V-Gear TalkCam Tracer CCD Webcam as alternative to SPC900NC

[JamesF]

Hmm. The focal length of your scope is not working in your favour with this one. Are you using the barlow that came with the scope or another (and if the latter does that mean you have two)?

James

[Radders]

Hi James, I'm just using a single x2 GSO Barlow. Do you think the collimation might be out or is it a focusing issue? I'm brought some stuff from Maplins to do the electric focuser so I'm hoping that will help.

Radders

[JamesF]

If you had a barlow with the telescope you could try stacking them to get a larger image. I don't know if there'll be enough light there to get it to work, but it's worth a go.

It would make sense to check collimation so it can be eliminated, but focus would probably always be favourite.

I've not worked it out, but I'd estimate that when I'm focusing my Mak for planetary imaging I get down to the point where I'm moving the focus by fractions of a millimetre to get the best image and there's very little between what I consider "good" and "not worth bothering with". The more control you have over the focusing and the more sensitive you can make it the better. You'll still find that the planet drifts in and out of focus repeatedly, but that's just the disadvantage of having an atmosphere really.

James

[Radders]

Cheers James. No didn't get a Barlow with the scope so I'll have to get another one or a x4. Are imagemate's any good? I've not got round to doing the dreaded collimation check yet. I've read horror stories about it!

I know the slightest touch does make the scope shake which I suppose is inevitable with a basic mount. I'll keep plugging away.

It's a definite improvement on my last efforts with the xbox cam.

Radders

[Distorted Vision]

Radders, wondering if you had tried any more imaging with the V-Gear TalkCam. I've not got round to modding mine but hoping to get round to it over the Bank Holiday weekend.

[walleco]

Hi all. I just got a used V-Gear TalkCam. The adapter would actually just barely screw in to the thread. I wasn't able to get focus when only mounted on focuser, so I wanted to get the adapter further in. After doing the same (hack-sawing the top of where the lens screws in) I noticed that the threaded section was actually sort of separate but joined at the top, so that was then no longer attached to the webcam. Luckily enough the adapter fit very snug and straight in to the webcam...no gluing, no screwing. Let's see if I can test it out tonight...and my dob will be stable enough :-)

[walleco]

Ended up with nice visibility last night...need to work on Venus though :-)

[Distorted Vision]

I have 5 brand new V-Gear Talkcam cameras. If anyone is interested in buying one please send me a PM.

Thank you!

[walleco]

Got these 2 images recently. I find Iris more effective than Registax (at least for Orion Nebula - I couldnt near the same image with Registax). Need to to work on stability and exposure levels. No tracking involved. I am happy with the TalkCam though...