TouCam extension cable?

ballaratdragons (Ken) · #1 08-11-2005, 09:04 PM

OK, I know it was mentioned in here somewhere but I can't seem to find it.

There was a link to the info on the TouCam extension cable, does anyone know the link?

I think it was a 5m or 10m cable and was about $24 and I remember someone saying an extension cable creates more 'noise'.??

davidpretorius · #2 08-11-2005, 09:31 PM

yes about $25 for a 5m usb extension, have i noticed more noise with the toucam -> no!

I think you and i will be fine. Dork smith should have them!

ballaratdragons (Ken) · #3 08-11-2005, 09:36 PM

Thanks Davo, I looked in a few shops (Dorkies, Officeworks etc) but they did not have the DSO long exposure (printer) extension. Only the USB cable. I thought the extension cable came with both.

The link was to the shop in South Australia that sells the TouCams. They had the extension cable on their site, but I can't find the site.

davidpretorius · #4 08-11-2005, 10:06 PM

forgot about that.

i think it is only two wires that go to the toucam, so if needs be, you can cut the cord, and attach two wires

ballaratdragons (Ken) · #5 08-11-2005, 10:10 PM

OK, thanks Davo. If I can't find the proper one from South Australia I will make one using the 2 wires

Wombat_In_Space (Darren) · #6 08-11-2005, 11:15 PM

I think this is the site you are looking for Ken

http://www.telescopes-astronomy.com.au/

ballaratdragons (Ken) · #7 08-11-2005, 11:52 PM

The link doesn't work Darren

ballaratdragons (Ken) · #8 09-11-2005, 12:31 AM

It's OK, Paul Ponderosa has found it for me. http://www.telescopes-astronomy.com.au/mars.htm

iceman (Mike) · #9 09-11-2005, 06:33 AM

Is it (the USB extension) so you can use your ToUcam with your desktop computer? (ie: before you get a laptop?)

If so, I must warn you that you're in for massive frustration if you're going to attempt to do dob-based non-tracking imaging with a ToUcam, when you're not right beside your scope. It will be near impossible and I wouldn't recommend it.

#10 09-11-2005, 04:21 PM

I found that I needed a powered USB hub when using the Toucam on the laptop, apparently it draws a little too much without separate power. It also served to give me a longer length from the laptop to the telescope.

ballaratdragons (Ken) · #11 09-11-2005, 09:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by iceman

Is it (the USB extension) so you can use your ToUcam with your desktop computer? (ie: before you get a laptop?)

If so, I must warn you that you're in for massive frustration if you're going to attempt to do dob-based non-tracking imaging with a ToUcam, when you're not right beside your scope. It will be near impossible and I wouldn't recommend it.

Mike, the scope won't be very far from the Desktop. Only a few feet from where the desktop sits (in the sunroom) but I need that bit extra. The PC sits in the sunroom and is set up at the window so I can use it from outside, but the way the cable has to run it just doesn't quite reach the focuser.

I can reach out and use keyboard and mouse from standing at the scope.

[1ponders] (Paul) · #12 09-11-2005, 09:39 PM

Ken, I was talking to nightshift today about that parallel extension cable. The one's I have won't do the job. His suggestion was to keep it as short as possible (1.8 m )otherwise you may get to much noise generated. You can buy one that is 5 meters long that is specially shielded but its about $90

ballaratdragons (Ken) · #13 09-11-2005, 09:46 PM

Thanks Paul.

I spoke to my pooter man today when he delivered my old pooter and he suggested the same as Davo: cut and extend the Long exposure cable with a bit of twinflex.

Yes, I got my old pooter back today, downloaded Registax and Cartes du Ciel, set it up in the sunroom, checked everything worked and then discovered I do need the longer cable. It just won't reach the focuser. I can reach the pooter from the scope!!

Tomorrow I will buy a short USB extension and some twinflex and if these stinkin' clouds go I will capture my first TouCam sky!

ballaratdragons (Ken) · #14 09-11-2005, 10:50 PM

I just got a Brainstorm!!!! I went and set everything up again!

I thought "Aha!, I'll put the pooter in the backyard for tonight and use it out there, then the TouCam cable will reach the focuser!!!!

Scope set up, computer set up on table, all cables connected, TouCam unpacked, and . . . power, now wheres my extension lead?

Oh No!!! It's at the Footy Clubrooms.

I have just put everything away AGAIN!