iCap

OzStarGazer · #1 06-11-2014, 09:09 PM

I usually use iCap with my Neximage, as it is the software that came with it.
I noticed a tiny dot on all my images and videos. It was on the same position even if I rotated the camera, so I thought maybe there is a speck of dust on the lenses of the scope. I cleaned everything but the dot was still there.
I tried another webcam software program and the dot is not there!!! How can this be? I am a bit lost...

ZeroID (Brent) · #2 07-11-2014, 06:51 AM

The dot, if it is well defined is probably a speck on the sensor surface or if slightly blurry on the window ( if there is one ) on the front of the camera.
I've had to use a fine camel hair art brush a few times on the ASI120 to clear a few. It will be so small as to be invisible to the naked eye, only a few micrometers covering a pixel or two. I needed a loupe to see my first one. Now I just get the brush out and carefully wipe across the surface while holding the camera with the lens looking downwards so anything falls away from it.

OzStarGazer · #3 07-11-2014, 07:31 AM

Thanks, Brent. It is pretty well-defined.

It would be the one at the top in my big spot photo here.
It only becomes visible at the 4th resolution level in iCap, so I guess that's why it is not visible in other programs that use low resolution levels... I just checked in the daylight without telescope.
Why is it always in the same position if it is on the sensor? Doesn't the sensor move with the camera? It is always in the same position even if I move/rotate the camera.
And... I guess there is nothing I can do it it is inside?
I assume I could also use the 3rd resolution level as it is enough, but...

OzStarGazer · #4 08-11-2014, 09:00 AM

Well, the dot is not there with no binning (maybe because the image is less sharp?). It is there only at the two highest resolution levels and with binning and it stays in the same position (more or less) if I move the camera. It can be easily eliminated in a program like Photoshop though.
I took a short video of the full moon at the highest resolution with no binning and although there are turbulences being full moon etc. the video is clear in itself and there is absolutely no dot.
Actually the no-binning video was better than I expected (I usually use 2x binning). On a day with good seeing conditions I should get really good videos at high magnification.

It doesn't seem to be an uncommon problem anyway:http://stargazerslounge.com/topic/20...nsor-cleaning/
Oh, there is a thread here too: http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/s...d.php?t=114573
So would this be good for the NexImage? http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Camera-CC...item4ad7630fb2

04Stefan07 (Stefan) · #5 08-11-2014, 11:27 AM

I have not noticed that dot on mine, I will have a look next time I use it.

There is a strange problem however though I have with mine, not sure if it's happened to you before.

When I have my object all lined up ready to capture a video, when I press the capture button the object vanishes and looks like the x & y axis return to the original position? The best way to describe it is it basically doesn't hold the object in view when you record.

Have you have this problem before?

OzStarGazer · #6 08-11-2014, 11:44 AM

No, I didn't notice that problem when I capture a video. Have you got the latest version of iCap?
Of course I don't have tracking so the image on the screen drifts away pretty quick, but that's normal.
Have you ever cleaned the sensor? If so, how did you clean it?

04Stefan07 (Stefan) · #7 08-11-2014, 04:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OzStarGazer

No, I didn't notice that problem when I capture a video. Have you got the latest version of iCap?
Of course I don't have tracking so the image on the screen drifts away pretty quick, but that's normal.
Have you ever cleaned the sensor? If so, how did you clean it?

I just use a LensPen, best ever DSLR/Sensor cleaning investment you could make (http://www.teds.com.au/inca-lp1-lenspen-lens-cleaner). They come in a couple of sizes, you would want the smallest size.

I think I am on the latest version, which one are you running? I also updated the firmware of the camera to which gave me a crap load more exposure settings.

OzStarGazer · #8 08-11-2014, 04:30 PM

Thanks, I am going to get a LensPen too.
Is it safe to open the NexImage? I am so afraid to break something... but I guess it is normal to open it to clean the sensor...
I have iCap 2.3.369. Apparently it was released on August 27, 2013, so if you got your version before that date you might want to download the latest version.
I didn't have to update the firmware for the camera because it already had all the exposures the update offers.

04Stefan07 (Stefan) · #9 09-11-2014, 10:48 AM

Sounds like I might have the latest version.

When I meant cleaning the sensor I just meant opening the cap that covers the sensor and just clean the glass. I wouldn't open the camera or recommend opening unless you know your way around it.

OzStarGazer · #10 09-11-2014, 03:02 PM

You could try uninstalling and reinstalling iCap... Sometimes it helps to reinstall a program if it doesn't work properly.
Oh, OK, I won't open the camera then! I think I misinterpreted Brent's post and thought the "window" was just what you mean and that I had to open the camera to get to the sensor. I thought they were two different things.
I already ordered the LensPen... I actually already cleaned the sensor... but maybe the LensPen will do a better job. I think it is a bit better now, so maybe the LensPen will finish the job.