Have Phillips webcam... now what?

[Gem (Grant)]

Hi all!

Well I finally have my Phillips SPC 800 (firmed to 900) webcam with 1.25" adapter... so how is it best used?
Do I just plug it into the laptop, put it in the scope and everything magically happens? Is there some suggested software package? Does it just take video? Do I stack frames, and, if so, how?

Can anyone please help? I am a complete newbie at imaging!

The scope is a CGEM 925, so it has a nice long focal length and tracks well.

[Poita (Peter)]

Grab a copy of nebulosity and print out the manual. The text is big enough to print 2 per page. It will give you an idea, and you can practice in the free version until you get yer head around it.
http://www.stark-labs.com/nebulosity.html

[Poita (Peter)]

Or were you wanting to do planetary?

[Gem (Grant)]

Thanks.
Yes, planetary for now. I might get the mod done one day, but for now I want to try some planetary imaging.

[Gem (Grant)]

Originally Posted by Poita

Or were you wanting to do planetary?

Does that mean the original advice was for DSO? I would love to try DSO as an experiement... but I was under the impression the camera needed a mod first.

[A23649 (Nathan)]

all i have heard is for planetary registax is great
i have a mac so their is a very limited option there

[michaellxv (Michael)]

Grant,

There is more than one free program out there that will give you the required control of the camera and capture avi's for you. Give wxAstrocapture or SharpCap a try.

Plug the camera in and make sure it all works indoors before you go carting it outside.

Then go outside and capture some avi's. The moon, Saturn if your quick or Jupiter in the early morning.

You can't go past this article as a start in processing.

The experts will chime in with more details.

[Gem (Grant)]

First attempt.
I downloaded a Phillips vlounge to get started. I will try your advice later tonight. I edited the contrast a little after taking the pic.
It is early evening, the scope didn't cool, it rained earlier, etc... so lots of factors against a good shot.
That said, it worked. I swung it onto the Jewel Box and Acrux for laughs. The Jewel box was too big for the screen, but about six stars were visible. Acrux was nicely split... Well, it was worth a look.
Thanks for links!

[Gem (Grant)]

Have Registax now.
Next time I will use avi !

[michaellxv (Michael)]

Well done, looks good. With that result from a first night out you should be able to produce some very images.

[ZeroID (Brent)]

Aha !
The bug has bit, watch out for the slippery slope ahead ..... $$$$$

[asimov (John)]

Yep. When I was using the Philips cams for planetary capturing some years ago, I just stuck with Vlounge. Have fun Grant!