Webcam mod for astrophotography

There are several excellent internet sites with tips and builds to add webcams for Astronomy.

If you do a little searching, you should find many examples to use.

DAB

I am building something similar for my telescope. I took a Microsoft HD webcam as the starting point, because the existing shape. I am going to 3D print an adapter so it fits into the telescope snugly and then I plan to come up with some mechanism to get the data back via WiFi. I plan to also use this as a platform for remote control of the telescope so that I don't have to sit outside in the cold Wisconsin Winter which is usually the best viewing time around here.

hi

thanks for the advice but after doing some research i was not able to find a site which explains how the process is done leaving me to question the whole process which in general means soldering a big chip in bug like position and that it. on the other hand i would like to create this type of camera which is far cheaper than others on the market and combine it with a microcontroller and cooling system for the camera to make the camera take long exposures with the least problems possible.

WOW!  i really hope everything goes the way you want. although i would like to remind you to check the lowest light the specific camera will work in.

you may have a problem using it in low light. your best shot would be to get a camera that has a CCD chip.

do you know if it is possible to create your own camera using materials on element14?

for example create a custom system with the CCD of your choice

Hi Chris,

I have seen a couple of mods using the Microsoft HD camera with really good results.

Some have removed the lens and then gone with critical focus, while others have used adapter tubes and done eyepiece projection.

It mostly depends upon the types of objects you want to take in and at what resolution.

The eyepiece projection method has the most flexibility for small objects, but the prime focus is useful for large objects like the moon or the sun.

I have the microsoft camera and have used it for lightning photos.  It takes a bit of work to get the setting correct, but the quality has been very good.

I have also seen some posts on the web about setting up an automated telescope.

I sympathise about the cold weather.  I am in west central Ohio and it gets a bit nippy in the dark winter months.

Good luck,

DAB

Hi Yiangos,

I recommend that you first try with an inexpensive web camera and try the eyepiece projection method.  All you need is an adjustable tube assembly, cardboard tubes work just fine, and then work out the focal length that you want to try.

There are several software programs that you can use with the web cam to play with exposure.

The aperature size of your scope will also impact what you can expect to see.  That is why I suggest trying out a simple implementation.  You might have to go to either a larger scope or a less pixel sized camera to get the best results.

DAB

I removed the lens and IR filter from the camera, at least I think I removed the IR filter, and am 3D printing an adapter so it can go into where the eye-piece would be.

I would love to go CCD but that's a bit beyond my budget right now. I just wanted to try something a step up from what I have now, which is basically nothing.

I thought about the possibility of DIYing a CCD unit, I did some initial research on CCD chips but that's well outside my prior experience so I don't know. I imagine most of the parts are available from Element-14 but I wouldn't know where to start myself. It would be an impressive project though.

I am mostly just following guides I found online. My stuff is no-where near the level of some of what some people have built. I am just getting started. Most of my current effort is in reverse engineering the GPS control on the Celestron telescope control.

Hi Chris,

I know that Celestron used to provide some of the protocols for people to integrate the positioning system with an external PC control.

You might want to contact them to see if they have an SDK you can use.

Removing the IR filter will screw up the autofocus controlled by the firmware, but you should be able to manually adjust both the focus and the exposure times.

I just used the Microsoft manual control and it worked pretty good once you figure out what they have done.

It looks like they used software people to write a camera control software without first having photographers around to make the controls sound like normal camera lingo.

Are you planning to use bandpass filters for your data collection.  Without the IR filter, the Red pixels will be a bit too bright and shift the color balance a tad.  If you have photoshop or Gimp, you can easily correct for the change.

Sounds like a fun project.

DAB

I looked into this some time ago.  Unfortunately (unless you know how to write drivers for the webcam: The Basics:Getting Started Writing Windows Drivers) you are very unlikely to be able to get long exposures.

The cheapest cameras made for long-exposure astrophotography are probably those sold by Imaging Source (I use a camera purchased from them and love it):

www.astronomycameras.com

Another option would be to use the Raspberry Pi with its camera board.  You have lots of control over the camera, but the longest exposure is still relatively short - heaps of info on their website.

If you do end up using a webcam, check out this site for adapters:

Web Cam Adapter - Mogg Adapter

Some other sites in my bookmarks:

Digital Project -- Digital Camera Interface

http://ghonis2.ho8.com/Pro9000mod.html

ASTROPHOTOGRAPHY & DIGITAL IMAGING by Gary Honis

Carsten Arnholm's Astronomy Page

http://www.calsky.com/

http://www.calsky.com/

http://www.calsky.com/http://www.calsky.com/

HI

I already have 2 SPC-900 webcams with a CCD chip which i use for planetary lunar or sun observation in various configuration including A-focal as you have described.

now i am bored with planets and want to capture Deep Space Objects, something that can be done taking long exposure pictures.

the problem with the CCD i have is the low resolution. the next best step would be to buy a DSLR camera which has certain limitations, for ex. the IR filter in the camera which i would have to remove.

its like saying to yourself pay 1000 dollars to buy one and then take apart. (i'm kinda not up for that) and then not being able to use it as an everyday camera.

So i'm looking for a project to engage in my spare time. the use of the Raspberry Pi with its camera board ans suggested by Scott does sound interesting and is worth a look.

thank for the advice though..