@samplepacks Hi there and thanks for your interest. I would look up your local astronomical society first, go along to a meeting - you will find them a friendly lot. They will help you more than you know - and save you bucket loads of money by giving you the right information.
I cant answer your question because there are too many questions I need to ask but if you go along to the club you will see I have been honest and true - so please DONT go out and buy a scope till you talk to your club.
@brucepeter2007 Thanks Brucey! I will check out my nearest club. I have a DSLR which I would love to take photos through the telescope too. Many thanks for your help.
@samplepacks Glad to help - Your DLSR will be great for the Orion Nebula - and its the images you want to go for which tells you what "f" ratio scope you would need High f ratio for the planets and low for star fields - but what size will be down to your pocket...
As you have a DLSR already you will know what I mean - good luck to you - your on the right path. Peter.
@brucepeter2007 Thanks for the valuable info! It would be more the higher 'F' ratio I think as I would like to photograph the moon and planets really. I really appreciate your help! All the best, Steve.
Great video thanks for the heads up. I've recently brought a Skywatcher 220P synscan with a modified flashed Philips spc880 webcam & adaptor. I hope to be out in the garden tonight clear skies permitting to get some images of Jupiter & maybe even Mars so fingers crossed. It will be my first time at doing this too as I only brought the scope & kit on Monday as I've always wanted to have a go at this.
New subscriber here, just got the bug sdo am stareting from ground zero... Looks like this is going to be a fun experience... I want to thank you for all of the time and effort that you have dedicated to sharing you're wealth of knowledge with us and doing so in such a way that even those of us at the beginner level feel a part of and you seem to never forget the new person, that speaks allot about your character so again thank you so much...
@BeePeeOilDisaster Thank you for your kind words and when you start from the basics you do tend to get a better outlook because you dont expect Hubble views. You should enjoy the learning curve and if I can help just send me an email and I will reply. One factor I must mention is to look up your local astro club as you will get a lot of help there and usually you can use a club scope - good luck to you and enjoy what you see - I have made a sub to you so I can see how your doing. Regards Peter
"Those photons traveled a very, very, very long way. It makes you feel very humble and very small." What a great statement for having the right perspective for observations. Have you heard of TF Torrance and his writings on science and how to approach our observations and results?
I would like to have elements of your teaching and apparent view of life!
@azsxdc731 I see you live in the states so not so easy for me to help you but it must be easier to get than here! I just type into Google "Webcam adaptor" and loads came back over here and the best price was Rother Valley Optics at about £13. I am sure if you type the same into your computer over there you will get loads as well.
Its not a major object just a bit of plastic so loads of astro shops do them but make sure you check out the price first as some prices are stupid. Regards Peter
After seelng this I have ordered a web cam and adapter for fitting to scope,£17.Now all I have to do is use it on my mk67./Peter you sound a great man.Thanks for info.Regards Mike.
@mwalsh59 Many thanks for the kind comment and all you have to do now is play with the software - always save the raw video so you can "play" with it time and time again to get to know the best way of getting good results. Time and again you will find its a bit better doing it this way or tinkering about just boosts it up a bit better - you can play with the software when its cloudy.
@ALEG0Man360 Hi there - I get asked this so often and my answer is "how keen and hungry are you to get a good scope" Its not so much what its costs but what you would do to get it...
I started off with just being hungry and I made everything - even ground my own mirror and the whole scope was made out of junk - but the optics I ground were good and the images were great - If you take a look at my site look for the video on my home made scope... So it dont need to cost a bomb.
Thank you. I just ordered an USB camera that I am going to use on one or both of my telescope mounts with tracking. The camera comes with driver and software for viewing but also includes links to registax and another program both free. Doing some research here to learn how it all works. I have tried older and more complicated ways to do this and it seems that the community has found a way to simplify the process. Really looking forward to uploading my images.
what kind of web cam should i buy as of now....i deally no more than £30.00... i dont want to buy expensive SLR cams.... i got an 200mm eq telescop... so plz do help me....
@R4ju20 Hi there - I use a very old unmodified Philips ToUcam Pro. This is one of the more popular cameras for astrophotography becasue it's lens unscrews and can be replaced by a simple telescope mount buy you could use almost any web cam as long as its for the Moon or biighter planets (Jupiter & Saturn). Go to this site for full info - start it with then add the following (Have to do it like this as wont allow it here otherwise) this site gives you all you need to know.
great video. i was wondering if it is important to have a traking telescope (i have a dobsonian). i dont really get how you get high magnifications with no eyepieces and just a barlow, does the webcam act like an eyepiece?
@xapanda1x - Need to guide in RA for best results but you can do that now with a Dob (I understand but I dont know anything about it). As for the magnification - take a look at the CCD chip size of a webcam - very small - now scale up an image formed on that small CCD chip to your TV monitor and thats where you get the increase in image size - small chip scaled up to your monitor - bigger the monitor the larger the image.
@brucepeter2007 ahh so the atmospheric interference is always going to be a large problem when trying to view the planets directly in detail? This is a shame. I was hoping to buy a fairly high-tech telescope, but not so much for photography, I just wanted to observe celestial objects purely visually. But if the atmospheric interference always obfuscates the details of the planets, I might find a different hobby. Thanks for the information. Much appreciated.
@Tazwegian Sorry for the delay in reply - I respect what you say about seeing more with a camera image than if you get looking into the eyepiece but to see it with your own eyes still gives me a kick - there is so much to see and you follow up what you see by reading about it as well. For real detail you can observe the moon which is only about 250K miles away - its features are pristine and visually better with the eye than you get with a camera so its up to you...
great video. So, are these images what you would actually see if you looked through the telescope? Because the detail of those planets is extraordinary.
@Tazwegian Hi there. To be fair you can put out detail on the moon and planets visually using technique but its hard work but this is how you had to do it...
Now with very low cost CCDs things can be adapted and amateur astronomers all over the world write computer programmes like "Registax" and put them onto the web for free so we can get better images by "stacking" pictures...
Things have changed so much but I still get a big kick out of seeing with my eye an image of a distant object...
Thank you so much!
legion3721 1 week ago
@legion3721 Hope it has helped you - good luck. Peter
brucepeter2007 1 week ago
This is a Vesta pro webcam
blobrana 3 weeks ago
Hello! Great & interesting vid! What affordable, but good quality telescope would you advise a newbie to get? Many thanks!
samplepacks 1 month ago
@samplepacks Hi there and thanks for your interest. I would look up your local astronomical society first, go along to a meeting - you will find them a friendly lot. They will help you more than you know - and save you bucket loads of money by giving you the right information.
I cant answer your question because there are too many questions I need to ask but if you go along to the club you will see I have been honest and true - so please DONT go out and buy a scope till you talk to your club.
brucepeter2007 1 month ago
@brucepeter2007 Thanks Brucey! I will check out my nearest club. I have a DSLR which I would love to take photos through the telescope too. Many thanks for your help.
samplepacks 1 month ago
@samplepacks Glad to help - Your DLSR will be great for the Orion Nebula - and its the images you want to go for which tells you what "f" ratio scope you would need High f ratio for the planets and low for star fields - but what size will be down to your pocket...
As you have a DLSR already you will know what I mean - good luck to you - your on the right path. Peter.
brucepeter2007 1 month ago
@brucepeter2007 Thanks for the valuable info! It would be more the higher 'F' ratio I think as I would like to photograph the moon and planets really. I really appreciate your help! All the best, Steve.
gimmietheprize 1 month ago
really amazing!
PiotrekPraski 2 months ago
Great video thanks for the heads up. I've recently brought a Skywatcher 220P synscan with a modified flashed Philips spc880 webcam & adaptor. I hope to be out in the garden tonight clear skies permitting to get some images of Jupiter & maybe even Mars so fingers crossed. It will be my first time at doing this too as I only brought the scope & kit on Monday as I've always wanted to have a go at this.
tich179 2 months ago
New subscriber here, just got the bug sdo am stareting from ground zero... Looks like this is going to be a fun experience... I want to thank you for all of the time and effort that you have dedicated to sharing you're wealth of knowledge with us and doing so in such a way that even those of us at the beginner level feel a part of and you seem to never forget the new person, that speaks allot about your character so again thank you so much...
BeePeeOilDisaster 4 months ago
@BeePeeOilDisaster Thank you for your kind words and when you start from the basics you do tend to get a better outlook because you dont expect Hubble views. You should enjoy the learning curve and if I can help just send me an email and I will reply. One factor I must mention is to look up your local astro club as you will get a lot of help there and usually you can use a club scope - good luck to you and enjoy what you see - I have made a sub to you so I can see how your doing. Regards Peter
brucepeter2007 4 months ago
Thanks for this video, open my eyes! Good Luck.
43lk 4 months ago
@43lk Many thanks and I wish you great views.
Peter
brucepeter2007 4 months ago
"Those photons traveled a very, very, very long way. It makes you feel very humble and very small." What a great statement for having the right perspective for observations. Have you heard of TF Torrance and his writings on science and how to approach our observations and results?
I would like to have elements of your teaching and apparent view of life!
connexcindy1 4 months ago
Thank you so much!
azsxdc731 4 months ago
I wish I could have had you for my science teacher...or my grandpa.
NocturalRyte 5 months ago
@NocturalRyte Such a kind comment - I will be a grandpa next year at last - looking forward to it as well. Regards Peter.
brucepeter2007 4 months ago
What do I search for when looking for the webcam adapter? Thanks, and clear skies to all of us.
azsxdc731 5 months ago
@azsxdc731 I see you live in the states so not so easy for me to help you but it must be easier to get than here! I just type into Google "Webcam adaptor" and loads came back over here and the best price was Rother Valley Optics at about £13. I am sure if you type the same into your computer over there you will get loads as well.
Its not a major object just a bit of plastic so loads of astro shops do them but make sure you check out the price first as some prices are stupid. Regards Peter
brucepeter2007 4 months ago
my friend, you yes you are amazing!!! <3
rfnking11 6 months ago
@rfnking11 Many Thanks - Hope the video has helped you. Regards Peter
brucepeter2007 5 months ago
@Pricklyghost106 Any questions and I am there to help. Regards Peter
brucepeter2007 7 months ago
@Pricklyghost106 Hi Steve - seen your gate from 1Km away and the Moon shot as well - now try when its dark with a nice flask of tea...
Regards Peter
brucepeter2007 7 months ago
After seelng this I have ordered a web cam and adapter for fitting to scope,£17.Now all I have to do is use it on my mk67./Peter you sound a great man.Thanks for info.Regards Mike.
mwalsh59 8 months ago
@mwalsh59 Many thanks for the kind comment and all you have to do now is play with the software - always save the raw video so you can "play" with it time and time again to get to know the best way of getting good results. Time and again you will find its a bit better doing it this way or tinkering about just boosts it up a bit better - you can play with the software when its cloudy.
Good luck and pleased I could help.
Clear sky - Peter
brucepeter2007 8 months ago
Great video,in 10 mins even I know how to do it. Thanks
mwalsh59 8 months ago
how much would this all cost together roughly?
ALEG0Man360 9 months ago
@ALEG0Man360 Hi there - I get asked this so often and my answer is "how keen and hungry are you to get a good scope" Its not so much what its costs but what you would do to get it...
I started off with just being hungry and I made everything - even ground my own mirror and the whole scope was made out of junk - but the optics I ground were good and the images were great - If you take a look at my site look for the video on my home made scope... So it dont need to cost a bomb.
Regards Peter
brucepeter2007 9 months ago
Ohhhhh righhht you need a telescope :( i thought the webcam that i was buying is an actual telescope
ALEG0Man360 9 months ago
you sound a bit like the gieco gecko!
SaturnAndItsRings 9 months ago
@SaturnAndItsRings - Been said B4...
brucepeter2007 9 months ago
Thank you. I just ordered an USB camera that I am going to use on one or both of my telescope mounts with tracking. The camera comes with driver and software for viewing but also includes links to registax and another program both free. Doing some research here to learn how it all works. I have tried older and more complicated ways to do this and it seems that the community has found a way to simplify the process. Really looking forward to uploading my images.
KC9MDO 10 months ago
@KC9MDO Well done and I am pleased the video may have helped you - good luck.
brucepeter2007 10 months ago
this guys voice sounds like the Geico gecko
calebp9503 11 months ago
@calebp9503 Yes you caught me - All royalties yet to be received - in my dreams...
Thanks for taking the time to comment ( Geico gecko looks so much younger than me to).
Regards
Peter
brucepeter2007 11 months ago
hey... please answer this question...
what kind of web cam should i buy as of now....i deally no more than £30.00... i dont want to buy expensive SLR cams.... i got an 200mm eq telescop... so plz do help me....
R4ju20 11 months ago
@R4ju20 Hi there - I use a very old unmodified Philips ToUcam Pro. This is one of the more popular cameras for astrophotography becasue it's lens unscrews and can be replaced by a simple telescope mount buy you could use almost any web cam as long as its for the Moon or biighter planets (Jupiter & Saturn). Go to this site for full info - start it with then add the following (Have to do it like this as wont allow it here otherwise) this site gives you all you need to know.
qcuiag.org.uk/
brucepeter2007 11 months ago
great video. i was wondering if it is important to have a traking telescope (i have a dobsonian). i dont really get how you get high magnifications with no eyepieces and just a barlow, does the webcam act like an eyepiece?
xapanda1x 11 months ago
@xapanda1x - Need to guide in RA for best results but you can do that now with a Dob (I understand but I dont know anything about it). As for the magnification - take a look at the CCD chip size of a webcam - very small - now scale up an image formed on that small CCD chip to your TV monitor and thats where you get the increase in image size - small chip scaled up to your monitor - bigger the monitor the larger the image.
Hope this helps you.
Regards Peter
brucepeter2007 11 months ago
This has to be the most helpful and inspiring video I have seen. Great job.
atlasdaddy 1 year ago
@atlasdaddy Thank you so much. I am pleased to hear it has helped you which is the reason I made the video.
Our hobby is not an easy one to be shown how to do something...
Clear sky - Peter
brucepeter2007 1 year ago
@brucepeter2007 ahh so the atmospheric interference is always going to be a large problem when trying to view the planets directly in detail? This is a shame. I was hoping to buy a fairly high-tech telescope, but not so much for photography, I just wanted to observe celestial objects purely visually. But if the atmospheric interference always obfuscates the details of the planets, I might find a different hobby. Thanks for the information. Much appreciated.
Tazwegian 1 year ago
@Tazwegian Sorry for the delay in reply - I respect what you say about seeing more with a camera image than if you get looking into the eyepiece but to see it with your own eyes still gives me a kick - there is so much to see and you follow up what you see by reading about it as well. For real detail you can observe the moon which is only about 250K miles away - its features are pristine and visually better with the eye than you get with a camera so its up to you...
Go along to a local club...
brucepeter2007 1 year ago
great video. So, are these images what you would actually see if you looked through the telescope? Because the detail of those planets is extraordinary.
Tazwegian 1 year ago
@Tazwegian Hi there. To be fair you can put out detail on the moon and planets visually using technique but its hard work but this is how you had to do it...
Now with very low cost CCDs things can be adapted and amateur astronomers all over the world write computer programmes like "Registax" and put them onto the web for free so we can get better images by "stacking" pictures...
Things have changed so much but I still get a big kick out of seeing with my eye an image of a distant object...
brucepeter2007 1 year ago