Ed,
I have been using a Stellacam EX for over a year now. I have even imaged Jupiter's moons in daylight with it!
I find that switching the AGC to manual and setting it at about half of maximum (to start) helps. I also switch the ELC to ALC and adjust the shutter manually. For Jupiter, I might use somewhere around 1/250 second. I am unsure of the exact settings, but start here and adjust the shutter to where Jupiter looks best, then go back to the manual gain for fine adjustment. You might also try the electronic zoom feature at about 2/3 to 3/4 of maximum to help during the adjustments and focus. Make sure to have the sense up turned off for solar system work.
I currently own (6) cameras, three of which are video. I also own an astronomical ccd camera. I find that the Stellacam EX is the most useful astronomy device I own. It's actually worth more than my Tak-106 or any of my OTA's in what it can do. You ought to see it with just a 9 volt battery and a 12mm c-mount f1.0 lense attached! I can take video at star parties with no lights. I do an immense amount of public outreach and these cameras are incredible in that role.
I don't know if you live anywhere near Nashville, TN, but if you do, consider attending the Astronomical League convention in July. I will be speaking and conducting a workshop there on the topic of "Video Astronomy -- Observing & Imaging".
Video Astronomy is still in it's infancy, but nearly everyone will be doing it within ten years. I've rarely used any of my Nagler eyepieces or my 16" scope, since I discovered the Stellacam. I've been quoted in Sky & Telescope as saying that, "I can see nearly as much in my 4" scope with the Stellacam as I can see in my 16" with an eyepiece". I've seen the Horsehead Nebula using an 80mm Orion short-tube and an f3 reducer in my mag 4 driveway. I've also seen the central star in M57 in my 4" scope under the same conditions.
Keep playing. I think that you'll become another video camera ambassador if you do.
Lonnie (aka Captain Video)
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