* Astronomy

DIY webcam adaptor

To attach a webcam to a telescope will require an adaptor.
For a cheap alternative to buying a webcam adaptor, a custom made connector can simply be created from a 35mm film canister.
The webcam 'eyepiece' can be modified into a simple tube (ie the lenses removed -  usually by cutting the rear end off, and enlarging the hole with a pointy knife, or drill) and inserted into the bottom of the film canister (that has been a suitably cut in half and a hole made in the base. A pointy knife rotated will drill out a suitable hole, a hole can also be melted out (Ouch - Danger of hot dripping plastic) with a lit candle).

The webcam lens should fit snugly through the hole in the base, (the lip on the webcam lens tube will stop it from slipping right through), and a small dab of glue will stop the film canister from rotating. (The original IR-cut filter, if possible, should be replaced in the hollow lens tube)

This DIY adaptor can now be screwed back onto the webcam.

A small tip is to attach this adaptor into a Barlow lens with the magnifying lens removed (unscrewed); this will allow the use of standard eyepiece filters.

Alternatively....

Telescope webcam adapter

£10.95

Weblink (eBay)

Selfmade Astrocam