Webcam advice needed

middy · #1 05-03-2007, 02:39 PM

I know that everyone raves about the Philips Toucam, but does anyone use any other type of webcam for astro imaging? I am completely green when it comes to webcams. I have $50 of birthday money to spend and I was thinking of using it to get a webcam.
What features should I be on the lookout for?
Do all webcams have a removable lens and a standard screw thread?

I did a Google search for Toucam on Australian sites to see what shops sell Toucams, but I only found some EBay listings. Who does sell Toucams?

Sorry for all the questions!!
Any insight will be greatly appreciated.

Cheers.

snowyskiesau · #2 05-03-2007, 02:50 PM

Try http://www.telescopes-astronomy.com....am_philips.htm

bojan · #3 05-03-2007, 02:52 PM

I am using Connectix Colour (modified with BW CCD chip) with fair results.
Philips Toucam I want to use in the near future, I already have it (from ebay), I am just waiting for some time to do the mods (SC1 for start, but I also want to add Peltier cooling for DS).
I believe most of webcams have removable lens (with standard thread), but to remove it sometimes you have to disassemble the housing. This is required to remove IR filter as well.

[1ponders] (Paul) · #4 05-03-2007, 02:54 PM

I've tried the LPI, SAC4.2 and ToUcam Pro II and for planetary imaging the ToUcam won hands down. Here is a list from the Webcaddy site of cameras they provide adapters for http://webcaddy.com.au/astro/M12Cameras.htm

astro_south (Andrew) · #5 05-03-2007, 03:02 PM

Andrew

I know this doesn't answer your question, but seeing how you live a short walk away you are welcome to borrow my ToUcam if you like - while you save a bit more.

cheers

netwolf · #6 05-03-2007, 03:07 PM

You can get the Logitech fussion, which is a CMOS camera showing lot of promise, but it requires major modification for telescope use.
http://ghonis2.ho8.com/fusiontest4.html.

I have discussed this with Steve Mog and he has suggested he could make a telescope adapter to fit directly to a hole in a Radio shack case.

I am waiting to see the Planet imaging results from the QHY Guide camera. Before I make a decision.

The Fusion can be picked up from ebay for ~90 bucks or less if your lucky.

Andrew D, thats a very generous offer, I to have loaned the Neximage from a mate. Middy I would take him up to get started to see what else you might need.

Regards

middy · #7 05-03-2007, 03:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by astro_south

Andrew

I know this doesn't answer your question, but seeing how you live a short walk away you are welcome to borrow my ToUcam if you like - while you save a bit more.

Thanks Andrew. That is a very kind offer. I will have to take you up on that. If it is clear this weekend and you are not busy maybe we can get together and you can try out your Canon on my StarTracker while I try your Toucam on my scope.

astro_south (Andrew) · #8 05-03-2007, 04:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by middy

If it is clear this weekend and you are not busy maybe we can get together and you can try out your Canon on my StarTracker while I try your Toucam on my scope.

Sounds like a great plan. I know my days are busy next weekend (on the count of disappearing to Leyburn the following weekend), but the nights should be free. Alternatively, I should be available most weeknights this week - we can monitor the weather and pick a totally clear evening if you like. I might be able to get you the equipment before we get together - if we (the family) can get organised for an evening walk. I will ring you if we do.

ballaratdragons (Ken) · #9 05-03-2007, 06:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bojan

I believe most of webcams have removable lens (with standard thread), but to remove it sometimes you have to disassemble the housing. This is required to remove IR filter as well.

The Toucam 840k has a lens that simply screws off and it has the IR filter in it. No need to take any covers off. No problems.

anthony2302749 · #10 05-03-2007, 09:06 PM

Hi

Know a lot of people favour the ToUcam. It has been around for a long time and make for a good planetary camera but I would say its time is nearly at an end such as the EQ5.

I have spoken about Unibrian Fire-i Digital Camera http://www.turnkey-solutions.com.au/..._camera_pc.htm before on IIS and pointed out that it is superior to the ToUcam. It features the same CCD as the ToUcam (ICX-098BQ) but it is a firewire camera (400Mbps) and complys with industrial standard for uncompressed VGA picture acquisition.

What does this mean; you have the ability to image a much higher frame rate then the ToUcam with out the lost of data normally associated with standard webcam and you will have more frames to use in the final processing stage.

The current cost of these camera is about $195.

P.S. If you follow the link and look at the specification of Unibrian Fire-i Digital Camera they are similar to the DMK camera.

netwolf · #11 05-03-2007, 09:44 PM

Anthony There appear to be two versions of this camera, the unibrain website lists whats seems to appear as a new version of it. Well the shell is not see through but looks otherwise the same.

Also I read a post by Bird on CN that this camera was 7bit, and had limited exposure and framerate control.

I have also seen people posting on CN about using the Unibrain drivers to fix issues with DMK.

Regards

netwolf · #12 05-03-2007, 10:01 PM

This is the one
http://www.firewire-1394.com/fire-i-webcam-unibrain.htm

middy · #13 05-03-2007, 10:20 PM

Thanks very much for all the info everyone. I will take advantage of Astro_South's generous offer and trial his Toucam to see what kind of images I can get with a webcam before buying one of my own.

ballaratdragons (Ken) · #14 06-03-2007, 12:28 AM

None of the ads say what Lux rating that Unibrain camera will go down to.

Also, can it be modified for long Exposure mode?

netwolf · #15 06-03-2007, 01:04 AM

Ken I belive the Logitech Fusion can do about 10sec without modification, unsure about the Unibrain. Good point though.

Middy your very lucky to have such a nice neighbour, in this hobby its always nice to meet people who want to see you improve.

anthony2302749 · #16 06-03-2007, 10:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by netwolf

Also I read a post by Bird on CN that this camera was 7bit, and had limited exposure and framerate control.

I am not going to spend to much time answering questions on this topic but you will find that the Fire-i camera is RGB 24Bit eg 8Bit. Also not to upset anyone on this tread. I provided a link to an Australian company that markets these camera in Australia, see link, please take the time and have a good look to see what they have to offer.

http://www.turnkey-solutions.com.au/..._camera_pc.htm