Modifying spc900nc for autoguiding

Hi

I am looking into modifying a Philips SPC900NC for autoguiding.
There seems to be a few different modifications that people have produced on the internet.
The one that stands out amongst the rest is Steve Chamber's SC5 mod .

Has anyone done these mods to a spc900nc and if so what were the results like? Is it a capable autoguider?

Thanks
Darragh

Hi Darragh,

The black and white versions are definitely capable. They are very sensitive (3 times more so than the colour versions). I'm using one of Astronomiser's SC1.5 versions of this cam (or will be once more when I get a chance to start imaging again) and they are way better than my previous Toucam + I've rarely had a need to use the long exposure mode because of the chip sensitivity.

Andy at Astronomiser mods webcams and also sells premade versions & versions with added cooling and metal bodies for a reasonable price and gives great support. The cooled version are more expensive though - but that's not needed for autoguiding anyway.

www.astronomiser.co.uk/cams.htm
www.astronomiser.co.uk/webcam.htm

The version I'm using is the astsc15bw
It's definitely worth it to go with the black & white chip + it doubles up as a fantastic imager on a ha scope.

By the way, if you are doing the mod yourself I have a spare empty body with 1.25" nosepiece that you are welcome to have (it's from a previously damaged astronomiser webcam -- see the image at the bottom of the second link I provided for a pic). If you want it just PM me your address & I'll pop it in the post.

Trev

Trevor,

I have ordered a new SPC900NC and I am going to do the mod myself, so I might take you up on that offer of the body and nosepiece.
I might see if I can get an SC5 board to do the SC5 mod.

Thanks
Darragh