DSO = Deep Sky Object.Is DSO (Deep Sky Observation)?
Have a nice day.
Web Cam Modification
I was fortunate enough to have some first hand experience with a few webcams namely: Vesta Pro, Toucams Pro, QC4000, LPI and Neximage.
Of which, the first three, begin their life as a consumer webcams. Due to their exceptional sensitivity (CCD: SONY ICX098BQ/AK) they are often utilise for planetary imaging among astro-community with good results.
Few years ago, Steve Chamber uncovered a clever scheme to enable long exposure with these high quality webcams and soon after, the modification in ascending stages was called SC1, SC2... so on. The mod was well received by worldwide astro community, because at that time astronomical CCDs cost a great deal more than what they do now. The mod, by design, requires a parallel port for long exposure control.
Then LPI made its debut about two years ago, it promises video and long exposure capability (up to 16s) while only require a single USB cable. All sounds good except it uses a CMOS. Video image quality seems to be so so. But that could be forgiven if long exposure live up to it mark. Sadly, at our warm climate, noisy images is a prevalent issue.
Later came Neximage. In its original state, it is no better or worst than any CCD webcam, capable of no longer than 1/5s exposure. This limit its application to bright planets and moon. Also this incarnation shares identical components and functionality to Philips toucam pro, however it sports a very different PCB architecture, with good reason!
The good news about Neximage circuitry is that it allow relatively easy SC1 modification to take place. Apart from building the dead bug circuit, there are only two wire to be cut and reconnect.
If any one interested in doing the mod. i am willing to walk you through but won't do it on your behalf as you stand to lose a lot more for not attempting.
IMHO, of all the popular webcams use for astronomy, the easiest candidate for SC1 mod would rank as follow,
1. Neximage (Did this mod with little to moderate difficulty)
2. Vesta Pro (spacious - pins lifting required)
3. Toucam Pro 740 (Not so spacious - pins lifting required)
4. QC4000 (I killed one during mod)
YMMV
Matthew
Of which, the first three, begin their life as a consumer webcams. Due to their exceptional sensitivity (CCD: SONY ICX098BQ/AK) they are often utilise for planetary imaging among astro-community with good results.
Few years ago, Steve Chamber uncovered a clever scheme to enable long exposure with these high quality webcams and soon after, the modification in ascending stages was called SC1, SC2... so on. The mod was well received by worldwide astro community, because at that time astronomical CCDs cost a great deal more than what they do now. The mod, by design, requires a parallel port for long exposure control.
Then LPI made its debut about two years ago, it promises video and long exposure capability (up to 16s) while only require a single USB cable. All sounds good except it uses a CMOS. Video image quality seems to be so so. But that could be forgiven if long exposure live up to it mark. Sadly, at our warm climate, noisy images is a prevalent issue.
Later came Neximage. In its original state, it is no better or worst than any CCD webcam, capable of no longer than 1/5s exposure. This limit its application to bright planets and moon. Also this incarnation shares identical components and functionality to Philips toucam pro, however it sports a very different PCB architecture, with good reason!
The good news about Neximage circuitry is that it allow relatively easy SC1 modification to take place. Apart from building the dead bug circuit, there are only two wire to be cut and reconnect.
If any one interested in doing the mod. i am willing to walk you through but won't do it on your behalf as you stand to lose a lot more for not attempting.
IMHO, of all the popular webcams use for astronomy, the easiest candidate for SC1 mod would rank as follow,
1. Neximage (Did this mod with little to moderate difficulty)
2. Vesta Pro (spacious - pins lifting required)
3. Toucam Pro 740 (Not so spacious - pins lifting required)
4. QC4000 (I killed one during mod)
YMMV
Matthew
Last edited by MCYM on Sat Apr 22, 2006 11:23 am, edited 1 time in total.
Matthew,
Are you saying that video files captured using NexImage will not be longer than 1/5s?
If I dun capture, will I still see a live video of the object telescope is pointing at in my computer?
I dun know how to do modification leh. If i need to, can you help this 'poor thing'?
Thanks.
Are you saying that video files captured using NexImage will not be longer than 1/5s?
If I dun capture, will I still see a live video of the object telescope is pointing at in my computer?
I dun know how to do modification leh. If i need to, can you help this 'poor thing'?
Thanks.
Last edited by mrngbss on Sat Apr 22, 2006 9:37 am, edited 2 times in total.
Wee Nghee the Pooh
Hi,
No sure is this is what you want, a list of mod for different webcam by different people. http://www.pmdo.com/wwhich.htm
clear skies,
No sure is this is what you want, a list of mod for different webcam by different people. http://www.pmdo.com/wwhich.htm
clear skies,
I found the webpage.
http://fdiazhome.tzo.com/Astronomy/Neximage-Mod/
Still, technically, I cannot do it. I'm an electronics/circuit idiot. haahaa~
http://fdiazhome.tzo.com/Astronomy/Neximage-Mod/
Still, technically, I cannot do it. I'm an electronics/circuit idiot. haahaa~
Wee Nghee the Pooh
Yes, each video frame will not exceed 1/5s or 0.2s. you can record infinite no of frames if you wish. There will be a live preview of video sequence as long as it is connected, regardless of recording or not.mrngbss wrote:Matthew,
Are you saying that video files captured using NexImage will not be longer than 1/5s?
If I dun capture, will I still see a live video of the object telescope is pointing at in my computer?
I dun know how to do modification leh. If i need to, can you help this 'poor thing'?
Thanks.
My assistance can come in the form of showing you where and what type of components (few) to source in order carry out this mod. Either you'll have to take it step by step, or convince someone else to do it on your behalf.
good luck
Matthew
Dear Matthew,
I know next to nothing about circuits too. But I have a very good friend who really want to help me in webcam modification.
I'll be very happy if I could have a step by step info from you.
I know next to nothing about circuits too. But I have a very good friend who really want to help me in webcam modification.
I'll be very happy if I could have a step by step info from you.
1150mm, 254mm, Newtonion Reflector on EQ5 Mount with dual axis DK3 drive, QHY5 Camera, Canon 300D + Kit Lens, Yangon, Myanmar.