[AZ-Observing] Re: Video Astronomy

To keep this thread going a bit longer, folks who are interested in
getting started with astronomical video should join and read the
VideoAstro e-group:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/videoastro/
Here is the FAQ for more info:
http://www.fortunecity.com/victorian/canterbury/222/astrovid.htm
Lots of good tips for beginners, what kind of cameras, equpment, how to
do it, etc.

Using VIDEO equipment to image astronomical objects can be a lot of fun,
and a less-expensive and less-complicated way to get going with this
interesting technology. Standard video (30 frames per second, NTSC
video) has to be digitized with a "frame grabber" before it can be
processed on a PC.  There is a fair amount of software (much of it
shareware) that can be used to stack and average video frames to get
really sharp pictures, beyond what can be done with "dynamic" video at
30 frames per second (which is pretty much limited to the solar system).

You might want to review the products on the Adirondack Video Astronomy
web pages, one of the leading suppliers, who also have their own line of
specialized cameras:  http://www.astrovid.com/
((FOR INFO ONLY -- NOT AN ENDORSEMENT))

There also is a separate group, QCUIAG (Quick Cam Unconventional Imaging
Advanced Users Group, I think) for people interested in digital web cam
techniques.  Web cams are different from video cameras, in that they
feed the signal directly to a PC:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/QCUIAG/

This not quite the same as standard rate (analog) video. And should not
be confused with the more advanced "static" imaging that is achievable
with the more expensive instrument grade CCD cameras (SBIG, Apogee,
Audine, etc.)

IOTA (the International Occultation Timing Association) has a good
amount of information on astro video setups, equipment, how to image and
time occultation events, etc. on their web pages, plus a lively e-group:
IOTA Home Pages (also gives latest predictions for events, lunar and
asteroids):
http://www.lunar-occultations.com/iota/iotandx.htm
IOTAoccultations e-group:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/IOTAoccultations/

There is interesting material on the web by several of the authors who
have published books and articles on astrovideography, such as Ron
Wodaski, Ron Dantowitz, and Steve Massey (with Dobbins and Douglas).
 
And the Orange County Astronomers (OCA) have hosted talks on astrovideo
at their AstroImaging conferences.
http://www.ocastronomers.org/astroimage/

Have fun!

Gene Lucas
(17250)
(Astro video since late 1970s....)

 
Joe Macke wrote:
> 
> >If you want to record asteroid occultations, the Super Circuits PC164C is
> >the inexpensive way to go, at about $130.  Black and white only.  Plugs
> into
> >a VCR recorder or video camera if it has an external jack for same.
> >Astrovid B&W version is slightly better perhaps than the PC164C, but at
> >about $600 for a slight improvement, it's your choice.  Don't know too much
> >about the color version.
> >
> I have a PC164C, don't forget to consider that you'll need a 12V battery to
> power the camera (marine, deep-cycle is recommended, about $50,) some kind
> of monitor and VCR to record (I've got a combo that was $99.) and means of
> powering the monitor/VCR (inverter and same battery, another $99.)  Also,
> the cabling.  I made the power cable for the camera, I don't know if you can
> buy one.  You can dispense with the inverter if you're only going to
> vid-observe from home or a powered site, and the battery can be less capable
> under the same circumstances.  Also, for asteroid occultation work, you'll
> want a shortwave radio to receive WWV or WWVH and a cable to get its audio
> to the VCR  (I have a $29 cheapo that has marginal performance, probably
> just needs an inexpensive antenna addition.)  Tax, title, dealer prep not
> included.  Your mileage may vary.
> 
> Joe
> 
> --
> See message header for info on list archives or unsubscribing, and please
> send personal replies to the author, not the list.
--
See message header for info on list archives or unsubscribing, and please 
send personal replies to the author, not the list.

Other related posts: