How to modify a webcam ?

[boxy66]

Hi everyone

I was thinking about having a go at astrophotography with a webcam. Can anyone give me some guidance in relation to a good DIY webcam conversion? I've seen the toucam mentioned a few times....what sort of mods would i need to do to it?

thanks muchly
Boxy

[DavidH]

G'day Boxy,

The original Toucam modification site is :

www.pmdo.com/SC1.htm

I have done the SC1 modification (long exposure) to my Toucam, but it is a finicky process, requiring patience, a magnifying glass of some sort and a very fine tipped soldering iron, as the circuit is all surface mount electronics. It is possible to do however, and the camera is very useful once modded.

There is a series if these modifications SC1,SC2...SC5, which involve more circuitry and replacing CCD etc if you want to take it further.

Regards,
David.

[DavidH]

G'day again,

Should have added that it is not strictly necessary to any electronic mods to the camera at all. Just screw in a 1.25" adapter in place of the lens and you can do planetary imaging as is.

Regards,
David.

[ballaratdragons (Ken)]

Yep, that's right. You only need to modify the Toucam if you need to do Long exposure Deep Sky Astrophotography. For anything else it's fine out of the box as long as you get an adaptor for it.

The adaptor just screws in to the front when you unscrew the little lense. That way the Toucam fits into the scope like an Eyepiece

[stephenmcnelley]

Hi Boxy, Ken (BallaratDragons) recently put me onto this link re the Toucam, lots of info and picky's here.

http://www.home.zonnet.nl/m.m.j.meij...Y/spc900nc.htm

[DavidH]

Yes Stephen, that site is more relevant if you are buying the spc900nc, the Toucam Pro II successor, which is probably what you will have to do Boxy. Looks as if electronic mods may be easier on the 900 too, as the case is not so squeezed for room and the circuit is on two boards.

Regards.
David.

[boxy66]

thanks for the responses --- although I think I should have taken an electronics course at TAFE.

[DavidH]

Originally Posted by boxy66

thanks for the responses --- although I think I should have taken an electronics course at TAFE.

Don't be put off by the electronics Boxy. The electronic mods are not necessary as I said before, and you will get a feel for astrophotography and some good photos just using the camera as is. I suspect that most people who have a Toucam (me included) don't use the long exposure mode very much as the camera's forte is planetary and other bright stuff. So my recommendation is buy one and have a go, the experience is well worth it.

Regards,
David.

[ballaratdragons (Ken)]

Originally Posted by DavidH

I suspect that most people who have a Toucam (me included) don't use the long exposure mode very much as the camera's forte is planetary and other bright stuff.

I use mine in Long Exposure mode for Deep Sky 95% of the time, but yeah your right David, it is more commonly used for Solar System and other very bright Objects.

Boxy, you'll be suprised at how easy the Toucam (or Neximage or Meade LPI) is to use.

[boxy66]

In that case I'll have to put it on my christmas list


Merry Christmas everyone (thought i'd get in early)

[ballaratdragons (Ken)]

Boxy, don't forget to tell us tomorrow if Santa brought you a Toucam

[Lincoln_blitz]

Sorry to hijack the thread but does anyone know the best (or any) place l can get a Toucam in Aus preferably?

Seems to one of ebay but that is all l can find.

Cheers

Darrin

[bojan]

Ebay is OK.

[stephenmcnelley]

Telescopes and Astronomy in South Australia can provide you with toucam equipment and has heaps of related imaging and astro gear plus advice.


http://www.telescopes-astronomy.com....am_philips.htm

[erick (Eric)]

Originally Posted by ballaratdragons

......Boxy, you'll be suprised at how easy the Toucam (or Neximage or Meade LPI) is to use.

Ken, I'm looking forward to learning from you. Perhaps on 19th? Eric

[ballaratdragons (Ken)]

Yes Eric, I take mine everywhere I observe as I image more than I look, so I'll certainly have it with me on the 19th