Sounds interesting Ken, can I ask where did you buy the camera and what do you use for capture to the PC (both hardware and software) as I have an friend who is wanting to stream some lowlight nocturnal critters (platypus mainly).
I suspect there has to be software working behind the scenes (...so to speak). I know that to connect to my wireless router or to upload images to my website, I have to use a variety of different software.
I am going to put one of these cameras on my wish list.
Regards,
Paul Floyd.
Quote:
Originally Posted by ballaratdragons
Paul, I am a little confused by your questions about automatic uploads.
Broadcasting IS instant upload. You see it as it is happening (maybe a 1 or 2 second delay as it travels across the internet). I even talk to the viewers 'live'.
When you say you didn't have to go through a Video Frame Grabber, that would be because you were using a Webcam.
CCTV cameras, Gstar-Ex, etc are not webcams. They are not USB devices.
They are Analogue devices.
The Video Frame Grabber is just a cable to plug into the camera and into the laptop to convert it from Analogue to digital. Same as connecting anything with any cable.
Whatever I point the scope at, and whatever I say, the viewer sees it and hears it 'Live'.
No special Software programs needed either. Just got to use the right Website with live feed connection, which Night Skies Network supplies for free to its members.
Last night was actually clear for a good many hours, so I broadcast for 8 hours straight.
Was good seeing quite a few of you in there watching and chatting. Thanks
Objects shown: Tarantula Nebula in LMC, 47Tuc, Fornax Galaxy Cluster (both north and south regions), NGC 253 Silver Coin Galaxy and a whole host of Galaxies throughout Sculptor, Keyhole Nebula in Carina Nebula, Trifid Nebula, others I can't remember right now, and the night rounded off at 4:30am with M42.
Here is a Screen Grab of M42 from my broadcast on NSN.
Imaging system:
1. Samsung SCC-A2333
2. System: PAL
3. 512x sens-up
4. 0.6x Focal Reducer
5. in-camera factory IR filter
OTA and mount:
6. 120mm f5 Achromat Refractor
7. EQ6 mount
Viewing:
8. LP zone: Black/Gray
9. location: Backyard
10. Seeing: 9/10
11. Transparency: from 10/10 down to 0/10 alternating
12. Other factors: 3/4 Moon
Sounds interesting Ken, can I ask where did you buy the camera and what do you use for capture to the PC (both hardware and software) as I have an friend who is wanting to stream some lowlight nocturnal critters (platypus mainly).
Phil, your friend will have to source one through a company that fits security systems to buildings. They aren't a 'Retail' item.
Hardware to see it on a PC/Laptop is just a Video Grabber cable.
Hardware to see it on a TV is just a BNC to AV video cable.
Software: well, none really.
You can use some programs to fiddle with Brightness/Contrast/Saturation etc if you want to. The Gstar program works, or you can download 'ManyCams'.
I even got the Philips Toucam 'Vlounge' to work with it.
That's all you need. Then you spend the next few months going trying to get the settings in the camera right
Just like any other new imaging toy.
Paul the software would be embeded in the Nightskies website. When you logon to broadcast, I would assume you give the website access to your local capture device or webcam etc. Same goes for Audio. That software then grabs the frames and streams them to the viewers. So instead of you installing a pice of software on your system to broadcast, you run it from a website. They are essentialy publishing a application that you allow to run localy on your system to broadcast. You could even have multiple cameras and switch between the ones you wanted to display. I have seen Rock do this during his broadcasts. He has one camera showing the inside of his observatory and another attached to the Telescope.
Paul the software would be embeded in the Nightskies website. When you logon to broadcast, I would assume you give the website access to your local capture device or webcam etc. Same goes for Audio. That software then grabs the frames and streams them to the viewers. So instead of you installing a pice of software on your system to broadcast, you run it from a website. They are essentialy publishing a application that you allow to run localy on your system to broadcast. You could even have multiple cameras and switch between the ones you wanted to display. I have seen Rock do this during his broadcasts. He has one camera showing the inside of his observatory and another attached to the Telescope.
Yes Fahim, you are right.
NightSkiesNetwork uses a program called 'whispers' or something similar, which is Flash.
I also use 2 cams. One in the scope and one to show folks my gear, and I just switch between the 2 as needed.
Been thinking Ken..............that's dangerous at any time
What about a session of widefield using a lens, to show NSN folks the southern latitude sky - many will have never seen it. Low or no integration and using a laser pointer beside the camera to point out constellations etc. Then could flick up the integration to pull out the areas of nebulosity.
Just a thought for something different?
(Maybe better in 6 mths time when Centaurus/Crux/Carina are riding high!)
the website refers to an SCX-RD100 controller. Do you use that or control it from a PC?
Also notice it has 10X the sensitivity in mono - have you tested its limits at all in mono in terms of faint galaxies etc at full sense up?
Cheers,
Andrew
Hi Andrew,
The SCX-RD100 is an in-line remote controller that allows you to do all the camera controls and setting at a distance.
I intend to get one but at the moment I am using a little 5" B&W CRT TV out at the camera via a Y connector.
I have to go out to the camera to change setting at the moment and I watch what I am doing on the little TV.
Once I get the SCX-RD100 I will be able to remain inside and do all the settings
The amazing thing with this camera and the SCX-RD100 is that it is connected in-line on the video co-ax cable as it allows 2 way similtaneous communication.
But at $290 it will have to wait a bit longer.
As for the 10x more sensitive B&W mode at full sens-up? No, not yet. I have been having too much fun seeing everything 'LIVE' in full colour
But I will be testing it's full capabilities on the next outing (hopefully tomorrow [Saturday] night)
I am a Deeeeep Sky enthusiast so It will be exciting to see how far I can go.
What about a session of widefield using a lens, to show NSN folks the southern latitude sky - many will have never seen it. Low or no integration and using a laser pointer beside the camera to point out constellations etc. Then could flick up the integration to pull out the areas of nebulosity.
Just a thought for something different?
(Maybe better in 6 mths time when Centaurus/Crux/Carina are riding high!)
I agree Eric, and it is a great idea.
I will be getting a lens for the camera soon and it will allow me to do this.
But yeah, will be better when Crux and Carina are high
I am waiting for someone to try this thinking of using this camera for widefield Meteor capturing....
I have been using GStar camera with 8mm lens for meteor capture for about four years. Good S/N ratio, sensitivity and very fast lens is more important then long frame integration. Most of meteors are visible for less then one second.
trying to get the settings in the camera right 
