Posted inAstronomy CCD Cameras & Autoguiders

The CB245 CCD CookBook Camera

First of all, my electronics knowledge is little or none. Sure I’ve had to learn a bit in the process of putting this thing together but I still consider myself a complete newbie when it comes to reading a wiring diagram or even figuring out how to wire 2 transformers together. If you fit this description this is not exactly an easy project but if you are patient and are willing to learn, adapt, and implement modifications to suit your needs it is an immensely enjoyable and ‘doable’ project.

Berry, Kanto, and Munger have put together an incredibly simplified, and unbelievably robust project. My list of mistakes in building this have been long and severe, but somehow its kept on ticking, and it is finally ready to take some pics. This thing surviving my building it is an achievement in itself! 😉

Check out my CB245 gallery for images taken with this camera:
https://astroturtle.com/imaging/

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Posted inAstronomy CCD Cameras & Autoguiders

Mouse Cam – Connectix QuickCam Mods

I finally managed to track down a used Connectix black and white webcam on E-bay, and after a few weeks I was testing and tweaking to my heart’s content.

I quickly realized I was going to need some sort of case to put this thing in so it would attach to the scope more easily.

After rummaging around some old computer equipment at the office I came across an old broken IBM PS/2 mouse. Hey, the dimensions were right… It is really light, the hole at the bottom seemed the right size… Well why the heck not??

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Posted inAstronomy CCD Cameras & Autoguiders

Converting a WebCam for Astrophotography

Modern webcams are very good at capturing images of the moon and planets as those targets are quite bright. You no longer need a super-sensitive (and expensive) astro camera to get decent planetary images. A modified webcam is a relatively inexpensive, and fun way to get a start in astrophotography.

The method described here works for most “ball” cameras. Mainly for the old Connectix (now Logitech), and QuickCam VC type.

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