Mallincam Micro EX

[Liquid360]

I've just ordered one of these. Obviously the images it takes will not win awards, but I've been curious about video astronomy for awhile and this CHEAP camera is enough to see if I care to explore it further. I'm not looking to replace time at the eyepiece or my QSI, but just a supplemental tool. It's uncooled and has a tiny 1/3in sensor. I'm just curious. Has anybody played around with one?

[Dave In Vermont]

MallinCam's top-drawer cams also have a 1/3rd inch sensor. I wouldn't scoff at any cam that MallinCam makes. These things are very capable instruments. I predict you'll be pleasently surprised by your results.

Do keep us posted!

Clear & Dark Skies,

Dave

[nucdoc]

I have had one for 6 months, used it a lot until I upgraded to the Mallincam Universe.  The MicroEx is a video camera, it is great for the moon, and the sun (see attached),  I could not get it to work well on Saturn but I had only a few tries, and even then Saturn was below my horizon an hour after dark so I really did no have much time to work on it.

It is also nice for star clusters, I was able to see the ring nebula, but even though the MicroEx is a color camera all of the deep sky objects come out in B&W I was never able to figure out why.

For the price it is a great camera, you will  find the focal reducer to be helpful if you get it, as it really opens up the FOV

My scope was a C8

Mark

http://youtu.be/loOeji-5Y_I

[nucdoc]

Forgot to mention it was a very cloudy day, hence the dark shadows on the pics and video

[johnno]

Dave In Vermont, on 20 Dec 2014 - 3:37 PM, said:

MallinCam's top-drawer cams also have a 1/3rd inch sensor. I wouldn't scoff at any cam that MallinCam makes. These things are very capable instruments. I predict you'll be pleasently surprised by your results.

Do keep us posted!

Clear & Dark Skies,

Dave

The Xtreme has a 1/2 sensor same as your pro

[Joves]

I think you'll be surprised by what the micro has to show when compared to pure visual. Video Astronomy is, I think, an awesome supplement to regular viewing. I'm sure you'll be mighty impressed if it is your first venture into video. As with anything, there is a slight learning curve, but once you have your head around it, you'll be amazed at what can be seen "almost live" through the telescope!

[Liquid360]

Well you guys certainly have raised my expectations!!! Strictly visual observing, to my eyes, is just so limited. Any tool I can get my hands on, to see deeper and further, is worthwhile in my eyes.

All of the info I've been able to find had the camera attached to SCT's and RC's and the like. Any thoughts on how well/poorly it'll work with a 4in frac at f3'ish? The camera arrives today, but I'll give you one guess on the current weather forecast...

[Liquid360]

I received my Micro-EX today. In all of the photos I've seen, I've apparently not been able to really get a good idea of scale. If this camera can do what you guys say.... I'll be very seriously impressed!!!! This lil thing is seriously micro!!!!!
Here it is next to my watch to express scale...
By the way, it's threaded to take 1.25in filters. Anybody use them with this micro camera?
 

[Dave In Vermont]

The Xtreme has a 1/2 sensor same as your pro

Right you are! It's the 1/2" sensor. Forgive my being remiss. After my computer-disasters here, I'm surprised I can still type my name!

Anywho - MallinCams are an excellent value. Rock Mallin truly goes that extra kilometer to give the best at every cost-level.

Enjoy!

Dave

[DoctorD]

Hi 

Have a look at the Video Astronomy and Electronically Assisted Viewing forum - it's under Science->Video Astronomy.

We've been using all kinds of devices to assist in viewing, including security video cameras, dedicated astro cameras such as the Mallincam range as well as guider CCD's - the emphasis is on viewing in near real time and not on data collection for processing later.

We're a friendly bunch and happy to share our experiences.

Clear skies

Paul