Wide ange camera for monitoring scope position and sky/cloud Generic equipment discussions · patrice_so · ... · 1 · 63 · 0

Dear all, 

As I am now travelling much more, I would like to operate remotely my scope on my rooftop terrasse over several days without being home. On the paper, it is not a big deal because the scope is permanently on the terrasse anyway and I regulary let it uncover if the weather is nice so that I will image again during the next night. However, it happens from time to time that my EQMOD driven EQ6r Pro loses track of its own position such that it is not able to get back to the home position. If you're home, that is not an issue as long as the scope is not hitting anything. However, you're 2000km away, that is more of an issue for the imaging session of the next day.

Therefore, I would like to install a wide angle camera or webcam on the tripod leg that allow me 
1) to see the scope position so that I am able to slew it back to home position before resetting power on the whole system even if EQMOD lost track of the mount position
2) if possible, I would be able to see the scope and some stars even in darkness. 

I know that such a monitoring cam is a requirement at Starfront if you don't have a mount with encoders. 

Does anyone has a recommadation for a suitable but very affordable camera ? Would a webcam be enough ? Or a cheap action cam ?

Many thanks and clear skies, 

Patrice