Go Back   IceInSpace > Images > Solar System
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts Search

Reply
 
Thread Tools Rate Thread
  #1  
Old 09-05-2006, 02:18 PM
DavidH
Registered User

DavidH is offline
 
Join Date: May 2005
Location: Mackay,Qld
Posts: 141
Toucam Comet SW B

Hello All,

Not sure if I have this right as this is my first post to IIS. Attached (hopefully) is a Comet SW B image taken with my Toucam this morning thru 8" dob. I know its not the best image you've ever seen, but it is all mine. Comes from 19x5 sec exposures captured and stacked with K3ccdtools.

Regards,
David.
Attached Thumbnails
Click for full-size image (K3CCD_0005CometSW.jpg)
102.0 KB37 views
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 09-05-2006, 02:23 PM
iceman's Avatar
iceman (Mike)
Sir Post a Lot!

iceman is offline
 
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: Gosford, NSW, Australia
Posts: 36,799
Wow! Welcome David, a very nice entry!

Was your dob tracking on anything, or did you use the trusty push and capture method?

I take it your ToUcam has the Long Exposure mod done?

Excellent result, look forward to more of your contributions!
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 09-05-2006, 02:35 PM
DavidH
Registered User

DavidH is offline
 
Join Date: May 2005
Location: Mackay,Qld
Posts: 141
Thanks for your kind words.

No, I don't have the patience to try this sort of thing by push and capture. I believe in making it as easy as possible for myself. The dob is driven by a Sidereal Technology servo controller and an Argo Navis - a great combo. Have also added a remote focus of my own design which I find to be an invaluable tool. The Toucam is modded as per Steve Chambers.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 09-05-2006, 02:42 PM
ving's Avatar
ving (David)
~Dust bunny breeder~

ving is offline
 
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: The town of campbells
Posts: 12,359
great stuff david!
welcome to the forum
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 09-05-2006, 02:52 PM
iceman's Avatar
iceman (Mike)
Sir Post a Lot!

iceman is offline
 
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: Gosford, NSW, Australia
Posts: 36,799
Sounds great David, have you got some pics of your setup?

How much did the servo controller cost, if you don't mind me asking?
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 09-05-2006, 03:16 PM
fringe_dweller's Avatar
fringe_dweller
on the highway to Hell

fringe_dweller is offline
 
Join Date: May 2005
Location: Adelaide
Posts: 2,623
Nice one DavidH - dont see too many comet shots with a webcam!
and Welcome
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 09-05-2006, 09:51 PM
DavidH
Registered User

DavidH is offline
 
Join Date: May 2005
Location: Mackay,Qld
Posts: 141
Thanks for the welcome

The controller cost $US350 which translated to about $A600 at the time. The two motors cost $US125 each, so all up for the controller/motor setup was about $A850. It integrates with the AN to give a complete goto/tracking system, although the controller can track on its own , and can also interface with a PC. Previously, I had a PC based stepper system running Mel Bartels software which I used for a few years. The servo system is much more reliable and usable. No waiting for PC's to boot, better slew speeds etc, although the $$$ are more.

The only real drawback compared with say an eq platform, is field rotation if attempting imaging of any extended exposure. Other than that, it is very easy to set up and align and for purely visual use is hard to beat. Am in the process of building a platform to give me the best of both worlds.

Regards,
David.
Reply With Quote
Reply

Bookmarks


Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Forum Jump


All times are GMT +10. The time is now 04:33 AM.

Powered by vBulletin Version 3.8.7 | Copyright ©2000 - 2025, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.
Advertisement
Bintel
Advertisement