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How to use a webcam for astrophotography ?

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19 years 10 months ago #8688 by dpower
OK, I finally got my 3com webcam working with my windows XP laptop...
So how does this thing work? Do you just use an elastic band to hold the webcam in place? How do you actually take the pics? Still frames or motion??

I'm lost here folks, and rather than spend hour after hour trying to figure out the basics I though someone here might be kind enough to point a newbie in the right direction :D

IFAS web team

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19 years 10 months ago #8689 by michaeloconnell
Replied by michaeloconnell on topic Re: How to use a webcam for astrophotography ?
Firstly, you'll need to remove the lens on the webcam. Hopefully this will just screw off.
Next, you need to connect it into the diagonal. You can do this my either buying an adapter or you can get an old 35mm film canister, cut off the bottom and stick the top end over the webcam so that it's centered over the cdd chip. Now insert it into the diagonal.
Does that make sense?
If you're free some evening, give me a buzz and I can show you what's involved.

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19 years 10 months ago #8690 by dpower
Any advice on software??

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19 years 10 months ago #8691 by michaeloconnell
Replied by michaeloconnell on topic Re: How to use a webcam for astrophotography ?
The standard philips software can be used initially. However, there are better software packages out there for capturing video. Astrosnap is the flavour of the month at the mo and is highly recommended by many.
For processing, just use Registax.

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19 years 10 months ago #8703 by dave_lillis
Replied by dave_lillis on topic Re: How to use a webcam for astrophotography ?
Dpower,
You mention that the webcam is 3Com device.
Not all webcams are created equally with regards to astronomy.
What 3coms webcam do you have ??

Dave L. on facebook , See my images in flickr
Chairman. Shannonside Astronomy Club (Limerick)

Carrying around my 20" obsession is going to kill me,
but what a way to go. :)
+ 12"LX200, MK67, Meade2045, 4"refractor

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19 years 10 months ago #8704 by dpower
I had a brief chat with Michael O' Connell earlier- He gave me the lowdown on the Philips toucam pro- I have a feeling my webcam doesn't quite meet the mark- but perhaps it's a good place to start!
I'll see if I can train it on the moon tonight (if I get a clear sky)
Until then- all tips regarding software and actually setting up a webcam are MOST welcome :)

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