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Autoguiding with a QC4000?

Started by JeffinMd, 09/07/2005 06:35PM
Posted 09/07/2005 06:35PM Opening Post
I'm getting pretty frustrated with the Quickcam settings and I'm hoping someone can help me.

I've been trying to guide with a 2x barlowed 70mm x 350mm spotting scope. I thought that would be enough light for this camera. I can only get really bright stars (e.g. summer triangle three).

I'm using Guidedog, but I don't think that has anything to do with it. The settings screen is mostly grey'd out, and I'm not sure why. I did un-check the "Auto" box.

Will I get better results in Black & White mode?

Thanks.
Posted 09/07/2005 08:30PM #1
Jeffry,
I was guiding with a Vesta Pro. With that camera, there was a way to get its electronic shutter to run .2 sec. That was enough to get me about a mag 5.5 to mag 6 star with an 80mm refractor at 1200mm. I don't know if the Quickcam can do something similar, but I would guess if your shutter is at 1/10 or 1/25 you are getting about the best you can.

Again, I can't speak for the QC, but the Vesta did no better in B&W.

I currently use a LE modified ToUcam and I can guid on mag 8 stars on a night with good seeing.

Jim Thommes

Mak-Newt 152 mm
C8
Megrez II APO
Zenithstar 66 mm APO
G11/Gemini
ST8300M
Artemis285 Camera
Canon 350D DSLR

http://jthommes.com/Astro/