(meteorobs) Astrovid "Fireball Camera"

[Chris Peterson]

I don't think they use a modified camera- just a basic Watec 902 or similar. 
The sensor isn't cooled (that provides no value for meteor work), just the 
enclosure, and just by simple air circulation with the outside. I guess if 
you're in a real hot climate that might be useful; I've never had any 
problem with the camera getting too hot. I heat mine all the time, 
circulating waste heat from the camera. That's more than enough to keep the 
dome dew and frost free.

To use if constructively for meteor work you need to buy a frame grabber and 
UFOCapture. That software works well, but isn't entirely user friendly. 
There's a definite learning curve. And anybody can buy UFOCapture- it works 
with any video camera and most frame grabbers.

Chris

*****************************************
Chris L Peterson
Cloudbait Observatory
http://www.cloudbait.com


----- Original Message ----- 
From: "stange" <stange34 at sbcglobal.net>
To: "Global Meteor Observing Forum" <meteorobs at meteorobs.org>
Sent: Monday, November 24, 2008 4:54 PM
Subject: Re: (meteorobs) Astrovid "Fireball Camera"


> My impression too Chris when it first came out.
>
> It is designed for those that have limited construction skills or have
> excessive funds to play with. It is likely just a package using previous
> modified B/W cameras that they market. -....Like my Stellacam II. with a
> 1/2" CCD from them. It is cooled though which is a big advantage & they
> offer user friendly software etc. Kinda a "turn-key" package.....
>
> YCSentinel
.org/mailman/listinfo/meteorobs