Message #: 15534 - Thread #: 15388
From: linden_dave <d.birmingham@w...>
Date: Wed Feb 13, 2002 4:04pm
Subject: Re: QuickCam Express Mods
None taken, Dr.!
As a frequent contributor/writer at another discussion board I fully
understand ones unintentional bluntness at times, especially when a
newbie butts in.
Actually after doing some further digging I believe I would be better
off if I could find a resource for modifying an Intel model SC330
webcam which is a CCD camera. I saw on Steve Chambers web site a link
to a pictorial mod on an Intel Create & Share Pack camera, but since
no model was given (it does look the same) I'm not sure if it is the
same or not.
I am not new to hobby electronics and even after reading the
discouragement page still feel that this is something I would like to
attempt.
If it is possible to modify my Intel camera and if someone would
point out where I could go to find details, I would be most
appreciative!
Thank you,
Dave
Birmingham Astronomical Center
N 42° 59' 23.1" / W 083° 46' 29.7"
http://www.geocities.com/linden_dave2002
Message #: 29154 - Thread #: -
From: Cole <astrofirefighter@y...>
Date: Wed Oct 16, 2002 6:36pm
Subject: test
test 1,2,3...Nort Augusta, SC33.31N81.56WDo you Yahoo!?
Faith Hill - Exclusive Performances, Videos, &; more
faith.yahoo.com
Message #: 35922 - Thread #: 35845
From: Ashley Roeckelein <ashley@a...>
Date: Tue Jan 21, 2003 10:26am
Subject: Re: 424 mods first light - also binning
Now you're talking! I wonder what Steve plans
on calling this one, the "so really incredibly advanced that
it blows your mind mod", or SC3 perhaps? ;) Hmm, do
I smell a SAC9 in our future? (can't you tell I'm excited?
heh)
-ash
Message #: 35924 - Thread #: 35845
From: wlbehrens wbehrens@c... <wbehrens@c...>
Date: Tue Jan 21, 2003 11:11am
Subject: Re: 424 mods first light - also binning
If you give me a couple of weeks I will have a 1/3" color ExView HAD
mod completed and ready for your review. Although the mod itself is
more complex than the 1004X it is very much alike in as much as it
uses the same principles to integrate images.
William
PS I think this year is going to see further advancment in imaging
coming out of this group.
--- In QCUIAG@yahoogroups.com, "Ashley Roeckelein" <ashley@a...>
wrote:
> Now you're talking! I wonder what Steve plans on calling this one,
the "so really incredibly advanced that it blows your mind mod", or
SC3 perhaps? ;) Hmm, do I smell a SAC9 in our future? (can't you
tell I'm excited? heh)
>
> -ash
Message #: 35976 - Thread #: ?
From: stephen chambers <smunch@c...>
Date: Wed Jan 22, 2003 0:58am
Subject: Re: 424 mods- Colour CCD (SC3?)
Hello,
Thanks all. I have been very honoured to have my initials associated
with the modified webcams. I hope I would not be presuming too much if
I adopted a SC3 designation for this new mod. I expect to have a
number of versions of this mod, provisionally
SC3.1 - ICX424 CCD , no extended exposure control, only requires USB
connection, The most sensitive camera for streaming video at star
parties etc Much more sensitive than unmodified ex-had cameras due to
the longer individual exposures (1/5 sec vs 1/50 or 1/60 sec) stacking
would still bring many ‘m’ objects into range. Easy to make and use.
SC3.2 - As 3.1 but with exposure controlled by parallel or serial port
connection and software compatible with existing modified webcam
control programmes.
SC3.3 - As 3.2 but adds 2x1-binning option for added sensitivity.
I am sure SAC will produce a SAC9 but I don’t know what it will be (
maybe better to ask someone else on this list :) ). I have done no
deals regarding this mod so if there are any companies out there (SBIG,
Starlight, Apogee?) you have my e-mai....
On to colour. Using the primary colour mosaic filters on the colour
version of the 424 will rob the camera of 2/3 to 3/4 of its sensitivity.
However having said this the colour chip should work with the 3.1 and 3.
2 (see how useful these numbers are!!!) but might be problematic with
the 3.3. The binned mode of the 3.3 could not give coloured images.
At the moment I have the ICX424 socketed and tend to remove it while
making changes to the prototype. If the colour 424 is shown to work in
the camera then why not buy both the colour and B/W CCD’s then swap
between one shot colour and B/W keeping the same fields of view and
aspect ratios.
Cheers
Steve
> Now you're talking! I wonder what Steve plans on calling this one,
the "so=
> really incredibly advanced that it blows your mind mod", or SC3
perhaps? ;=
> ) Hmm, do I smell a SAC9 in our future? (can't you tell I'm
excited? heh=
> )
>
> -ash
Message #: 35994 - Thread #: ?
From: Leonardo Priami <L.PRIAMI@C...>
Date: Wed Jan 22, 2003 6:16am
Subject: Re: 424 mods- Colour CCD (SC3?)
Hallo Steve, Hi all,
I am very happy for the future prospects.
However I think that it is very dangerous to change icx424 color and B/W
CCD's every each shot! I suppose will be better have two separate cameras
also because the lost of 70% of sensitivity mean multiply the time of
exposure by 3-4. So the color camera needs, more than the B/W, a strong
cooling system in order to reduce thermal noise.
I think also that SC3.1 will be very useful as a guiding camera due to the
its high sensitivity in streaming video mode; this will allow us to have a
greater number of star to guiding to in the field of view!!!
Thanks all
Leonardo.
Message #: 36007 - Thread #: ?
From: Ashley Roeckelein <ashley@a...>
Date: Wed Jan 22, 2003 8:59am
Subject: Re: 424 mods- Colour CCD (SC3?)
Hi Steve,
Thanks for the reply! 2/3 to 3/4 loss? Yikes - that's not worth it I think
(at least initially:) But that is an interesting and neat idea to swap them
out. I would like to try that eventually if the 2x1 binning mode could be
switched on and off.
A few more questions?
Have you seen any "warm pixels" that cooling would help? Or would exposures
long enough to require cooling be wiped-out by sky glow, etc. because of the
increased sensitivity of the 424?
Do all the regular ToUCamPro driver controls like brightness, gain, etc.
work as before? Great trick if so!
Do you see a need for "amp-off" modification? Would that make a new series
of modification numbers, say 3.15, etc? FWIW, I like your numbering
scheme - short and sweet, unambiguous and standardized because it's straight
from the horses mouth! (no more "what's the difference between the advanced
mod and SC2", etc.)
Soon time to get the ol' iron out again! :)
Best regards,
-ash
http://astro.ai-software.com/
Message #: 36013 - Thread #: ?
From: Steve Chambers <smunch@c...>
Date: Wed Jan 22, 2003 9:56am
Subject: RE: 424 mods- Colour CCD (SC3?)
Hi Ash,
I have checked one of me 20sec high gain dark frames and counted about 30
hot pixels. Not bad for a 640x480 image from an uncooled camera.
I will take a look at an amp switch in the next few days. The points you
make are good. The sensitivity of the camera will make very long exposures
unfeasible.
Yes all the normal toucam controls work properly.
Steve
Message #: 36015 - Thread #: ?
From: Steve Chambers <smunch@c...>
Date: Wed Jan 22, 2003 10:04am
Subject: RE: 424 mods- Colour CCD (SC3?)
Hello,
Pulling and replacing chips is not ideal but is quick and easy.
Also the color element in an LRGB image doesn't have to be as good as the L
as the eye uses mostly the luminance to determine quality.
Still 2 cameras would be nice as the CCD's cost about the same as the
webcam.
After playing with the camera and a 50 mm lens streaming video at 5FPS I
think this mode has lots of potential. Both guiding and as a finder on
robotic scopes.
Steve
Message #: 36150 - Thread #: -
From: Steve Chambers <smunch@c...>
Date: Fri Jan 24, 2003 5:09am
Subject: Interested in 424/SC3 mod? - PLEASE READ ME
Hello once again,
In the next week or two I will write the details of this new down so anyone
who is interested can produce a camera for themselves. The difficulty level
of the mod is very similar to the other webcam mods.
However there is some bad news. Framos, the only supplier of the 424 CCD's
I know of, have run out!!!!
Better news is they have some on order to arrive in a months time. I have
asked the people at framos if it would be useful for them to know what the
level of demand for these CCD's might be from qcuiag and astrocam members.
The answer was yes of course! and they will endeavor to stock them for us.
The cost of the B/W CCD is 80 Euros or about 50 pounds + VAT postage etc.
The color version is a bit more, and will be less sensitive and we still
need to check that it would work but I think it should. The mod will also
require a webcam. I have been using a TouCam but they is nothing too
specific in the mod.
To get some figures I will try to set a poll up on qcuiag. If you think you
would buy a icx424 to do the mod in the next few months please register you
interest or send an email direct to me
smunch at clara.co.uk
Many of us have found Framos a great company to do business with and as they
are only supplier of these CCD's we should try to get as accurate figure as
possible.
Etienne, As Believe your French is slightly better than mine! could you
mind asking Astrocam if any of them are interested. Feel free to post the
M1 and M45 images if it would help explain anything.
Thanks
Steve
Message #: 36159 - Thread #: -
From: Ashley Roeckelein <ashley@a...>
Date: Fri Jan 24, 2003 8:37am
Subject: UK or DE members? was Re: Interested in 424/SC3 mod?
Hi List,
I just received an email back from Framos (office in UK) regarding shipment
of a single 424, and was a bit shocked to see the total price!
ICX424AL $80.00
Shipping $25
Duty of customs $67.00
Bank charges $16.00
Total $188.00
Ouch! This is for shipment to the U.S. I wonder two things... If it would
cost less for a UK or DE resident to purchase and ship, and if there are any
willing UK or DE QCUIAG members to perform this service for our little
international group?
Maybe buying in bulk could reduce the pain?
I've been scouring the web to find no other distributor of 424's, but would
be interested to hear of other options.
TIA!
-ash
http://astro.ai-software.com/
Message #: 36165 - Thread #: 36150
From: Bonduelle Etienne bondumaj@w... <bondumaj@w...>
Date: Fri Jan 24, 2003 9:33am
Subject: Re: Interested in 424/SC3 mod? - PLEASE READ ME
Hi Steve, Hi All :o)
Of course i'm Ok to ask Astrocam Friends how many of them will do the
mod and how many B/W and/or Color CCD they want :o)
(With your last M1 picture... i'm sure i'll have a lot of answers !!!)
But as i have done for the ICX098BL-6 i'll pass one order to
Framos.uk for all French people to avoid too much bank fees...
I'll tell you next week how much French people are interrested ;o)
Regards,
Etienne :o)
Message #: 36172 - Thread #: 36159
From: Steve Chambers <smunch@c...>
Date: Fri Jan 24, 2003 10:02am
Subject: RE: UK or DE members? was Re: Interested in 424/SC3 mod?
Ouch...
We should work together as Etienne says the French astrocam group do.
Steve
Message #: 36176 - Thread #: -
From: William Boyer wslboyer@n... <wslboyer@n...>
Date: Fri Jan 24, 2003 11:14am
Subject: 424 usage?
To summarize how to use the 424 chip, is the following correct:
Parts needed:
a webcam
- will a currently readily-available QC 4000 work?
a 424 chip
some other standard components
Process:
Replace the CCD that came with the web cam with the 424 CCD and make
the other SC3 mod connections, which are about as difficult as the
other SC mods.
Correct?
Thanks,
William B
Message #: 36187 - Thread #: 36159
From: bm98astro bm98@b... <bm98@b...>
Date: Fri Jan 24, 2003 0:36pm
Subject: UK or DE members? was Re: Interested in 424/SC3 mod?
May be you can check this one. It is listed as WhereToBuy on the US
Sony Semiconductor homepage
http://www.bellmicro.com/semiconductor/semi.asp
Otherwise they should know someone....
Martin
--- In QCUIAG@yahoogroups.com, "Ashley Roeckelein" <ashley@a...>
wrote:
> Hi List,
>
> I just received an email back from Framos (office in UK) regarding
shipment
> of a single 424, and was a bit shocked to see the total price!
>
> ICX424AL $80.00
> Shipping $25
> Duty of customs $67.00
> Bank charges $16.00
> Total $188.00
>
> Ouch! This is for shipment to the U.S. I wonder two things... If
it would
> cost less for a UK or DE resident to purchase and ship, and if
there are any
> willing UK or DE QCUIAG members to perform this service for our
little
> international group?
>
> Maybe buying in bulk could reduce the pain?
>
> I've been scouring the web to find no other distributor of 424's,
but would
> be interested to hear of other options.
>
> TIA!
> -ash
> http://astro.ai-software.com/
>
>
Message #: 36190 - Thread #: 36159
From: wlbehrens wbehrens@c... <wbehrens@c...>
Date: Fri Jan 24, 2003 0:43pm
Subject: UK or DE members? was Re: Interested in 424/SC3 mod?
Bell is a distribution channel and will not sell one offs. You will
need to order 100 pieces or more. Good luck.
Willliam
--- In QCUIAG@yahoogroups.com, "bm98astro <bm98@b...>" <bm98@b...>
wrote:
> May be you can check this one. It is listed as WhereToBuy on the US
> Sony Semiconductor homepage
>
> http://www.bellmicro.com/semiconductor/semi.asp
>
> Otherwise they should know someone....
>
> Martin
>
>
> --- In QCUIAG@yahoogroups.com, "Ashley Roeckelein" <ashley@a...>
Message #: 37942 - Thread #: 37908
From: Leonardo Priami <L.PRIAMI@C...>
Date: Wed Feb 12, 2003 3:05am
Subject: Re: More on ICX424 Mod
Hi Steve,
I am happy to hear news from You and I am sure that your modification
(SC3.x) will have success before that companies!!
Which are the real difficulty to buy the color and/or the B/W version of
the ICX424?
I am sure to buy at least one color and one B/W, but probably two color and
two B/W!!!
Which will be the delivery time of the CCDs?
Thanks a lot.
Best Regards.
Leonardo Priami.
Message #: 38262 - Thread #: 38246
From: Chip Copley <ccopley@d...>
Date: Sat Feb 15, 2003 6:30pm
Subject: Re: Logitech QuickCam Pro 4000
James, Keith -
The last QC Pro 3000 CCD I removed
was the BQ chip. I would assume that the newer 4000 has it as well,
but I haven't done a 4000 yet (and am unlikely to - waiting for the
new 424 SC3). :)
-Chip
Message #: 38355 - Thread #: -
From: Steve Chambers <smunch@c...>
Date: Mon Feb 17, 2003 3:35pm
Subject: ICX424 mod makes it on to the web
Hello,
In spite of a major drama with an xp installation the ICX424 (SC3) mod
details are now available!
http://home.clara.net/smunch/wsc3.htm
As you will see, if you follow the link, the page only contains details on
how to get the instructions (at the end of my waffle). If you can agree to
some terms on the page you can get the instructions by email. I am using
the same system that sends out data from my sky survey (
http://www.sky-survey.com ). Its fairly robust but can take a while if my
ISP gets busy.
The mod uses the ICX424 well outside of it specs so can't be guaranteed to
work! Though I have now done the mod to a ToUCam 740 and a QC4000 and its
worked with both. Until there are a few more working examples about I would
suggest only ordering a ICX424 if you can handle possible disappointment!!
I will be placing another order for a ICX424 with framos in the next few
days. If any other UK residents would like to join me and hopefully save a
little bit on framos bank charges etc then please get in touch (smunch at
clara co uk ).
Finally attached are a couple more pictures I have taken tonight while
re-installing XP. The pictures were taken with a 50mm camera lens from a
window. In both cases about 70 1 sec images were stacked with registax.
The camera was a modded qc4000 on a tripod. This little camera is great fun
to play around and even works with a nearly full moon!
Steve
Attachment 6k (image/jpeg) m31.jpgAttachment 9k (image/jpeg) m42l.jpg
Message #: 38452 - Thread #: -
From: Leonardo Priami <L.PRIAMI@C...>
Date: Wed Feb 19, 2003 6:45am
Subject: SC3 mod with Vesta 680: compatibility
Hallo all,
Great Steve Chamber has tested its new mod on QC3000-4000 and on ToUCam 740
with success.
Does someone have an idea on the probability of success to do SC3 mod on a
Vesta Pro 680-675?
Thanks,
Leonardo Priami
Message #: 38460 - Thread #: 38452
From: Chip Copley <ccopley@d...>
Date: Wed Feb 19, 2003 7:16am
Subject: Re: SC3 mod with Vesta 680: compatibility
Leonardo -
Of course the final arbiter will be
Steve, but my guess is that it's probably a 100% chance. They both use the
NEC D16510 and the same relative CCD (ICX098AL/BQ). And, IIRC, someone in
this group installed the ICX098BQ in a Vesta Pro. Of course this is just
my .02.
--Chip
Message #: 38494 - Thread #: 38452
From: Matthias Meijer <m.m.j.meijer@w...>
Date: Wed Feb 19, 2003 4:11pm
Subject: RE: SC3 mod with Vesta 680: compatibility
Hi Chip and Leonardo,
I placed the ICX098BQ chip (from a ToUcam)
in a Vesta. As the ICX098AK and BQ are in fact the same (only some different chip-manufacturing
techniques used to make them), this was not a great challenge. As soon as I can
get hold of a few ICX424 chips (a colour and B/W), the first thing I will try
is to place one inside a Vesta. After reading the schematics from Steve Chambers,
I am quite convinced the basic mod (the first two steps in the instructions
from Steve, SC3.1 and SC3.2) will work with the Vesta right away. The SC3.3 mod
might be a bit more difficult, due to the different placing of components
inside the Vesta compared to the ToUcam, but I think you should decide for
yourself if you ever want to do that mod: so read the original instructions
from Steve Chambers and see for yourself.
Regards,
Matthias Meijer
-----Oorspronkelijk bericht-----
Van: Chip Copley
[mailto:ccopley@dodah.com]
Verzonden: woensdag 19 februari
2003 16:16
Aan: QCUIAG@yahoogroups.com
Onderwerp: Re: [QCUIAG] SC3 mod
with Vesta 680: compatibility
Leonardo
-
Of
course the final arbiter will be Steve, but my guess is that it's probably a
100% chance. They both use the NEC D16510 and the same relative CCD
(ICX098AL/BQ). And, IIRC, someone in this group installed the ICX098BQ in
a Vesta Pro. Of course this is just my .02.
--Chip
Message #: 38546 - Thread #: 38523
From: Steve Chambers <smunch@c...>
Date: Thu Feb 20, 2003 9:37am
Subject: RE: ICX424 mod. Mainly directed at Steve.
HI John and All,
The PMDO emailer has held up well under the recent onslaught of not just the
SC3 stuff but also the sky survey is getting busy (big web site update
soon).
Anyway some emails were missed because of silly little things like double
spaces etc
I will send you a copy of the files manually.
Also I note that some of the email to pmdo has had messages. (Thanks for
many kind words). Please if you would like to be certain I read a message
or need a reply send to smunch at clara co uk rather than the automated sky
survey address.
Cheers
Steve
Message #: 38773 - Thread #: 38769
From: niborl2000 robin@l... <robin@l...>
Date: Sun Feb 23, 2003 9:37am
Subject: Re: faint spiral galaxies with ICX098BL-6-mod.
A very nice collection Arne,
I enjoy Galaxy hunting too :-)
Good luck with the SC3 mod. I predict some great deep sky images from
this group in the comming months as the SC3 mods come on line.
Clear Skies
Robin
http://www.leadbeaterhome.fsnet.co.uk/astro.htm
Message #: 38928 - Thread #: 38915
From: doktorklahn arne.rodemer@g... <arne.rodemer@g...>
Date: Tue Feb 25, 2003 2:13am
Subject: Re: again some galaxies with a VestaPro-SC1 ICX098BL6
Hi Gene,
thank you for your comments.
NGC2903 is a nice target, and it is not difficult to find :o)
Unfortunately i was not able to catch the outer arms of this galaxy,
they are much more fainter than the center.
Maybe it is possible with the SC3-mod...
best regards
Arne
--- In QCUIAG@yahoogroups.com, "lynol1000 <lynol1000@y...>"
Message #: 39123 - Thread #: 39102
From: Leonardo Priami <L.PRIAMI@C...>
Date: Thu Feb 27, 2003 4:48am
Subject: RE: Which one is better? 1004X or ICX424?
Hi Steve, hi all,
Me too, I hope that other opinions should soon be available!! I hope also
the mine.
My objective is also to test the color version of 424 and its sensitivity
in comparison with the icx098 of vesta.
Unfortunately Framos will have this CCD only in July.
Do you are sure that color version will not support the binning
mode?
Could you give a probability of success to do SC3 mod on a Vesta Pro
680-675? I think that Vesta electric board disposition will make easy to
design a cold chamber with respect the ToUcam. Do you agree with
me?
Thanks,
Leonardo Priami
Message #: 39173 - Thread #: -
From: Arne Rodemer <arne.rodemer@g...>
Date: Thu Feb 27, 2003 7:10pm
Subject: First-Light VestaPro-SC3 : M81
Hi All,
Oh I am so happy!
Yesterday the ICX424AL arrived, today I modified my VestaPro (that works
fine!), and tonight I was able to celebrate the first-light!
As I finished the camera the whole sky was cloudy (of course, thats
typical), but later at the time I wanted to go to bed the sky was clear.
Transparency was not very good, the Telescope was not cooled down, the
polar alignment was not perfect but I was able to capture M81.
For the image I averaged 67 frames à 45s exposure time. The capture
program was cap4astro, stacked in Giotto and processed in theGimp.
Steve, thank you for the development of this modification and sharing it
with this group.
Best regards and good luck for all people trying the SC3-mod
Arne
Attachment 32k (image/jpeg) m81.jpg
Message #: 39174 - Thread #: 39173
From: Ashley Roeckelein <ashley@a...>
Date: Thu Feb 27, 2003 7:44pm
Subject: Re: First-Light VestaPro-SC3 : M81
Woohoo Arne!
That is awesome! Here's the best M81 I managed last year with a ToUCamPro
SC1:
http://astro.ai-software.com/20020118/m81b.jpg 102x30secs.
Your new CCD *really* makes those arms pop out.
I can't wait for a 424 to make it to my mailbox!
Clear skies,
-ash
http://astro.ai-software.com/
Message #: 39190 - Thread #: 39173
From: goteng goteng@y... <goteng@y...>
Date: Fri Feb 28, 2003 0:40am
Subject: Re: First-Light VestaPro-SC3 : M81
Hi Arne,
wow, very promising result :)))
thanks for sharing it with us.
regards,
Jeff
--- In QCUIAG@yahoogroups.com, Arne Rodemer <arne.rodemer@g...>
wrote:
> Hi All,
>
> Oh I am so happy!
> Yesterday the ICX424AL arrived, today I modified my VestaPro (that
works
> fine!), and tonight I was able to celebrate the first-light!
>
> As I finished the camera the whole sky was cloudy (of course,
thats
> typical), but later at the time I wanted to go to bed the sky was
clear.
> Transparency was not very good, the Telescope was not cooled down,
the
> polar alignment was not perfect but I was able to capture M81.
>
> For the image I averaged 67 frames à 45s exposure time. The
capture
> program was cap4astro, stacked in Giotto and processed in theGimp.
>
> Steve, thank you for the development of this modification and
sharing it
> with this group.
>
> Best regards and good luck for all people trying the SC3-mod
>
> Arne
Message #: 39191 - Thread #: 39173
From: stephen chambers <smunch@c...>
Date: Fri Feb 28, 2003 0:40am
Subject: Re: First-Light VestaPro-SC3 : M81
Hi Arne,
Fantastic picture, I am very glad to see the mod working and its new
owner is happy with it! It kinda a worrying encouraging people to
spend money hacking webcams in case all doesn’t go well.
M81 is not an easy target to bring out detail in but you have lots of
structure in the arms. Also I would think that your polar alignment
was just fine if you could go 45 sec unguided!
Anyway I see that the time of me having the unfair advantage of the
only SC3 is now over. I do have some more ideas though :)
Congratulations
Steve
> Hi All,
>
> Oh I am so happy!
> Yesterday the ICX424AL arrived, today I modified my VestaPro (that
works
> fine!), and tonight I was able to celebrate the first-light!
>
> As I finished the camera the whole sky was cloudy (of course, thats
> typical), but later at the time I wanted to go to bed the sky was
clear.
> Transparency was not very good, the Telescope was not cooled down,
the
> polar alignment was not perfect but I was able to capture M81.
>
> For the image I averaged 67 frames à 45s exposure time. The capture
> program was cap4astro, stacked in Giotto and processed in theGimp.
>
> Steve, thank you for the development of this modification and sharing
it
> with this group.
>
> Best regards and good luck for all people trying the SC3-mod
>
> Arne
>
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--
Message #: 39194 - Thread #: 39173
From: Antonio Fernandez afernan10@w... <afernan10@w...>
Date: Fri Feb 28, 2003 1:34am
Subject: Re: First-Light VestaPro-SC3 : M81
Congratulations Arne!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Waw!!!!! what an image of M81 with a webcam!
Again thanks to Steve we have not just a long exposure webcam but a
real deep sky webcam.
Now I wonder if we could replace the webcams stock CCDs not only with
the ICX424 but with bigger Sony CCDs in the near future ;-)
Best regards,
antonio
p.s. waiting for my ICX424AL to arrive and ready to do the transplant
surgery on SC1-Toucam!
Message #: 39202 - Thread #: 39173
From: Leonardo Priami <L.PRIAMI@C...>
Date: Fri Feb 28, 2003 1:39am
Subject: Re: First-Light VestaPro-SC3 : M81
Great Arne!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Your ICX424AL is arrived from FRAMOS?
Me too I would like to modify my Vesta Pro 680 but do you think that also
SC3.3 (binning mode) will work fine with Vesta?
Again, Congratulation!!
Leonardo.
Message #: 39203 - Thread #: 39173
From: doktorklahn arne.rodemer@g... <arne.rodemer@g...>
Date: Fri Feb 28, 2003 2:40am
Subject: Re: First-Light VestaPro-SC3 : M81
Hi again,
Thank you all for your comments!
Ashley, your M81 image is much better than any of my attempts with a
ToUcam-SC1. I hope you will have a SC3-cam soon and i am looking
forward to your images.
Steve, the time i captured the frames i thought that the camera is
more sensitive than my ICX098BL-mod, but not very much. Later during
processing I can't believe to bring out so much detail. the raw frames
with this cam are as detailed as processed and stacked
ICX098mod-frames :o)
I am looking forward to your next ideas, thank you again.
best regards and clear skies (for an attempt on M101 ;) )
Arne
Message #: 39204 - Thread #: 39173
From: doktorklahn arne.rodemer@g... <arne.rodemer@g...>
Date: Fri Feb 28, 2003 2:45am
Subject: Re: First-Light VestaPro-SC3 : M81
Thank you Leonardo!
Yes I purchased mine from framos. They wrote me they delivered from stock.
I don't know if the binning mode works with the Vesta. Sorry I can't
help you :(
But using the VP680 is no problem, my camera worked without any problems.
best regards
Arne
Message #: 39205 - Thread #: 39173
From: Bonduelle Etienne bondumaj@w... <bondumaj@w...>
Date: Fri Feb 28, 2003 3:14am
Subject: Re: First-Light VestaPro-SC3 : M81
WOWWWWWWWWWWW !!!
Congratulations Arne :o))))))
Beautiful M81 picture !!!
You just beat me in making the mod, i also receive my 424AL to try
the mod on a VP, (i wanted to be the first grrrrrrr ;o) ) but not
enough time for now....
By the way, with such a good picture you have posted, i'll make the
mod asap to also try DSO pictures with the 424 !!!
And i'm now sure that if i don't make mistakes, that should work with
my Vesta Pro too ;o)
Congrat's to Steve Chambers too, i'm sure you r now happy to see that
this is Ok for the VP too :o)))
Regards,
Etienne :o)
Message #: 39209 - Thread #: 39173
From: doktorklahn arne.rodemer@g... <arne.rodemer@g...>
Date: Fri Feb 28, 2003 4:36am
Subject: Re: First-Light VestaPro-SC3 : M81
Hi Etienne,
> Congratulations Arne :o))))))
> Beautiful M81 picture !!!
Thank you very much!
>
> You just beat me in making the mod, i also receive my 424AL to try
> the mod on a VP, (i wanted to be the first grrrrrrr ;o) ) but not
> enough time for now....
WANNA RACE ME?!?
*lol*, i thought the same ;-)))
I ordered the 424 the same day Steve published his modification and
received it on Wednesday. The fact that hat it was clear for two hours
after i finished the mod was really great!
>
> By the way, with such a good picture you have posted, i'll make the
> mod asap to also try DSO pictures with the 424 !!!
Yes, i hope so!
regarding to the quality of your images you have posted here you'll be
able to produce incredible images with this camera i think.
> And i'm now sure that if i don't make mistakes, that should work with
> my Vesta Pro too ;o)
Yes, i wish you the best for your modification...
best regards and CS
Arne
Message #: 39210 - Thread #: 39173
From: niborl2000 robin@l... <robin@l...>
Date: Fri Feb 28, 2003 4:52am
Subject: Re: First-Light VestaPro-SC3 : M81
Congratulations Arne and Hi Hi Etienne,
It is going to be very interesting to see how it compares with your
2005x-JG. If it is favourable I might be following you guys and
convert my Vesta Pro:-)
Has anyone considered making the chip plug in? I was thinking about
mounting the original chip and the new chip on plug in boards and
swapping them in and out using a ZIF socket
Robin
--- In QCUIAG@yahoogroups.com, "Bonduelle Etienne <bondumaj@w...>"
Message #: 39213 - Thread #: 39173
From: Wah! <wah_is_me@y...>
Date: Fri Feb 28, 2003 6:03am
Subject: Re: First-Light VestaPro-SC3 : M81
Wow! Your M81 is so beautiful!
I think I have to save money for the ICX424!!!
I have tried NeatImage to lower the noise of your
image.
Do you think it's a little bit
better?
Attachment 67k (image/jpeg) m81_filtered.jpg
Message #: 39215 - Thread #: 39173
From: ctotth ctotth@f... <ctotth@f...>
Date: Fri Feb 28, 2003 6:38am
Subject: Re: First-Light VestaPro-SC3 : M81
Hi Arne,
congratulations for your M81.
It's not only beautiful, but it also means hope for all of us, Vesta
owners.
Have you recorded any specific detail of the modification, that Steve
eventually might relay to us?(Hope Steve doesn't mind;O))I broke one
Vesta allready and I'd be very greatful for more information.
Clear skies,
Christian
Message #: 39216 - Thread #: 39173
From: doktorklahn arne.rodemer@g... <arne.rodemer@g...>
Date: Fri Feb 28, 2003 6:46am
Subject: Re: First-Light VestaPro-SC3 : M81
Hi
Message #: 39217 - Thread #: 39173
From: Bonduelle Etienne bondumaj@w... <bondumaj@w...>
Date: Fri Feb 28, 2003 7:10am
Subject: Re: First-Light VestaPro-SC3 : M81
Hi Robin :o)
That's exactly what i want to do ;o)
As i also ordered a color 424 (not yet received...), i d'like to be
able to swap easily color and B/W CCD for LRGB pictures :o)))
Regards,
Etienne ;o)
--- In QCUIAG@yahoogroups.com, "niborl2000 <robin@l...>" <robin@l...>
wrote:
> Congratulations Arne and Hi Hi Etienne,
>
> It is going to be very interesting to see how it compares with your
> 2005x-JG. If it is favourable I might be following you guys and
> convert my Vesta Pro:-)
>
> Has anyone considered making the chip plug in? I was thinking about
> mounting the original chip and the new chip on plug in boards and
> swapping them in and out using a ZIF socket
>
>
> Robin
>
> --- In QCUIAG@yahoogroups.com, "Bonduelle Etienne <bondumaj@w...>"
Message #: 39219 - Thread #: 39217
From: Leonardo Priami <L.PRIAMI@C...>
Date: Fri Feb 28, 2003 7:32am
Subject: Re: Re: First-Light VestaPro-SC3 : M81
Hi Robin, Hi Etienne,
I really think that is wonderful have the possibility of swapping CCD
using a ZIF socket, but I think is better have two separate camera:
Remember that CCD chips are very delicate and the color version will need
longer time of exposure so a cooling system is more advisable.
Framos give me July for delivery time for the ICX424AQ!!! Will you have
it earlier ?
Clear Sky
Leonardo.
Message #: 39226 - Thread #: 39173
From: lynol1000 lynol1000@y... <lynol1000@y...>
Date: Fri Feb 28, 2003 8:38am
Subject: Re: First-Light VestaPro-SC3 : M81
Hi Arne,
Outstanding results!
If interested:
I found this article published in AppJ from 1994 with deep photometry
of M81.
Go here:
http://adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-bib_query?1994ApJ...428..143H
scroll down till "Printing Options" and "Print Pages" 143-156.
It will return a PDF with the article.
In the article are images and photometry data points for about 70 stars.
Figure 1a goes with figure 1c and Table 4 - M81 Secondary Standards
Fig 1b goes with Fig 1d and Table 4-continued Hughes ET-AL.
I was able to dig out #10 from table 4/Fig 1c at mag 18.2 easy
If interested check your originals for #4 at mag 19.2
It is going to be an interesting year coming up!
Gene
Message #: 39261 - Thread #: -
From: SARL Bonduelle etCie <bondumaj@w...>
Date: Sat Mar 1, 2003 0:40am
Subject: ICX424 working in France too ;o)
Hi Steve, Hi All :o)
My old unmodded Vesta Pro successfully accept the new ICX424AL this night
:oDDD
Too much clouds to make a real test, but all is well working in my
living-room ;o)
I've made the SC3.2 mod, with the ability to easily remove the B/W 424 and
put the color 424 in less than 2 minutes when i'll have this one... so maybe
i'll be the first to test the 424 color in long exposure time :op :op :op
(private joke for Arne ;o) ;o) ;o) )
Thank's a lot to Steve Chambers, this is really impressive to see the BIG
424 on the CCD board of the VP !!!
I hope i'll have soon clear sky to make a comparison between the 2005xa-JG,
the VP-SC-BW (ICX098-BL6) and this new VP-SC3.2 !!!
I'm really happy to have those 3 CCD's, my collection is still expanding
:o)))
Best Regards,
Etienne :o)
Site astro perso : http://www.astrosurf.com/astrobond/
Message #: 39285 - Thread #: 39173
From: doktorklahn arne.rodemer@g... <arne.rodemer@g...>
Date: Sat Mar 1, 2003 8:48am
Subject: Re: First-Light VestaPro-SC3 : M81
Hi Gene,
thank you for this link, the photometry reference image at
http://www.supernovae.net/snimages/reference/n3031.jpg
was not deep enough this time...
I was not able to find star #4 on my images, so we have to be
satisfied with about 18.5 mag this time ;o)
With my ICX098BL6-mod I reached about 17.5th magnitude.
I am curious about the limiting magnitude in the next images...
Etienne, I think I have to call framos on monday ;-)))
best wishes and clear skies
Arne
--- In QCUIAG@yahoogroups.com, "lynol1000 <lynol1000@y...>"
Message #: 39297 - Thread #: 39173
From: Bonduelle Etienne bondumaj@w... <bondumaj@w...>
Date: Sat Mar 1, 2003 10:30am
Subject: Re: First-Light VestaPro-SC3 : M81
LOL Arne ;o)
Don't be afraid, i'm not sure to have clear skies here before you to
get the color 424....... :o>
I'll try Mag 19 asap :oDDD
Best Regards,
Etienne ;o)
--- In QCUIAG@yahoogroups.com, "doktorklahn <arne.rodemer@g...>"
Message #: 39335 - Thread #: 39173
From: lynol1000 lynol1000@y... <lynol1000@y...>
Date: Sun Mar 2, 2003 7:00am
Subject: Re: First-Light VestaPro-SC3 : M81
Ok everyone,
I am waiting for a solid confirmed mag 20 or better from a dark site
via a webcam !!!! I know it can be done !!!!
Let's not disappoint and waste true dark skies!!!
ROFL :-)
Gene
--- In QCUIAG@yahoogroups.com, "Bonduelle Etienne <bondumaj@w...>"
Message #: 39337 - Thread #: 39173
From: niborl2000 robin@l... <robin@l...>
Date: Sun Mar 2, 2003 8:52am
Subject: Re: First-Light VestaPro-SC3 : M81
Hello Gene,
Do you have a suggested well documented field with V mag deeper than
mag 20 to aim at for this time of year?
Robin
Message #: 39338 - Thread #: -
From: tomhow_uk2000 tomh@t... <tomh@t...>
Date: Sun Mar 2, 2003 9:05am
Subject: Deep fields (was Re: First-Light VestaPro-SC3 : M81)
Where does one find information about such fields??
--- In QCUIAG@yahoogroups.com, "niborl2000 <robin@l...>" <robin@l...>
wrote:
> Hello Gene,
>
> Do you have a suggested well documented field with V mag deeper
than
> mag 20 to aim at for this time of year?
>
Message #: 39340 - Thread #: 39173
From: lynol1000 lynol1000@y... <lynol1000@y...>
Date: Sun Mar 2, 2003 9:14am
Subject: Re: First-Light VestaPro-SC3 : M81
Hi Robin,
If you follow the link I posted to Arne, M81 was the
subject of a photometry study in (at least) 1994.
========================from reply to Arne:
If interested:
I found this article published in AppJ from 1994 with deep photometry
of M81.
Go here:
http://adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-bib_query?1994ApJ...428..143H
scroll down till "Printing Options" and "Print Pages" 143-156.
It will return a PDF with the article.
In the article are images and photometry data points for about 70
stars.
Figure 1a goes with figure 1c and Table 4 - M81 Secondary Standards
Fig 1b goes with Fig 1d and Table 4-continued Hughes ET-AL.
I was able to dig out #10 from table 4/Fig 1c at mag 18.2 easy
If interested check your originals for #4 at mag 19.2
========================
It may not be perfect but at least it wasn't an automated scanning
engine.
I know M81's DEC is a little high at +69 for some, in fact it is just
about at my limit with trying to swing the cam head and hoses thru
the forks.
There are always the reference images on supernovae.net done by Mr
Trondal:
http://www.supernovae.net/snimages/reference/index.html
Some of the more esoteric galaxies have points to mag19+ such as
http://www.supernovae.net/snimages/reference/mp5m54m38.jpg
I do not always agree (maybe 2-3% of the time) with his measurements
but I have nothing better to offer from myself so...
Gene
--- In QCUIAG@yahoogroups.com, "niborl2000 <robin@l...>" <robin@l...>
wrote:
> Hello Gene,
>
> Do you have a suggested well documented field with V mag deeper
than
> mag 20 to aim at for this time of year?
>
> Robin
>
Message #: 39345 - Thread #: 39338
From: lynol1000 lynol1000@y... <lynol1000@y...>
Date: Sun Mar 2, 2003 9:44am
Subject: Deep fields (was Re: First-Light VestaPro-SC3 : M81)
Hi Tom ,
The deep stuff, much more than mag 16 is tougher to come by. It
requires someone doing some manual, or supervised, measurements on
the target area.
If you have a particular object of interest, a search on google with
the keyword 'photometry' or 'photometric' along with the objects
identifier can dig some of them up.
And of course:
http://www.projectpluto.com/datasets.htm
with the measurements by Mr Trondal is an awesome resource but does
not go 'super' deep.
There is this plot page available with Vizer and USNO B1.0 dataset:
http://vizier.u-strasbg.fr/viz-bin/VizieR?-source=USNO-B1.0
I realize there are mag estimates for GSC and USNO A2 and B1 but
quoting from a page on projectpluto on B1.0:
http://www.projectpluto.com/datasets.htm#b1
"I think the magnitudes may be better than those from A2.0, but
wouldn't swear to it. ("Better" is a relative term; they still
shouldn't be trusted for much.) "
and his take on mags given for all the basic catalogues:
http://www.projectpluto.com/datasets.htm
So, IMHO unless you find a field measured for a paper or one done for
mags, anything much below mag16 is suspect.
Gene
--- In QCUIAG@yahoogroups.com, "tomhow_uk2000 <tomh@t...>"
Message #: 39346 - Thread #: -
From: lynol1000 lynol1000@y... <lynol1000@y...>
Date: Sun Mar 2, 2003 9:46am
Subject: wrong link: was Deep fields (was Re: First-Light VestaPro-SC3 : M81)
Mr Trondal's work:
http://www.supernovae.net/snimages/reference/index.html
Gene
--- In QCUIAG@yahoogroups.com, "lynol1000 <lynol1000@y...>"
Message #: 39368 - Thread #: 39173
From: fmrc69 fmrc@i... <fmrc@i...>
Date: Sun Mar 2, 2003 5:55pm
Subject: Re: First-Light VestaPro-SC3 : M81
--- In QCUIAG@yahoogroups.com, "lynol1000 <lynol1000@y...>"
Message #: 39380 - Thread #: 39173
From: Jon Grove <JGrove@S...>
Date: Mon Mar 3, 2003 2:17am
Subject: RE: First-Light VestaPro-SC3 : M81
Hi Arne,
Very nice first-light image! Those spiral arms are quite hard to capture, you must be very pleased with your new camera!
Clear Skies,
Jon.
> From: Arne Rodemer
>
> Hi All,
>
> Oh I am so happy!
> Yesterday the ICX424AL arrived, today I modified my VestaPro
> (that works
> fine!), and tonight I was able to celebrate the first-light!
[snip]
Message #: 39381 - Thread #: 39173
From: Bonduelle Etienne bondumaj@w... <bondumaj@w...>
Date: Mon Mar 3, 2003 2:18am
Subject: Re: First-Light VestaPro-SC3 : M81
Mmmmhhhh.... Mag 20 is twice time more hard to catch than mag 19 !!!
I think Mag 19 will be available without any doubt this year, but i'm
not sure for Mag 20....
But as last year we were to about Mag 16... i'll don't say i'm SURE
we will not be able to have Mag 20 this year !!! ;o)
The "race" to Mag 20 with video cameras or webcams is openned :oDDD
Best Regards,
Etienne ;o)
--- In QCUIAG@yahoogroups.com, "lynol1000 <lynol1000@y...>"
Message #: 39382 - Thread #: 39381
From: KATRENIAK Peter <pk3@p...>
Date: Mon Mar 3, 2003 2:25am
Subject: Re: Re: First-Light VestaPro-SC3 : M81
Hi,
I am not 100% sure, but in my last image of M1 (http://www.pk3.org/Astro/Messier/m001.htm -
look for full size image) I was able to detect stars with 19mag and more. My
problem is, that I have not visual magnitudes data - only photographic with red
and blue components (as I remember properly...)
Can anybody confirm it?
Thank you.
Clear skies,
Peter K3
Message #: 39387 - Thread #: 39173
From: doktorklahn arne.rodemer@g... <arne.rodemer@g...>
Date: Mon Mar 3, 2003 4:19am
Subject: Re: First-Light VestaPro-SC3 : M81
Hi Jon,
thank you!
Yes, these spirals are really faint in comparison to the galaxy core.
The other problem was my telescope, with a focal length of 40" M81 was
too large to fit in the ccd field of my previous cameras.
I am very pleased with this "webcam" and hope to get clear skies soon
to capture M101, that should be a great target for my equipment.
Etienne, maybe i am able to catch mag19 then, hurry up ;-)))
best regards and CS
Arne
(waiting for clear skies in germany, the weather forecast is bad :( )
Message #: 39388 - Thread #: 39173
From: lynol1000 lynol1000@y... <lynol1000@y...>
Date: Mon Mar 3, 2003 4:23am
Subject: Re: First-Light VestaPro-SC3 : M81
Etienne,
Mag 16 is trivial with these cams :-)
Try here:
http://www.geocities.com/lynol1000/m57_photometry/preliminary.html
and
http://c3po.cochise.cc.az.us/astro/deepsky02.htm
The background sky brightness comes in to play at mag 17+ and below,
it takes a dark site to have the 'glow' below mag 21 and give us a
shot at mag 20.
The legend on the light pollution maps give an indication(scroll
down):
http://cleardarksky.com/lp/CampOnasPAlp.html
Gene
--- In QCUIAG@yahoogroups.com, "Bonduelle Etienne <bondumaj@w...>"
Message #: 39406 - Thread #: 39173
From: lynol1000 lynol1000@y... <lynol1000@y...>
Date: Mon Mar 3, 2003 8:22am
Subject: Re: First-Light VestaPro-SC3 : M81
Peter,
Here is a big long url, sorry, but if you follow it thru to the
Aladin image you will get a plot using the USNO B1.0 catalog.
http://vizier.cfa.harvard.edu/viz-bin/VizieR-5?-out.add=.&-
out.add=_RAJ2000,_DEJ2000&-source=I/284/out&USNO-B1.0===1120-0087820
It references the 'deepest' star I could spot on your image.
If you look at the photometry data for it:
First Blue/Second Blue/First Red/Second Red I think you can see why
using photometry from the USNO surveys is 'not quite optimal'.
I am still looking for a paper that only covers the M1 field itself
with hand measured or supervised photometry on it versus the basic
scan engine stuff.
If you could identify a star on the Aladin image and post's its ID in
B1.0 lets see what we can find.
Gene
Message #: 39412 - Thread #: 39173
From: KATRENIAK Peter <pk3@p...>
Date: Mon Mar 3, 2003 9:12am
Subject: Re: First-Light VestaPro-SC3 : M81
Gene,
thank you very much for your very useful
information.
The star identified by you has the following
magnitudes:
First Blue / Second Blue / First Red / Second Red
19.37 / 17.27 / 18.36 /
16.65
I am not an expert in this area, so I don't know, what
magnitude is interesting for us for measurement of the limit of our
webcams.
What do you think?
Anyway, the Aladin is really nice tool.
Clear skies,
Peter K3
Message #: 39414 - Thread #: 39406
From: SARL Bonduelle etCie <bondumaj@w...>
Date: Mon Mar 3, 2003 9:30am
Subject: Re: Re: First-Light VestaPro-SC3 : M81
Hi Peter :o)
I just put online a little work on my best M1 picture still in B/W.... ;o)
(Perl APO 4" Refractor 102/920 at prime focus with the 2005xa-JG and IRB
Filter, 33x20 seconds)
http://www.astrosurf.com/astrobond/images/peM1mm.jpg
As you can see, the Mag 18.00 and Mag 18.10 (in red because i think our CCD
catch the best in red) are reached in our two pics (i'm almost sure), but if
you look at my picture in a processing image software, you can see the in
front of the yellow lights with a "pixel color value tool", there is
"something" because the pixel value is at more than 15 on the 18.30 and
19.20 Mag star at this place on the USNO !!!
The background of the picture is at about 10 in pixel value, so i think i
"almost could just" catch a Mag 19.20 Star :o)
(but i'm not sure at all !!! ;o) )
By the way, our pictures are very similar, so if i have Mag 19, you should
have Mag 19 too but the noise in your (beautiful) color picture makes the
work more difficult to be sure of what we can detect... :o(
Mag 18, YES, Mag 19.... hard to say for me and for you at this time ;o)
To be continued !!!
Regards,
Etienne :o)
Site astro perso : http://www.astrosurf.com/astrobond/
>From: "KATRENIAK Peter" <pk3@p...>
>Date: Mon Mar 3, 2003 11:25 am
>Subject: Re: [QCUIAG] Re: First-Light VestaPro-SC3 : M81
>
>
>
>Hi,
>
>I am not 100% sure, but in my last image of M1
(http://www.pk3.org/Astro/Messier/m001.htm - look for full size image) I was
>able to detect stars with 19mag and more. My problem is, that I have not
visual magnitudes data - only photographic with red >and blue components (as
I remember properly...)
>
>Can anybody confirm it?
>
>Thank you.
>
>Clear skies,
>
>Peter K3
><><
>http://www.pk3.org/Astro/
>
Message #: 39420 - Thread #: 39173
From: Bonduelle Etienne bondumaj@w... <bondumaj@w...>
Date: Mon Mar 3, 2003 9:56am
Subject: Re: First-Light VestaPro-SC3 : M81
Thank's a lot for the link's Gene :o)))
I think you'r right, i have to move in a really dark sky to make a
good Mag 20 picture.....
Still to be continued ;o)
Regards,
Etienne :o)
--- In QCUIAG@yahoogroups.com, "lynol1000 <lynol1000@y...>"
Message #: 39470 - Thread #: 39420
From: KATRENIAK Peter <pk3@p...>
Date: Tue Mar 4, 2003 7:33am
Subject: Re: Re: First-Light VestaPro-SC3 : M81
Hi Etienne,
it is very interesting comparison. I will try to go deeper
next time.
Unfortunately, the star atlases start to be very "tight" for
us now :-(.
We need better database....
Clear skies,
Peter K3
Message #: 39586 - Thread #: -
From: SARL Bonduelle etCie <bondumaj@w...>
Date: Thu Mar 6, 2003 0:10am
Subject: 1st 424color long exposure ?? ;o)
Hi All :o)
I hope this is the first ICX424AQ-6 (color) picture from a SC3.2 mod !!! ;o)
As the clouds are still here, i just take a raw frame 60seconds exposure
time with gain at 50% (non preocessed...) of a desk door in my living-room
with a 50mm F1.7 objective in total dark but the laptop reflecting screen
light.... ;o)
( at least you can see that both the B/W and the Color 424 can work on my
last modded webcam :oD )
Thank's to Steve Chambers, all is well working ;o)
a+, Etienne :o)
Site astro perso : http://www.astrosurf.com/astrobond/
Attachment 49k (image/jpeg) test424c60s1.jpg
Message #: 39644 - Thread #: -
From: SARL Bonduelle etCie <bondumaj@w...>
Date: Fri Mar 7, 2003 0:02am
Subject: M81 in color with a ICX424AQ-6 :o)))
Hi all :o)
This night, clear sky !!!
Here is my first try on M81 with the VP-SC3.2 and the FS-102 with a 0.33
reducer and an IRB Filter...
65x60seconds with gain at 80%
Processing under Iris, PSP7 and Loreal :o)
I join also a Moon, taken with exactly the same setup, but with the VP-SC3.2
in "standard" mode !!!
(no long exposure, just the webcam in auto-mode)
1 Avi of 300 frames processed in Registrax and PSP7 :o)
THANK'S A LOT STEVE !!! ;o)
The ICX424AQ-6 is REALLY almost 2 times more sensitive than the standard
color CCD of the VP and Tuc webcams...
Best Regards,
Etienne :o)
Site astro perso : http://www.astrosurf.com/astrobond/
Attachment 32k (image/jpeg) EBLune030307.jpgAttachment 29k (image/jpeg) EBM81PSP7LOREAL.jpg
Message #: 39664 - Thread #: 39644
From: Antonio Fernandez <afernan10@w...>
Date: Fri Mar 7, 2003 3:26am
Subject: Re: M81 in color with a ICX424AQ-6 :o)))
Etienne,
What can I say?
Bravo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Cést magnifique !!!!!!
I am sure we are gonna have a great time and great images with the
SC3 mods.
Clear skies,
antonio
--- In QCUIAG@yahoogroups.com, "SARL Bonduelle etCie" <bondumaj@w...>
wrote:
> Hi all :o)
>
> This night, clear sky !!!
>
> Here is my first try on M81 with the VP-SC3.2 and the FS-102 with a
0.33
> reducer and an IRB Filter...
> 65x60seconds with gain at 80%
> Processing under Iris, PSP7 and Loreal :o)
>
> I join also a Moon, taken with exactly the same setup, but with the
VP-SC3.2
> in "standard" mode !!!
> (no long exposure, just the webcam in auto-mode)
> 1 Avi of 300 frames processed in Registrax and PSP7 :o)
>
> THANK'S A LOT STEVE !!! ;o)
> The ICX424AQ-6 is REALLY almost 2 times more sensitive than the
standard
> color CCD of the VP and Tuc webcams...
>
> Best Regards,
> Etienne :o)
>
> Site astro perso : http://www.astrosurf.com/astrobond/
Message #: 39667 - Thread #: 39644
From: doktorklahn <arne.rodemer@g...>
Date: Fri Mar 7, 2003 4:06am
Subject: Re: M81 in color with a ICX424AQ-6 :o)))
Hi Etienne,
Great M81 image!
The large field of view in your image is really awesome.
Your moon image is crazy. This camera is really much more sensitive
than a ToUcam.
Ok, you won the "424 color race" let us agree with a draw game ;-))))
best regards and clear skies soon!
Arne
--- In QCUIAG@yahoogroups.com, "SARL Bonduelle etCie" <bondumaj@w...>
wrote:
> Hi all :o)
>
> This night, clear sky !!!
>
> Here is my first try on M81 with the VP-SC3.2 and the FS-102 with a 0.33
> reducer and an IRB Filter...
> 65x60seconds with gain at 80%
> Processing under Iris, PSP7 and Loreal :o)
>
> I join also a Moon, taken with exactly the same setup, but with the
VP-SC3.2
> in "standard" mode !!!
> (no long exposure, just the webcam in auto-mode)
> 1 Avi of 300 frames processed in Registrax and PSP7 :o)
>
> THANK'S A LOT STEVE !!! ;o)
> The ICX424AQ-6 is REALLY almost 2 times more sensitive than the standard
> color CCD of the VP and Tuc webcams...
>
> Best Regards,
> Etienne :o)
>
> Site astro perso : http://www.astrosurf.com/astrobond/
Message #: 39689 - Thread #: 39644
From: Bonduelle Etienne <bondumaj@w...>
Date: Fri Mar 7, 2003 10:12am
Subject: Re: M81 in color with a ICX424AQ-6 :o)))
Thank's a lot Antonio ;o)
Yes of course, this year will be excellent for Unconventional DSO
pictures i'm sure :o)))
Regards,
Etienne ;o)
--- In QCUIAG@yahoogroups.com, "Antonio Fernandez" <afernan10@w...>
wrote:
> Etienne,
> What can I say?
> Bravo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
> Cést magnifique !!!!!!
> I am sure we are gonna have a great time and great images with the
> SC3 mods.
> Clear skies,
> antonio
>
Message #: 39693 - Thread #: 39586
From: Bonduelle Etienne <bondumaj@w...>
Date: Fri Mar 7, 2003 10:22am
Subject: Re: 1st 424color long exposure ?? ;o)
Ahhhhhh GOOD News Steve :o)))
I'm really pleased to be the first in one thing on this SC3.2
mod ;o) ;o) ;o)
And LOLLLLLL for the "haunted castle", you can't imagine how much
i'am stressed when i make the first test of each new modded
webcam :o>>>
;o)
Still Thank's a lot for this new mod,
Best Regards,
Etienne :o)
Message #: 39739 - Thread #: -
From: SARL Bonduelle etCie <bondumaj@w...>
Date: Sat Mar 8, 2003 1:08am
Subject: A little M51:o)))
Hi all :o)
Still on the clear night of 2003/03 the 6, M51 with la VP-SC3.2 color and
the FS-102 with 0.33 reducer and IRB Filter...
52x60seconds with 80% gain.
Processing under Iris, PSP7 (curves and shaded layers) and Loreal :o)
A little surprise, in the lower right corner, IC 4263, little galaxie of
15.73Mag in PGC catalog :o)))
Regards,
Etienne :o)
Site astro perso : http://www.astrosurf.com/astrobond/
Attachment 46k (image/jpeg) fsm51-52x60s-424L.jpg
Message #: 39746 - Thread #: -
From: CHAD DANIELSON <CDANIELSON111@M...>
Date: Sat Mar 8, 2003 2:56am
Subject: ICX424 (SC3) Webcam Modification???
Impressions and cost of this modification??
Message #: 39748 - Thread #: -
From: Antonio Fernández <afernan10@w...>
Date: Sat Mar 8, 2003 3:00am
Subject: Another SC3 up and running
Dear friends,
I am pleased and proud ;-) to announce the first
light of another SC3.2 (ICX424) camera.
The basis for the camera is a Toucam Pro. After
some advice from the Etienne and Michael (thanks very much folks!!!) I decided
to make a new board for the ICX424.
So, what I have a now is a three board camera
with: the original Toucam board (mother) with no
CCD, the ICX242AL B&W board (this is
"plugable" and there is a ribbon that connects this to the "mother", so in the
future, if needed, it can be replaced with the color board) and finally the SC1 board.
Next project is a second CCD board for the color
ICX242AQ. Of course, I will not start with the color board if the skies are
clear tonight!
First light subject is just the proof and is
"off-topic" (my 1/10 scale R/C Porsche 911)
Thanks very much to Steve!!!!
Clear skies!!!
antonio
Antonio Fernández, EA4LE/KC2HAXea4le@amsat.orgwww.qsl.net/kc2hax
Attachment 7k (image/jpeg) icx424al_1st.jpg
Message #: 39753 - Thread #: 39748
From: Jürgen Lemke <juergenspost@y...>
Date: Sat Mar 8, 2003 4:21am
Subject: Re: Another SC3 up and running
Hello Antonio,
could you show a picture of your three board cam? I wait also for a
424 chip.
Jurgen
--- In QCUIAG@yahoogroups.com, Antonio Fernández <afernan10@w...>
wrote:
> Dear friends,
>
> I am pleased and proud ;-) to announce the first light of another
SC3.2 (ICX424) camera.
> The basis for the camera is a Toucam Pro. After some advice from
the Etienne and Michael (thanks very much folks!!!) I decided to make
a new board for the ICX424.
> So, what I have a now is a three board camera with: the original
Toucam board (mother) with no CCD, the ICX242AL B&W board (this
is "plugable" and there is a ribbon that connects this to
the "mother", so in the future, if needed, it can be replaced with
the color board) and finally the SC1 board.
>
> Next project is a second CCD board for the color ICX242AQ. Of
course, I will not start with the color board if the skies are clear
tonight!
>
> First light subject is just the proof and is "off-topic" (my 1/10
scale R/C Porsche 911)
>
> Thanks very much to Steve!!!!
>
> Clear skies!!!
> antonio
>
>
> Antonio Fernández, EA4LE/KC2HAX
> ea4le@a...
> www.qsl.net/kc2hax
Message #: 39756 - Thread #: 39748
From: Bonduelle Etienne <bondumaj@w...>
Date: Sat Mar 8, 2003 5:11am
Subject: Re: Another SC3 up and running
GOOD NEWS Antonio :o)))
I think your solution of 3 boards is excellent to quickly change
CCD's with a strong connexion, i'm a little afraid with my 1.27mm
supports, i don't know if i can put in and out a lot of time CCD's
without problems...
Can you tell me the length of the ribbon between the two boards ?
I dont know what whould be the max length of wires between the CCD
and the Original CCD board...
Does anybody knows if there is a limited lenght ?
(i'm thinking of a second modded webcam with a really easy to use
exchange between color and B/W CCD's...)
Best regards, Clear Skies and i hope to see quickly a real DSO
picture :o)))
(btw, maybe your porsche is orbiting earth ???!!! ;o) )
Regards,
Etienne :o)
--- In QCUIAG@yahoogroups.com, Antonio Fernández <afernan10@w...>
wrote:
> Dear friends,
>
> I am pleased and proud ;-) to announce the first light of another
SC3.2 (ICX424) camera.
> The basis for the camera is a Toucam Pro. After some advice from
the Etienne and Michael (thanks very much folks!!!) I decided to make
a new board for the ICX424.
> So, what I have a now is a three board camera with: the original
Toucam board (mother) with no CCD, the ICX242AL B&W board (this
is "plugable" and there is a ribbon that connects this to
the "mother", so in the future, if needed, it can be replaced with
the color board) and finally the SC1 board.
>
> Next project is a second CCD board for the color ICX242AQ. Of
course, I will not start with the color board if the skies are clear
tonight!
>
> First light subject is just the proof and is "off-topic" (my 1/10
scale R/C Porsche 911)
>
> Thanks very much to Steve!!!!
>
> Clear skies!!!
> antonio
>
>
> Antonio Fernández, EA4LE/KC2HAX
> ea4le@a...
> www.qsl.net/kc2hax
Message #: 39763 - Thread #: 39748
From: niborl2000 <robin@l...>
Date: Sat Mar 8, 2003 5:33am
Subject: Re: Another SC3 up and running
Hi Antonio and congratulations
This sounds a good solution to the chip changing problem. How long is
your ribbon cable? Do you see any interference pattern problems? Any
chance of posting a picture of it?
Thanks
Robin
--- In QCUIAG@yahoogroups.com, Antonio Fernández <afernan10@w...>
wrote:
> Dear friends,
>
> I am pleased and proud ;-) to announce the first light of another
SC3.2 (ICX424) camera.
> The basis for the camera is a Toucam Pro. After some advice from
the Etienne and Michael (thanks very much folks!!!) I decided to make
a new board for the ICX424.
> So, what I have a now is a three board camera with: the original
Toucam board (mother) with no CCD, the ICX242AL B&W board (this
is "plugable" and there is a ribbon that connects this to
the "mother", so in the future, if needed, it can be replaced with
the color board) and finally the SC1 board.
>
> Next project is a second CCD board for the color ICX242AQ. Of
course, I will not start with the color board if the skies are clear
tonight!
>
> First light subject is just the proof and is "off-topic" (my 1/10
scale R/C Porsche 911)
>
> Thanks very much to Steve!!!!
>
> Clear skies!!!
> antonio
>
>
> Antonio Fernández, EA4LE/KC2HAX
> ea4le@a...
> www.qsl.net/kc2hax
Message #: 39783 - Thread #: 39739
From: wlbehrens <wbehrens@c...>
Date: Sat Mar 8, 2003 10:31am
Subject: Re: A little M51:o)))
Wonderful shot "master" bond :).
William
--- In QCUIAG@yahoogroups.com, "SARL Bonduelle etCie" <bondumaj@w...>
wrote:
> Hi all :o)
>
> Still on the clear night of 2003/03 the 6, M51 with la VP-SC3.2
color and
> the FS-102 with 0.33 reducer and IRB Filter...
> 52x60seconds with 80% gain.
> Processing under Iris, PSP7 (curves and shaded layers) and
Loreal :o)
>
> A little surprise, in the lower right corner, IC 4263, little
galaxie of
> 15.73Mag in PGC catalog :o)))
>
> Regards,
> Etienne :o)
>
> Site astro perso : http://www.astrosurf.com/astrobond/
Message #: 39786 - Thread #: 39755
From: wlbehrens <wbehrens@c...>
Date: Sat Mar 8, 2003 10:52am
Subject: Re: SAC8
Come on guys.....jeeezzz :). The camera is after all based on some
hard work by members of this group. Not everyone can weild a
soldering iron like a pro and I think Bill is just proud that SAC is
able to provide this camera to folks who do not have the DIY skills
to build one.
The information with respect to the non-relay version will be
presented in accordance with the policy of this group very soon (we
promised). The amp off portion of the camera design has already been
posted sometime ago in another camera mod (the SC1 zener). There are
many things to a solid camera design besides just a concept. built in
peltier cooling power supply, pcb design, ect. ect......there are
more things to come this spring with respect to inovations (though
not as easy as the SC3 from a build standpoint). I only hope the flow
of information will be welcomed so that you folks may continue to
utilize it.
Sorry if I seem a little nippy on this but the responses to Bill seem
have a harsh overtone....more like "go away" your not welcome. Not
productive in my opinion.
William
Message #: 39794 - Thread #: 39739
From: niborl2000 <robin@l...>
Date: Sat Mar 8, 2003 2:17pm
Subject: Re: A little M51:o)))
Another beauty Etienne :-)
A question for you, Is the modified camera still good for planetary
work? ie can the exposure still be controlled in normal mode?
Cheers
Robin
--- In QCUIAG@yahoogroups.com, "SARL Bonduelle etCie" <bondumaj@w...>
wrote:
> Hi all :o)
>
> Still on the clear night of 2003/03 the 6, M51 with la VP-SC3.2
color and
> the FS-102 with 0.33 reducer and IRB Filter...
> 52x60seconds with 80% gain.
> Processing under Iris, PSP7 (curves and shaded layers) and
Loreal :o)
>
> A little surprise, in the lower right corner, IC 4263, little
galaxie of
> 15.73Mag in PGC catalog :o)))
>
> Regards,
> Etienne :o)
>
> Site astro perso : http://www.astrosurf.com/astrobond/
Message #: 39847 - Thread #: 39748
From: Antonio Fernández <afernan10@w...>
Date: Sun Mar 9, 2003 9:10am
Subject: Re: Another SC3 up and running
Hi Juergen,
this is a picture of the three board cam, I have
blurred the SC 3 part of the mod to comply with Steve's terms.
antonio
---------------------------------------------------------------
Date: Sat, 08 Mar 2003 12:21:25
-0000 From: Jürgen Lemke Subject: Re: Another SC3 up
and runningHello Antonio,could you show a picture of your three
board cam? I wait also for a 424
chip.Jurgen
Attachment 54k (image/jpeg) sc3_af_pub.jpg
Message #: 39848 - Thread #: -
From: Antonio Fernández <afernan10@w...>
Date: Sun Mar 9, 2003 9:18am
Subject: M42 imaged with SC3 B&W
Hi gang,
this is my first DSO
image with the SC3.
Other faint fuzzies I tried aren't worth to be
shared ;-)
cheers,
antonio
Antonio Fernández, EA4LE/KC2HAXea4le@amsat.orgwww.qsl.net/kc2hax
Attachment 6k (image/jpeg) m42_icx424.jpg
Message #: 39852 - Thread #: 39748
From: Antonio Fernández <afernan10@w...>
Date: Sun Mar 9, 2003 9:37am
Subject: Re: Another SC3 up and running
Hi Robin,
Thank you!
The ribbon lenght is about 8cm (3 inches). I have
posted a picture of the camera and a picture of m42.
I have seen some interference pattern after
stacking in Registax.
I am attaching two raw frames (extracted from the
avi with K3 CCD tools) one in long exposure mode and the other streaming for
your perousal.
antonio
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Date: Sat, 08 Mar 2003 13:33:50
-0000 From: "niborl2000"
Re: Another SC3 up and runningHi Antonio and congratulationsThis
sounds a good solution to the chip changing problem. How long is your ribbon
cable? Do you see any interference pattern problems? Any chance of posting a
picture of it?ThanksRobin
Antonio Fernández, EA4LE/KC2HAXea4le@amsat.orgwww.qsl.net/kc2hax
Attachment 24k (image/jpeg) raw frame lx.jpgAttachment 10k (image/jpeg) raw frame stream.jpg
Message #: 39857 - Thread #: 39748
From: niborl2000 <robin@l...>
Date: Sun Mar 9, 2003 10:08am
Subject: Re: Another SC3 up and running
Hi Antonio,
It does not look too bad to me, even with the length of cable. The
single frame of the moon is beautiful - It answers my question to
Etienne about using the mod as a planet camera too. Very encouraging
73
Robin (G8DVW)
--- In QCUIAG@yahoogroups.com, Antonio Fernández <afernan10@w...>
wrote:
> Hi Robin,
> Thank you!
> The ribbon lenght is about 8cm (3 inches). I have posted a picture
of the camera and a picture of m42.
> I have seen some interference pattern after stacking in Registax.
> I am attaching two raw frames (extracted from the avi with K3 CCD
tools) one in long exposure mode and the other streaming for your
perousal.
> antonio
>
>
> --------------------------------------------------------------------
-----------------------
> Date: Sat, 08 Mar 2003 13:33:50 -0000
> From: "niborl2000" <robin@l...>
> Subject: Re: Another SC3 up and running
>
> Hi Antonio and congratulations
>
> This sounds a good solution to the chip changing problem. How long
is
> your ribbon cable? Do you see any interference pattern problems?
Any
> chance of posting a picture of it?
>
> Thanks
> Robin
>
>
> Antonio Fernández, EA4LE/KC2HAX
> ea4le@a...
> www.qsl.net/kc2hax
Message #: 39889 - Thread #: -
From: Pete Langsford <lansma@s...>
Date: Sun Mar 9, 2003 8:09pm
Subject: Which webcams can take the ICX424 mod?
I see all the current enthusiasm about the ICX424 mod, or SC3 mod, but a search of the archives did not help me
answer this question: Which webcams can be modified with this chip?
Thank you.
Peter
Message #: 39899 - Thread #: 39748
From: michael_slusarek <michael.slusarek@u...>
Date: Mon Mar 10, 2003 0:35am
Subject: Re: Another SC3 up and running
Hello Antonio,
good to see that you have been successfull with your mod.
One suggestion: think about modifying another ToUCam for the colour
version instead of replacing the bw and the colour chip multiple
times. You avoid damaging the cam (what can happen that will happen!)
and you are able to 'seal' the ccd so that no dust can reach it.
'Never change a running system' ! is true even here.
btw. I would expect the colour version to be more prone to
interferences due to the long lines. I had some problems with
diagonal bands with the 098 that were gone after the preplacement
with the 424.
good luck
michael
Message #: 39938 - Thread #: -
From: Steve Chambers <smunch@c...>
Date: Mon Mar 10, 2003 9:52am
Subject: OT- Survey
Hello All
You may remember a sky survey I was setting up a few months ago. Well its
been busy collecting some 6Gb of data over the last few months and is
turning up some interesting observations
http://www.sky-survey.com/results.htm . I have compiled some lists or stars
apparently behaving strangely on http://www.sky-survey.com/inter.htm
If anyone fancies a new challenge for their webcams (or ST10's for that
matter) checking up on these stars could be fun.
Grzegorz Koralewski has written a good article on measuring variability on
http://sus.univ.szczecin.pl/~ecliptic/vesta3en.htm
Also there is now a yahoo group to go with the survey
www.yahoogroups.com\group\PMDO Its not quite as busy as QCUIAG but if you
would like get in to variables please join in.
Steve
PS those who have got the SC3 files will have already used the survey PC.
As I have been giving the survey an overhaul the distribution of the SC3
stuff has been somewhat erratic. Sorry for this and especially to the two
people who go caught in a programming loop and I accidentally spamed! From
this moment on things will work faultlessly :)
Message #: 39946 - Thread #: 39739
From: Bonduelle Etienne <bondumaj@w...>
Date: Mon Mar 10, 2003 10:52am
Subject: Re: A little M51:o)))
Thank's a lot Robin ;o)
Yes the webcam is fully functionnal with the 424 in the SC3.2 mod...,
i also make some AVI for a 3 pictures moon mosaic in "normal use",
i'll try to send you that tomorrow :o)
Regards,
Etienne ;o)
Message #: 39964 - Thread #: -
From: Antonio Fernández <afernan10@w...>
Date: Mon Mar 10, 2003 2:12pm
Subject: Yet another m42-m43 with SC3.2
Dear friends,
Sunday night was my second session with the SC3.2.
I got decent polar alignment (one minute, no guiding) and a lot of light
pollution.
The polar alignment is a variable and the LP a
constant ;-)
Anyway, I tried some DSOs starting with the best
S/N ratio DSO. Guess what? M42/43
I have been playing around with the avis captured
with K3 CCD, in Registax, iMerge (Great soft Jon!) and PSP and the attachment is
the outcome.
I am going to check if I can rescue anything from
the other raw frames, there should be some M81 signals buried in the LP noise
;-)
cheers,
antonio
p.s. I have seen some comments in the list about
Framos prices. The CCD prices seems reasonable to me, specially if I compare to
what I paid for the TC245 in my cookbook ($150 back in 1997), but their extra
charges (bank & shipping) are expensive, I even had to pay bank charges not
only to them but also to my bank :-(. After all charges the cost of the two CCDs
was roughly 300 euro.
Antonio Fernández, EA4LE/KC2HAXea4le@amsat.orgwww.qsl.net/kc2hax
Attachment 42k (image/jpeg) m42-43-icx424al.JPG
Message #: 40021 - Thread #: 39964
From: pbuglassuk <paul.buglass@b...>
Date: Tue Mar 11, 2003 10:04am
Subject: Re: Yet another m42-m43 with SC3.2
Great Image Antonio !!!
Makes it seem well worth those bank charges and shipping costs for
the ICX424 ;-)
Best wishes.
/Paul B, York, UK.
--- In QCUIAG@yahoogroups.com, Antonio Fernández <afernan10@w...>
wrote:
> Dear friends,
> Sunday night was my second session with the SC3.2. I got decent
polar alignment (one minute, no guiding) and a lot of light pollution.
> The polar alignment is a variable and the LP a constant ;-)
> Anyway, I tried some DSOs starting with the best S/N ratio DSO.
Guess what? M42/43
> I have been playing around with the avis captured with K3 CCD, in
Registax, iMerge (Great soft Jon!) and PSP and the attachment is the
outcome.
> I am going to check if I can rescue anything from the other raw
frames, there should be some M81 signals buried in the LP noise ;-)
> cheers,
> antonio
>
> p.s. I have seen some comments in the list about Framos prices. The
CCD prices seems reasonable to me, specially if I compare to what I
paid for the TC245 in my cookbook ($150 back in 1997), but their
extra charges (bank & shipping) are expensive, I even had to pay bank
charges not only to them but also to my bank :-(. After all charges
the cost of the two CCDs was roughly 300 euro.
>
> Antonio Fernández, EA4LE/KC2HAX
> ea4le@a...
> www.qsl.net/kc2hax
Message #: 40065 - Thread #: 39964
From: Antonio Fernandez <afernan10@w...>
Date: Wed Mar 12, 2003 1:44am
Subject: Re: Yet another m42-m43 with SC3.2
Thank you Paul!!!
Yeah, it is well worth. I really enjoy the "soldering iron" and the
challenges presented by the "unconventional" equipment.
I do not really think that financials are the key driver behind DIY,
with the money I and probably many others in this list have spent in
DIY CCD astrophotography we could have decent off-the-shelve
astrocameras but not so much fun ;-)
Think about the anxiety that produces the first light test when you
do or modify on your own and the pleasure you feel when you see it
working... If this happens to me, just a poor follower, the pleasure
should be huge, I guess, for the innovators that start from scratch.
cheers,
antonio
If I do the financials of m
Message #: 40071 - Thread #: -
From: SARL Bonduelle etCie <bondumaj@w...>
Date: Wed Mar 12, 2003 3:05am
Subject: Test 424 on the Moon...
Hi Robin :o)
If i remember well, you asked me about the "standard" use of the 424...
Here is the mosaic of 3 avi i made on March th 6 :o)
Not really good because of a not a all steady sky, but this is Ok for
planetary pictures too ;o)
(mosaic of 3 pictures at prime focus of my FS-102 4" refractor with the
SC3.2 mod and 424 color CCD)
Regards,
Etienne :o)
Site astro perso : http://www.astrosurf.com/astrobond/
Attachment 35k (image/jpeg) EBfslune060303.jpg
Message #: 40080 - Thread #: 40071
From: niborl2000 <robin@l...>
Date: Wed Mar 12, 2003 4:15am
Subject: Re: Test 424 on the Moon...
Thanks Etienne,
It looks like I am running out of excuses not to take the soldering
iron to my Vesta ;-)
clear Skies
Robin
--- In QCUIAG@yahoogroups.com, "SARL Bonduelle etCie" <bondumaj@w...>
wrote:
> Hi Robin :o)
>
> If i remember well, you asked me about the "standard" use of the
424...
>
> Here is the mosaic of 3 avi i made on March th 6 :o)
>
> Not really good because of a not a all steady sky, but this is Ok
for
> planetary pictures too ;o)
>
> (mosaic of 3 pictures at prime focus of my FS-102 4" refractor with
the
> SC3.2 mod and 424 color CCD)
>
> Regards,
> Etienne :o)
>
> Site astro perso : http://www.astrosurf.com/astrobond/
Message #: 40210 - Thread #: 40202
From: Steve Chambers <smunch@c...>
Date: Fri Mar 14, 2003 5:19am
Subject: RE: M101 icx424 NB :o)))
Hello,
Yet another splendid picture and of a tricky object!
Its good to see you are giving the B/W ccd a test even with the moon.
But you find the CCD is too sensitive and you have to lower the gain :)
It's kind of funny that we have cameras with more sensitivity than we can
use. Of course if the ADC had more resolution if would make taking pictures
on moonlit nights or from light polluted skies much easier. I have some
plans for a 12+ bit SC4 which might be interesting, though don't expected
the expected ;o)
I had a quick go at some windowsill astronomy last night but was beaten by
both moon and clouds. The best of an average bunch is here
http://home.clara.net/smunch/del/cloud1.jpg
40x1sec SC3.2 Toucam 7mm Fl lens.
Steve
Message #: 40228 - Thread #: -
From: Arne Rodemer <arne.rodemer@g...>
Date: Fri Mar 14, 2003 9:37am
Subject: M3, M101 & M51 with 424AL : the dark side of the moon...
Hi All,
after a week with bad weather (which can be very long with a working
SC3-cam) I had clear skies...and a very bright moon. Ok, lets take some
deep-sky images. My first target was the galaxy-group around NGC3190. 45
seconds later I had an absolutely white image on my screen. I had really
no idea why. I rebooted my PC, searched for forgotten lamps in the
telescope but found nothing. (i really did that, no joke!!!)
You know it was the moon, with my ToUcam-SC1 i had less probems like
that ;-).
Ok, I had no chance to capture these faint fuzzies, so i decided to try
a globular cluster, M3 of course... I made many images with different
exposure times from 5-25s to get some structures in the center as well
as the outer regions. This camera is not made for clusters, they are too
bright ;-)
The next target was M51. I think i reached 2 magnitudes less than in my
M81 image. I did about 100 exposures at the maximum useful exposure time
(30s) because i forgot that there is a slider to lower the gain :-(
Thank you Etienne, you opened my eyes in your M101-posting.
M101 was the next target, same settings as M51, but i wasn't able to get
more details, the sky was too bright.
Etienne, have you used a moon filer? Where can i buy it? ;-)))
best regards and 100 clear nights without moon this year
Arne
http://drklahn.de.vu/astropix
Attachment 19k (image/jpeg) m51_20030313.jpgAttachment 41k (image/jpeg) m3_20030313.jpgAttachment 26k (image/jpeg) m101_20030313.jpg
Message #: 40437 - Thread #: -
From: Jim Thommes <jthommes@n...>
Date: Sun Mar 16, 2003 4:56pm
Subject: Central California and 101
All,
Sorry for the play on words in the subject line - I
couldn't resist. For those non-Californians who are confused, There is a popular
highway in central California - HWY101.
My last trip to the desert for dark skies, I took
some images. I have attached 2 here. One is the central area of the California
Nebula (NGC1499) and the other is M101. Both were taken with the little 80mm f/5
refractor. I use it for wide fields usually with focal reducers. The California
Nebula is too big without a mosaic effort and it just takes too long to get the
nebulosity for all the frames needed for a mosaic so I got lazy and shot the
central area only.
For M101, I stuck with the 80mm f/5 at prime focus
- which in hindsight was a bad choice. I should have switched to my larger 127
Maksutov, but I was not displeased with the image given the scope was the little
80mm.
Both shots were manually guided. Camera was Vesta
690 SC1.5 - cooled the poorman's way with ice.
NGC1499 - 8x200sec H-Alpha filter, 12x60 sec IR
filter captured and stacked in K3CCDTools. H-Alpha and red combined in
astroart and RGB combined (some low pass and unsharp mask - maybe oversharpend a
bit). Touchup in Photoshop.
M101 - 8x220 sec IR filter captured and
stacked in K3CCDTools. RGB combined in astroart (some low pass and
unsharp mask). Pulled this into Registax for enhancement only and liked what I
saw, then touchup in Photoshop.
OK, I am really ready for the SC3 with the ICX424
mod so I can cut some of these exposure times down.
Jim Thommes
Attachment 53k (image/jpeg) CalNeb_ST80FR45_IRHA_2.jpgAttachment 44k (image/jpeg) M101_ST80PF_IR_REG_Lor.jpg
Message #: 40478 - Thread #: -
From: Steve Chambers <smunch@c...>
Date: Mon Mar 17, 2003 9:25am
Subject: Saturday night at the movies - Jupiter
Hello,
I spent Saturday night walking up and down the garden taking pictures of
Jupiter ever 20 min.
Toucam pro IR filter x2 Barlow on 20" f3.8 reflector. Each picture was 500
frames stacked with registax. Attached is one of the best showing Europa at
egress and its shadow still on the disk.
The full movie is in a 400Kb zip on
http://home.clara.net/smunch/del/movie.zip
Also in the zip is a time-lapse vid of my dome and sky at the same time.
The moon was too bright for this to really work but I will try again. This
vid was taken using the SC3.2 and a 7mm lens and astrovideo. Its called
moon crash but the moon didn't hit the earth it just set at dawn giving this
effect!!!
Hope you like the Jupiter because I am not sure how much better I can do
with out moving abroad :)
Steve
Attachment 7k (image/jpeg) jup.jpg
Message #: 40479 - Thread #: 40478
From: A. Edwards <are@t...>
Date: Mon Mar 17, 2003 9:30am
Subject: Re: Saturday night at the movies - Jupiter
Steve Chambers said
> Hello,
>
> I spent Saturday night walking up and down the garden taking pictures
> of
> Jupiter ever 20 min.
>
> Toucam pro IR filter x2 Barlow on 20" f3.8 reflector. Each picture
> was 500
> frames stacked with registax. Attached is one of the best showing
> Europa at
> egress and its shadow still on the disk.
>
> The full movie is in a 400Kb zip on
> http://home.clara.net/smunch/del/movie.zip
>
> Also in the zip is a time-lapse vid of my dome and sky at the same
> time.
> The moon was too bright for this to really work but I will try again.
> This
> vid was taken using the SC3.2 and a 7mm lens and astrovideo. Its
> called
> moon crash but the moon didn't hit the earth it just set at dawn
> giving this
> effect!!!
>
Cool - even shows the dome following Jupiter :O)
Aik
--
52:30:25N, 1:17:51E
Message #: 40781 - Thread #: ?
From: Antonio Fernández <afernan10@w...>
Date: Sat Mar 22, 2003 1:42am
Subject: Re: Webcam Autoguiding Assistance Please.
Hi Roberto,
I had (and still have) the same plans as you. In
fact I started toying with webcams in search of a cheap a guiding
solution for my CB245... and had so much fun that I still stay play around with
the webcams and do not use the CB too much ;-)
Recomendation is: use a webcam CCD based (not a
CMOS) and modify it for long exposure (SC1 mod, http://home.clara.net/smunch/wvest1.htm).
I use a modified SC1 Toucam Pro.
Another option is to
replace the stock ICX098bq color CCD chip (found in some CCD based webcams) by a
more sensitive monochrome ICX424al (this is the SC3 mod). I did this
also.
If you just plan to guide with this camera, this
all you may need. However, doing the SC1 mod in addition to the SC3 (so you
camera becomes a SC3.2 ;-)) gives you the best combination: higher
sensitivity and long exposure. Well... and a camera that in some aspects may
compete with your SL MX :-))). Don't belive me? Check Etienne Bonduelle's
site!
Then how to guide: Astroart and Astrosnap and
others will allow you to guide sending software commands directly to the LX-200
computer or if you have a CCD port (an ST4-like guiding port, I think this
standard in the LX200) you can do the Bonduelle interface (http://www.astrosurf.com/astrobond/eblxinge.htm),
I have built one and works fine (at least in indoors testing). Still not
tested outdoors... because everytime I had intended to do it I ended just
taking pics with the SC3.2 as I had not many clear nigths lately
:-)
Hope this helps,
antonio
Antonio Fernández, EA4LE/KC2HAXea4le@amsat.orgwww.qsl.net/kc2hax
> --- In QCUIAG@yahoogroups.com, "Roberto
Botero"
wrote:> > Hi All> > > > Just wondering if I could
get some advice from the group. > > > > I am thinking
about using a modified webcam as a guider for my 8in > >
LX200. I am looking for something that would reach mag 8 or 9 in a
> > 2sec exposure (if this is possible with modified webcams) -
forgive > > me, I am a complete novice to this topic. I
think I have the > > software already (AstroArt or Vega which come
with drivers for > video > > cameras and can send commands to
my LX200). > > > > I currently use a CCD camera that has
autoguider capability > > (Starlight-Xpress MX series - same chip
reads just half its > surface) > > but in return I get only 50%
of the camera's sensitivity. I was > > thinking about purchasing
a Mintron security camera (0.0001 lux) > but > > I reckon that
you guys have done so much with modified webcams that > > there is
a better way already.> > > > Any help, tips, links, etc
greatly appreciated!!> > > > Regards> > >
> > > Roberto
Message #: 40785 - Thread #: -
From: Arne Rodemer <arne.rodemer@g...>
Date: Sat Mar 22, 2003 6:37am
Subject: SC3-image: NGC3190 and friends
Hi All!
some time ago Peter Vasey has posted the
"challenge" to capture the Hickson44
galaxy-group with a webcam.
My last attempt on this object failed due
to the moonlight, but now i got it :-)
NGC 3187, 3190 and 3193 fits nice in the FOV,
but NGC3185 was a bit too far away :-(
The camera was the Vesta-SC3 with ICX424AL
CCD sensor, the telescope a 8"f/5
Synta Newton on an EQ5 mount.
I hope you like it...
best regards
Arne
http://www.drklahn.de.vu/astropix
Attachment 37k (image/jpeg) hickson44.jpg
Message #: 40790 - Thread #: ?
From: Roberto Botero <rbrrobledo@y...>
Date: Sat Mar 22, 2003 9:19am
Subject: Re: Webcam Autoguiding Assistance Please.
Thanks for the info Antonio!
I also built a CB245 some years ago but sold it to buy my
LX200...should have kept it to use it as a guider...
That solution about the chip interchange sounds interesting. I'll
read more into it.
Thanks again
Roberto
--- In QCUIAG@yahoogroups.com, Antonio Fernández <afernan10@w...>
wrote:
> Hi Roberto,
> I had (and still have) the same plans as you. In fact I started
toying with webcams in search of a cheap a guiding solution for my
CB245... and had so much fun that I still stay play around with the
webcams and do not use the CB too much ;-)
> Recomendation is: use a webcam CCD based (not a CMOS) and modify
it for long exposure (SC1 mod,
http://home.clara.net/smunch/wvest1.htm). I use a modified SC1
Toucam Pro.
> Another option is to replace the stock ICX098bq color CCD chip
(found in some CCD based webcams) by a more sensitive monochrome
ICX424al (this is the SC3 mod). I did this also.
> If you just plan to guide with this camera, this all you may need.
However, doing the SC1 mod in addition to the SC3 (so you camera
becomes a SC3.2 ;-)) gives you the best combination: higher
sensitivity and long exposure. Well... and a camera that in some
aspects may compete with your SL MX :-))). Don't belive me? Check
Etienne Bonduelle's site!
> Then how to guide: Astroart and Astrosnap and others will allow
you to guide sending software commands directly to the LX-200
computer or if you have a CCD port (an ST4-like guiding port, I
think this standard in the LX200) you can do the Bonduelle interface
(http://www.astrosurf.com/astrobond/eblxinge.htm), I have built one
and works fine (at least in indoors testing). Still not tested
outdoors... because everytime I had intended to do it I ended just
taking pics with the SC3.2 as I had not many clear nigths lately :-)
> Hope this helps,
> antonio
>
> Antonio Fernández, EA4LE/KC2HAX
> ea4le@a...
> www.qsl.net/kc2hax
>
>
> > --- In QCUIAG@yahoogroups.com, "Roberto Botero"
<rbrrobledo@y...>
Message #: 40808 - Thread #: 40785
From: neuteronstar <petevasey@b...>
Date: Sun Mar 23, 2003 4:03am
Subject: Re: SC3-image: NGC3190 and friends
Well done, Arne. Nice contrasty image with the dust lane in 3190
clear and crisp. I didn't know it was called the Hickson 44 group -
we learn something new every day!
Any more for any more :-)) (I'm at COAA next week - I'll have a go
with one of the big 'scopes, but cheat and use my MX716! I'd take my
webcam as well, honest, but I suspect I'll run out of baggage
allowance long before then!)
Claer Skies, Peter.
Message #: 40809 - Thread #: -
From: Greg Beeke <greg.beeke@b...>
Date: Sun Mar 23, 2003 5:14am
Subject: M101 and a Black Eye
Last night was once of the best imaging sessions I
can remember. I thought I'd share this image of M101 to serve a
comparison with the SC3. Cooled TouCam Sc1 BW with IRB, 23x60s, captured
in K3CCDTools, prcocessed in IRIS, and tweaked in Photoshop.
The second image, the Black Eye Galaxy, M64 has a
streak across it. I think that this is caused by the inernal reflection
from a nearby bright star. I only get this problem at f3.3 with the
LX200. Does anyone have a suggestion for reducing these
reflections?
Cheers
Greg
52N6 1W22www.greg.beeke.btinternet.co.uk
Attachment 26k (image/jpeg) m101_2003_03_22.jpgAttachment 4k (image/jpeg) m64_2003_03_22.jpg
Message #: 40988 - Thread #: ?
From: niborl2000 <robin@l...>
Date: Wed Mar 26, 2003 2:32am
Subject: Re: M3 as seen by an ETX-90
Hi Mike,
Nice M3 :-) I remember my first Unconventional Image I took almost a
year ago now was of a globular (M13)
No need to defend small apertures, they work just fine. I have many
images taken with just a camera lense that the 8 inch scope could not
manage. Did you see the images Steve Chambers posted taken with his
tiny ETX70 and his SC3 at a club night recently? Truly amazing!
I am on the look out for a cheap ETX90 to take on holidays for
imaging. I have seen RA versions selling in the US for only $170 but
they are so much more expensive here :-(
Clear Skies
Robin
http://www.leadbeaterhome.fsnet.co.uk/astro.htm
Message #: 41003 - Thread #: 40992
From: Ashley Roeckelein <ashley@a...>
Date: Wed Mar 26, 2003 8:33am
Subject: Re: a "little" M51 :o>
Hi Etienne,
A marvelous and truly stunning image (as were your recent prior postings).
Another "fall off the chair" result - you should be very happy! I hope to
compete with you soon (just assembled a cooled SC3.2 - it works! 8^)) but
will have to aquire some color filters and bone-up on LRVB method for the
beautiful colors.
Clear skies!
-ash
http://astro.ai-software.com/
Message #: 41006 - Thread #: 40992
From: Bonduelle Etienne <bondumaj@w...>
Date: Wed Mar 26, 2003 9:02am
Subject: Re: a "little" M51 :o>
Thank's a lot Ashley :o)))
I'm sure you will have soon beautifull DSO pictures with your
SC3.2 !!!
Best Regards,
Etienne :o)
--- In QCUIAG@yahoogroups.com, "Ashley Roeckelein" <ashley@a...>
wrote:
> Hi Etienne,
>
> A marvelous and truly stunning image (as were your recent prior
postings).
> Another "fall off the chair" result - you should be very happy! I
hope to
> compete with you soon (just assembled a cooled SC3.2 - it works!
8^)) but
> will have to aquire some color filters and bone-up on LRVB method
for the
> beautiful colors.
>
> Clear skies!
> -ash
> http://astro.ai-software.com/
>
Message #: 41012 - Thread #: 40992
From: Tom Gwilym <tegwilym@a...>
Date: Wed Mar 26, 2003 10:46am
Subject: Re: a "little" M51 :o>
I'm not going to say anything.
I'll just end up complaining about my lack of SC3 parts, clouds,
Seattle....
:-(
(Tom picks himself up off the floor as usual after viewing the
French Master's latest image)
Tom
--- In QCUIAG@yahoogroups.com, "SARL Bonduelle etCie"
Message #: 41032 - Thread #: 40992
From: Bonduelle Etienne <bondumaj@w...>
Date: Thu Mar 27, 2003 0:46am
Subject: Re: a "little" M51 :o>
LOLLLLLL Tom, sorry for you to fall again :o>
But i'm sure you will find soon a way to have your own SC3, and a
clear sky to try DSO pictures ;o)
Here we had about 10 "good" nights, i'm TIRED !!!
But the clouds are now here, i'll sleep a little and i hope the big
hole without clouds will go soon over Seattle ;o)
Best Regards,
Etienne :o)
Message #: 41053 - Thread #: -
From: Ashley Roeckelein <ashley@a...>
Date: Thu Mar 27, 2003 10:13am
Subject: star hopping was Re: Re: M51
Hi Tom,
I hear ya! I tried for 4 hours last night to find a comet, some galaxies,
M1, etc. but only managed to find the Beehive ('cause it was right next to
Jupiter!) and a few unidentified clusters using a non-goto mount and
AT1010... I was out to see how my new SC3 cam would work, but dang - I am
really spoiled with an LX200. I have much respect for those who can find
this stuff without such technical fluff.
About the SC3 - wowowow! Just point the thing up there anywhere around the
Milky Way (which was not visible to the unaided eye in my city backyard) and
you can see hundreds of stars in the field even without the long-exposure
switched on - I am impressed!! Gotta say "Thanks Steve for your hard work
and willingness to share your inventions!!"
Clear skies!
-ash
http://astro.ai-software.com/
Message #: 41055 - Thread #: 41053
From: Tom How <tomh@t...>
Date: Thu Mar 27, 2003 10:23am
Subject: RE: star hopping was Re: Re: M51
The only way of finding objects quickly by star hopping is by having lots of practise!!
I might add that once I have found an object once or twice, returning to it on future nights is usually quite simple as you have learn the local star patterns.
----------
From: Ashley Roeckelein[SMTP:ashley@a...]
Reply To: QCUIAG@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Thursday, March 27, 2003 6:13 PM
To: QCUIAG@yahoogroups.com
Subject: star hopping was Re: [QCUIAG] Re: M51
Hi Tom,
I hear ya! I tried for 4 hours last night to find a comet, some galaxies,
M1, etc. but only managed to find the Beehive ('cause it was right next to
Jupiter!) and a few unidentified clusters using a non-goto mount and
AT1010... I was out to see how my new SC3 cam would work, but dang - I am
really spoiled with an LX200. I have much respect for those who can find
this stuff without such technical fluff.
About the SC3 - wowowow! Just point the thing up there anywhere around the
Milky Way (which was not visible to the unaided eye in my city backyard) and
you can see hundreds of stars in the field even without the long-exposure
switched on - I am impressed!! Gotta say "Thanks Steve for your hard work
and willingness to share your inventions!!"
Clear skies!
-ash
http://astro.ai-software.com/
Message #: 41073 - Thread #: 41053
From: Tom Gwilym <tegwilym@a...>
Date: Thu Mar 27, 2003 2:59pm
Subject: star hopping was Re: Re: M51
The dimmest, and probably farthest, object I have seen was Stephens
Quintet. I was at a location about 15 miles east of Seattle (still
pretty light polluted) and did the goto thing, looked in the
eyepiece and saw --- NOTHING! I then hooked up the camera and
started exposing. After a while I could see there really was
something in there. I would have never found this
without "cheating" with the goto.
http://www.geocities.com/tegwilym2/astrophotos/galaxies/Stephans_12x4
1sec_Sept12.jpg
I need parts for an SC3 camera!
Tom
--- In QCUIAG@yahoogroups.com, "Ashley Roeckelein" <ashley@a...>
wrote:
> Hi Tom,
>
> I hear ya! I tried for 4 hours last night to find a comet, some
galaxies,
> M1, etc. but only managed to find the Beehive ('cause it was right
next to
> Jupiter!) and a few unidentified clusters using a non-goto mount
and
> AT1010... I was out to see how my new SC3 cam would work, but
dang - I am
> really spoiled with an LX200. I have much respect for those who
can find
> this stuff without such technical fluff.
>
> About the SC3 - wowowow! Just point the thing up there anywhere
around the
> Milky Way (which was not visible to the unaided eye in my city
backyard) and
> you can see hundreds of stars in the field even without the long-
exposure
> switched on - I am impressed!! Gotta say "Thanks Steve for your
hard work
> and willingness to share your inventions!!"
>
> Clear skies!
> -ash
> http://astro.ai-software.com/
>
>
Message #: 41093 - Thread #: -
From: Jürgen Lemke <juergenspost@y...>
Date: Fri Mar 28, 2003 4:41am
Subject: I want order the ICX 424 CCD chip for SC3 mod at FRAMOS
Hello all,
I want to order now at FRAMOS the ICX 424 CCD chip. If someone is
interested to have one please contact me.
I´ve spoken today with FRAMOS and they said that the B/W chip is on
stock.
I could send one including insurance shipping for 115 Euros.
Bye
Jurgen
Message #: 41094 - Thread #: -
From: Jürgen Lemke <juergenspost@y...>
Date: Fri Mar 28, 2003 5:52am
Subject: Who needs a ICX 098BQ CCD chip ?
Hello all,
I want to sell an original ToUCam 740K ICX 098BQ color CCD chip. This
chip is 100% OK, guaranteed.
This chip has a better performance than the ICX 098AK which is
mounted in a lot of other webcams.
I don´t need it any longer because of my new SC3 modification. You
could have it for 25 Euros plus S+H costs.
Bye
Jurgen
Message #: 41179 - Thread #: 41177
From: Ashley Roeckelein <ashley@a...>
Date: Sun Mar 30, 2003 3:51am
Subject: Re: Re: A DSO to cheer up Gene :-) NGC3079
Hi Gene,
Here's some more for you. This is my first light with an SC3.2, on a 10"
LX200 with F/3 reducer and MV-1 filter. Exposure times from 30 to 45
seconds, x 30 or so. Reg/stack in Iris, other tweaks with AiGfxLab and
Neat. A bit windy, and some glow which I'm guessing is from the onboard
amp, but I'm pleased anyway! Enjoy!
Clear skies (I mean it!)
-ash
http://astro.ai-software.com/
Message #: 41184 - Thread #: 41147
From: lynol1000 <lynol1000@y...>
Date: Sun Mar 30, 2003 6:19am
Subject: Re: A DSO to cheer up Gene :-) NGC3079
Hi Ash,
Now I need a bigger monitor so I can paste all this great stuff all
over the screen!
The M104 is cool! Is it a blowup from the originals?
Gene
--- In QCUIAG@yahoogroups.com, "Ashley Roeckelein" <ashley@a...>
wrote:
> Hi Gene,
>
> Here's some more for you. This is my first light with an SC3.2, on
a 10"
> LX200 with F/3 reducer and MV-1 filter. Exposure times from 30 to
45
> seconds, x 30 or so. Reg/stack in Iris, other tweaks with AiGfxLab
and
> Neat. A bit windy, and some glow which I'm guessing is from the
onboard
> amp, but I'm pleased anyway! Enjoy!
>
> Clear skies (I mean it!)
> -ash
> http://astro.ai-software.com/
>
>
Message #: 41216 - Thread #: -
From: Erik Frank <erikfrank@w...>
Date: Mon Mar 31, 2003 1:36am
Subject: <no subject>
Hello,
after waiting some weeks for the ICX424AL from Framos now the
weekend gave me enough time to finish the mod of an old Vesta Pro to a
SC3.2.
The CCD is cooled by a peltier in a separate chamber. It sees first light in a darkened room and works fine.
I hope to test the cam on my telescope in the next weeks. I will first do
some B/W imaging on galaxies, later LRGB or WCMY. Do someone
know, where to get CMY filters in Europe (or especially Germany) ?
Tribute to Steve Chambers for this excellent new mod !!!
Erik Frank
Belgien, Italien, Portugal,... Mit WEB.DE FreeMail koennen Sie in all
diese Laender SMS senden. http://freemail.web.de/features/?mc=021173
Message #: 41217 - Thread #: -
From: Erik Frank <erikfrank@w...>
Date: Mon Mar 31, 2003 1:39am
Subject: Sorry, Subject should be "New SC3.2 mod"
Sorry, the subject in my message should be "New SC3.2 mod"
Erik
Viren? Wir wissen nicht was Ihr Arzt empfiehlt. Wir empfehlen den
Virencheck für Ihre E-Mail-Anhänge! http://freemail.web.de/features/?mc=021159
Message #: 41513 - Thread #: -
From: niborl2000 <robin@l...>
Date: Fri Apr 4, 2003 3:24am
Subject: SC3 mod with cheaper webcams?
Hi all,
with the advent of the CCD chip swapping mods, does anyone know if
there are any cheaper webcams (eg CMOS based) which use the same
chipset and could be modified by swapping out the CMOS for a
sensitive CCD chip? Perhaps eg the CMOS Toucam? There could be some
potential cost savings.
Robin
Message #: 41518 - Thread #: 41437
From: KATRENIAK Peter <pk3@p...>
Date: Fri Apr 4, 2003 4:17am
Subject: Re: Comparison Table for SONY CCD Chips
Hi Steve,
> I guess you have made the common confusion between the amps on our
> cameras.
>
> Here is a basic flow diagram showing how the signal goes from ccd to pc
>
> Ccd --> on chip amp --> off chip amp --> analogue to digital converter
>
> The gain of the on chip amp is set by sony and will be different for
> the ccd’s you compare.
>
> In the webcams we can control the gain of the second amp using the gain
> slider in the driver or the gain control for a modified 1004.
I think you didn't understand me properly, what I wanted to tell. Maybe my
English is not so good :-(.
I know about on chip amp and off chip amp and about difference between them.
The on chip amp is also present in schematic diagram in SONY datasheets.
My intention was to CONFIRM YOUR WORDS, that the output signal value is not
enough for comparison light sensitivities if other parameters are not
specified.
I tried to illustrate this by example of amplifier of our Vestas -
regardless of on/off chip amp.
I hope, now it is clear.
> So what useful information can be had by comparing voltages between the
> 2 amplifiers.
>
> Sure the 1004 operates at a high voltage, than the webcams, the toucam
> has more gain available at the second adjustable amp then the vesta.
> But this is not a useful way to compare CCD sensitivity!!!!
I hope, my table is useful at least for comparing ICX098 and ICX424 chips
used in the same Vesta camera with various types of modification. In this
case all chips must work under the same conditions.
> Then you go on to talk about image size. Sure to cover the same number
> of pixels on a 1/3 inch ccd the image needs to be larger than on a 1/4
> inch ccd.
>
> However using typical telescope both the 5um 1/4 inch ccd pixels and
> the 7um 1/3 inch ccd pixels both oversample the image. Ie resolution
> is limited by image size rather than pixels covered.
>
> To suggest that small 5um pixels are good for deep sky imaging would
> rather fly in the face of common sense and established knowledge.
This is the only point where I agree with you only partially. Yes, 4.5mm
diagonal is small for many objects like M31, M33, M42 complex ...
But there are a lot of DSOs, where there is necessary to use also higher
magnifications:
* NGC2392 (Eskimo), NGC6543 (Cat's Eye), NGC6826 (Blinking Nebula), NGC7662
(Blue Snow ball nebula) and many others
* G1 globular cluster in Andromeda Galaxy
* M1 with supernova remnant separation (now I use 5um pixels at prime focus)
* detailed M57 would be also nice
As well I would like to use more sensitive camera for Jupiter and Saturn
photos. With my 3X Barlow I have rather dimm picture in capturing screen (at
1/25s and 20% gain). If ICX424AQ is more sensitive, then I can buy 4x Barlow
and use it. But at this time I am not sure if it is really more sensitive
for the same image size.
My question is if I can gain from SC3 color modification in these cases.
That's why I am so interesting about some comparative results.
> Coupled with the suggestion that video ccd’s are more sensitive because
> they operate at a high voltage than the progressive webcam ccd’s is
> bizarre.
I agree. We cannot compare the last 2 added chips with the previous ones. I
have to study more the chipsets used.
> Please explain if you disagree.
I hope I did it :-) But as I told, in many points I agree with you.
> I can repost my green led sensitivity values if you are interested or
> details of my test set up.
Yes, I am very interested!
At the end I would like to highlight that no my claim was intented to
discredit your precious work.
I am very thankful to you for possibility to do deepsky photography with low
cost equipment. THANK YOU, again.
Peter K3
Message #: 41528 - Thread #: 41437
From: Steve Chambers <smunch@c...>
Date: Fri Apr 4, 2003 9:04am
Subject: RE: Comparison Table for SONY CCD Chips
Hi Peter,
Please be assured that if I didn't hold your opinion in high regard I would
of let this drop some time ago :)
>>>>>
I hope, my table is useful at least for comparing ICX098 and ICX424 chips
used in the same Vesta camera with various types of modification. In this
case all chips must work under the same conditions.
>>>>>
The problem is signal strength is just a measure of amplifier gain while
limit of detection depends on signal to noise ratio.
To promote a table to compare sensitivities of 098 and 424 with no
reference to noise will mislead. The off chip amplifier can compensate for
difference between the ccds outputs which make signal strength largely
irrelevant. Off chip amplification can not change signal to noise ratios.
>>>>>
> To suggest that small 5um pixels are good for deep sky imaging would
> rather fly in the face of common sense and established knowledge.
This is the only point where I agree with you only partially. Yes, 4.5mm
diagonal is small for many objects like M31, M33, M42 complex ...
But there are a lot of DSOs, where there is necessary to use also higher
magnifications:
* NGC2392 (Eskimo), NGC6543 (Cat's Eye), NGC6826 (Blinking Nebula), NGC7662
(Blue Snow ball nebula) and many others
* G1 globular cluster in Andromeda Galaxy
* M1 with supernova remnant separation (now I use 5um pixels at prime focus)
* detailed M57 would be also nice
>>>>>>>
As I am sure we both know image resolution can not be increased beyond what
the optics seeing and drive will allow. Using very short exposures for
planets we can freeze the seeing and negate drive errors so getting close to
resolution limit of our optics. Deep sky imaging using 30 sec un guided
exposures is a very different thing. 2 arc sec per pixel is an often quoted
guide line. Using a 'typical' 10" scope at f6 with 5um pixels gives 0.8 arc
sec per pixel. (the 7um pixels in a 1/3 inch ccd are only slightly better
at 1.2 arc sec per pixel).
I understand that it is interesting to push the limits but this is not the
basis to produce a general ccd comparison table.
>>>>>>>>
As well I would like to use more sensitive camera for Jupiter and Saturn
photos. With my 3X Barlow I have rather dimm picture in capturing screen (at
1/25s and 20% gain). If ICX424AQ is more sensitive, then I can buy 4x Barlow
and use it. But at this time I am not sure if it is really more sensitive
for the same image size.
My question is if I can gain from SC3 color modification in these cases.
That's why I am so interesting about some comparative results.
>>>>>>>>>
OK I admit this is not without merit :) I do suspect that a standard 098
based webcam would still be the camera of choice though regardless of
sensitivity of the 424. In many ways adding a 424 to a webcam brings it
closer to 'standard' astro cameras. As a webcam is better than a dedicated
astro camera on planets then I feel a unmodified webcam would be the way to
go!
>>>>>
> I can repost my green led sensitivity values if you are interested or
> details of my test set up.
Yes, I am very interested!
>>>>>>
Attached are some green led limits of detection experimentally determined
values I posted a while back. Briefly the led was pulsed on for about a ms
a set number of times a sec. The frequency of the pluses rather than their
duration was used to control the amount of light. The led was at one end of
a piece of pipe and covered with a neutral density filter while at the other
end the camera was attached with out a lens.
As I was looking at limit of detection all gains in the cameras were set to
max. Then the average pixel values of 5 30 sec exposures was corrected with
corresponding dark frames and the value plotted in the graph. The 424 was
in a toucam, the vesta had its standard ccd and the 2005 is basically a 1004
type camera. I think I also posted the graph with the 424 used with 2x1
binning but can't find it in my sent items!
>>>>>
At the end I would like to highlight that no my claim was intented to
discredit your precious work.
I am very thankful to you for possibility to do deepsky photography with low
cost equipment. THANK YOU, again.
>>>>>
Your website and software are great and trusted resources for qcuiag
members. It's a tricky and responsible position to be in. If you publish
ccd sensitivity values they are very likely to be taken at face value.
Cheers
Steve.
Attachment 6k (image/gif) graph.gif
Message #: 41535 - Thread #: 41437
From: KATRENIAK Peter <pk3@p...>
Date: Fri Apr 4, 2003 2:53pm
Subject: Re: Comparison Table for SONY CCD Chips
Hi Steve,
> Please be assured that if I didn't hold your opinion in high regard I
would
> of let this drop some time ago :)
Thank you very much :-)
I guessed that my tables could retrieve long discussions :-(
But I hope that at the end our knowledge will rise again a bit higher.
>>>>>
>> I hope, my table is useful at least for comparing ICX098 and ICX424 chips
>> used in the same Vesta camera with various types of modification. In this
>> case all chips must work under the same conditions.
> The problem is signal strength is just a measure of amplifier gain while
> limit of detection depends on signal to noise ratio.
I think, this is not 100% truth. Signal strength is not only measure of
amplifier gain, but also measure of charge of CCD pixels.
Also noise is very important for detection of low signals (it is the matter
of off chip integration), so higher amplification before ADU can help us in
detection.
> To promote a table to compare sensitivities of 098 and 424 with no
> reference to noise will mislead.
I think it depends on manner, how you interpret the table data.
Here is the way how I interpret the table:
A, Let's assume that we have one Vesta webcam which can work with 2 chips
ICX098AK and ICX424AQ.
B, We set the offchip amplifier's gain to such value, that 500mV from CCD
gives the brightness value 255.
(500mV is saturation voltage for both chips).
C, Let's assume the object, which surface brightness is 300 times less than
the brightness of SONY test pattern. That means, that we need 300 times
longer exposure to achieve the same result, i.e. 1/30s*300=10s. (we assume
linear CCD characteristic)
D, Now we select ICX098AK chip and take 10s exposure with 150mm F8 scope.
According to catalog values we get 216.6mV. This represents brightness value
216.6/500*255 = 110.
E, Now we select ICX424AQ chip and take exposure with the same 150mm. But
for the same pixel size we have to add Barlow 1.32X (=7.4/5.6). That's why
the result focal ratio will be F10.6. After 10s exposure we get 210.5mV.
This represents brightness value 210.5/500*255 = 107.
I am talking about brightness values, nothing about noise. We can also
assume, that at approximately half of saturation value the noise is not so
critical. (Furthermore, higher noise can be reduced by stacking, but it
would also problem for long discussion...)
To be more practical - lets's assume M42. I can easily overexpose (saturate)
the result image after 16s with my ICX098AK. If somebody tells, that
ICX424AQ is 2x more sensitive, I would expect, the same M42 photo (I
understand the same object size) would be overexposed after 8s. But as my
calculations show, we need even a little bit longer exposure to achieve the
same image brigthness.
Tell me, if you agree with it or not, please.
Unfortunately I cannot do experiments, because I have not SC3 webcam yet.
But as soon as I have it I will do the tests.
>>> To suggest that small 5um pixels are good for deep sky imaging would
>>> rather fly in the face of common sense and established knowledge.
>> This is the only point where I agree with you only partially. Yes, 4.5mm
>> diagonal is small for many objects like M31, M33, M42 complex ...
>> But there are a lot of DSOs, where there is necessary to use also higher
>> magnifications:
>> * NGC2392 (Eskimo), NGC6543 (Cat's Eye), NGC6826 (Blinking Nebula),
NGC7662
>> (Blue Snow ball nebula) and many others
>> * G1 globular cluster in Andromeda Galaxy
>> * M1 with supernova remnant separation (now I use 5um pixels at prime
focus)
>> * detailed M57 would be also nice
>>>>>>>
> As I am sure we both know image resolution can not be increased beyond
what
> the optics seeing and drive will allow. Using very short exposures for
> planets we can freeze the seeing and negate drive errors so getting close
to
> resolution limit of our optics. Deep sky imaging using 30 sec un guided
> exposures is a very different thing. 2 arc sec per pixel is an often
quoted
> guide line. Using a 'typical' 10" scope at f6 with 5um pixels gives 0.8
arc
> sec per pixel. (the 7um pixels in a 1/3 inch ccd are only slightly better
> at 1.2 arc sec per pixel).
> I understand that it is interesting to push the limits but this is not the
> basis to produce a general ccd comparison table.
I think of shorter exposures - max 10-15s. E.g. I want to capture Trapezium
with E and F components - I need short (2s) exposures with high sensitive
camera.
But this discussion is about CCD size and is out of range of my subject -
sensitivity of CCD.
Each CCD size is useful for specific purposes.
> Attached are some green led limits of detection experimentally determined
> values I posted a while back. Briefly the led was pulsed on for about a
ms
> a set number of times a sec. The frequency of the pluses rather than
their
> duration was used to control the amount of light. The led was at one end
of
> a piece of pipe and covered with a neutral density filter while at the
other
> end the camera was attached with out a lens.
> As I was looking at limit of detection all gains in the cameras were set
to
> max. Then the average pixel values of 5 30 sec exposures was corrected
with
> corresponding dark frames and the value plotted in the graph. The 424 was
> in a toucam, the vesta had its standard ccd and the 2005 is basically a
1004
> type camera. I think I also posted the graph with the 424 used with 2x1
> binning but can't find it in my sent items!
Here I can see the basic error in your measuring - you measured without
lens.
When you measure sensitivity without lens, it will always depends also on
pixels size -
the higher pixel area -> the higher amount of photons -> the higher output
voltage.
Without lens the photons are captured directly by CCD area.
When you use lens and consider the same image size, the amount of photons
depends on objective size (aperture), because light is at first gathered by
objective
and then it is focused to CCD area.
Furthermore you compared ICX424 to ICX098 with different hardware (ToUcam
versus Vesta).
The last thing which should be taken into account is that SONY datasheets
are based on large statistical file, while our measurement are based only on
measurement of a few (or even single) pieces.
Also my single measurement will be only measurement of 2 pieces of chips.
That's why I would suggest to perform more measurements by QCUIAGers.
The measurement can be very simple - take a photo of object by Vesta SC1
(SC2) and then take a photo with SC3 with such exposure length, which gives
the same object brightness. Comparison of exposure times corrected by size
ratio can give us real sensitivity comparison.
> Your website and software are great and trusted resources for qcuiag
> members. It's a tricky and responsible position to be in. If you publish
> ccd sensitivity values they are very likely to be taken at face value.
What do you suggest? Should I remove my comparison webpage?
In conclusion there is stated, that comparisons don't cover noise and other
parameters.
Maybe I shoud place this at the top of page...
With respect,
Peter
Message #: 41550 - Thread #: -
From: Juergen Lemke <juergenspost@y...>
Date: Sat Apr 5, 2003 4:43am
Subject: First light with my SC32 cam
Hello all,
I had the first light with my SC32 cam. I changed the
chip from a ToUcam 740 to the ICX424AL. I was very
impressed of the sensitivity of the new ICX424AL CCD
vs. the old ICX098BQ from the ToUcam. Unfortunately I
had very bad weather conditions the sky was very
bright and foggy. I live in a 5.000.000 people area
middle in Germany. But I had much more better
results than under good conditions with my old
ICX098BQ.
My telescope is a C8 with an Alan Gee focal compressor
0,6 on a LX200 mount. All pictures are single
exposures with no Dark Frame substraction or stacking.
The exposure time was 10-30 seconds .
Many thanks to Steve Chambers who gives me such a joy.
Bye
Jurgen
Gesendet von Yahoo! Mail - http://mail.yahoo.de
Bis zu 100 MB Speicher bei http://premiummail.yahoo.de
Attachment 55k (image/pjpeg) M3_2.jpgAttachment 15k (image/pjpeg) M51_2.jpgAttachment 40k (image/pjpeg) M82_6.jpg
Message #: 41551 - Thread #: 41550
From: Jan Timmermans <JB.Timmermans@h...>
Date: Sat Apr 5, 2003 5:20am
Subject: RE: First light with my SC32 cam
Hi Jürgen
I am impressed too!
> All pictures are single exposures with no Dark Frame substraction or
stacking.
Just to make sure I understand you correctly: these are RAW frames?
Clear skies!
Groetjes/greetings
Jan Timmermans
N 51.365067
E 5.459444
<><
Astro website: http://home.hetnet.nl/~dukoyy/firmament
Message #: 41558 - Thread #: 41550
From: Jürgen Lemke <juergenspost@y...>
Date: Sat Apr 5, 2003 7:48am
Subject: Re: First light with my SC32 cam
Hi Jan,
yes, only one RAW frame was taken out of a video sequence made with
K3CCDTools.
I hope for better conditions.
Bye
Jurgen
--- In QCUIAG@yahoogroups.com, "Jan Timmermans" <JB.Timmermans@h...>
wrote:
> Hi Jürgen
>
> I am impressed too!
>
> > All pictures are single exposures with no Dark Frame substraction
or
> stacking.
>
> Just to make sure I understand you correctly: these are RAW frames?
>
> Clear skies!
>
> Groetjes/greetings
>
> Jan Timmermans
> N 51.365067
> E 5.459444
> <><
> Astro website: http://home.hetnet.nl/~dukoyy/firmament
Message #: 41562 - Thread #: 41558
From: Jan Timmermans <JB.Timmermans@h...>
Date: Sat Apr 5, 2003 9:17am
Subject: RE: Re: First light with my SC32 cam
Hi Jurgen
I really am amazed about the quality: you must be VERY happy with your SC3
mod indeed !!!!
Clear skies (clouded out here ... )
Groetjes/greetings
Jan Timmermans
N 51.365067
E 5.459444
<><
Astro website: http://home.hetnet.nl/~dukoyy/firmament
Message #: 41568 - Thread #: 41550
From: Tom Gwilym <tegwilym@a...>
Date: Sat Apr 5, 2003 10:25am
Subject: Re: First light with my SC32 cam
Amazing! If those are single raw frames, just imagine what it would
look like after stacking.
Has anyone found a good way to get those CCDs in the US yet?
Tom
--- In QCUIAG@yahoogroups.com, Jürgen Lemke <juergenspost@y...>
wrote:
> Hi Jan,
>
> yes, only one RAW frame was taken out of a video sequence made
with
> K3CCDTools.
>
> I hope for better conditions.
>
> Bye
>
> Jurgen
>
> --- In QCUIAG@yahoogroups.com, "Jan Timmermans"
<JB.Timmermans@h...>
Message #: 41666 - Thread #: ?
From: sinclan_ratatattat <polygamus@o...>
Date: Mon Apr 7, 2003 1:17am
Subject: Re: First light with my SC32 cam | 7 deadly sins
Gday,
Lets see, how many of the 7 biggies am I guilty of while looking at
your single frame raws.
Envy..
Avarice..
Im not sure in what order my punishment will be for the above
transgressions... the boiling oil first? Or the freezing water.
In all seriousness, youre shots show this to be the best type of cam
yet, IMHO, to come out of this group..
Well done Jurgen, and of course, well done SC.
Rat.
--- In QCUIAG@yahoogroups.com, Juergen Lemke <juergenspost@y...>
wrote:
> Hello all,
>
> I had the first light with my SC32 cam. I changed the
> chip from a ToUcam 740 to the ICX424AL. I was very
> impressed of the sensitivity of the new ICX424AL CCD
> vs. the old ICX098BQ from the ToUcam. Unfortunately I
> had very bad weather conditions the sky was very
> bright and foggy. I live in a 5.000.000 people area
> middle in Germany. But I had much more better
> results than under good conditions with my old
> ICX098BQ.
> My telescope is a C8 with an Alan Gee focal compressor
> 0,6 on a LX200 mount. All pictures are single
> exposures with no Dark Frame substraction or stacking.
>
> The exposure time was 10-30 seconds .
>
> Many thanks to Steve Chambers who gives me such a joy.
>
> Bye
>
> Jurgen
>
>
> Gesendet von Yahoo! Mail - http://mail.yahoo.de
> Bis zu 100 MB Speicher bei http://premiummail.yahoo.de
Message #: 41775 - Thread #: -
From: Antonio Fernández <afernan10@w...>
Date: Tue Apr 8, 2003 3:16pm
Subject: M51 with SC3.2
Hi Group!
Just wanted to share with you my last wide field
image of M51 with the SC3.2 B&W.
Image was acquired in two consecutive nigths Sunday
and Monday.
I used 102 x 60s frames in an attempt to overcome
heavy noise due to strong LP in my backyard.
The scope used is my little 80mm f/5 chinese
refractor a.k.a. Kakahasy ;-)
soft used: K3CCD (capture), Registax(stack and dark
substraction), Loreal ("Mickey-ears" remover), PSP(levels et al.)
cheers
antonio
Antonio Fernández, EA4LE/KC2HAXea4le@amsat.orgwww.qsl.net/kc2hax
Attachment 27k (image/jpeg) m51_102x60s.jpg
Message #: 41800 - Thread #: -
From: Rod Morris-Kirby <rodmorris-kirby@u...>
Date: Tue Apr 8, 2003 10:04pm
Subject: Congrats:Re: M51 with SC3.2
Hi Antonio,
Just one word, Brilliant.
Regards
Rod
Message #: 41805 - Thread #: ?
From: Jan Timmermans <JB.Timmermans@h...>
Date: Tue Apr 8, 2003 11:56pm
Subject: RE: CONGRATS !!!!!! M51 with SC3.2
Hi
Antonio!!!
What a marvellous
result: such a beautiful image withan 80mm refractor.
I am sure you are
happy (and Steve Chambers is grinning from ear to ear too)
Groetjes/greetingsJan TimmermansN 51.365067E
5.459444
Message #: 41810 - Thread #: 41775
From: Jon Grove <JGrove@S...>
Date: Wed Apr 9, 2003 1:32am
Subject: RE: M51 with SC3.2
Hi
Antonio,
Very
impressive M51, for an 80mm scope. I've just ordered a Celestron 80WA, so
I'm interested to see what can be imaged through this kind of
scope.
Clear
Skies,
Jon.
Message #: 41848 - Thread #: 41775
From: Antonio Fernandez <afernan10@w...>
Date: Wed Apr 9, 2003 2:50pm
Subject: Re: M51 with SC3.2
Thank you Jon!
mine is actually a "Celestron Firstscope 80EQ model #21072" as it
appears in the label sticked to the OTA or a Celestron 80WA as per
the user manual, so it is the very same thing you have ordered :-)
In any case is the 80mm f/5 OEM Chinese achromat sold under many
different brands (Orion Short Tube, ST80, etc). I nicknamed
it "Kakahashi", but this is a joke :-) that only spanish speaking
amateur astronomers may understand. The phonetics of Kaka is a non-
offensive way of saying "crap", so it is like saying a "crappy" Tak ;-
)
I purchased it mail order back in 1998, paid $250 for the scope with
viewfinder, diagonal, 25mm eyepiece and EQ mount. A lot of scope for
the money!
Wish I had a Tak, but I really love my Kak ;-)
cheers,
antonio
Message #: 41849 - Thread #: 41800
From: Antonio Fernandez <afernan10@w...>
Date: Wed Apr 9, 2003 2:55pm
Subject: Congrats:Re: M51 with SC3.2
Thank you Rod!
But still a long way to get close to the deepsky masters in the group!
cheers
antonio
--- In QCUIAG@yahoogroups.com, "Rod Morris-Kirby" <rodmorris-
Message #: 41851 - Thread #: ?
From: Antonio Fernandez <afernan10@w...>
Date: Wed Apr 9, 2003 3:10pm
Subject: Re: CONGRATS !!!!!! M51 with SC3.2
Thank you Jan!
I think that I still need to improve my processing technique. So many
things to learn and try and so little time :-)
Yeah, we should be very grateful to Steve et al. The gap we still
have with the low end dedicated astrocams is closing... and now the
414 with huge pixels, wow!
It is incredible what can be done with not so expensive equipment. My
imaging setup (SC toucam plus 424CCD and scope)is below $500.
It is true that the scope was riding piggy back on my LX-90, but I
could have done the same thing wiht the EQ mount that came with the
80mm scope a little RA electric motor and a speed controller as yours
and still be below $500.
cheers,
antonio
--- In QCUIAG@yahoogroups.com, "Jan Timmermans" <JB.Timmermans@h...>
wrote:
> Hi Antonio!!!
>
> What a marvellous result: such a beautiful image withan 80mm
refractor.
>
> I am sure you are happy (and Steve Chambers is grinning from ear to
ear too)
>
> Groetjes/greetings
>
> Jan Timmermans
Message #: 41869 - Thread #: 41848
From: Jon Grove <JGrove@S...>
Date: Thu Apr 10, 2003 1:46am
Subject: RE: Re: M51 with SC3.2
Hi Antonio,
My scope arrived this morning - which explains why it was snowing! Still, bad weather will give me a chance to work out how best to piggy-back it onto my Newtonian, and to get acquainted with the new scope.
Clear Skies,
Jon.
Message #: 41874 - Thread #: 41848
From: KATRENIAK Peter <k3@v...>
Date: Thu Apr 10, 2003 3:19am
Subject: Re: Re: M51 with SC3.2
Hi Jon,
I have very similar scope like you - 80f5. You can look for
ideas for attaching scope here:
http://www.pk3.org/Astro/astrophoto_mount_gem1_autoguide.htm
I have also better solution, but not finished yet - I bought
rings from Astromeccanica:
http://www.astromeccanica.it/miscellaneous.htm
Good luck with new scope ;-)
Clear skies,
Peter K3
Message #: 41877 - Thread #: ?
From: niborl2000 <robin@l...>
Date: Thu Apr 10, 2003 4:54am
Subject: Re: Guiding with webcam and 80mmf5 (wasM51 with SC3.2)
Hi Peter,
I have just been looking at your guiding set up. What magnitude of
guide star do you need with an unmodified webcam and your 80mm scope
at f10?
Robin
Message #: 41880 - Thread #: 41848
From: Jon Grove <JGrove@S...>
Date: Thu Apr 10, 2003 5:34am
Subject: RE: Re: M51 with SC3.2
Thanks
Peter, that looks like a good way to do it. I'll try something similar, I
think.
Clear
Skies,
Jon.
Message #: 41881 - Thread #: ?
From: KATRENIAK Peter <k3@v...>
Date: Thu Apr 10, 2003 5:34am
Subject: Re: Re: Guiding with webcam and 80mmf5 (wasM51 with SC3.2)
Hi Robin,
I don't remember exactly (I haven't used this setup for a long
time), but it was about 8-9 mag.
Clear skies,
Peter K3
Message #: 41882 - Thread #: ?
From: Allyn Carter <chq_astro@b...>
Date: Thu Apr 10, 2003 5:42am
Subject: Re: Re: Guiding with webcam and 80mmf5 (wasM51 with SC3.2)
Hi,
Leading on from Robin's question, is there any need, aside from
mechanical considerations of the guidescopes mounting, for the guide
star to be close to the image target? I am trying to set up an old 60mm
refractor as a guide scope. Clearly, this will need pretty bright guide
stars if I am going to use an unmodified ToUcam.
Message #: 41883 - Thread #: ?
From: KATRENIAK Peter <k3@v...>
Date: Thu Apr 10, 2003 5:47am
Subject: Re: Re: Guiding with webcam and 80mmf5 (wasM51 with SC3.2)
Hi Allyn,
It is better if guiding star is close to target, because of
atmospheric refraction and because of polar alignment errors.
The near objects have almost the same conditions.
Peter
Message #: 41896 - Thread #: ?
From: niborl2000 <robin@l...>
Date: Thu Apr 10, 2003 11:16am
Subject: Re: Guiding with webcam and 80mmf5 (wasM51 with SC3.2)
Hi Peter,Allyn
I saw some problems with my set up which I suspect were caused by
field rotation relative to the guide star due to poor polar
alignment. My polar alignment technique has improved significantly
since but I don't use the guidescope currently as I found once I had
trained the PEC (using a B+W quickcam guider on the main scope),
tracking is good enough for up to 60sec exposures. I was thinking
though of having another go at some film work again, putting into
practise everything I have learned here over the past year. I would
then need a guider for the v long exposures required.
Robin
Message #: 41914 - Thread #: -
From: Antonio Fernández <afernan10@w...>
Date: Thu Apr 10, 2003 1:47pm
Subject: ST-80 piggy back suggestion
Hi Jon,
I am attaching a picture of my imaging setup
(compressed and reduced below 50kb). I used one of the scopestuff SCT piggy back
kits (http://www.scopestuff.com/ss_pigy1.htm)
in my system. I think they produce now kits for newtonians.
Cameras in the picture are the SC32.2 in the ST-80
fitted with a 2" Meade broadband LPF and the SC1 in the LX-90 diagonal. The
black box in the left arm of the mount fork is the Bonduelle guiding
interface for Meade.
Congratulations and wish you inmediate clear skies
so you can enjoy the new toy!!!
cheers,
antonio
--- In QCUIAG@yahoogroups.com, Jon Grove
Antonio,> > My scope arrived this morning - which explains why it
was snowing! Still,> bad weather will give me a chance to work out how
best to piggy-back it onto> my Newtonian, and to get acquainted with the
new scope.> > Clear Skies,>
Jon.
Attachment 43k (image/jpeg) st80-lx90.jpg
Message #: 41917 - Thread #: -
From: Arne Rodemer <arne.rodemer@g...>
Date: Thu Apr 10, 2003 2:03pm
Subject: SC3: ngc3628 and ngc4631
Hi Group,
Here are my newest pictures that I've taken with the VestaPro-SC3 and a
8"f/5 Newton. The transparency was not very good and the quarter moon
was shining .
The outer regions of ngc3628 were very hard to process, the sky was too
bright.
I really have to go to a darker site with over 6mag limiting magnitude
next time. I think this should help to take much better images.
best regards and clear skies
Arne
Attachment 14k (image/jpeg) ngc3628.jpgAttachment 25k (image/jpeg) ngc4631.jpg
Message #: 41929 - Thread #: ?
From: Jon Grove <JGrove@S...>
Date: Fri Apr 11, 2003 0:55am
Subject: RE: [CONGRATS] SC3: ngc3628 and ngc4631
Hi Arne,
Those are very nice pictures - you've done a great processing job! I really like the way you've shown the dust lanes so far out from the core in NGC3628 - nice detail.
Clear Skies,
Jon.
Message #: 41933 - Thread #: 41917
From: beekeg <greg.beeke@b...>
Date: Fri Apr 11, 2003 1:48am
Subject: Re: SC3: ngc3628 and ngc4631
Hi Arne, very nice work! What gain setting dis you use? I am
interested to compare this with the ICX414 based camera.
Cheers
Greg
Message #: 41934 - Thread #: 41917
From: doktorklahn <arne.rodemer@g...>
Date: Fri Apr 11, 2003 2:59am
Subject: Re: SC3: ngc3628 and ngc4631
Hi Jon and Greg,
Thank you very much!
The sky background was really bright that night so ngc3628 was very
hard to process. A lot darker observation site should help to get
these details much easier, but it costs me quite an effort to leave my
garden with all its advantages ;o)
Message #: 41941 - Thread #: -
From: Juergen Lemke <juergenspost@y...>
Date: Fri Apr 11, 2003 4:48am
Subject: M51: SC2 vs SC3
Hello,
attached you´ll find 2 pictures which I´ve made at the
same night and with the same instrument C8 with Alan
Gee on a LX200.
The sky was very bright and a little bit foggy. No
mods, DF or stacking were made with the pictures only
1 RAW picture. The SC2 picture was a 90sec exposure
and the SC3 was a 45sec exposure.
The SC2 and SC3 were both ToUcam Pro cams.
Bye
Jurgen
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Attachment 16k (image/jpeg) SC2_M51_1x90s.jpgAttachment 13k (image/jpeg) SC3_M51_1x45s.jpg
Message #: 41960 - Thread #: 41941
From: Keith Wiley <kwiley@c...>
Date: Fri Apr 11, 2003 11:11am
Subject: Re: M51: SC2 vs SC3
Message #: 41962 - Thread #: 41941
From: Keith Wiley <kwiley@c...>
Date: Fri Apr 11, 2003 11:14am
Subject: Re: M51: SC2 vs SC3
Message #: 41971 - Thread #: 41914
From: Antonio Fernandez <afernan10@w...>
Date: Fri Apr 11, 2003 0:40pm
Subject: Re: ST-80 piggy back suggestion
Hi Peter,
I am not 100% sure that I got your question right, so if my answer is
obvious or stupid just ignore it ;-)
In any case, in my setup I cannot move one scope independent of the
other, I even cannot correct the misalignment between the two scopes
as the rings are not adjustable. This is not a big problem because
the FOV of the ST-80 is wider than the LX-90 even at f/3.
I have not yet autoguided with the system (just tried Etienne's
interface to check that works OK) as in the very the few clear nigths
that I had available recently I decided to go directly into imaging
instead of going through the learning curve (I am not yet familiar
with Astrosnap) and tweaking that requires autoguiding ;-). As I can
go no-guideed up to 60 seconds, even a bit more, my choice has been
doing SC32.2 testing.
Clear skies
antonio
Message #: 41972 - Thread #: 41941
From: Steve B <stevb@c...>
Date: Fri Apr 11, 2003 0:58pm
Subject: Re: M51: SC2 vs SC3
One word.........
Gobsmacked!
Steve B.
> Hello,
>
> attached you´ll find 2 pictures which I´ve made at the
> same night and with the same instrument C8 with Alan
> Gee on a LX200.
> The sky was very bright and a little bit foggy. No
> mods, DF or stacking were made with the pictures only
> 1 RAW picture. The SC2 picture was a 90sec exposure
> and the SC3 was a 45sec exposure.
> The SC2 and SC3 were both ToUcam Pro cams.
>
> Bye
>
> Jurgen
>
Message #: 42037 - Thread #: -
From: niborl2000 <robin@l...>
Date: Sat Apr 12, 2003 2:13pm
Subject: Nexstar 80 GT for imaging?
Hi all,
Has anyone tried the Celestron Nextstar 80GT for imaging? I
am 'toying' (pun intended ;-) with the idea of getting one as a scope
can take on holiday. Being wide field (400mm FL) I wondered if the
drive might be capable of exposures of say 10 secs or more. This
might work quite well with an SC3 to give a nice portable imaging set
up.
(I also thought about the ETX90. I think I would prefer the autostar
to the nexstar computer, but I think the OTA might be rather too slow
(high f number)with too long a focal length, though I would be
interested in anyone's comments on the performance of this one for
imaging too)
Robin
Message #: 42042 - Thread #: 42037
From: A. Edwards <are@t...>
Date: Sat Apr 12, 2003 3:30pm
Subject: Re: Nexstar 80 GT for imaging?
niborl2000 said
> Hi all,
>
> Has anyone tried the Celestron Nextstar 80GT for imaging? I
> am 'toying' (pun intended ;-) with the idea of getting one as a scope
> can take on holiday. Being wide field (400mm FL) I wondered if the
> drive might be capable of exposures of say 10 secs or more. This
> might work quite well with an SC3 to give a nice portable imaging set
> up.
>
> (I also thought about the ETX90. I think I would prefer the autostar
> to the nexstar computer,
mmmmmmfff! mmmffm! mmfmffmm! Meade????
> but I think the OTA might be rather too slow
> (high f number)with too long a focal length, though I would be
> interested in anyone's comments on the performance of this one for
> imaging too)
decibels?
>
> Robin
>
>
The 80GT is OK, but, in reality, the etx is your better bet for a holidaying scope (and it breaks my heart to say it) on several fronts.
Aik
--
52:30:25N, 1:17:51E
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Message #: 42052 - Thread #: -
From: jmt92130 <jthommes@n...>
Date: Sat Apr 12, 2003 6:03pm
Subject: ToUCam LED and ICX424 - Help
I have finished a ToUCam SC3 mod with long exposure. Everything seems
to check out fine except for a substantial glow from the LED. I have
put electrical tape over the LED as Ash has suggested but some light
also comes through the body. The ICX424 is so sensitive that this
light causes significant interference.
I thought about just removing the LED, but I am worried that it may
feed other circuitry. I also considered black paint smothered in the
area. I haven't done anything yet. I'd like to know what others have
done. Has anyone removed the LED without ill effects?
Jim Thommes
Message #: 42069 - Thread #: 42047
From: A. Edwards <are@t...>
Date: Sun Apr 13, 2003 1:53am
Subject: Re: Re: Nexstar 80 GT for imaging?
Mike Gray said
> I almost forgot.....Steve Chambers used the SC3 on an ETX-70 to get
> some very nice M42 images. Might be worth checking into. Mike Gray
>
Ah - but he guides with magic :O) And the 424 doesn't *need* long exposures
Aik
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Message #: 42071 - Thread #: 42037
From: niborl2000 <robin@l...>
Date: Sun Apr 13, 2003 2:07am
Subject: Re: Nexstar 80 GT for imaging?
Hi Mike,
Thanks for the reply. It is good to see at least someone has had a go
imaging with one. Looking at your 4sec images, I think my 1004x-JG or
perhaps a B+W SC3 might be able to pull in some quite faint objects
with this scope. I will be keeping an eye on what Jon Grove achieves
with his piggybacked new WA80
Do you know if the star trailing beyond 5sec is because of field
rotation due to the alt az mount or is it in the drive accuracy? (if
it is field rotation, the stars to the edge of the field should seem
to rotate about the star you are aiming at.)
Do you know if the the 80GT would work on an equatorial wedge? Is
there a software option for equatorial alignment in the nexstar, or
perhaps I might be able to fool it by pretending I was at the north
pole;-)
I guess the main problem is, I am likely to be over critical of
anything compared with my rock solid GPDX/skysensor combination. It
is not exactly a travel scope though!
clear Skies
Robin
http://www.leadbeaterhome.fsnet.co.uk/astro.htm
Message #: 42073 - Thread #: 42052
From: Ashley Roeckelein <ashley@a...>
Date: Sun Apr 13, 2003 2:19am
Subject: Re: ToUCam LED and ICX424 - Help
Hi Jim,
I eventually took a needlenose plier to mine and snapped it right off. No
ill effects.
Clear skies, and happy SC3'ing!
-ash
http://astro.ai-software.com/
Message #: 42074 - Thread #: 42037
From: niborl2000 <robin@l...>
Date: Sun Apr 13, 2003 2:26am
Subject: Re: Nexstar 80 GT for imaging?
Hi Mike,
Thanks for the reply,
Yes I remember Steve's SC3+ETX70 star party results - very
impressive. That is what got me thinking.
I think you are right. I would not have much use for the ETX90 OTA
but at least the wide field of the 80GT OTA would earn it an
occasional ride on the back of my VC200L/GPDX/Skysensor home set up
Of course I could buy just an OTA a lot cheaper. I guess if the
Celestron mount had at least the accuracy of say a $3 watch and could
be persuaded to work in Equatorial mode, it might work ok ;-)
Robin
http://www.leadbeaterhome.fsnet.co.uk/astro.htm
Message #: 42157 - Thread #: -
From: Tom How <tomh@t...>
Date: Mon Apr 14, 2003 10:57am
Subject: SC3 mod - colour.
In Steves instructions we are told to use either a ICX424AL (B/W) or ICX424AQ (colour).
He mentions the mod is untested with the colour chip... has anybody had any luck using the colour chip?
Clear Skies
Tom
Message #: 42161 - Thread #: -
From: Tom How <tomh@t...>
Date: Mon Apr 14, 2003 11:41am
Subject: M51 from a windy hilltop
I love going to some of our dark sites - about an hours high speed chase along the country lanes to Win Green (50:58:46N, 2:06:55W). However, last weekend it was, as is often the case, a little windy for long exposure work. This was the best we could manage from the 8" F5 newtonian and a SC1 4000 camera at prime focus. About 20 hand picked frames out of god-knows-how-many. Captured in K3CCDTools, stacked in registax. I linked the 3 FITS files from registax together into a large 16 bit 3 channel raw file which I could open in Photoshop 7. In photoshop I played around with levels and curves until I had something that at least looks convincing.
I am not overly impressed with this image, and feel I could do a lot better with my equipment. I am thinking about an SC3 modded camera... however I want to extract more performance from my current setup before moving on. On the other hand, I was quite pleased to see the spiral arms on this first effort at M51.
Any suggestions on damping out wind induced vibrations?
Clear Skies (and, as we head into summer in these northern latitudes, some _dark_ skies would be appreciated!)
Tom
Attachment 36k (image/jpeg) m51.1.jpg
Message #: 42197 - Thread #: -
From: SALVAMIQUEL <salvamiquel@t...>
Date: Tue Apr 15, 2003 0:33am
Subject: My first M51 and some advice.
Hi group,
I was a long time without send an email, just seening and readimg your
interesting mails. Here you have my M51 image. I have to process it
hard to bring out some detail, and finally I had to convert it ot gray
scale. Anyway I am quite happy with it. It is a Toucam SC1 26x20seg.
with darks applied. Telescope Meade starfinder 10" F/4.5. Procesing
Adobe Photoshop, levels, color balance, and unsharp mask. and SGBNR.
This are my quetions,
Any one has a processing tecnice to eliminate the white backgroung
produced because the amp is on???. You can apreciate it on my upper-
left image.
Because with my Equatorial mount a can´t go more time than about 20seg.
I was thinking on SC3 mod and 1004X camera, which is more sensible? And
which mod is easy to do?.
Sorry about my bad english
Thanking you in advance.
Salva Miquel
Valencia
Spain
Attachment 53k (image/pjpeg) CCDCap0064-2gray.jpg
Message #: 42241 - Thread #: 42197
From: Antonio Fernandez <afernan10@w...>
Date: Tue Apr 15, 2003 3:43pm
Subject: Re: My first M51 and some advice.
Hi Salva,
Congratulations on your M51!!!
I have seen Rafael and TG suggestions so will not ellaborate further.
I use myself the pseudoflatfield technique as described by Rafael to
remove/mitigate gradients.
Just another suggestion,why don't you try a longer exposure? Perhaps
it is because poor polar alignment or tracking, but if it is not the
case you should aim for longer than 20 seconds for M51.
As per the SC3 vs 1004x: in my humble opinion the sc3 mod is easier
(at least less complex). However, I think that anyone that can
succesfully acomplish one is able to do the other. Other postings in
the list (Steve Chambers himself, I think) suggest that the 1004x is
more sensitive than the SC3.
Salu2,
antonio
Message #: 42246 - Thread #: 42241
From: SALVAMIQUEL <salvamiquel@t...>
Date: Wed Apr 16, 2003 0:33am
Subject: Re: Re: My first M51 and some advice.
Hi Antonio,
"Solo por saludar, Me alegra encontrar gente de la tierra en estos
mundos."
My problem is my eq mount, I have an Meade Stafinder 10" f/4.5, if you
know it, I don´t need to tell you more.
You have an SC3 isn´t it?. Where do you get the chip and how much it
cost?.
Thanks again
Salva
----- Mensaje Original -----
De: "Antonio Fernandez" <afernan10@w...>
Fecha: Miercoles, Abril 16, 2003 0:43 am
Asunto: [QCUIAG] Re: My first M51 and some advice.
> Hi Salva,
> Congratulations on your M51!!!
> I have seen Rafael and TG suggestions so will not ellaborate further.
> I use myself the pseudoflatfield technique as described by Rafael
> to
> remove/mitigate gradients.
> Just another suggestion,why don't you try a longer exposure?
> Perhaps
> it is because poor polar alignment or tracking, but if it is not
> the
> case you should aim for longer than 20 seconds for M51.
> As per the SC3 vs 1004x: in my humble opinion the sc3 mod is
> easier
> (at least less complex). However, I think that anyone that can
> succesfully acomplish one is able to do the other. Other postings
> in
> the list (Steve Chambers himself, I think) suggest that the 1004x
> is
> more sensitive than the SC3.
> Salu2,
> antonio
>
Message #: 42252 - Thread #: 42157
From: Bonduelle Etienne <bondumaj@w...>
Date: Wed Apr 16, 2003 2:27am
Subject: Re: SC3 mod - colour.
Hi Tom :o)
I had some luck with the color 424 ;o)
You can see the little M51, M81 and M42 taken with a 4" refractor and
the color 424 here (4,5 and 6th pictures from the top, all taken on
March the 6, 2003):
http://www.astrosurf.com/astrobond/ebcipr.htm
Best Regards,
Etienne :o)
Personal astro website:
http://astrosurf.com/astrobond/
Message #: 42271 - Thread #: 42252
From: Tom How <tomh@t...>
Date: Wed Apr 16, 2003 7:32am
Subject: RE: Re: SC3 mod - colour.
Thanks for your advice... stunning images as usual.
I have a functioning logitech 4000 SC1. However, as a summer project I am thinking of getting hold of a new webcam and doing the full sc3 mod. Something to fill those long summer evenings.
If it all goes wrong I still have the other camera!
What camera are you running your colour 424 on?
Regards
Tom
----------
From: Bonduelle Etienne[SMTP:bondumaj@w...]
Reply To: QCUIAG@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Wednesday, April 16, 2003 10:27 AM
To: QCUIAG@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [QCUIAG] Re: SC3 mod - colour.
Hi Tom :o)
I had some luck with the color 424 ;o)
You can see the little M51, M81 and M42 taken with a 4" refractor and
the color 424 here (4,5 and 6th pictures from the top, all taken on
March the 6, 2003):
http://www.astrosurf.com/astrobond/ebcipr.htm
Best Regards,
Etienne :o)
Personal astro website:
http://astrosurf.com/astrobond/
Message #: 42281 - Thread #: 42252
From: Alan Leggett <ALAN@L...>
Date: Wed Apr 16, 2003 11:49am
Subject: Re: Re: SC3 mod - colour.
Message #: 42303 - Thread #: 42157
From: Bonduelle Etienne <bondumaj@w...>
Date: Thu Apr 17, 2003 0:29am
Subject: Re: SC3 mod - colour.
Thank's a lot Tom :o)
The mod was done on a Vesta Pro.
Best Regards,
Etienne :o)
http://www.astrosurf.com/astrobond/
Message #: 42307 - Thread #: -
From: Leonardo Priami <L.PRIAMI@C...>
Date: Thu Apr 17, 2003 1:47am
Subject: SC3 COOLED (or not??)!?
Hi Group,
Have someone build an SC3 (B/W or Color) COOLED?
I think is important to know (for me that like somebody is going to build a
SC3) the real impact of cooling on the reduction of CCD thermal noise. I
would like to see the same image like that of P.Katreniak have made with
SC2 also for the ICX424.
Yes, I know that the 424 is less noisy with respect the 098 but however I
think that cooling is better (I would like to know HOW MUCH BETTER!!).
I think again that especially for the ICX424AQ (Color) is advisable to do a
cooling modification (due to its lower sensitivity).
What do You think about??
Thanks and Clear Sky,
Leonardo.
Message #: 42314 - Thread #: 42307
From: Jürgen Lemke <juergenspost@y...>
Date: Thu Apr 17, 2003 4:23am
Subject: Re: SC3 COOLED (or not??)!?
Hi Leonardo,
I have a SC32 with Peltier cooling. The chip sits on the Peltier
element and the Hot side of the Peltier is connected with the
Aluminium housing. The cam has additional the Amp ON/OFF function.
My sky was very bright and I couldn´t make longer exposures than 30-40
secs. For this short time I don´t need the cooling and so I have done
no tests with cooling and Amp On/Off. But for sure I will do some
tests it in the next days if there is a difference.
Bye
Jurgen
Message #: 42317 - Thread #: 42314
From: Leonardo Priami <L.PRIAMI@C...>
Date: Thu Apr 17, 2003 4:28am
Subject: Re: Re: SC3 COOLED (or not??)!?
Thanks Jurgen,
You could do this test also with a black cover on your CCD, so you can
reach longer exposures.
I would like to know if you have used small wires to connect CCD pin with
the board (Vesta Pro Board?)
I am waiting for your test!!
Thanks a lot.
Leonardo.
Message #: 42327 - Thread #: 42307
From: Jürgen Lemke <juergenspost@y...>
Date: Thu Apr 17, 2003 7:34am
Subject: Re: SC3 COOLED (or not??)!?
Hi Leonardo,
yes, I will do the tests with the black dust cover on the OTA.
I made the connection board-chip with a flat computer IDE cable about
40 mm long.
Bye
Jurgen
Message #: 42329 - Thread #: 42307
From: Ashley Roeckelein <ashley@a...>
Date: Thu Apr 17, 2003 9:04am
Subject: Re: SC3 COOLED (or not??)!?
Hi Leonardo,
I have tried a cooled b/w SC3.2 (
http://astro.ai-software.com/toucam3.html ) I found that for 1 minute
exposures, I would have several (15 or so) bright hot pixels and many dimmer
"warm" pixels, but with cooling, it reduces to around 2 dimmer hots and
almost no warms. This is similar to testing with the ToUCam's original CCD,
although the 424 seems to be a bit cleaner and less fuzzy when not cooled.
My conclusion: if it's easy to cool, why not? It's good for me because
summertime in the desert is hot even at night, so I will take the
opportunity to cool to reduce noise.
Clear skies!
-ash
http://astro.ai-software.com/
Message #: 42335 - Thread #: 42307
From: Leonardo Priami <L.PRIAMI@C...>
Date: Thu Apr 17, 2003 10:01am
Subject: Re: SC3 COOLED (or not??)!?
Thanks Ash for your page and plan explanetion!!,
I agree with You, Why not? Cooling You have a reasonable decreasing of
warm and hot pixels!! I suppose that the color one will have a greater
improvement.
Do you have an idea of the delta of degrees That You have reached with
your cooling assembly? I think that your "cool path" is a bit
long so that your coolest surfaces is the cage surfaces (near the
peltier) and the warmest surface is (the "more distant" from
peltier) the I-shaped piece. I think These surely help you to not
have hoarfrost problems, but I think the delta degrees is not very high.
However It seems to be enough!!! Did You?
Thanks.
Leonardo.
Message #: 42336 - Thread #: ?
From: Ashley Roeckelein <ashley@a...>
Date: Thu Apr 17, 2003 10:12am
Subject: Re: Ash's SC3 page
Hi Mike,
Thanks! The cage works pretty good, although
it takes longer to get the CCD cold than with a direct-to-Peltier design.
Also since there's rarely any humidity to speak of here, I didn't have to worry
about icing/fogging problems.
Clear skies!
-ash
http://astro.ai-software.com/
Message #: 42337 - Thread #: 42307
From: Ashley Roeckelein <ashley@a...>
Date: Thu Apr 17, 2003 10:25am
Subject: Re: SC3 COOLED (or not??)!?
Hi Leonardo,
Not sure of what the difference would be, b/w vs.
color, but I would think similar.
I measured a delta of around 30F at the CCD
after 15 minutes of cooling. Not dramatic, but worth it to reduce noise
IMHO. Surprisingly, after the cooldown period, the temperature at the CCD
is measurably the same as the plate on the Peltier. Having some insulation
and the camera body enclose everything helps. So the result is the longer
"cool path" just makes it take longer to cool down.
Clear skies!
-ash
http://astro.ai-software.com/
Message #: 42339 - Thread #: 42327
From: Alan Leggett <ALAN@L...>
Date: Thu Apr 17, 2003 10:39am
Subject: Re: Re: SC3 COOLED (or not??)!?
Message #: 42348 - Thread #: ?
From: niborl2000 <robin@l...>
Date: Thu Apr 17, 2003 0:53pm
Subject: Re: Ash's SC3 page
Hi Ash,
Very nice looking design. Have you made any comparison dark frames? I
am curious to see at what exposure coooling starts to show a
significant advantage.
BTW did you ever crack your strange 1004x-JG fault?
Robin
--- In QCUIAG@yahoogroups.com, "Ashley Roeckelein" <ashley@a...>
wrote:
> Hi Mike,
>
> Thanks! The cage works pretty good, although it takes longer to
get the CCD cold than with a direct-to-Peltier design. Also since
there's rarely any humidity to speak of here, I didn't have to worry
about icing/fogging problems.
>
> Clear skies!
> -ash
> http://astro.ai-software.com/
>
Message #: 42363 - Thread #: ?
From: Juergen Lemke <juergenspost@y...>
Date: Thu Apr 17, 2003 7:43pm
Subject: Re: SC3 COOLED (or not??) TEST picture
Hi all,
I made some tests with my ToUCam 740 SC32 cam.
On the picture you´ll see the difference between AMP
ON/OFF and Peltier cooling ON/OFF.
I made the AMP modification with Pin 8, that is the
design with the Z-Diode. This works great with the
ICX098BQ chip. The ICX424 sits on the cold side of the
Peltier element and the hot side is connected with the
Aluminium housing of the cam.
On the pictures there is no difference between AMP On
or AMP Off with the ICX424 but the cooling (Peltier
ON/OFF) has an influence to the hot pixel.
The test was made indoor at 15 °C ambient temperature.
Brightness was Max. and Gain 50%.
p.s. I don´t know why the area at the upper left
corner is so bright. The chip is separated from the
board and there is also no LED. Does someone have an
explanation?
Bye
Jurgen
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Attachment 115k (image/pjpeg) SummeICX424.jpg
Message #: 42372 - Thread #: ?
From: wlbehrens <wbehrens@c...>
Date: Thu Apr 17, 2003 10:30pm
Subject: Re: SC3 COOLED (or not??) TEST picture
The zenor needs to be a little larger. This will drop more voltage
across it when active. What value did you use? I have been using 8
volt zeners lately with no ill effect on integration times.
William
--- In QCUIAG@yahoogroups.com, Juergen Lemke <juergenspost@y...>
wrote:
> Hi all,
>
> I made some tests with my ToUCam 740 SC32 cam.
> On the picture you´ll see the difference between AMP
> ON/OFF and Peltier cooling ON/OFF.
> I made the AMP modification with Pin 8, that is the
> design with the Z-Diode. This works great with the
> ICX098BQ chip. The ICX424 sits on the cold side of the
> Peltier element and the hot side is connected with the
> Aluminium housing of the cam.
>
> On the pictures there is no difference between AMP On
> or AMP Off with the ICX424 but the cooling (Peltier
> ON/OFF) has an influence to the hot pixel.
>
> The test was made indoor at 15 °C ambient temperature.
> Brightness was Max. and Gain 50%.
>
> p.s. I don´t know why the area at the upper left
> corner is so bright. The chip is separated from the
> board and there is also no LED. Does someone have an
> explanation?
>
> Bye
>
> Jurgen
>
>
> Gesendet von Yahoo! Mail - http://mail.yahoo.de
> Bis zu 100 MB Speicher bei http://premiummail.yahoo.de
Message #: 42382 - Thread #: ?
From: Jürgen Lemke <juergenspost@y...>
Date: Fri Apr 18, 2003 2:53am
Subject: Re: SC3 COOLED (or not??) TEST picture
Hi William,
I´ve used a 6.8 Volt Zener diode. Do you think with a 8 Volt I could
have better results?
Bye
Jurgen
Message #: 42418 - Thread #: ?
From: sinclan_ratatattat <polygamus@o...>
Date: Fri Apr 18, 2003 8:43pm
Subject: Re: SC3 COOLED (or not??) TEST picture
Gday,
Id take his advice on this one, the peltier is working well, but it
looks to me like the amp is on in all shots.
Rat.
Land of Oz.
Message #: 42422 - Thread #: -
From: jmt92130 <jthommes@n...>
Date: Fri Apr 18, 2003 9:59pm
Subject: Compression Confusion
I have a Vesta SC1.5 and a ToUcam SC3. I have recently made them work
ssimultaneously on one laptop computer (only one with long exposure
though- only one parallel port). I am pleased to have finally done
that. In order to accomplish that in Win2000, I needed a second USB
hub controller since two cams on one hub controller kept yielding
bandwidth error messages and not letting the second camera start. My
solution was to by a cheap PCMCIA USB card ich is one controller with
the native USB being the other controller- works good with two cams.
Now the confusion about compression. When purchsing the USB cardbus
card, I notice they are all USB2.0 with the higher BW. I also then
noticed some webcams in the store that tout a USB2.0 interface. They
have CCD sensors. Sorry I didn't note the brands. But the box
markings indicate the ability to transfer full images without
compression. Now I believe I have heard on this list people state
that one of the few disadvantages of webcams is their transmission
compression and potential artifacts they can generate using such
compression. I have wondered:
1. Are the so called "ear" artifacts a result of this compression?
2. Would there be an advantage to a webcam system that does not
compress for transmission?
3. When I looked closely at the Vesta and ToUcam drivers, I notice
that the video options allow for "no compression"!! Is it so simple
as to just select this option to eliminate compression artifacts?
What are the facts of life concering compression? anyone?
Jim Thommes
Message #: 42430 - Thread #: -
From: Steve Chambers <smunch@c...>
Date: Sat Apr 19, 2003 3:56am
Subject: Amp switching the icx424
Hello,
Attached are a couple of files showing icx424 images with and without amp
switched.
Dark are dark frames and lights are pictures of a super glue bottle
(sideways). As the darkest corner of the room was beside the PC exhaust fan
and a wall the camera was quite warm.
As you can see there is still a bit of glow on the top of the frame. I
would guess this is the reset gate transistor which is still running.
Anyway if your mount and skies allow 120 sec exposure amp switch would seem
to be a good idea! For exposures in the 15sec range I would suggest not
using the amp switch.
In keeping with the confidentiality of the SC3 mod I will add the circuit to
the sc3 instructions on the sky-survey automailer. Give it a couple of days
of me to update the files and follow the instructions on
http://home.clara.net/smunch/wsc3.htm if you would like to see the circuit.
Cheers
Steve
Attachment 24k (image/jpeg) 120sec.jpgAttachment 12k (image/jpeg) 15sec.jpg
Message #: 42479 - Thread #: ?
From: d.otlowski <d.otlowski@s...>
Date: Wed Mar 19, 2003 1:15pm
Subject: Re: Re: SC3 COOLED (or not??) TEST picture
Hi Juergen,
The amplifier that you have attempted to disable is
physically located inside the CCD chip itself it is not located with the
support electronics. No matter where or how you relocate the CCD, the
on-board preamp and all its extra IR, will always be with it. The
upper left corner is still very bright because your attempt did not go
well. I suspect this might be confusing you. If not, then I
apologize. With this said, I would now follow William's advice for the
solution.
Regards,
Dan
Message #: 42497 - Thread #: ?
From: sinclan_ratatattat <polygamus@o...>
Date: Sat Apr 19, 2003 9:33pm
Subject: Re: SC3 COOLED (or not??) TEST picture
Gday,
Isnt the zener part of the amp-off mod? It seems to me that the mod
is not working. If the component he has used in "underrated" then
isnt Williams advice valid?
Rat.
Land of Oz.
Message #: 42514 - Thread #: -
From: Ashley Roeckelein <ashley@a...>
Date: Sun Apr 20, 2003 4:28am
Subject: Some M's with SC3.2
Hi List,
Here's a few Messier objects from last night,
before the moon came up fully. 10" LX200EMC + 3.3 reducer + cooled
ToUCamPro/SC3.2. Capture with K3CCDTools, register/stack in Iris, light
touch of Neat, crop in IrfanView, other tweaks in AiGfxLab.
M51 - 30x30s
M101 - 60x30s
M104 - 19x30s
M106 - 34x15s(L) 20x15s(R) 19x25s(G)
20x15s(B) - my first try at LRGB, in Iris. Probably not a real
colorful target to try, but gave it a shot anyway!
I was able to catch a nice M101 for the first
time. Also tried Gene's (or Robin's? I think it was Gene who
mentioned it - if not, sorry!) method of "pseudo darks/flats", works better
than regular darks! :)
Clear skies!
-ash
http://astro.ai-software.com/
Attachment 8k (image/jpeg) M106_LRGB.jpgAttachment 20k (image/jpeg) M51.jpgAttachment 23k (image/jpeg) M101.jpgAttachment 9k (image/jpeg) M104.jpg
Message #: 42532 - Thread #: -
From: Erik Frank <erikfrank@w...>
Date: Sun Apr 20, 2003 10:09am
Subject: Some Galaxys with SC3.2
Hello,
here are my first try with some galaxies. I used an uncooled Vesta SC3. No darks or flats. Image registration and processing with CADET (Excellent software). Sky in a great city (4.5 mag).
All Images have (around) 30x20s (sky background was to bright for longer exposures).
M51 (you know it)
M63 Sunflower
M65, M66 in Leo
M105 Group in Leo
NGC4490 (disturbed galaxy group)
I'm very excited about the SC3.2. Great little cam ! Have a look at the material bridge in the ngc4490 image.....
Clear skies !
Erik
UNICEF bittet um Spenden fur die Kinder im Irak! Hier online an
UNICEF spenden: https://spenden.web.de/unicef/special/?mc=021101
Attachment 17k (image/pjpeg) M51.JPGAttachment 13k (image/pjpeg) M63.JPGAttachment 6k (image/pjpeg) M65.JPGAttachment 6k (image/pjpeg) M66.JPGAttachment 6k (image/pjpeg) M105.JPGAttachment 22k (image/pjpeg) NGC4490.JPG
Message #: 42546 - Thread #: 42417
From: niborl2000 <robin@l...>
Date: Sun Apr 20, 2003 0:30pm
Subject: Re: Webcam blues
Well Pete..... This is a personal view, but I am glad I built a 1004x-
JG instead of converting my Vesta Pro. I do not use my camera much to
produce pretty pictures of bright DSO these days (Though I do enjoy
looking at other people's ;-). Rather, I tend to use my camera to
image objects I would not otherwise be able to see in the eyepiece
and I believe I have imaged many things that the SC2 would have
struggled with. I am not a fan of colour CCDs for DSO - too much loss
of sensitivity. better to use a B+W CCD and chose when to sacrifice
senstitivity for colour.
The SC3 424 B+W chip mod on the other hand looks promising - bigger
CCD, good sensitivity and low noise. It looks like it might give the
1004x a run for its money. I am tempted to build one for my planned
portable set up. It would be much simpler in uncooled configuration
compared with the 1004x.
AFAIK The Toucam is better for the planets because of the higher gain
in the camera, which seems to give better images at shorter exposures
despite presumably higher noise. I do not think this carries through
into long exposures though (At least I have not seen it reported)
Robin
Message #: 42555 - Thread #: ?
From: d.otlowski <d.otlowski@s...>
Date: Sun Apr 20, 2003 3:09pm
Subject: Re: Re: SC3 COOLED (or not??) TEST picture
Mr. Rat,
Yes, that is what I meant by "did not go well" and
"follow Williams advice" :o)
Clear Southern Skies,
Dan
Message #: 42556 - Thread #: ?
From: sinclan_ratatattat <polygamus@o...>
Date: Sun Apr 20, 2003 3:36pm
Subject: Re: SC3 COOLED (or not??) TEST picture (ot)
Gday Dan,
Im not known to suffer from dyslexia, but maybe I should get myself
checked.
I read your post several times.. and each time I read, "I would not.."
instead of the actual "I would now..".
Sorry for the confusion.
BTW.. Its Garry, or just Rat :)
Rat.
Land of Oz.
Message #: 42567 - Thread #: 42514
From: Keith Wiley <kwiley@c...>
Date: Sun Apr 20, 2003 10:38pm
Subject: Re: Some M's with SC3.2
Fantastic shots. The M51 has lots of really sharp detail in it.
Keith Wiley kwiley@c...
http://www.unm.edu/~keithw http://www.mp3.com/KeithWiley
"Yet mark his perfect self-contentment, and hence learn his lesson,
that to be self-contented is to be vile and ignorant, and that to
aspire is better than to be blindly and impotently happy."
-- Edwin A. Abbott, Flatland
Message #: 42676 - Thread #: -
From: Jürgen Lemke <juergenspost@y...>
Date: Tue Apr 22, 2003 4:40am
Subject: Want make Peltier cooling: here´s the ICX098BQ CCD chip
Hi all,
I have made a SC3 cam and now I have the original CCD chip ICX098BQ
from the ToUCam 740K pro. It is desoldered from the board and 100% OK.
Does someone want to built a cooled CCD cam with a separated chip and
has destroyed the old one, here is one for replacing.
I want to have 30 Euros for it . This is the price including insured
shipping in Europe.
Bye
Jurgen
Message #: 42712 - Thread #: 42653
From: Ashley Roeckelein <ashley@a...>
Date: Tue Apr 22, 2003 9:17am
Subject: Re: Webcam Settings for Deep Sky Objects
Hi Keith,
Personally, I still think lowest gamma is best, even for deep sky. This
setting seems to act something like contrast - when set to lowest setting,
the contrast is maximized (of course, the real contrast control is disabled
when not in "full auto" mode). This is my experience with several ToUCamPro
and Vesta SC1's, an SC2, and an SC3. However, using lowest gamma setting
also may make the diagonal banding worse in post-processing (my experience
as well with SC1's and SC2's, but with SC3, the gain doesn't need to be so
high anymore, and the banding effect is minimized - in fact, my last session
I had the gain almost "zero").
Others claim the dynamic range is reduced with low gamma settings, but I
experience the opposite, as reported by K3CCDTools' little real-time
histogram window.
One other interesting twist: Since my SC3 has a B/W CCD, the color balance
controls can be fiddled with without gross results. Increasing the red and
blue sliders to max seems to be another way to increase gain (or so it
appears). I didn't take the time to notice the effect on dynamic range
though (next time!) No effect was seen messing with the saturation control
(as expected).
Finally, like you I leave the brightness control alone.
Clear skies!
-ash
http://astro.ai-software.com/
PS: Thanks for the compliment on my last M51 :) I need to put some RGB from
older images into that new L image to see what happens.
Message #: 42927 - Thread #: 42868
From: jmt92130 <jthommes@n...>
Date: Thu Apr 24, 2003 1:16pm
Subject: Re: LRGB Mechanics (was: M82 LRGB)
Hi Jon,
There are several suppliers of a simple filter pocket that have T-
threads on the camera side and 1-1/4 nosepiece on the scope side.
Astronomiks and Sac-Imaging make them - they are both available just
under $100 USD. I rehoused my ToUcam SC3 and fitted it with T-
threads. I got the Sac-Imaging filter pocket. I've only used it a few
times, but it seems to work well for me.
Now if you want a filter wheel, I guess it becomes more complicated.
The simple 1 cell filter pocket does address the camera remounting
issue. I must say though that it does not eliminate the need for
aligning the separate RGB images.
Jim Thommes
Message #: 43008 - Thread #: 43001
From: Julian Palmer <palmer@j...>
Date: Fri Apr 25, 2003 9:28am
Subject: RE: Toucam and ETX-90 questions
Carl
Snap I have got the same set up and Im
new to the Astronomy game. Ive
switched to polar mount on an old video camera tripod I pinched from my dad and
Im using a 35mm mod on the eyepiece and the tracking straight from my Autostar is pretty good. Ive just posted a reply to Phil Jones
with a few pictures of my short term mod to my ToUcam
while I make up the parts for a full blown cooled SC3. I recon that using the direct view might
be better for imaging but how to align in polar mode becomes
a problem. Thats why I use the
eye piece as you can use barlows,
filters etc more easily.
Ive tried using Astroview
and K3CCD but only for processing so far the AVIs
taken using the standard Philips video capture software, Im planning to
move over shortly to one or the other.
Regards
Jools
Message #: 43162 - Thread #: -
From: Ashley Roeckelein <ashley@a...>
Date: Sat Apr 26, 2003 4:36pm
Subject: Ghost of Jupiter
Hi Friends,
Was out last night and tried NGC3242: Cooled
ToUCamPro/SC3.2 on 10" LX200 @F20, capture in K3CCDTools, L=54x10s R,G,B=20x15s,
channels registered/stacked in Registax, LRGB register/combine in Photoshop,
Neat smoothing, tweaks in AiGfxLab. Enjoy! :)
Clear skies,
-ash
http://astro.ai-software.com/
Attachment 12k (image/jpeg) NGC3242_LRGB.JPG
Message #: 43168 - Thread #: -
From: Ashley Roeckelein <ashley@a...>
Date: Sat Apr 26, 2003 5:02pm
Subject: M62 w/SC3.2
Hi again,
While out last night hunting for more trinkets for
my all-webcam Messier catalog, I stumbled on this beautiful globular: Cooled
ToUCamPro/SC3.2 on 10" LX200 @F5-ish, capture in K3CCDTools, 33x10s + 5
"darkflats", register/stack in Iris, other tweaks in AiGfxLab. Lovely
lovely...
Clear skies,
-ash (in the Land of Az)
http://astro.ai-software.com/
Attachment 50k (image/jpeg) m62.JPG
Message #: 43211 - Thread #: -
From: Antonio Fernández <afernan10@w...>
Date: Sun Apr 27, 2003 7:53am
Subject: Yet another M51
Dear Friends,
yesterday we had the first night with clear
skies in three weeks!
Went outside to discover that I had lost my hard
earned polar alignment :-(. So no much time for real imaging. After some
adjustment I gave a try to the "old" SC1 with M51, the idea was to make some
comparisons between the SC3.2 and the SC1 with the LX-90.
I am attaching one of the pics taken yesterday with
the LX90 fitted with the f/3.3 focal reducer and the SC1. No filters at all
were used. Image is very noisy and the glare from the preamp is really strong
(even after cropping the upper left of the image), after a while imaging with
the SC3.2 I had forget how severe is this with the SC1 compared to the
SC3.2.
Image is about 30, 45 seconds frames captured with
K3CCD, stacked in Registax and tweaked and cropped in Photoshop.
Clear skies,
antonio
---Outgoing mail is certified Virus
Free.Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com).Version: 6.0.471 /
Virus Database: 269 - Release Date: 4/10/03
Attachment 22k (image/jpeg) m51_lx_f3_sc1_w.jpg
Message #: 43220 - Thread #: 43168
From: Alan Leggett <ALAN@L...>
Date: Sun Apr 27, 2003 9:56am
Subject: Re: M62 w/SC3.2
Hi Ash
Thats a fine picture were you useing a focal reducer ? You said in your previous
post ie ghost of jupiter (another fine shot) that your camera is cooled how ?
peltier or fan.
Regards
Alan
http://mysite.freeserve.com/alanleggett
Message #: 43228 - Thread #: 43168
From: Ashley Roeckelein <ashley@a...>
Date: Sun Apr 27, 2003 0:04pm
Subject: Re: M62 w/SC3.2
Hi Alan (and Jan!)
Thanks for the compliment. Yes a f/3.3
reducer was used, for an estimated F5 or so. The camera is cooled with
Peltier and fan, see: http://astro.ai-software.com/toucam3.html
Clear skies,
-ash
http://astro.ai-software.com/
Message #: 43263 - Thread #: 43252
From: jmt92130 <jthommes@n...>
Date: Sun Apr 27, 2003 5:53pm
Subject: Re: Synthetic flat frame against amp glow
Hi Carsten,
I have followed this thread with some interest. I too have
used "synthetic" flats in image processing. However, I have generally
used the image background by clipping the object features and then
using a heavy blur - thus, the flat is created from a raw and not a
dark. This has been particulrly helpful on images with low f-ratio
where there tends to be a central to outward darkening gradient.
I am interested because I have recently done the SC3 mod and the
images do suffer somewhat from the amp glow. Furthermore, I have
noticed that normal dark subtraction when the dark contains some
substantial amp glow seems to overly darken (yes, darken!!) the upper
corner that has the amp glow. Is this the same phenomenon you were
seeing with your M51? And is it this phenomenon that was corrected by
your application of the created flat? It seems to me it would do the
opposite.
Thanks,
Jim Thommes
--- In QCUIAG@yahoogroups.com, "Carsten A. Arnholm" <arnholm@o...>
<snip>
>
> Hi,
>
> I used normal darkframe subtraction also, but it was not effective
in
> removing all of the amp glow effects (yes, it is the upper left
thing).
>
> AFAIK, each pixel is treated like this: Result = (Frame -
DarkFrame) *
> FlatFieldMax / FlatField
>
> You can create a synthetic flat in many ways, e.g. by blurring the
original
> image to remove all details and then raise the brightness
(FlatFieldMax
> should not be too small, or else the dynamic range will suffer).
>
> a JPG version of the flatfield I used is attached.
>
> Clear skies
> Carsten A. Arnholm
> http://home.online.no/~arnholm/astro/astro.htm
> N59.776 E10.457
Message #: 43288 - Thread #: 43263
From: Carsten A. Arnholm <arnholm@o...>
Date: Mon Apr 28, 2003 4:26am
Subject: Re: Re: Synthetic flat frame against amp glow
> Hi Carsten,
>
> I have followed this thread with some interest. I too have
> used "synthetic" flats in image processing. However, I have generally
> used the image background by clipping the object features and then
> using a heavy blur - thus, the flat is created from a raw and not a
> dark. This has been particulrly helpful on images with low f-ratio
> where there tends to be a central to outward darkening gradient.
>
> I am interested because I have recently done the SC3 mod and the
> images do suffer somewhat from the amp glow. Furthermore, I have
> noticed that normal dark subtraction when the dark contains some
> substantial amp glow seems to overly darken (yes, darken!!) the upper
> corner that has the amp glow. Is this the same phenomenon you were
> seeing with your M51? And is it this phenomenon that was corrected by
> your application of the created flat? It seems to me it would do the
> opposite.
>
> Thanks,
> Jim Thommes
Hi Jim,
Yes, as I indicated there should be many ways to create a synthetic flat. I
agree that using a raw is logical, except sometimes the amp glow is so weak
that it may be even better to use a processed & histogram stretched stack,
features removed/blurred.
In this case, as many times before, it seems that dark frame subtraction is
unsuccessful in removing the amp glow effect, the upper left corner is still
too bright and not the opposite as you have experienced.
I had subtracted darks from my m51, but the amp glow was still there, so I
used the synthetic flat to try to fix it, and it did fix it (ok, not 100%).
I can't see how a flat could increase the amp glow effect?
Clear skies
Carsten A. Arnholm
http://home.online.no/~arnholm/astro/astro.htm
Message #: 43298 - Thread #: 43252
From: sinclan_ratatattat <polygamus@o...>
Date: Mon Apr 28, 2003 6:24am
Subject: Re: Synthetic flat frame against amp glow
Gday,
Question without predjidice(sp). Are you dark frames of the same
exposure length as your exposures? Apples to apples and all that.
If the answer is yes, then logic would predict there is something
wrong with the way the math in the application is dealing with the
dark frame.
Rat.
Land of Oz.
--- In QCUIAG@yahoogroups.com, "Carsten A. Arnholm" <arnholm@o...>
wrote:
> > Hi Carsten,
> >
> > I have followed this thread with some interest. I too have
> > used "synthetic" flats in image processing. However, I have
generally
> > used the image background by clipping the object features and then
> > using a heavy blur - thus, the flat is created from a raw and not
a
> > dark. This has been particulrly helpful on images with low f-ratio
> > where there tends to be a central to outward darkening gradient.
> >
> > I am interested because I have recently done the SC3 mod and the
> > images do suffer somewhat from the amp glow. Furthermore, I have
> > noticed that normal dark subtraction when the dark contains some
> > substantial amp glow seems to overly darken (yes, darken!!) the
upper
> > corner that has the amp glow. Is this the same phenomenon you were
> > seeing with your M51? And is it this phenomenon that was
corrected by
> > your application of the created flat? It seems to me it would do
the
> > opposite.
> >
> > Thanks,
> > Jim Thommes
>
> Hi Jim,
>
> Yes, as I indicated there should be many ways to create a synthetic
flat. I
> agree that using a raw is logical, except sometimes the amp glow is
so weak
> that it may be even better to use a processed & histogram stretched
stack,
> features removed/blurred.
>
> In this case, as many times before, it seems that dark frame
subtraction is
> unsuccessful in removing the amp glow effect, the upper left corner
is still
> too bright and not the opposite as you have experienced.
>
> I had subtracted darks from my m51, but the amp glow was still
there, so I
> used the synthetic flat to try to fix it, and it did fix it (ok,
not 100%).
> I can't see how a flat could increase the amp glow effect?
>
> Clear skies
> Carsten A. Arnholm
> http://home.online.no/~arnholm/astro/astro.htm
Message #: 43377 - Thread #: -
From: howard_cripe <Howard@C...>
Date: Mon Apr 28, 2003 2:45pm
Subject: SC1, 2, 3 modification question
I am just starting at this, so please excuse my ignorance, but where
are the definitions for the SC1, SC2, SC3, etc modifications to
webcams? I am presuming that the "SC" refers to Steve Chambers since
they are all based off his original design, and I'm guessing that
the levels have to do with long exposure, amp off, etc
modifications, but I can't seem to find a definition of which mods
are included in the SC levels. Also, do some of the levels require
cooling, and what kind? I've even seen reference to an SC1.5, I
think.
Thanks,
Howard
Message #: 43422 - Thread #: 43377
From: Tom Gwilym <tegwilym@a...>
Date: Mon Apr 28, 2003 10:09pm
Subject: Re: SC1, 2, 3 modification question
SC3 is the one that everyone wants, but can't get since the CCD is
impossible to get for a reasonable price. ...at least on this side of
the world. I guess I have an SC2 - long exposure, amp off, and
cooled.
Message #: 43425 - Thread #: 43377
From: matteoneone <matteone@h...>
Date: Mon Apr 28, 2003 11:39pm
Subject: Re: SC1, 2, 3 modification question
Hi,
it should work like this
SC1: long exposure mod
SC1.5: long exposure mod, frame 1/ frame 2 mod for autoguide
(star2000)
SC2: SC1.5 + amp off/on mod - maybe cooling
SC3: SC2 + new CCD chip
ciao
Matteo
Message #: 43467 - Thread #: 43425
From: Ashley Roeckelein <ashley@a...>
Date: Tue Apr 29, 2003 7:25am
Subject: Re: Re: SC1, 2, 3 modification question
You've got it right Peter. First there was just the "SC". Then the
advanced mod (amp-off interlaced) came out: "SC2" (which retroactively named
the original "SC" the "SC1"). Then the amp-off portion of the "SC2" was
applied to "SC1" for "SC1.5". Then of course the 424 CCD made the recent
"SC3.x" (and I believe someone is calling a 414 CCD mod an "SC4" although it
seems like it's still an "SC3"-type mod to me, but what do I know? :).
Clear skies!
-ash
http://astro.ai-software.com/
Message #: 43494 - Thread #: 43481
From: Steve Chambers <smunch@c...>
Date: Tue Apr 29, 2003 11:43am
Subject: RE: Re: SC1, 2, 3 modification question
Hello ,
> I've always avoided using an SC number because of the confusion.
Perhaps Steve himself would like
> to give a definitive list??
I know I am a bit late but here is my take on this.
It is nearly two years since I put the original webcam mod on my website.
The first people to decipher the details and make their own modded webcams
were members of the French astrocam group (Etienne I believe was first). As
my French is pretty hopeless I find it really tricky to follow astrocam
discussions. However I am fairly sure it was a member of astrocam that
first suggested that these modded webcams should be referred to as vesta SC,
Toucam SC etc. This was a real honor for me as was its adoption by QCUIAG.
The basic webcam mod was a bit of a work in progress as I had started on the
amp switch and interlaced frame download before the basic mod was published.
When I put the full advanced mod on my site someone suggested (I can't
remember who!) using SC1 and SC2 to describe the mods.
Anyway for those who would like to use them here is my take on the numbers
(remembering I am not responsible for any but the SC3 designations).
SC1 basic long exposure modification
SC1.5 basic long exposure modification + amp switch
SC2 basic long exposure modification + amp switch + separate interlaced
frame download
SC3.1 Replacement of CCD with a ICX424
SC 3.2 Replacement of CCD with a ICX424+ basic long exposure modification
SC 3.3 Replacement of CCD with a ICX424+ basic long exposure modification +
2x1 on chip binning
SC 4.1 Replacement of CCD with a ICX414 (Greg Beeke)
SC 4.2 Replacement of CCD with a ICX414 (Greg Beeke)+ basic long exposure
modification
SC 4.3 Replacement of CCD with a ICX414 (Greg Beeke)+ basic long exposure
modification + 2x1 on chip binning
I guess that's clear. Now the SC3 and 4 can be colour or unfiltered and
have amp switches. Can I suggest the pedantics amongst us use the term
"Colour SC3.2A" to indicate a SC3.2 mod using a colour 424 with a amp
switch.
Also the binning could also be used on the SC1 and SC2 mods but best no go
there!
Also cooling can take many different forms so best to describe separately
HTH
Steve
Message #: 43516 - Thread #: -
From: m.m.j.meijer@w...
Date: Tue Apr 29, 2003 5:20pm
Subject: Vesta CCD fairytales
Just for everyones information: the CCD's inside the Vesta camera's are not all
of the same type. As I noticed some time ago, some Vesta camera's have a lot
less hot pixels than others. I already suspected that they either use a higher
grade CCD (but these are more expensive) or that it is another type.
After desoldering some CCD's for making the SC3 mod, I discovered the true
reason: a "good" Vesta uses the ToUcam's ICX098BQ CCD.
So it seems that with a bit of luck you can have a CCD with very little hot
pixels inside your Vesta without doing any replacement mod.
For the proof: see the attached image. Both CCD's are from a Vesta 680.
Regards,
Matthias Meijer
Dordrecht
The Netherlands
http://www.wanadoo.nl/
Message #: 43527 - Thread #: 43516
From: glasspusher2001 <glasspusher2001@y...>
Date: Tue Apr 29, 2003 7:20pm
Subject: Re: Vesta CCD fairytales
Does the BQ have less noise or hot pixels at 30s exposures?
It would be great if you can post the dark frame of the 2
different CCDs.
Clear skies
Don
> Just for everyones information: the CCD's inside the Vesta camera's
are not all
> of the same type. As I noticed some time ago, some Vesta camera's
have a lot
> less hot pixels than others. I already suspected that they either
use a higher
> grade CCD (but these are more expensive) or that it is another type.
>
> After desoldering some CCD's for making the SC3 mod, I discovered
the true
> reason: a "good" Vesta uses the ToUcam's ICX098BQ CCD.
>
> So it seems that with a bit of luck you can have a CCD with very
little hot
> pixels inside your Vesta without doing any replacement mod.
>
> For the proof: see the attached image. Both CCD's are from a Vesta
680.
>
> Regards,
>
> Matthias Meijer
> Dordrecht
> The Netherlands
>
>
> http://www.wanadoo.nl/
Message #: 43557 - Thread #: 43516
From: niborl2000 <robin@l...>
Date: Wed Apr 30, 2003 7:14am
Subject: Re: Vesta CCD fairytales
That is great detective work Matthias - well done!
Do you know which model Vesta the BQ chips came from?
It looks like the Toucam is the better camera for planets and deep
sky then (Unless anyone finds an AK Toucam!)
Unfortunately it looks like my unmodified Vesta 675 has an AK chip so
I will just have to save it for an SC3 mod.
Robin
Message #: 43566 - Thread #: -
From: Matthias Meijer <m.m.j.meijer@w...>
Date: Wed Apr 30, 2003 8:05am
Subject: ICX098AK/BQ CCD for sale
Hi group,
As I have desoldered some CCD's for making the SC3 mod, I now have some
original Vesta/ToUcam CCD's that I no longer use. Please contact me
off-list if you are interested in one or more of these CCD's (e.g. for
replacement of a damaged one if you tried to remove the cover glass)
I am asking Euro 20 per piece (or any reasonable offer), paypal
accepted. Worldwide priority postage is Euro 2.00, registered it will be
Euro 5.75.
For comparison: Framos will charge you Euro 61.36 for a ICX098AK/BQ, but
expect to add Euro 16.00 bankcharges, about Euro 20.00 postage and 16%
VAT.
The CCD's are all O.K. (I tested them all after desoldering)
Regards,
Matthias Meijer
m.m.j.meijer AT zonnet DOT nl
Message #: 43798 - Thread #: 43760
From: Bonduelle Etienne <bondumaj@w...>
Date: Fri May 2, 2003 9:49am
Subject: Re: [OT] website upgrade ;o)
Thank's a lot Robin :o)
From my little experiments on the 424 and 2005-JG cameras, i think
the 2005-JG is really a LOT LOT more sensitive than the B/W 424...
BUT the mod is still really hard to do, and even if the noise seems
to be really low on the 2005, i think Galaxy extensions are really
hard to reveal because of the "banding" i have on my 2005 :o(
The other bad thing for the 2005xa, is the fact that this need to use
a video/usb converter and separate power and electronics...
The noise (really low, even on my non cooled VP-SC3.2mod) is really
more easy to handle with the 424, but you need to make a lot more
long exposure time on each raw frame than the 2005 to have the same
S/N ratio !!!
Another good point for the 424 is the resolution that is better than
the 2005 and the really easy to use concept of the webcam :o)
BUT the low sensitivity also make Galaxy extensions hard to cache
because of the low S/N, and the need of a lot of raw frames...
I'm dreaming of a future SC-JG-5.2 webcam with the sensitivity of the
2005 and the "easy to make and use" of the SC3.2 :o))))))
Best Regards,
Etienne ;o)
Site astro perso : http://www.astrosurf.com/astrobond/
Message #: 43921 - Thread #: -
From: Jim Thommes <jthommes@n...>
Date: Sat May 3, 2003 6:45pm
Subject: First Light - ToUcam SC3 (ICX424)
Here is a shot I took of M53. I was practicing with
the new camera and color filters. In addition to the new camera, I was using my
older Vesta as a guide camera on my dual mounted ST80. I was shooting between
passing clouds, but I don't think it hurt the image too much.
I think I am really going to like the color imaging
with the dichroic filters better than with a color CCD. And of course the
424 is a pretty sensitive CCD. I believe that I would have had better dynamic
range with a lower gamma. Also, I think the SC3 mod is going to need an
Amp Off feature. Can't explain why, but I believe I get better results with the
frames set at 10 fps rather than 5 fps.
Scope: Starmax127 working at f/6
Camera: ToUCam SC3 Gain 90%, Gamma, 75% all
else 50% fps set at 10
Exposure: 12 x 48 sec for Luminance, 12 x 21
sec each RGB
Process: Capture and align in K3CCDTools, Pseudo
flat comp and low pass filter as well as LRGB combine in Astroart. Finish level
and USM tweak in Photo Shop.
Jim Thommeshttp://home.nethere.net/jthommes/
Attachment 48k (image/jpeg) M53_fr5_RGB_AA1.jpg
Message #: 43929 - Thread #: 43921
From: wlbehrens <wbehrens@c...>
Date: Sat May 3, 2003 9:35pm
Subject: Re: First Light - ToUcam SC3 (ICX424)
Very nice image. Good color correction.
William
Message #: 43942 - Thread #: 43921
From: Will <v_stewart@e...>
Date: Sun May 4, 2003 3:54am
Subject: Re: First Light - ToUcam SC3 (ICX424)
Message #: 43966 - Thread #: 43921
From: jmt92130 <jthommes@n...>
Date: Sun May 4, 2003 0:07pm
Subject: Re: First Light - ToUcam SC3 (ICX424)
Hi Will,
Thanks for the kind words on the image...
1. The noise is residual from the background skyglo. I try to process
most of it out, but if I process all of it out then I will loose some
of the mag 16.5 to 17.0 stars. So I end up leaving some of it in; it
ends up a processing artifact. These artifacts appears in these
corners mostly due to the flat field application to the master
images. I was kind of agressive with its use.
2. The camera is a B&W CCD, so I take a detailed image with just an
IR filter (to prevent any bloating from defocused IR from the focal
reducer). This is the Luminance frame; it is typicaly longer exposure
for detail and starfield depth. Then I take separate exposures
through a red, green, and blue filter. These provide the color
components for the final image. I try not to over expose, there is no
need for depth since I ame trying to get color accuracy. You will
note that the core of the object is whitish because the color frames
are slightly over exposed there. These separate exposures of L,R,G,B
are then combined in software such as Astroart or PhotoShop.
3. Sorry for the abbreviation, I used "USM" for "UnSharp Mask". In
this particular image I think I used 1 pixel with threshold at 15 and
effect at 80%.
Jim Thommes
http://home.nethere.net/jthommes/
Message #: 43977 - Thread #: 43921
From: Alan Leggett <ALAN@L...>
Date: Sun May 4, 2003 1:53pm
Subject: Re: First Light - ToUcam SC3 (ICX424)
Hi Jim
It might need cooling as well thers a lot of hot pixels there
:-))))
Alan
http://mysite.freeserve.com/alanleggett
Message #: 44429 - Thread #: -
From: Steve Chambers <smunch@c...>
Date: Sat May 10, 2003 1:56pm
Subject: New amp switch for the SC3 (ICX424) mod
Hello All,
The SC3 mod files have been updated to include details of low side amp
switching provided by Matthias Meijer. Thanks go to Matthias, the
instruction for the mod can be obtained by following the procedure on
http://home.clara.net/smunch/wsc3.htm .
Also I hope their might also be a bit of good news regarding ICX424 based
cameras in the not too distant future! Can't say more at the moment!!! :)
Cheers
Steve
Message #: 44430 - Thread #: 44429
From: Robert Gorichanaz <rmgorichanaz@w...>
Date: Sat May 10, 2003 2:28pm
Subject: Re: New amp switch for the SC3 (ICX424) mod
What? A USA source for this chip? That'd qualify as "good news"!!
-=b=-
Message #: 44444 - Thread #: 44429
From: Tom Gwilym <tegwilym@a...>
Date: Sat May 10, 2003 8:32pm
Subject: Re: New amp switch for the SC3 (ICX424) mod
Even better - an AFFORDABLE US source for the chip! I'm a little
scared to spend $170+ on something with my 50% success rate with my
electronic projects.
:-)
tom
--- In QCUIAG@yahoogroups.com, "Robert Gorichanaz"
Message #: 44448 - Thread #: 44429
From: sinclan_ratatattat <polygamus@o...>
Date: Sat May 10, 2003 9:10pm
Subject: Re: New amp switch for the SC3 (ICX424) mod
Gday,
If we are dead lucky ( knowing my luck we wont be) someone has found
a cheap mass produced donor camera that uses this chip.. yeah I know,
dreaming again.
Rat.
Land of Oz.
Message #: 44466 - Thread #: 44448
From: Howard <Howard@C...>
Date: Sun May 11, 2003 5:03am
Subject: RE: Re: New amp switch for the SC3 (ICX424) mod
Just an update I have completed
the long exposure modifications to the camera board on the Vcam and have built
the 4016 board. I just need to connect it all together and I will be ready to
test. I have partially built the housing I will use.
Oh, Im also going to do the amp off
mod while Im in there.
I hope to finish it this weekend or early
next week.
Howard
Message #: 44517 - Thread #: 44429
From: tonyevansau <tonyevans@c...>
Date: Sun May 11, 2003 4:11pm
Subject: Re: New amp switch for the SC3 (ICX424) mod
Great news Howard. Did you have any problems at all?
Tony - Outback Oz
Message #: 44526 - Thread #: -
From: Ashley Roeckelein <ashley@a...>
Date: Sun May 11, 2003 6:28pm
Subject: Lagoon w/AT1010+SC3.2
Hi List,
Good to see some deep sky stuff from this
weekend!
Here's M8 from last night, taken with
an AT1010 (piggyback on LX200) with cooled SC3.2 cam, L(w/MV1)=50x30s
R,G,B=10x30s acquired w/K3CCDTools, register/stack in Iris, LRGB composition in
Photoshop, final tweaks in AiGfxLab. Looks like I need to use the MV1 with
the RGB acquisition as well...
Clear skies!
-ash
http://astro.ai-software.com/
Attachment 42k (image/jpeg) M8_LRGB.JPG
Message #: 44528 - Thread #: 44526
From: prideleader@c...
Date: Sun May 11, 2003 6:54pm
Subject: Re: Lagoon w/AT1010+SC3.2
Nice Image there. I noticed quite a few "ears" around some of the
stars. I cannot recall the URL but there is a freeware program called
Loreal that will remove those "ears."
Keep up the great work.
Clear Skies,
Kim Phillips
10" LXD55 SN w/UHTC
10" LX50 SCT
Message #: 44530 - Thread #: 44517
From: Howard <Howard@C...>
Date: Sun May 11, 2003 8:47pm
Subject: RE: Re: New amp switch for the SC3 (ICX424) mod
Other than the cost of an electron
scanning microscope to see the pins on the chips I had to work on, there were
no problems.
Just kidding about the microscope, but
those pins are SMALL and my eyesight is not getting better with age. There is
only one pin that has to be lifted, and two traces cut. Then, six small wires
(I used wire wrap wire) soldered to three pins on the chips, the lifted pin,
and two pads on the board. I now have all the wires attached and glued down, so
I am ready for the easy part. I didnt get any time for it this weekend,
so I will try to finish it tomorrow if I can.
I will let everyone know how it went and
also publish a dark frame when I get it all set up. As soon as I prove it
works, I will work on instructions to put on my website. I am taking pictures
as I go.
Howard
Message #: 44537 - Thread #: -
From: Erik Frank <erikfrank@w...>
Date: Sun May 11, 2003 11:54pm
Subject: M13, M57, NGC 3190 with SC3.2
Hello,
summer sky is there, so i captured our favorites and the pretty galaxy group around NGC3190.
Equipment: 8"-Newton f/4.5 on EQ5. 40x15s exposures each. Image processing with CADET (now has a synthetic flatfield as feature !).
Have fun
Erik
Jetzt bei WEB.DE FreeMail anmelden = 1qm Regenwald schuetzen! Helfen
Sie mit! Nutzen Sie den Serien-Testsieger. http://user.web.de/Regenwald
Attachment 13k (image/pjpeg) ngc3190.jpgAttachment 22k (image/pjpeg) m57.jpgAttachment 37k (image/pjpeg) m13.jpg
Message #: 44542 - Thread #: 44526
From: beekeg <greg.beeke@b...>
Date: Mon May 12, 2003 1:43am
Subject: Re: Lagoon w/AT1010+SC3.2
Hi Ash,
Did you refocus between R, G and B images? I find that with
refractors, or atleast the ones I can afford (telephoto lenses), I
need to refocus. Red focuses at a significantly different point from
green and blue. An MV1 may help if the ICX424 is sensitive to UV.
Anyway its a nice, early image of the Lagoon. Keep 'em coming!
Greg
--- In QCUIAG@yahoogroups.com, "Ashley Roeckelein" <ashley@a...>
wrote:
> Hi List,
>
> Good to see some deep sky stuff from this weekend!
>
> Here's M8 from last night, taken with an AT1010 (piggyback on
LX200) with cooled SC3.2 cam, L(w/MV1)=50x30s R,G,B=10x30s acquired
w/K3CCDTools, register/stack in Iris, LRGB composition in Photoshop,
final tweaks in AiGfxLab. Looks like I need to use the MV1 with the
RGB acquisition as well...
>
> Clear skies!
> -ash
> http://astro.ai-software.com/
Message #: 44548 - Thread #: 44429
From: Leonardo Priami <L.PRIAMI@C...>
Date: Mon May 12, 2003 2:39am
Subject: Re: New amp switch for the SC3 (ICX424) mod
Hello All, Hi Steve!!
I am going to receive ICX424AL and ICX424AQ from Framos in 24 weeks
(June). I am designing a aluminium case (an improvement of
Erik Bryssinck project) based on Vesta Pro electronic. Sorry but I
"need" to know a little more on this good news!! I do not wont
"throw away" my design and restart once again. Could You
understand me? Just a little informations....
Thanks very much for all of your works!!
Regards,
Leonardo Priami
Message #: 44566 - Thread #: 44526
From: Peter Vasey <petevasey@b...>
Date: Mon May 12, 2003 3:46am
Subject: Re: Lagoon w/AT1010+SC3.2
Loreal program here: http://www.astrosurf.com/hfosaf/download.htm But I'm pretty sure Ash will
know about it!
English help file via my Software page, either download or read on-line.
Peter. http://www.petevasey.btinternet.co.uk/
Message #: 44626 - Thread #: 44526
From: Ashley Roeckelein <ashley@a...>
Date: Mon May 12, 2003 8:38am
Subject: Re: Lagoon w/AT1010+SC3.2
Hi Donna and Peter,
Yes, I've got that one in my arsenal of nifty freeware, but haven't had a
chance yet to apply it - still busy processing the bounty from Saturday
night! :) Also grabbed an M17 and M20 with the same setup; results (with
some Loreal) to appear soon on a QCUIAG list near you!
Clear skies,
-ash
http://astro.ai-software.com/
Message #: 44627 - Thread #: 44542
From: Ashley Roeckelein <ashley@a...>
Date: Mon May 12, 2003 8:47am
Subject: Re: Re: Lagoon w/AT1010+SC3.2
Hi Greg,
No refocus seemed necessary moving between the RGB filters, but the MV-1
filter needed a knob tweak. I think I need to use the MV-1 in addition to
the color filters with the AT1010, as the R and B images showed considerable
star bloat. Anyway, thanks for the compliment! I remain astounded that
these fuzzies can be captured with a little refractor and a webcam :))
I need to find some more "plumbing" to use my new SAC filter pocket on the
SC3.2 and LX200 with reducer for next time - anybody know where I can find a
female T-thread to male SCT thread adapter???
Clear skies!
-ash
http://astro.ai-software.com/
Message #: 44716 - Thread #: -
From: Jim Thommes <jthommes@n...>
Date: Mon May 12, 2003 9:47pm
Subject: M57 (Its that time of the year again)
I have already seen several postings of M57 and
this year's crop looks good.
I thought I would offer an
early submission.
This was imaged on May 10 after the moon wend down.
I used the ToUcam SC3. There was a luminance exposure and the 3 RGB exposures.
More capture and proceesing details are on my website along with a larger and
less compressed image. http://home.nethere.net/jthommes/RingM57.htm
Jim Thommeshttp://home.nethere.net/jthommes/
Attachment 35k (image/jpeg) M57_PF_LRGB_AA5PS1_sized.jpgAttachment 21k (image/jpeg) M57_PF_LRGB_Close_AA1PS1.jpg
Message #: 44722 - Thread #: 44719
From: Ashley Roeckelein <ashley@a...>
Date: Mon May 12, 2003 10:40pm
Subject: Re: Double Cluster Reprocessed
Hi Jim,
Very pretty! As is your M57! Keep 'em
coming :) Have you worked out a cooling scheme for your SC3? Did you
apply an amp-off mod? Which one?
Clear skies,
-ash
http://astro.ai-softwre.com/
Message #: 44723 - Thread #: -
From: Ashley Roeckelein <ashley@a...>
Date: Mon May 12, 2003 10:46pm
Subject: M17,20 w/AT1010+SC3.2
Hi List,
Here's a few more from Sat. night taken
with an AT1010 (riding on LX200) with cooled SC3.2 cam, L(w/MV1)=50x30s
R,G,B=10x30s acquired w/K3CCDTools, register/stack in Iris, LRGB composition in
Photoshop, histo tweaks in AiGfxLab, and "de-ear"ing with Loreal.
Clear skies!
-ash
http://astro.ai-software.com/
Attachment 51k (image/jpeg) M20_LRGB.jpgAttachment 43k (image/jpeg) M17_LRGB.jpg
Message #: 44744 - Thread #: 44723
From: Bryssinck Erik <erik@e...>
Date: Tue May 13, 2003 3:19am
Subject: Re: M17,20 w/AT1010+SC3.2
Hello all,
It was a couple of months agoo that i looked to the messages of this
group.
Few... there is lot of work been done here !
Nice camera's and a lot of incredible images!
keep up the great work, guys (& girls ??)!
best regards,
Erik Bryssinck
www.eisystems.be/astronomy/
> Here's a few more from Sat. night taken with an AT1010 (riding on
LX200) with cooled SC3.2 cam, L(w/MV1)=50x30s R,G,B=10x30s acquired
w/K3CCDTools, register/stack in Iris, LRGB composition in Photoshop,
histo tweaks in AiGfxLab, and "de-ear"ing with Loreal.
Message #: 44791 - Thread #: 44719
From: jmt92130 <jthommes@n...>
Date: Tue May 13, 2003 0:34pm
Subject: Re: Double Cluster Reprocessed
Ash,
Thanks for the comments...
The cooling I used for the M57 is the Coleman cube sheet method
applied to the aluminum plate out the top of the camera. The plate
bends around to the front where the CCD is pretty much up against the
Aluminum. Its probably not optimum, but it does significantly reduce
the dark frame. I intend to replace the ice eventually with a
Peltier, but...
I don't have the Amp-Off mod installed yet - I just got the
instructions this week. I plan on using the low end transistor method
advanced by Matthias Meijer. I think I will do the Amp-Off mod before
the Peltier.
Jim Thommes
http://home.nethere.net/jthommes/
--- In QCUIAG@yahoogroups.com, "Ashley Roeckelein" <ashley@a...>
wrote:
> Hi Jim,
>
> Very pretty! As is your M57! Keep 'em coming :) Have you worked
out a cooling scheme for your SC3? Did you apply an amp-off mod?
Which one?
>
> Clear skies,
> -ash
> http://astro.ai-softwre.com/
>
>
>
Message #: 45121 - Thread #: -
From: Nick Norman <nick@d...>
Date: Fri May 16, 2003 0:49pm
Subject: Images from COAA with SC3 camera
-----BEGIN PGP SIGNED MESSAGE-----
Hash: SHA1
Evening all,
These are a little late as I returned from my Hols at COAA (Hi Bev & Jan!!)
nearly 2 weeks ago, but here they are - well some of them
I'll keep the messages below 50K so there will be a couple of them
First some Jupiters taken with the 1/2 meter stopped down to around 6 inches
Fl around 2.2m so f/ ~15.
Taken with a QC4000 pro, the sum a 10 second avi captured with Astro Video and
processed in Registax.
Nick
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=9Lyn
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Attachment 6k (image/jpeg) jup-03-05-01.jpgAttachment 7k (image/jpeg) jup2-03-04-26.jpg
Message #: 45141 - Thread #: -
From: Nick Norman <nick@d...>
Date: Fri May 16, 2003 1:20pm
Subject: Images from COAA with SC3 part 2
-----BEGIN PGP SIGNED MESSAGE-----
Hash: SHA1
Hi again
Now the real good stuff!
Problems with my dark frames has caused the problem in the top right corner,
will have to do an amp off mod
All the images were stacks of 10 images (except M51 which was 15) stacked in
FitsX, captured in AstroVideo @ 640*480 and resized for posting and crunched
in jpg compression so they have lost something in the translation but the
message is under 50K!!
M64 20 second exposures in 0.5m f/4.4
M61 30 second exposures
M104 15 second exposures
M51 20 second exposures in 8" f/4
zCentari 10 second exposures
M57 15 second exposures
I had a good holiday and got one or two nice images.
Thank you to Bev and Jan for their hospitality and Bev for writing such good
software
Regards to you all
Nick
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Attachment 1k (image/jpeg) jup-03-05-01.jpgAttachment 2k (image/jpeg) jup2-03-04-26.jpgAttachment 2k (image/jpeg) m104-03-04-27.jpgAttachment 4k (image/jpeg) M51-03-05-01.jpgAttachment 7k (image/jpeg) m61-03-05-01.jpgAttachment 6k (image/jpeg) m57-bw-03-05-01.jpgAttachment 4k (image/jpeg) M64-03-05-02.jpgAttachment 13k (image/jpeg) Zcent-03-05-01.jpg
Message #: 45166 - Thread #: ?
From: sinclan_ratatattat <polygamus@o...>
Date: Sat May 17, 2003 1:19am
Subject: Re: Images from COAA with SC3 part 2 / Dunno why...
Gday,
Dunno why.. but I just love that first Jupiter shot. Strange, its
not the most detailed Ive seen, not the most colourful...something I
cant explain... its certainly to do with the scale of the shot.. I
get a sense of perspective I think... like I said, I dunno.
Anywho.. Im busy running through a number of the 7 deadly sins
again.. envy, greed, lust.. blah. I dont think Ill ever get the chip
for an sc3, but it sure is nice looking at fine shots made with them.
Rat.
Land of Oz.
Message #: 45183 - Thread #: -
From: Nick Norman <nick@d...>
Date: Sat May 17, 2003 7:09am
Subject: 1/5 second & 5fps
-----BEGIN PGP SIGNED MESSAGE-----
Hash: SHA1
Hi all,
I'vve seen the caht on the 1/5 second exposure thing but... I had a different
problem whilst at COAA.
Using the SC3 (Vesta pro with new chip) I could set 5 fps and all was well,
ever one a good 'un as they say.
However using the QC4000 there was no option to set 5 fps in the driver
dialogue (as there is in the vesta one) and so up to 60% of my long exposure
(LX) frames were blank - i.e. the software 'missed' the magic frame. Try as
I might I could not get the driver to set 5 fps - there was no fps option at
all so I've no idea what fps was in use (and so only had 1/25 second exposure
available) However when I saved an AVI at 5fps and then went back to the
video source tab; magically I had 1/15th avalable and every LX frame was a
good 'un. I also suspect that I had 1/5 exposure as well. However this was
not relaible as some times I could use AstroVideo to do the 'snake oil' trick
(asBev called it) and some time I had to use K3CCDTools as AV would not do
it.
Any one ANY idea what is going on here and if there is a driver (win2K) for
the QC4000 that allows fps to be set?
Many thanks
Nick
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Message #: 45217 - Thread #: ?
From: Dr. S.J.Wainwright <astrabio@n...>
Date: Sat May 17, 2003 5:48pm
Subject: RE: Re: Images from COAA with SC3 part 2 / Dunno why...
My advice is: get a SAC7 or a Perseu ToUcamSC and start making everyone
else green with envy :-)
Clear skies
Steve
Message #: 45357 - Thread #: -
From: Robin Leadbeater <robin@l...>
Date: Mon May 19, 2003 7:03am
Subject: An unconventional mount for unconventional imaging
Hi all,
I am progressing my portable imaging system.
Measurements of the periodic error of the Eq1 and speed stability of the
basic RA drive suggest the maximum exposure is probably going to be limited to
around 10sec. To improve on this, I have fitted my Skysensor 2000 drive system
from the main scope to the RA axis of the Eq1! I will now have accurate
drive speed, fast slewing, PEC and one axis GOTO capability :-). The only
drawback I have found (so far) is that the ss2k can only store one set of PE
corrections so I will have to retrain each time I transfer the drive between
mounts. (now where did I put the B+W QC?)
Could this be the biggest cost ratio between
drive and mount ever?
Also visible in the picture is my latest
acquisition, a Toucam Pro. This will free up my Vesta for the planned SC3 build,
which will also form part of the Portable Imaging Project
More details on the website here
http://www.leadbeaterhome.fsnet.co.uk/pisp3.htm
Cheers
Robin
Attachment 18k (image/jpeg) Eq1_ss2k_1_small.jpg
Message #: 45578 - Thread #: -
From: niborl2000 <robin@l...>
Date: Thu May 22, 2003 5:50am
Subject: Vesta "no pin lift" mod?
Hi all,
I am just starting to plan an SC3 mod on my Vesta 675. Does anyone
know of a "no pin lift" mod similar to that for the Toucam? (msg#7078)
Thanks
Robin