[AZ-Observing] Re: Web Cam Mods: Was 2004 All Arizona Messier Marathon
- From: "Gene A. Lucas" <geneluca@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
- To: az-observing@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
- Date: Sun, 14 Dec 2003 23:44:34 -0700
This is getting pretty far O-T for the AZ "Observing" List, but I would
like to add "my two cents" and then discuss this OFF-LINE (if anybody
else is still reading!!).
I COMPLETELY agree with Jack that modifying the TINY!! circuitry on any
modern electronics device using Surface Mount Technology (SMT) is NOT
for the clumsy, inexperienced, or faint of heart!! You need a steady
hand, some optical magnification, and specialized knowledge to succeed.
Not to mention the issues of protecting the circuitry from static
discharge.
Now, SOME experienced technicians (like myself, 15+ years in radar and
avionics) and maybe SOME professional electronics engineers... MIGHT be
willing to tackle a project like modifying a CCD cam, as an experiment,
but with NO GUARANTEES.
There is some info and discussion about adding manual gain mods to the
tiny-weeny Supercircuits cameras -- PC-23C and PC-164C models (ask me
about it, OFF-LINE, please) on the IOTA e-groups, and a fellow in
California (Sandy Bumgarner) is willing to do it for a small charge --
his pix and instructions are on the web. BTW, this kind of mod will
DEFINITELY blow off any warranty on the device!!
Sure as shooting if somebody sez "This is a piece of cake, go for it!"
there WILL be somebody who tries it with a slobbering iron about the
size of a baseball bat and then you'll never hear the end of the
griping!
And nobody on this thread has even mentioned the issues of dew formation
after you install a Peltier cooler on your cam. Howareya gonna seal it
up?? Lower the temp below the dew point (which you WILL haveta do to
get the noise down!!) and watch your chip fog over if you don't seal it
up. If it was that easy, you could just but the whole damn camera in a
zip-lock bag with some dry ice, right?? (((WRONGGGGGG!!!!)))
Good luck, try it and let us know how it comes out!!
Last word on this from me on THIS list, promise!!
No flames, please, everybody is entitled to their own opinions.
Gene Lucas
(17250)
These are MY opinions, get some of your own. Don't try this stuff at
home, your mileage may vary.
Jack Jones wrote:
>
> 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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