HI I want to know what the best webcam I can get and mod to use on my telescope, any ideas? Thanks.
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The best webcam ever made is the Vista Imaging USB Vicam webcam (became the 3Com HomeConnect USB webcam, now sold as the Digi Watchport v3 USB webcam).
This has a 640x480 resolution, very low light response, good color, good software for WinXP and Linux (and Win7 Pro running in XP mode). The lens unscrews, you can use a 1.25 adapter from ScopeStuff or Agenaastro ($30).
This camera costs $150 to $220 for the Digi Watchport. But you can find 3Com HomeConnect ones (not the dinky little ones with a lumpy profile, but the ones with rectangular base, rounded top) on ebay auctions for $15--30 shipped. Most old ones have an IR filter that is decayed and opaque. You can take it out for astronomy, do your own color correction, or get a replacement 1.25 IR filter from many sources. These webcams are good for moon, planets, a few brighter stars.
I have 3 of these (one Vicam, two 3Coms) and have been happy with them.
Better is a TV camera for super low light. A Dazzle TV to USB adapter will be fine for the Samsung security camera models or the Mallincam or Stellacam or Watco or similar TV ones.
www.nightskiesnetwork.com have nightly (and daytime) TV astronomy from around the world by amateurs with good telescopes. There is a chat window to get you good info.
This has a 640x480 resolution, very low light response, good color, good software for WinXP and Linux (and Win7 Pro running in XP mode). The lens unscrews, you can use a 1.25 adapter from ScopeStuff or Agenaastro ($30).
This camera costs $150 to $220 for the Digi Watchport. But you can find 3Com HomeConnect ones (not the dinky little ones with a lumpy profile, but the ones with rectangular base, rounded top) on ebay auctions for $15--30 shipped. Most old ones have an IR filter that is decayed and opaque. You can take it out for astronomy, do your own color correction, or get a replacement 1.25 IR filter from many sources. These webcams are good for moon, planets, a few brighter stars.
I have 3 of these (one Vicam, two 3Coms) and have been happy with them.
Better is a TV camera for super low light. A Dazzle TV to USB adapter will be fine for the Samsung security camera models or the Mallincam or Stellacam or Watco or similar TV ones.
www.nightskiesnetwork.com have nightly (and daytime) TV astronomy from around the world by amateurs with good telescopes. There is a chat window to get you good info.