From: "Tim" <tjp314@pacbell.net>
Date: September 12, 2005 5:08:37 PM MDT
To: Astro_IIDC@yahoogroups.com
Subject: Flea IR filter
Milton:
I've gotten a reply back from Pt Grey. I'm told that the camera can't be assembled without
the filter, but I could remove it myself (and void the warranty) or order a different camera
(the Scorpion has a removable filter). I'm thinking of going with a Scorpion, which is more
expensive but also has a large number of possible CCD and CMOS sensor choices. I've
asked Sean about the different sensors, but wonder what your experiences are with the
Scorpion, and if you forsee any problems/configurations of the Scorpion that might not be
compatible with Astro IIDC.
planetarily,
-Tim.
--- In Astro_IIDC@yahoogroups.com, "Tim" <tjp314@p...> wrote:
Milton:
Whoah!
Since I've ordered my Flea already, but it's not due for a month and a half or more, I'll
definitely put in a request that the filter NOT be installed. I've also ordered a Mogg C-
mount 1 1/4" adapter, so I'd rather use a screw-in Baader IR block filter.
Thanks for the heads-up!
-Tim.
--- In Astro_IIDC@yahoogroups.com, "Milton Aupperle" <milton@o...> wrote:
Hi Folks;
I just updated the Astro IIDC page
http://www.outcastsoft.com/ASCASTROIIDC.html
with new inf and a revisted camera listing. The new listing indicates
what "published" video sizes the cameras support and added some new
larger format "The Imaging Source" cameras too. I have also removed
all of ProSilica's cameras for several non compliance issues with the
IIDC specification. Also, some how the old 2.01.00 version site was
being loaded up (I'm not sure how that happened) and I've restored it
to the 2.02.00 site from backups.
On a side note, for any of you who have ordered Point Grey Research
color cameras, you may want to consider this before you take delivery.
The IR filter on the Flea and Scorpion cameras are "fixed" in place
(glued) and can not be easily removed at all without completely
disassembling the camera and boards. For terrestrial, lunar/solar/ +/-
planetary imaging, a IR filter is a "good thing", but for DSO's it
will remove light. From past experience, I know that most IR filters
exclude a considerable amount (10 to 30%) of incoming light,
depending on their quality and cut off characteristics. With an
external filter, you can decide when you want to use or not use IR
filters, but if it's fixed in place then you have no choice at all.
So I had a conversation with some of the tech support people at Point
Grey Research on Friday about this issue and was told that people can
ask for the filter to be removed on their undelivered cameras. This
will be offered in the future as an option when you order the camera.
For people that have already gotten their cameras (i.e. me), they
suggested that it would be best to return the camera to Point Grey
Research with an RMA (Return Merchandise Authorization) number and
they would remove the Filter for you. I'm not sure what this will
cost, but it's the route I'm leaning towards as the Flea is not the
sort of camera I want to disassemble.
Hope that helps...
Milton Aupperle