Weasner's Webcam Astrophotography Page

ASTROPHOTOGRAPHY WITH WEBCAMS

Last updated: 18 November 2011

This page documents Quickcam, ToUCam, and similar video/web cameras comments, tips, and photos. Also, see the Quickcam references on the Astrophotography - Basics page. webcam the site for other items about webcams. Contributions welcome.

Subject:	Homemade LPI
Sent:	Wednesday, November 16, 2011 20:44:15
From:	Chad Jewell (cjewell.rvt@gmail.com)
I am looking into building my own LPI out of a webam.  I have watched many vid's on-line on how to make both the LPI but I haven't seen any that suggests a particular webcam.  Mainly, would it be best to use an HD or non-HD webcam?  If an HD cam is suggested would it be best to use 1080 or 720? 

Any insight is greatly appreciated.
Chad Jewell

Mike here: The typical webcam used for astrophotography is a TouCam. It is a non-HD camera.

And:

Thanks for the quick reply.  Looking on-line the TouCam has been
discontinued.  I see that the Celesteron LPI utilizes the same CCD chip.
Hence my second question of, would it be advantageous to make a LPI
with an HD CCD chip for better resolution.  I didn't know if you had
heard of anyone attempting this.

Thanks
Chad

Mike here: Yes, the Toucam was discontinued. I have heard of people finding used models online. Haven't heard of anyone using an HD webcam for astrophotography. But it should work, as long as you recognize that the files will be larger, meaning more memory will be required for stacking frames unless you crop the video.

Subject:	Webcam Photos and a few questions bout it
Sent:	Friday, November 11, 2011 05:24:17
From:	edward von delelis (delelis_edwardvon@yahoo.com)
Its been a while since I asked about a over exposed Jupiter. I was able
to get my hands on a Toucam Pro III and im able to produce some images
from it. Thanks for your help! here are some of it i posted on my
blogsite:
http://paperchalkdustandstars.wordpress.com/

It used to show this image (jupiterRAW)  

but when I tried to image again using a C8 Cass and I was surprised
about the image formed. It was over exposed though I am on the lowest
possible gain and brightness. (test1)

Then I went back home, checked it  again on my etx and was surprised to
see this image (test2)

Any idea what happened?

Thanks
Von

PS I made a link of your site on my blogpage, is it OK with you?

Mike here: The larger aperture telescope will obviously make objects appear brighter. It is possible that the webcam overexposes so much that the software can't handle it. If you have a moon filter, try using that. (Thanks for adding the link.)

Subject:	Re: trouble webcam imaging using etx 125
Sent:	Saturday, September 18, 2010 10:43:12
From:	edward von delelis (delelis_edwardvon@yahoo.com)
Thanks for your help! I had managed to capture video of the moon and
processed it through registax.

(Click image to see movie)

I also tried it on Jupiter but no colors were present. Is it because of
my webcam?

Thanks again for your support!

Edward Von

PS:
MightyETX site is the BEST!

Mike here: Jupiter is overexposed (that's why no color is showing), and perhaps out of focus. (Focusing is always a challenge when imaging.) If you can't reduce the exposure, try using a moon filter (if you have one). Nice moon and video.

Subject:	trouble webcam imaging using etx 125
Sent:	Sunday, September 12, 2010 05:40:54
From:	edward von delelis (delelis_edwardvon@yahoo.com)
Good day! I want to try taking picture / videos using my cheap webcam, i
had modified it by removing the lens and attached it on a film canister.
but when ever i place it on the scope i get no image what so ever, it
seems that its not focused, i've also tried adding a barlow lens and
still the same thing happens, do i need to add a reducer? or make my
webcam tube longer? thanks!

Edward

Mike here: Are you testing during the daytime? If not, try that. Makes focusing and troubleshooting easier. I assume that before you removed the lens, the camera and your software worked fine. So, lets get it working on terrestrial objects first. You will need to be certain that the image from the telescope (without the eyepiece) is hitting the webcam sensor. Mis-alignment will result in no image on the webcam.

Subject:	webcams
Sent:	Tuesday, April 27, 2010 13:35:21
From:	Edwin Pottillius (edwin.pottillius@telenet.be)
I also like to ask a question if possible. I have been using extensively
my Toucam Pro II with great results, but I haven been thinking of buying
a DMK cam (the 21 or 41 version), however I wonder if it will make a
huge difference compared to my Toucam.
Esdpecially considering the 90mm.

Perhaps you could answer this, I would be grateful.

Mike here: I have no experience with either webcam so can't answer. Perhaps someone else can after I post your inquiry on the appropriate place on the ETX Site on the next update.

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