Homemade LPI

[cjewell.rvt]

Hi everyone--
I am looking into building my own LPI out of a webcam.  Is there anyone that has tried this and if so, what type of webcam did you use?  Not sure if I should use a HD or non-HD cam and if using an HD cam which resolution worked out best.  I have watched many vid's on-line on to make both LPI's and DSI's but no one suggests a particular camera.

Any help and advice is always greatly appreciated.
Chad

[lindendave]

Hi Chad,

Firstly, welcome to the ASO forums!

I once had a notion that I would do the same and got so far as to collect some of the parts but never finished the project. Rather than share my limited knowledge I would suggest the best thing to do is to Google, Modifying a webcam for astronomy. You will find lots of links to pages and videos on how to modify a web cam for use with a telescope. I hope the information will be of some use to you.

[cjewell.rvt]

Thanks.  I have watched as many vid's as I could on both constructing basic/more advanced LPI's as well as one on making a DSI (way over my head at this moment).  I have talked with Mike Weasner and he suggested the TouCam but that line has been discontinued.  Hense, I thought to use the HD to the possiblity of more clearer imagery.  I think that I will start with just making a very basic HD camera and see how that does and tweak it to a more advanced one as I play about.  I can get a cheap 720 HD webcam locally for about 25$.  Can't hurt.  If it actually works out I will let you know.  Although I have extreamly basic mecanical skills (this should be interesting)....degree is in computer programming not computer building.

Thanks for your help
Chad

[drclay]

Hello Chad....by far the best webcam out there for astro work (planetary particularly) is the Phillips SC900 or the Phillips Toucam.  Both are USB feeds and you can even buy a 1-1/4" eyepiece holder adapter that will thread right into the front (you take the lens out of the webcam)  from a machine company called Moog (just google that along with Webcam/astrophotography).

Best of luck....we look forward to seeing some results soon.

Dr. Clay

[cjewell.rvt]

Dr. Clay -
Fast question on my LPI project if I may.  I have tried to contact the fabricator that you mentioned to no avail.  So I am going to contact a local company with some specs to fabricate a nosepiece. 

My question today: Is there a "specific" length the barrel should be?  In reading somewhere on the net, I saw that either the Celesteron or Meade LPI was the equivalent of a 5mm eyepiece.  Would it be best to have a 1 inch long barrel and add a focal adapter or fabricate a nosepiece with with a 2 inch long barrel.

My thinking on the 2 inch long barrel is that I could adjust how far into the eyepiece holder I have the imager.  Kind of a built in focus. 

I appreciate any advice you can offer.  I am very far from any type of engineer.

Thanks,
Chad

[lindendave]

Chad,

I believe that Doc was talking about looking up the Moog website located at;

http://moggadapters.com/astro/adapter.asp

They have a good amount of information on what adapters will fit what webcams, check the Information option on the left menu under WebCams. If you find an adapter that will fit the webcam you want to use you can check the prices  under the Shopping menu.

[cjewell.rvt]

Correct.  I have looked onto the site as well as e-mailed him with some questions but after two weeks he hasn't responded.  So I think I will work on getting my own made up.  I am sure that I can get it for less than the $65 plus shipping here locally.  I am curious as to a proper length of tube to have fabricated.  If Moog would have answered by now I probably would have ordered from him.

Thanks.

[Skywatcher]

Chad, I don't know if you are dead set on "building" a LPI from a webcam or not but if you check on http://www.cloudynights.com/classifieds/ you can find a used one cheap. There is another classified site which requires a fee, Astromart, where you can buy anything you desire for astronomy. I have used both sites and had good results.

Good Luck
James C
Arkansas

[cjewell.rvt]

Thanks for the reply. 

From where I have looked on-line, I am quite sure that I can build one cheaper than what someone wants to sell me one for.  So far I am only into the imager for 30$ and the only item I have left to purchase/fabricate is the nosepiece that I need. Everything else from wiring to sheet metal I currently have.  Also, I wanted to experiment with the imaging quality difference between an HD and non-HD imager.  This being that the world is going HD, plus the personal satisfaction of making something myself.

[Ron]

Chad,

Have you tried this site for adapters?

http://cncsupplyinc.com/

Ron

[cjewell.rvt]

Ron -
Thanks for the lead.  I will add this to my bookmarks. 

Chad