the process of building a platform to give me the best of both worlds.

Regards,
David.