Availability of Toucam or equivalent?

Among those who use webcams, the Toucam models seem to be favored, but
nothing by that name seems to be sold anymore (in the US, anyway).

I gather that its major selling point was the CMOS sensor; were there
other features that made it such a popular choice?

If it's really not available, what's the current model(s) of choice?

--
Bert Hyman | St. Paul, MN |

The major points were that it used a CCD, not CMOS sensor, for reduced noise at
long exposure times, and that plans for modifying it for longer exposures were
posted on the web at several locations.

However, if you're only interested in solar, lunar, and planet imaging, then any
CCD based web camera that uses the same lens as the ToUcam can be used. I used
a Creative Pro eX model and it has worked well, well enough through my 5-inch
Maksutov to post images on the web at least. I believe one of the Logitech web
cameras also fits the bill. Most web cameras use the same lens to focus, so
they have to have the same threads to focus the camera (it's a screw in lens) so
adapters for the ToUcam will fit these others, although with the Creative Pro eX
I had to disassemble the camera to take its lens off, but since replacing the
lens voids the warranty and return policy, what's the difference?

If there is some inherent advantage the ToUcam enjoys over these others for JUST
lunar, solar, and planet imaging using stacking, then I am unaware of it.

Clear and Steady Nights !
--- Dave
--
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Pinprick holes in a colorless sky
Let inspired figures of light pass by
The Mighty Light of ten thousand suns
Challenges infinity, and is soon gone




"Bert Hyman" wrote in message
...
Among those who use webcams, the Toucam models seem to be favored, but
nothing by that name seems to be sold anymore (in the US, anyway).

I gather that its major selling point was the CMOS sensor; were there
other features that made it such a popular choice?

If it's really not available, what's the current model(s) of choice?

--
Bert Hyman | St. Paul, MN |

(David Nakamoto) wrote in news:q4bCf.37379
$Le2.25221@trnddc04:

The major points were that it used a CCD, not CMOS sensor

Grumble... That's what I -meant to say...

But thanks for the rest of the info.

--
Bert Hyman | St. Paul, MN |

No Biggie Bert. It's just a set of letters, as we said where we used to work.
(^_^)

--- Dave
--
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Pinprick holes in a colorless sky
Let inspired figures of light pass by
The Mighty Light of ten thousand suns
Challenges infinity, and is soon gone




"Bert Hyman" wrote in message
...
(David Nakamoto) wrote in news:q4bCf.37379
$Le2.25221@trnddc04:

The major points were that it used a CCD, not CMOS sensor

Grumble... That's what I -meant to say...

But thanks for the rest of the info.

--
Bert Hyman | St. Paul, MN |

Either mavin.com or goldmine-elec.com have a board color cam
with 1 lux sensitivity. Looks like different chips, but likely the
same ccd. 29.00, I think /mark


Bert Hyman wrote:

Among those who use webcams, the Toucam models seem to be favored, but
nothing by that name seems to be sold anymore (in the US, anyway).

I gather that its major selling point was the CMOS sensor; were there
other features that made it such a popular choice?

If it's really not available, what's the current model(s) of choice?