Using a video camera for autoguiding

[blackbetty50 (Mike)]

I recently purchased an EQ5 mount for my GSO 8 inch reflector which had previously been mounted on a Dob base. Apart from intending to pull the mount down and re-grease it, I would like to use autoguiding software on it.
The mount came with both RA and Dec motors and i had read that it was possible to use guiding software to turn the scope into something other than a push pull.
I have modified the motor controller with the ST4 upgrade and have ordered the cabling and parallel port guide (GPINT-PT) from Shoestring Astronomy.
I intend to use PHDguiding software on my laptop.
As yet I am still waiting for the port guide to arrive to test if my ST4 is working correctly.
I have a pretty limited budget (zilch lol) but have quite a few video cameras and was wanting information on perhaps using one for a guiding camera.
I don't want to use the vidcam for photography just guiding the scope.
One of the cameras I have is an old Panasonic NV-GS35, specs below:

Lens Part
Image Sensor Total: 1/6CCD (800k pixels, Total), Image Sensor - Moving Picture/Still Picture: Moving Pictures / Still ,Pictures-400k, Effective, F Value:F1.8 (Wide) /F3.9 (Tele), Optical Zoom: 30 x Variable Speed Zoom, Focal Length: 1.9 - 57mm, Filter Diameter: 30.5mm, 35mm Film: 35.7 - 1072mm, Lens Brand: Panasonic
Camera Part
Minimum Illumination: 2 Lux (Colour Night View), Focus: AF/Manual, White Balance: Auto/Indoor/Outdoor/Set, High Speed Shutter: Tape Mode 1/50 - 1/8000 sec. Card Mode 1/5 - 1/5000 sec. Iris: Auto/Manual Programme AE: Yes (Sports/ Portrait/ Low Light/ Spot Light/ Surf and Snow), Backlight Compensation: Yes, EVF: 0.33(113k pixels) Colour, Monitor: 2.5inch LCD(105k pixels), Microphone: Stereo Zoom Mic, Wind Noise Reduction, Date Recording: Auto Date (In Data Code), Fade in/out: Black or White, Rec. Review: Yes, Image Stabilizer: SIS, Digital Zoom: Yes (50x/1000x), LED Video Light: Yes, Quick Start: 1.7 sec.(approx.), WEB Camera Function: Yes (Motion JPEG 320 x 240 approx. 6fps)

Would this be suitable for the purpose?

If this is suitable I need some guidance on how to mount the camera and where about on the scope.
I had intended to use a quick release mount like the attached pics with a bit of modification but was wondering if there was something else available?

I suppose more importantly does PHDguiding have provision to use the video camera? Would I need to install ASCOM drivers?

[blackbetty50 (Mike)]

Have decided to source a spc900nc and spotting scope, thanks

[TimberLand (Justin)]

I'm a big fan of breaking from the norm and doing things a bit different, but I believe the camera will struggle to be sensitive enough given the 2lux min illumination. I have also experienced zoom lenses have optical artefacts even on expensive set ups and need to be stopped down a bit to reduce them.

The guide scope I currently use an old 80mm Achromatic f5 with a UV/IR fringe filter and DSI 2 pro behind it and most times I get a star bright enough to track on.

Good luck with your endeavours.

Justin

[torsion (Bram)]

I agree, not sure if you 2lux will cut it.

But using video for autoguiding is certainly possible. I use a Watec WAT-902H2 video camera, connected to a Video2USB converted and Metaguide as the guiding software. All works nicely, at the moment I am trying to fine tune the guiding.

The Watec camera is connected to my finder scope (9x50) and picks up the brighter stars, the spc900nc would be good as well.

Bram

[blackbetty50 (Mike)]

Thanks for the replies, I located a 900nc and have modified an 8x50 finder scope to take it. All I need now is some good weather with clear skies.
A bit like hens teeth at the moment here in Adelaide.