Post by Chicago Astronomer - Astro Joe on May 25, 2024 14:50:54 GMT -6
Wifi Telescope Cam Update
25 May 2024
25 May 2024
I really do not like lugging a laptop around, it just another item to pack in an already loaded vehicle and power supply concerns. I have been seeing these Chinese Wifi cams about and it intrigued me, as it's just one small item and wireless VPN. No forgetting a cable, which appealed to me.
For $50 it could serve as a Solar/Lunar imaging device to project onto tablets, cell phones and a larger monitor. Good for eclipses, transits and occultations. I did not expect something with great resolution, (despite the claims)...and I was correct.
I set up the 152mm Refractor with full aperture Solar filter and attached the Chinese Cam to a 50mm eyepiece. The Cam has an adjustable three-point clamping system that one snugs around the eyepiece with a rotatable ring and it is pretty solid. But I could not achieve proper focus, as it needed more back focus that the refractor's rack could provide. Using a 1.25" extension tube, solved the issue and was able to image the Sun. I used an 8" tablet as my display device for this shake-out.
With some fiddling with the app, (downloaded from the app store), I was able to bring a decent image of the solar disk, displaying Sunpots and some Phalge, but as expected, no great resolution and details. But, regardless of the ISO/Compensation settings, the image was much to bright. and I had to include a polarizer filter in the path to kill some of the light and now a decent disk was was hand.
Is it worth $50..?
Perhaps, for wireless display onto a monitor. I walked about 40' away and it was still connected, so good for public demonstration and discussion. There is a slight 1/2 second lag from the cam to the display device, making an extra effort to focus and adjust to center the image. But, it did come with a 32gb micro card. The app can capture video and stills, but the whole app experience, (although works) is rather clunky. It will not serve as a planetary or DSO cam...just too primitive. It will also work on microscopes, so that is a plus as I search the inner worlds. My next test will be if it can connect directly to a smart monitor.
I will keep it, as a back-up or when I am just too lazy to lug that laptop on a public session.
Astro Joe