[AZ-Observing] Web Cam Mods: Was 2004 All Arizona Messier Marathon

I'm certainly not trying to scare anyone off. I'm just giving a warning
before you start of the risks you take trying to mod a surface mount chip on
a device you just paid $$ for. (Better buy several...) I built kits too and
have a lot of electronic assembly experience as Jeff does, but some may not
and I know no one with SMT experience. (You only need to do that if you are
interested forcing longer exposure time, plus add a Peltier cooler so you
don't burn it up.) Sure it's not rocket science, you don't need much brains,
just a good eye and a steady hand and be able to read instructions.

Jack Jones
Public Events
Saguaro Astronomy Club
Phoenix AZ
spicastar@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
www.saguaroastro.org


> At 19:32 -0700 12/14/2003, Steven Dodder wrote:
> >Having been in the electronics business for the last 3 decades, I'd
suggest
> >that attempting the mods mentioned in S&T are not only not for the faint
of
> >heart, but are best left to a professional.  The "distance" between pins
on
> >the surface mount chips is 0.2 mm.  Very close, indeed.  Even if
successful,
> >and contrary to Jeff's blind optimism, you will not rival the quality of
a
> >CCD camera costing several thousand dollars.  Do it for a fun project.
Not
> >for high quality CCD astrophotography on the cheap.
> >
> Then Jeff said:
> Hardly blind optimism. I stated messing with electronic circuits in
> the mid-1950's (Ham radio operator K2ITN). Having been a senior
> engineer at Motorola for over 10 years plus having designed and
> manufactured and marketed a photoelectric photometer, I can assure
> you it definitely is NOT blind optimism.
>
> What I am seeing is an attempt to scare people off. Many of the
> people in SAC I have seen have more than sufficient skills to
> undertake this task. It truly is not rocket science. You must be
> careful. A magnifier is strongly recommended when working on the
> circuits. Use the SMT removal kit. Take your time.
>


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