(meteorobs) Astrovid "Fireball Camera"

[Leo S]

Thanks for that useful info Chris, and all.

I'm toying with the idea of building one. As far as I 'm aware there are 
no all sky meteor cameras here in the UK.

I'm planning to go through the list archives for tips, but are there any 
useful web pages/guides on building your own?

Also, what are the main pitfalls? :)

Leo


Chris Peterson wrote:
> 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
>
>