Xbox 360 webcam

[trussan]

Hi, this is my first post (probably should have introduced myself elsewhere but I guess this'll do...)

I'm Tom and I recently modified my Xbox 360 webcam to use with my Skywatcher Heritage 130p.

Unfortunately when testing it on the moon tonight the image I get is really out of focus no matter how far in or out the focuser is.

I can get the cam to focus when I tested it in the daylight on a tree (slightly closer than the moon ). Can anyone explain why or help in any way? I'd like to be able to get it working and see what kind of images I can get.

Any help would be appreciated 

Thanks!

[Langy]

Are you using SharpCap? If so make sure none of the settings are on Auto.

If you can focus in daylight then you should be able to focus on the moon.

What I find is that with my 20mm EP I spot the moon and focus with that first, then place the cam in and the focus point is actually very neat to the EP.

[Langy]

Just noticed the edge of your moon image looks sharp, so it may be an exposure issue if it being far too high.

[MattGoo]

Do you have a Barlow? Try putting that in the focuser, then place the webcam into the Barlow.  This may help with your focusing issues.

[trussan]

Thanks for your replies. I will try playing with the settings a bit and using a Barlow and report back

[trussan]

Looks like using the cam with the Barlow did the trick! Just a quick image I got of the moon about 5 mins ago. Now I'm off to see what else I can get...

Thanks for your help

[Langy]

It's so annoying when you can't get it right and then something finally works.

Just takes a lot of trials and messing about.

Glad you finally got something.

[Mikea]

Well done!

[Avocette]

I'm Tom and I recently modified my Xbox 360 webcam to use with my Skywatcher Heritage 130p.

Unfortunately when testing it on the moon tonight the image I get is really out of focus no matter how far in or out the focuser is.

I can get the cam to focus when I tested it in the daylight on a tree (slightly closer than the moon ). Can anyone explain why or help in any way?

Hi Tom and welcome to SGL membership!

The answer to your question is that you are not able to get the sensor of your webcam inwards enough to reach the primary mirror focal point. By adding the Barlow you have lengthened the effective focal length and placed the prime focus further out so you were then able to focus (with twice the magnification of course). However with the Heritage 130p you could try pushing the truss rods back a bit (start off with about an inch for instance) and see if you can achieve focus. Good luck!

[Avocette]

I've just been reading the Heritage 130p manual. Sky-Watcher calls the truss rods 'the sliders'. You'll need to unscrew the 'slider lock screws' push the secondary tube ring back towards the primary and try to do so equally on each 'slider' or you'll lose collimation.

[trussan]

Hi Tom and welcome to SGL membership!

The answer to your question is that you are not able to get the sensor of your webcam inwards enough to reach the primary mirror focal point. By adding the Barlow you have lengthened the effective focal length and placed the prime focus further out so you were then able to focus (with twice the magnification of course). However with the Heritage 130p you could try pushing the truss rods back a bit (start off with about an inch for instance) and see if you can achieve focus. Good luck!

Thank you! Good to know there's a proper reason behind it and it wasn't just me being stupid.