Sky cam

[AdrianF (Adrian)]

Now that I am moving to a reasonably dark sky I would like to set up an all sky cam to observe and hopefully capture meteors etc. Is it possible to setup a webcam with a fisheye lens to do this?

Adrian

[robz (Robert)]

Hi Adrian, unless the webcam is a CCD one (most are CMOS)it won't be much good.
The ''ALLSKY CAMS'' we see advertised are just low light security cams with an ultra short F.L. lens.

If you can get hold of a cheap security camera, fit it with a short lens, grab a 12volt DC supply and you're in business..............for much less than an allsky cam. sold commercially.
Jaycar Electronics sell cameras, or better still go direct to Samsung.

Best of luck!

Rob.

[naskies (Dave)]

Assuming cost is the main concern here (i.e. you don't want to buy a commercial all sky camera), here's a really cheap and great DIY solution:

http://www.oakgroveobservatory.com/diy_allsky.shtml

[The_bluester (Paul)]

That is a tempting idea for home. If I set up a dynamic dns service I could even access it from the net.

[AdrianF (Adrian)]

Thanks for the links to the DIY skycam. I did search the net but didn't find this link.
I do understand the camera has to be a CCD sensor and I think I have a suitable camera packed away now somewhere between here and my new home. When I can find it out I will build the skycam in the link.

Yes price is important, my motto "Cheap is good"

Adrian