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Posts Made By: Larry Stange

December 3, 2002 07:31 AM Forum: CCD Imaging and Processing/Solar System

Maybe a return of the legendary Toucam Pro?.

Posted By Larry Stange
Have been chasing the proverbial "Snipe" for days now. Sony discontinued the manufacture of the ICX098AK, but the ICX098BQ CCD substrate is NOT on their discontinued list. They also indicate in the substrate lists that the BQ is a substitute for the AK. In trying to find out who they are selling the BQ's to that might be manufacturing webcams, I came across info which appears that Sony's own NEW webcam & video cams may contain the ICX098BQ CCD substrate. Sony has not confirmed this....from loosely scattered info on the new Sony webcam, the total pixel count and general user discription appears to match the BQ CCD substrates without specifically saying so. More than one model may be carrying this substrate as a webcam and $90.00 video camera. I am waiting for a reply from Sony....it could be a loooong wait. Anyone know for sure?.

December 4, 2002 05:26 PM Forum: Celestron

Celestron Support VERY responsive!.

Posted By Larry Stange
In EVERY case I have asked a question of Celestrons Technical support(many), I have received timely responses sometimes within a couple of hours with facts, answers, & documentation pertinate to the enquiry!. Previous opinions of others that Celestron is indifferent to our plights seems either to be untrue or may have been under circumstances that have been changed. 5 Stars to "R" who represents Celestron Technical Support!. -Larry Stange, Yuba City, CA

December 4, 2002 06:37 PM Forum: Equipment Talk

Strange looking Telescope balance...image.

Posted By Larry Stange
In balancing the new series CR150-HD, the actual balance of the very heavy OTA lens cell to the mount looks WRONG!. i have tried various changes to still stay balanced but they are just as bad.....Anyone have any idea where I am going wrong or is this the way it should look?. Notice the Celestron Logo is almost covered too. I realize I could slide the mtg ring assy further forward up to the cell housing and slide the OTA back a tad....but that will look even worse!.

December 5, 2002 05:18 PM Forum: Film Astrophotography - Imaging and Processing

Blind focusing....Practical?.

Posted By Larry Stange
DIAL Vernier calipers could be used to measure optimium focus settings for any combination of lenses that should not change afterward unless other diagonals/lenses not previously measured are put in the OTA. Measuring points would be the end of the OTA to the camera adaptor ring or similar. Accuracy could be to 0.001 inch of focus depending on skill of person with tool. For cameras, a shot taken in 0.010 steps will start the zeroing in process before resolving it to 0.001 inch. Accuracy should be far better than any gross focus dial counter or helical focuser for repeatable accuracy. -just-a-thought. -Larry

December 6, 2002 07:30 AM Forum: Film Astrophotography - Imaging and Processing

Astrophotography 101 -2 questions.

Posted By Larry Stange
Just acquired first cheap webcam(Logitech qwikcam express). Starting my learning curve with 2 fundimental questions. 1. Are webcams used in BOTH ways(afocal AND primefocus), without the internal webcam lens?. 2. I have observed what I believe to be "thermionic noise" in the imaging which I think is due to CCD substrate heat. It appears as a "shimmering" or instability in the image. I have placed a short(not short enough, sorry) avi video file on my website at http://merlincorp.com/~barfitup/images/vid1.avi If someone knowledgable about this would kindly view that file by "right clicking the mouse" for PLAY menu and then left click the mouse on "PLAY" and confirm this thermal noise I would certainly appreciate it. My apology on the 2-3 min file loading...I am only a couple hours old in the learning by trial and error.

December 7, 2002 03:53 AM Forum: CCD Imaging and Processing/Solar System

Software fails to load Logi.webcam until....

Posted By Larry Stange
Purchased a new(cheap version)webcam to get my feet wet. It was Logitechs QuickCam Express. The CDROM setup.exe software started OK but when it found I had a later version of USB files & equipment installed, it refused to load the software programming unless I removed all my newer files & stuff. I don't bend backwards for this kind of monkey business. -Solution: Went to Cnet for drivers, found link to Logitec support files, found newest QuickCam Express installation download. Downloaded & installed all programming without a hitch PLUS I didn't have 3rd party solicitation junk added into my computer. (In case anyone is interested.) -Larry

December 12, 2002 05:27 AM Forum: Off Topic Discussions

Long term adapting IS Evolution.

Posted By Larry Stange
Adverse enviornmental changes force specie adaption to survive. These adaptions compounded in a specie over a long term is Evolution of the Specie. example: If you are in the food chain, learn to make yourself smell bad, eventually you and your generatons will evolutionize permanently into a really smelly bunch. :-) No *offense* intended

December 14, 2002 05:59 PM Forum: CCD Imaging and Processing/Solar System

Steve: On a side note sent e-mail to smunch...

Posted By Larry Stange
Late last night, asking him if anyone had investigated whether or not focusing can be peaked by looking at the signal out of the USB coming from the D/A converter & amplifier with an Oscilloscope. I mentioned if there was a data change due to focusing, it might be possible to build a sample & hold circuit or similar to drive an analog ua meter. It could be clocked from the shutter pulses I think....He has not answered as yet. When I get my 675, I will examine that feature right off..*soon as I find a USB motherboard that can be setup on a computer I'm building(trying), Parts are hard to find locally here and iits driving me crazy(ier?). -Larry

December 14, 2002 08:49 PM Forum: Off Topic Discussions

Seconded.(no message).

Posted By Larry Stange
.

December 15, 2002 06:38 AM Forum: Off Topic Discussions

Dec. 7th, & Nov. 15th.

Posted By Larry Stange
The circle is complete.

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