Telescopes & Binoculars Video Eyeware User Manual

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Welcome to a new world of adventure. Your new StarShoot
Solar System Video Eyepiece (SSVE) is capable of display-
ing detailed, full-color video of astronomical objects in our
solar system. The planets, Moon, and Sun (with optional
solar filter) can all be imaged to create spectacular views
on your TV Screen. The SSVE can even be used during the
day to take images of terrestrial subjects. You’ll find that
this inexpensive, yet capable and easy to use camera will
enhance all of your journeys with your telescope.
Please read this instruction manual before attempting to
use the camera.
Parts List
StarShoot Video Eyepiece (SSVE)•
9V power adapter•
System Requirements (refer to Figure 1)
Telescope
The SSVE can be used with virtually any telescope that is compatible with
1.25" format eyepieces. The camera simply is inserted into a focuser in the
same way as a standard eyepiece (Figure 1). If you use a star diagonal, you
should remove it. If your telescope does not have enough inward focus travel,
you will need to use an optional 1.25" Barlow lens to extend the telescope’s
focal plane to the camera’s imaging plane.
For most types of astro-imaging with the SSVE, using a telescope with a
focal length of at least 1000mm is recommended. Otherwise, the image scale
may be too small. To increase the effective focal length of your system, use a
Barlow lens or other type of tele-extender lens.
Mount
While using an equatorial (EQ) mount is recommended to achieve the best
results, one is not absolutely required for general imaging with the SSVE.
Since the maximum exposure time is only a fraction of a second, astronomical
objects will not drift significantly through a telescope attached to an altazimuth
mount or Dobsonian base during single image captures. Use a sturdy mount
that is appropriately sized for the telescope tube being used.
For obtaining the best planetary images, however, we do recommend an equa-
torial mount. Planetary imaging requires combining many individual images,
and having an equatorial mount will prevent the planet from drifting out of the
field of view of the camera during the time it takes to acquire the large number
of images necessary. A motor drive (single-axis) is recommended too, so you
can track the target object as you transmit live images to your laptop or PC.
Video can be recorded via standard VCR’s, DVR’s or Camcorder’s equipped
with a composite RCA input. Movie files can then be downloaded to a PC for
image processing.
Image Processing Software
http://www.astronomie.be/registax
http://www.avistack.de
Website links are provided above to download popular free Image processing
software to be used with your image files to enhance your astro Images.
Image Processing Software such as RegiStax or AviStack can Align and Stack
(combine) hundreds of individual images into a single resultant image and per-
Figure 1.
To use the SSVE, a telescope, mount and viewing/recording device that
accepts RCA composite input such as TV, Camcorder, DVR and VCR.