One of my previous project ideas, stemmed from an article in Astronomy magazine, was to use my low cost webcam (Phillips SPC 900NC) to take high quality images of the moon and other objects. I have recently been putting more time into this, but have been frustrated by an inability to focus properly. I had intended to use my TeleVue Pronto refractor, however this will not be possible. When used together, the scope is unable to focus on objects more than about 30 meters away. Hardly far enough to focus on anything useful. I think the problem arises because there is no lens in front of the CCD sensor to allow the correct compensation. If my thinking is correct, a telescope with a longer focal length should be able to allow proper focus at astronomically reasonable distances.
So hopefully I’ll be able to make use of another telescope soon, so that i can at least get some images to play with.
Edit (12-27-2008): As noted below, the problem is solved by using the camera adapter that goes with this particular telescope. I do have it, and it does work as intended, but time constraints have prevented me from following my initial plans. Maybe after graduation I’ll have some time to spare…
Just need a longer nose piece to allow focus with the telescope.
Yes, I realized that not too long after playing with it. The regular camera adapter for the telescope is about 6 inches long and allows for the proper focus. I have played with it a little, but lack of free time has prevented me from doing anything serious.