webcams

[thommo10]

At the moment I am using a Meade LPI and a old laptop using windows xp as the LPI does'nt work with windows 7 32bit which is on my new Laptop, I have tried all mods and reprograming but it still refuses to work, so I am looking for a new webcam preferably a ccd chip that is easily converted, any suggestions.

[brantuk]

Phillips SPC900 or 880 - but are you sure you can't get drivers for the LPI on Win 7?

[brantuk]

Just found this on Meades website:

"These installation instructions will help guide Windows 7 users during the AutoStar Update 5.9.2 installation. The security built into Windows 7 prevents the AutoStar Updater Installer from opening immediately after the download. After the ASU downloads, the user will need to locate the ASU executable and run the installer. See the installation instructions for more detail"

Here's the link: Meade Instruments Corporation - Software Downloads

Worth a shot I reckon

[thommo10]

Thanks Brantock will give it a go, the reason the LPI don't work is because windows 7 won't recognise it hence autosuite can not find it it windows 7 runs to a default camera (trust cam 57009 i think the numbers are).

[sengoksa]

If that solution fails the philips spc 880 is still avilable at the

amazinlgy good price of 9.95 inc vat at morgans...

[moonraker1234]

In answer to your question, one reply included reference to the Dob Users Group.

How does one join and / or make contact?

[thommo10]

Hi Brantok I tried the download from meade it didn't work windows 7 still went to Trustcam 14926 somthing, so I have ordered a philips spc 880 and a adapter from morgans Thanks Sengoksa for the tip.

[Trevor-Austin]

I'll buy your lpi for 10

[thommo10]

I have just read the posts for converting the philips 880 for astrophotography all looks a bit daunting to me.

[Beulah]

I have just read the posts for converting the philips 880 for astrophotography all looks a bit daunting to me.

The Phillips 880 only needs to be flashed to 900 - which is quite simple. The camera is then used to image the moon and the planets and does a great job of it. The camera is only flashed so that there is more functionality with the newer drivers. I am sure it still can be used to image the moon and planets in its unflashed state.

The conversion I think you write of is the long exposure modification - which involved fiddly soldering and the acquisition of more components...often this mod is done to render the cam into a guider.

[thommo10]

Thanks Sam I think I was getting a bit carried away.

[sengoksa]

I kinda forgot to mention that u need windows xp to flash the

spc 800 to the 900 cant belive I forgot that:confused: If u cant get access

to a pc running xp morgans can do it for you for a small fee

2 quid I belive... good luck with the spc880 they truly are awsome

value for money..

[thommo10]

Ye found the info on morgans website, thanks again sengoksa, looking forward to using it.

[thommo10]

Hi all I have just downloaded Sharpcap and what a surprise I got when I plugged in my LPI it worked in windows 7. Thanks Robin

[brantuk]

Sorry Thommo I lost track of this thread somewhere (I watch so many lol). Glad you're sorted mate