How do I test the modded Toucam?

[Davo3960]

I've just picked up a modded Toucam but I'm not sure if it is doing what it's supposed to. I assume the extra speaker wire coming from the toucam is the mod and controls the length of the exposure. After connecting 3 adapters to get the 25 pin parallel connector to usb (see attached pic), I'm not sure it actually does anything. Is there a way to test the mod is working before going outside and swearing in the dark?

[ballaratdragons (Ken)]

Yep, sure is Davo.

What program are you capturing the long exposure in? I use 'Desire' and find it very very easy to use.

Point the Toucam into a very dark corner, and then play with the levels (Brightness, Gain Etc.).

You should be able to see into the dark corner of a room like it is daytime when you work out the levels.

Make sure the frame rate is set at 5fps.

[ballaratdragons (Ken)]

Oh, by the way, don't test it inside using a telescope. Just use the little lens that comes with the Toucam.

[Davo3960]

I've got a copy of desire and know nothing better so will try it. Does the 25 pin printer port have to be plugged in for this test? What does the N-L switch on the front do?

[ballaratdragons (Ken)]

Yes, you have to plug both leads in. The normal USB, and the long exposure lead.

The N-L switch is to switch from Normal Mode (Avi) to Long Exposure Mode.

[Davo3960]

Do you use yours with a laptop Ken? If so what printer port do you use for camera control using desire? Only get a black screen when image capturing with desire. As soon as a plug the long exposure mod in, all I capture is a black screen. Might have to get some more info from where I purchased it.

[ballaratdragons (Ken)]

Yep, I use a laptop.
You can use any printer port. My lappy has the correct Parallel port, but if you have 2 USB ports, try them.

If you are getting a black screen in Desire it could be a lot of things causing it.
Too low in Brightness, too low in Gamma, etc.

Try this:
Exposure seconds - 1
Number of Exposures - 1000
Then click 'Start'.

While the frames are happily clicking away play with focus on the Toucam, and levels in Desire.

[ballaratdragons (Ken)]

Davo, I just had a thought. Because you are using a USB lead for the Long Exposure cable it might have to go through a PCMCIA card.

[Davo3960]

Everything works fine until I plug in the long exposure mod to the USB port. You might be on the right track there. The cable release I made for the 350D works fine through the RS232-USB adaptor though. Might see if the 25pin connector can be replaced with the RS232.

[ballaratdragons (Ken)]

This is were you need a Pooter Guru to jump in and help.

They may know an easy way around the connection.

[Davo3960]

They must be all tucked up in bed. Thanks for your help Ken.

[ballaratdragons (Ken)]

Well Davo, any success yet?

[Davo3960]

No luck yet Ken. Waiting to here from where I got it. Had another play this arvo but same problem. Will try it with a desktop that has a parallel connection and see what happens.

[ballaratdragons (Ken)]

yep, the parallel port will make it work!

[Davo3960]

Correct you are. All works fine with the desk top. Lots of settings to play with though. I sense some frustrating nights in the future. Next problem - make it work with the laptop and then control the mount. But thats further down the track. Thanks again.

[ballaratdragons (Ken)]

That's OK Davo, glad to help. That's why we are all in here. To ask questions and share our tips.

I hope it all works out well for you. Keep us up to date with your results please. Others may get help from your results.

[Merlin66 (Ken)]

I ended up using a PCMIA to parallel card in the laptop.. worked well for me.