Wider field with ToUcam

astrodave (David) · #1 20-04-2005, 10:57 PM

With my f4.5 Newt my ToUcam has a field of view of around 13" square at prime focus. I'd like to get a wider field of view.

Now I know I can get a 1.5" focal reducer with say a x0.6 - so would that give me a FOV of around 13" / 0.6 = 21.6" ?

To get an even wider FOV what are my options? Do I try eye piece projection with the widest view eyepiece I have?

Starkler (Geoff) · #2 21-04-2005, 12:05 AM

To get a wider field you need either a bigger chip (sorry) or a shorter focal length.

iceman (Mike) · #3 21-04-2005, 06:07 AM

What are you wanting to take pics of to need a wider field of view with the ToUcam? Is it long-exposure modified, or do you want to use it for the moon?

You can also take multiple shots and stitch them together to create the wider field you need.. that's what I did when I created a moon mosaic.

Do focal reducers work on newts?

astrodave (David) · #4 21-04-2005, 07:33 AM

I've certaintly seen mention of focal reducers for Newts on the net. I don't know if there're a quality option or not.

I've done some lunar mosaic work eg. http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/s...=4549#post4549 and been very happy with the results.

I'm just wanting to experiment with wider FOV with star patterns and maybe asteroids. I'm using a non modified ToUcam at the moment (although I'm thinking of doing the mods) as I can certaintly see quite well with it - http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/s...=&threadid=602

What would be the effect of ep projection with a wide field?

astrodave (David) · #5 23-04-2005, 05:53 PM

An example of filter threaded focal reducer - http://webcaddy.com.au/astro/F-066FR-pics.htm

Has anybody done any eye-piece projection with a ToUcam?

iceman (Mike) · #6 24-04-2005, 08:04 AM

I think gary beal has.. PM him just incase he hasn't seen this thread.

gbeal · #7 24-04-2005, 08:30 AM

Hi David,
yes I have done E/P projection. To me it is a way around the seeing limits when using a barlow. In my case I have a 2.5x and 5x Powermate. Both are excellent, but if the seeing won't allow quite as much magnification, I switch to E/P projection, and cut back/vary this magnification by using a longer focal length eyepiece.
In having my ToUcam to 1.25" adaptor made, I got a thread cut on the front side, this thread being the correct size to screw onto a Zeiss ortho. While it would also be good to alter the eyepiece to chip distance I can't, but it works OK just the same. I am sure that with a little jiggery pokery you could make a similar adaptor, or use a comeercially available one.
Gary