Quote:
Originally Posted by carlstronomy
I was wondering as the lens used to focus using a mask on the star has to be removed to fit the camera, the focus is always out so manual adjustment is still required. I would think that would negate the use of the mask? I know that when I look at saturn throught the web cam the picture is a little fussy so I am not sure if a mask can be used for the web cam. I know if I went to a star I would find it very hard to see it in the web cam but I have not tried it yet. My knowledge is low on this so trial and error is a must. But I did not want to go out and buy a mask if it would be no use. 
Thanks for the reply |
Okay, so what I do is find and centre the star using an eyepiece. then I pop in the webcam, and then find and centre the (currently out of focus) star in the web cam software. I then pop in the mask and adjust focus until i get the correct diffraction pattern on screen. I then know that my webcam is now properly in focus. At that point I lock the focus, and then I just slew to the planet and start the capture process.
