Webcam Mods...

Astronomiser do long exposure mods on Philips ToUcam Pro, Pro II, SPC900NC (ToUcam Pro III) or Celestron NexImage.

For planetary imaging, we also offer a service to replace sensors on these cameras and also the DMK21 with either the black and white Sony ICX098BL or ICX618ALA sensors to massively improve your camera's sensitivity.

The various modifications are listed by camera type below.

NOTE: All models of Philips webcam (ToUcam Pro, Pro II and SPC900NC) are now flashed to look like a Philips SPC900NC which means they are compatible with windows Vista. All of these cameras are supplied with both the Windows Vista and XP drivers.

The Mods...

The available mods are:

• long exposure
• amp-off
• air cooling
• re-housing
• change CCD for B&W ICX098BL

Some of these mods require others for them to operate correctly, i.e., amp-off requires long exposure and benefits from air cooling.

SPC900NC SC1.5 mods are now done 'in-case' - see image below.

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The ICX618ALA sensor...

Sony's ICX618ALA sensor which for the technically minded amongst you is an ExView HAD type sensor, can now be fitted to the Philips ToUcam Pro, ToUcam pro II, SPC900NC, Celestron NexImage, DMK21 (DFK21 and DBK21).

Tests have shown this sensor to be far more sensitive than the Black and White ICX098BL.

Astronomiser has added one or two changes to the original mod to reduce noise and artefacts and the results have been very encouraging. G.J Scheffer of the Netherlands was the first to have his DMK21 and SPC900NC cameras modified by us with the ICX618 sensor - a look at his Jupiter page shows shots he has obtained with modded webcams, an Lu075 and the modified DMK - the comparison is very favourable.

Some links to information on the ICX618ALA:

• The original mod on astrowiki.
• Comparisons from the original mod on astrowiki.
• The datasheet.

Gert Jan Scheffer's superb image of Jupiter

Bart Declercq has also had some superb results with his modified DMK - see Bart's Website.

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USB Only...?

These cameras are supplied with a parallel connection, but a parallel to USB adapter set is available if your PC only has USB ports, see the Parallel to USB camera converter.

wxAstroCapture, a new piece of software for Lunar, Planetary, Deep Sky imaging and Guiding fully supports Windows Vista and the use of Serial cameras and Serial to USB adapters and is free. Astronomiser strongly recommends this software.

Although Serial to USB support is now widespread I would recommend that you check with your software supplier before purchasing a serial camera.

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Pricing...

These costs are based on you supplying the camera and include return postage via Special Delivery/ International Signed For, insured for the full value of the camera. The camera is normally returned within 72 hours of receipt or when the cheque has cleared if paying by cheque.

If you would like to discuss modification before sending your camera, then please call me on 07709490738.

Payment Methods...

• You can send the camera with a cheque (payable to Andy Ellis) - please include an email address or phone number and I will confirm receipt. Do not forget to include a note of the required modification and return address.

• Use the PayPal Cart 'Add to Cart' button. If you send the camera before making payment via the PayPal Cart system, please note that the camera will be returned only after payment is made and may take longer to return as the job can only be scheduled after payment is received.

Please send your camera to:

Andy Ellis
Astronomiser
20 Langdale Terrace,
Low Westwood,
County Durham.
NE17 7PW

I strongly recommend that you send your camera via Special Delivery or another fully insured Signed For service.

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ToUcam Pro mods...

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ToUcam Pro II mods...

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SPC900NC mods...

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Celestron NexImage mods...

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