(Sorry, the videos have lost quality on upload to Youtube. Stars are harder to see in the second video than in my original.)
Using Pentax K100D driven by DSLR Shutter running on my laptop.
First video is a test of the computer driving the camera. Standard Sigma zoom lens, Auto setting. Every error of timelapse photography is embedded in this video - but it's sort of quaint!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ypCDQJk84HI
Second video is the Camp's redlight district, from dusk Monday to dawn Tuesday. Spot the couple of all-nighters as dawn breaks!
Lens: Pentax SMC 28mm (film), shut down slightly from fully open. Manual focus.
Exposure: Mirror up for 2 sec, shutter open 18 sec, delay 25 sec, then repeat. [Note that in-camera-noise-reduction was used - hence the need for the 25 sec delay. In future I'll have to experiment with setting INCR off and take darks?]
Number of images: approx 750
Cardinal bearing of image centre: 125 deg (between ESE and SE)
Observe Canopus passing through upper right of image and Canis Major (with Sirius) rising to the left of image later in the evening. (I recommend you observe in a darkened room and set the video to full screen - you may see some stars then
)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nL12OhMpY94
Thanks for looking. I now know how to improve future attempts.