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Mars 13 October 2005
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Pre-modified Webcams...

Currently there are no cameras available, but I am currently working on an SC3 and an SC1.

This page features cameras made from webcams that have been purchased second hand or new and modified. These cameras are normally modified with the SC1 or SC1.5 mods and occassionally with a B&W ICX098BL sensor.

SC1 - Basic Long Exposure Mod - These cameras are normally good for exposures up to around 30 seconds depending on conditions and the mounts ability to track an object. These make good guiders (particularly if fitted with the B&W ICX098BL sensor) and planetary imagers and are a simple introduction to Deep Sky imaging.

SC1.5 - Long Exposure Mod with Amplifier Switching and Air-Cooling - in addition to the above, the camera is re-housed and a fan is added. The voltage supplied to the CCD during an exposure can also be controlled, reducing the amout of thermal electro-luminescent noise. These cameras can be used for exposures up to 5 minutes depending on conditions.

All cameras are guaranteed for one year against defects of parts or workmanship. After this period, I will repair cameras I have made at cost. Guarantees are transferrable.

All cameras have a parallel connector in addition to the USB connection - if your computer does not have a parallel port, you will need to use converters for a USB only or Serial solution - see the Astronomiser Converters Page.

wxAstroCapture, a new piece of software for Lunar, Planetary, Deep Sky imaging and Guiding fully supports Windows Vista and the use of Serial cameras and Serial to USB adapters and is free. Astronomiser strongly recommends this software.

Although Serial to USB support is now widespread I would recommend that you check with your software supplier before purchasing a serial camera.

Software for Webcams...
Advice, information and tutorials for using webcams for imaging - includes Windows Vista information.

No camera is provided with a telescope adapter, but these can be purchased from the Focuser Adapters page.

Although I make every endeavour to keep this page up to date, it may be possible that a camera will be sold. If you call me before purchasing on 07709490738, you can check a camera's availability. If you pay for a camera that has already sold, I will immediately refund your money.

All prices include Special Delivery insured postage and will normally arrive 1 working day after purchase.

Keep checking back as new cameras are added all the time.


Philips ToUcam Pro II SC1...

 

A Philips ToUcam Pro II, PCVC840K modified to SC1.


Philips ToUcam Pro II SC1 ASTMWSC1 SOLD
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Philips ToUcam Pro II SC3...

Front:

Rear:

 

A Philips ToUcam Pro II modified to SC3, air-cooled with amp-off with larger ICX424AL B&W 1/3" sensor high performance deep sky imaging camera, flashed to SPC900NC Optimised B&W RAW. Includes drivers for Windows XP and Vista.

This is a one-off SC3 modified camera. For a while now it has been too expensive to purchase the Sony ICX424AL sensor that is required to do the SC3 mod making this camera more expensive than equivalent cameras on the market today, but I have managed to find one only at a reasonable price. This sensor is 1/3rd of an inch and has 7.4 micron pixels meaning it has approximately double the surface area of the standard ICX098BQ fitted to philips pro webcams - this equates to a doubling in the camera's sensitivity when compared to a camera that has been fitted with an ICX098BL B&W sensor or approximately 8x more sensitive than the standard sensor. The camera will make a great inexpensive deep sky imager - see my personal website Coxellis Astroimaging for lots of examples of images taken using SC3 cameras.

SC3 - Long Exposure Mod with Amplifier Switching and Air-Cooling - in addition to the above, the camera is re-housed and a fan is added. The voltage supplied to the CCD during an exposure can also be controlled, reducing the amout of thermal electro-luminescent noise (amp-off). These cameras can be used for exposures up to and over 5 minutes depending on conditions. The camera is also flashed with an optimised SPC900NC RAW mod increasing sensitivity, decreasing noise and removing any in camera software introduced artefacts.


Philips ToUcam Pro II SC3 ASTMWSC3 SOLD
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