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Webcam Collimation Adapter


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Dear SGL folks,

I'm currently looking into webcam collimation after having seen this video on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ROvNH5uwDo

However, I don't have a webcam yet and before I buy one I'd like to know if there are any "out of the box solutions" for webcam collimation. The webcam used in the Youtube video is a MS Lifecam Cinema with a Billetparts adapter. These adapters seem to be sold out so do I have to make one myself or are there other commercially available solutions? The thing with most universal webcam to focuser adapters is that you need to remove the webcam's lens to fit the adapter but for collimation, you want to keep the lens intact.

If I have to make something myself, what webcam would be most suited and how do I make an adapter that will be absolutely spot on in the middle of the webcam sensor? I will only use the webcam for collimation so it doesn't have to be very fancy. Though, if a fancy webcam will fit better, I don't care if it's expensive or not. :smiley:

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Ed, et al,

The Scopenstuff adaptor is the standard 1.25" adaptor for astronomy....you need to remove the lens....

The OP indicated he had an adaptor which would allow the lens to be retained and a 1.25" nosepiece fitted. I've never seen one that does that before.

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I don't think that would work as you need to leave the lens in place.

I made one by turning a 1.25" aluminium cylinder on the lathe and then epoxying it to the front of an Xbox Live camera.  Did the job nicely.

James

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Ed, et al,

The Scopenstuff adaptor is the standard 1.25" adaptor for astronomy....you need to remove the lens....

The OP indicated he had an adaptor which would allow the lens to be retained and a 1.25" nosepiece fitted. I've never seen one that does that before.

It's probably possible with the Lifecam Cinema because the lens is mounted on the PCB and the whole lot will fit inside the new 1.25" housing -- you don't need to remove the lens to add a nosepiece.

James

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In this image you can see the sensor and the original internal housing for the camera which is itself inside an old 1.25" eyepiece barrel.  The lens fitted inside the inner housing, so there'd be plenty of room to leave it in place.

IMG_0072.jpg

James

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Yes, I can't wait to try it out. Seems like a very solid and easy way to collimate. There are still a few of these Microsoft Lifecam adapters left on Ebay, grab 'em while you can. I guess you could also make your own adapter but I'm glad I could take the lazy route.

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The picture above is mine, in a 25mm Skywatcher kit eyepiece barrel.  I just removed all the lenses etc., put an o-ring around the sensor end of the inner camera body and slid the whole lot in.  Works a treat.  The bespoke adaptors are nice, but at least there are simple alternatives if required :)

James

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Dear SGL folks,

I'm currently looking into webcam collimation after having seen this video on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ROvNH5uwDo

However, I don't have a webcam yet and before I buy one I'd like to know if there are any "out of the box solutions" for webcam collimation. 

Centering the secondary mirror under the focuser can be done using a sight-tube. No need to go  through the trouble of getting/modifying a webcam.

Jason

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Agreed, it's certainly not a necessity.

The benefit of using a camera for me was that I could set it up on a laptop, drop a reticle over the top and have it sitting next to me whilst I fiddled with all the adjustments without having to return to the focuser to see check what I was doing.  It's definitely not the only way to do it though.

James

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Agreed, it's certainly not a necessity.

The benefit of using a camera for me was that I could set it up on a laptop, drop a reticle over the top and have it sitting next to me whilst I fiddled with all the adjustments without having to return to the focuser to see check what I was doing.  It's definitely not the only way to do it though.

James

Hi James,

My point is if someone does not have the webcam (such as the case with the OP) then getting one and modifying it to center the secondary mirror under the focuser seems too much work for an alignment that will most likely be done one time. Actually, it is unclear if the OP's secondary mirror needs centering under the focuser. 

Having said the above, of course everyone is free to pursue whichever collimation method they would like to try.

Jason

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  • 2 weeks later...

In that case I believe the LIfecam Cinema should fit with the lens still in place.  In my earlier photo the lens would be inside the inner camera housing, so the entire thing should fit inside a kit Skywatcher 1.25" eyepiece.  There are instructions for dismantling the camera on Gary Honis's site, as far as I recall.

James

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In that case I believe the LIfecam Cinema should fit with the lens still in place.  In my earlier photo the lens would be inside the inner camera housing, so the entire thing should fit inside a kit Skywatcher 1.25" eyepiece.  There are instructions for dismantling the camera on Gary Honis's site, as far as I recall.

James

Thanks pal.. do i just strip it down and glue it in?  what about pointing accuracy?

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I fitted my Lifecam into a cheap and nasty plastic barlow taht came with my Bresser (with the lens removed from both).  With the microphone removed and discarded the lifecam was a gentle push fit with a couple of layers of insulation tape wrapped around it. Might make an aluminium 1.25" housing that's a sliding fit for the lifecam and add a motorised focuser.

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a focus tube? :D

Kidding, err good question, ive got plenty of old skywatcher eyepieces I can butcher?

I think you will need to take the external casing off to get it to fit, as for it then been collimated, good question, do we know that the lens is central in the body of the camera? if its not then it will be a fun task.

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