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Post Info TOPIC: DIY webcam


L

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RE: DIY webcam
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Title: Imaging the Moon II: Webcam CCD observations & analysis (a two week lab for non-majors)
Author: Takashi Sato

Presented is a successful two week lab involving real sky observations of the Moon in which students make telescopic observations and analyze their own images. Originally developed around the 35 mm film camera as a common household object adapted for astronomical work, the lab transitioned to use the webcam as film photography evolved into an obscure specialty technology and increasing numbers of students had little familiarity with it. The printed circuit board with the CCD is harvested from a retail webcam and affixed to a tube to mount on a telescope in place of an eyepiece. Image frames are compiled to form a lunar mosaic and crater sizes are measured. Students also work through the logistical steps of telescope time assignment and scheduling, keeping to schedule and working with uncertainties of weather, in ways paralleling research observations. Because there is no need for a campus observatory, this lab can be replicated at a wide variety of institutions.

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L

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Ebay: Medium Reach Web Cam Adaptor 1.25inch Low Profile

£9.95

adaptor.jpg

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Standard Webcam Thread M12 x 0.50mm
(will fit Philips SPC880/900 cameras)



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L

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DIY webcam adaptor

To attach a webcam to a telescope will require an adaptor.
For a cheap alternative to buying a webcam adaptor, a custom made connector can simply be created from a 35mm film canister.
The webcam 'eyepiece' can be modified into a simple tube (ie the lenses removed -  usually by cutting the rear end off, and enlarging the hole with a pointy knife, or drill) and inserted into the bottom of the film canister (that has been a suitably cut in half and a hole made in the base. A pointy knife rotated will drill out a suitable hole, a hole can also be melted out (Ouch - Danger of hot dripping plastic) with a lit candle).

The webcam lens should fit snugly through the hole in the base, (the lip on the webcam lens tube will stop it from slipping right through), and a small dab of glue will stop the film canister from rotating. (The original IR-cut filter, if possible, should be replaced in the hollow lens tube)

This DIY adaptor can now be screwed back onto the webcam.


A small tip is to attach this adaptor into a Barlow lens with the magnifying lens removed (unscrewed); this will allow the use of standard eyepiece filters.

Alternatively....

Telescope webcam adapter

£10.95

Weblink (eBay)



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L

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Webcam Astronomy
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Webcam Astronomy - With Real Video



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Astrocam
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Selfmade Astrocam



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L

Posts: 131433
Date:
RE: DIY webcam
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Making an Astrocam from a Webcam



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L

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How to modify a webcam to use with a telescope



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