Posts Made By: Eric Todd

C9.25 @ F30
Toucam Pro 740
15 fps, 1/25 sec
best 1200/ 1800 frames
0030 UT
seeing: 5-6/10 trans: 5/10

Not my best of the year, but ok. Seeing has been excellent overhead, but degrades by the time Jupiter's altitude is reached.

Best,
Eric

Hello again:

I had more opportunity to test "The Imaging Source" cameras. Comparisons have now been made regarding the DMK21BF04, DMK21F04, and CS8550DiF. The DMK's both have ICX098BL CCDs and the CS has the ICX424AL. The results of my findings:

The DMK21BF04 and DMK21F04 have the same sensitivity. The only difference is that the BF is capable of triggered input and long exposure up to 30 sec. Both of these cameras also have the same sensitivity as a b&w modified Toucam. They do offer, however, uncompressed frame captures at any frame rate whereas there is compression at all Toucam frame rates. Noise levels appear to be equal to the noise reduction modified (i.e. RAW mod) Toucams at 15 fps. The Imaging Source software, IC Capture, really isn't very suitable for astronomical use. It can be used with determination, as some have done, but it's far better to use different software, such as the program Alan F uses (but unfortunately nothing for Windows at this time).

The CS8550DiF has the 424AL sensor but for anything greater than 1/60 sec shutter speed, a trigger input is required. This is a serious drawback, IMO, and no further testing was done. It's cost is approx. $1120 US and also comes with IC Capture.

I have been using the Streampix demo with the Toucam for the last week. It's, without a doubt, the best software I have run across for camera control and image acquisition in the Win environment. Although written for industrial applications, the software works great for astronomy. Unfortunately, "The Imaging Source" cameras currently are NOT supported by the software- otherwise the quirks of IC Capture would be solved.

More to come in a few days/ weeks.

Best,
Eric

Hi Damian,

I've noticed a definite sharpness increase since you've begun using that camera, although the great seeing you had helps. Excellent image! Probably the best I've seen from you!

Eric

Hi all,

My first Mars since 2003. LRGB Acquired with C9.25 @ F30 and Lumenera 075 camera. Seeing 3-4/10. Best 900 of 9000 frames for luminance, 40 fps. I hope to have more once I process a different way.

Happy 4th to all,
Eric

Here is tonight's Jupiter along with Io and I believe Europa, though difficult to see, is directly in front of the planet. This was acquired at 01:30 UT and Jupiter was only about 33 degrees altitude.

C9.25 @ F30
Lumenera LU075
20 fps
stacked best 900 of 2000 frames
seeing: 4-5/10

Happy holiday,
Eric

This morning offered great seeing until I was about to image and then it became partly cloudy until sunrise. Still not too bad of a result considering the conditions.

Eric

Nice work, Robert.

Eric

0955 UT
C9.25 @ F40
Toucam Pro 740 monochrome
Seeing: 4-6/10 Trans: 3/10

Best,
Eric

**Same set of AVIs, just with much better color balance and sharpness. Note that some folks may have to clear caches and refresh browsers to see new images. This is the final image from this set. Now moving on to the other AVIs. Thanks!**

This may be my last image during this opposition due to new job commitments, but seeing and transparency were very good this morning, 7/10. Not since spring of '04 had both factors been equal.

C9.25 @ F50
Lumenera 075M
0840 UT
LRGB, 10 fps

Best,
Eric Todd

Hi all,

I have uploaded the final version of the Jupiter/ Ganymede image in my original post.

Enjoy,
Eric