Help with software for Philips SPC900

[BradH]

I just got my Philips SPC900 (thanks Brian) I have loaded the software that came with the camera. I also have Registax 4.

My question is what software do you guys use with your Philips SPC900?

How do you capture your images.

Thanks for the help.

Brad

[BT Technologies]

Hello Brad,

Here is how I do it.. First, load the software and install the usb drivers for the camera when prompted to do so. Once everything is installed and the computer recognizes the usb camera open up the V-Record software. Change the resolution to 640 * 480 as it believe the default resolution is much lower. Place an object in the center of the viewing box and focus until it the object is as sharp as possible. Adjust the gain settings as click the white balance to auto. Adjust the frame rate to 5 Frames per second. When you are ready, click on the record and the program will start taking images. After about 45 seconds or so click on end. This will create a .avi file that you want to put in a directory on your computer that you remember to access later. Try and concentrate on gathering data now and do your processing of the .avi files later.

Try not to go beyone 1200 or so frames because going beyond this sometimes causes the program (Registax) to crash rendering the entire .avi useless.

Hope this helps...

Originally Posted by BradH

I just got my Philips SPC900 (thanks Brian) I have loaded the software that came with the camera. I also have Registax 4.

My question is what software do you guys use with your Philips SPC900?

How do you capture your images.

Thanks for the help.

Brad

[BradH]

Thanks Brian

I will try it as soon as we have some clear skies.

Thanks again
Brad

[BT Technologies]

No problem Brad,

You might want to make sure that the software installs correctly along with the usb drivers and all before that perfectly clear night. Nothing is more frustrating than to have everything ready to go and then some computer "glitch" messes things up!!

Originally Posted by BradH

Thanks Brian

I will try it as soon as we have some clear skies.

Thanks again
Brad

[Jim Fusco]

Hi Brian,
About how much data can Registax can handle. I was trying to stack some 5mb shots and I was having some problems. It seem maybe 2 or 3 was max for me.

[Gary Beal]

Brad,
contrary to what others may tell you, I didn't really like V Record, instead went with K3CCD Tools, OK it costs but I use it for auto-guiding as well (with the ToUcam), so I get dual usage from it. Another equally good program is IRIS, and it is free. If you have the time to learn it, it is an exceptional program.
Registax is the only software for stacking though.
Gary

[BT Technologies]

Good question Jim..

Anything more than 1500 frames for me and the program would crash. This is why I would try to limit the amount of frames to a max of 12-1300 or so.

I don't know if the amount of RAM in the computer was the determining factor or not but since I could get plenty of data with 1200 frames, I just stuck with that amount and made sure that I did not go over it.

Originally Posted by Jim Fusco

Hi Brian,
About how much data can Registax can handle. I was trying to stack some 5mb shots and I was having some problems. It seem maybe 2 or 3 was max for me.

[BT Technologies]

I've never been a huge fan of V-record either Gary but I have not used any other program with the Tou-Cam pro. I have to check out one of the other programs that you recommended below and give them a try...

Originally Posted by Gary Beal

Brad,
contrary to what others may tell you, I didn't really like V Record, instead went with K3CCD Tools, OK it costs but I use it for auto-guiding as well (with the ToUcam), so I get dual usage from it. Another equally good program is IRIS, and it is free. If you have the time to learn it, it is an exceptional program.
Registax is the only software for stacking though.
Gary

[BradH]

Brian

I installed the software and hooked up the camera and it works. Now Iam ready for some clear skies.

Gary thanks for the info on the other software. I will try the V Record first, If I dont like it I will try the one of the others.

Brad

[Gary Beal]

Originally Posted by BradH

Gary thanks for the info on the other software. I will try the V Record first, If I dont like it I will try the one of the others.

Brad

Brad,
no problem. If you have cloudy skies, download IRIS and try it (inside) and that way you will not waste time using V Record, and learning a new program. K3 is equally good, but you have to pay, IRIS is exceptional, just quirky to use (it is "command line" based, and in French).
Gary