From: "Tim" <tjp314@pacbell.net>

Date: November 10, 2006 3:34:14 PM MST

To: Astro_IIDC@yahoogroups.com

Subject: Anybody else using Pt Grey cameras?

Reason I ask is that I'd like to add another camera, and be able to

switch back and forth between it and the Flea as to which I use for

guiding while I image with the other.  I have to admit that i like the

color on-chip cameras the best.  I have a ST2000XM, Meade DSI Pro, and

prototype Starfish cameras for grayscale, and the SBIG and Meade have

color filters with them.  But I must be the ultimate in lazy dude

units, as I use the flea far more than the others because it's so easy

to set up and use, and weighs essentially nothing.  (Ever see a C-8

with an ST2000XM with the AO-7 and CFW-10 attached on an EM-10?: 

Can't balance in Dec without adding a weight on the sky end of the

dovetail, and then it looks pretty comical).

I also like the Pt Grey cameras' long exposure capability.  

But not necessarily their prices.  (it looks like I might be able to

buy about 3 low-end TIS cameras for the price of a flea, and I'm

drooling over the even more expensive Scorpions).

I'm planning on adding a Shoestring GPUSB gizmo so I can guide with

one camera, but I haven't ordered one yet.

I still have the Aplux version of the Fire-i, but it's pretty old (4

years) and its sensitivity is pathetic.  I've never been able to see

any but the very brightest stars with it.

Thinking out loud... ...hope the noise isn't disturbing!  ;o)

-Tim.