Tuthill Polar Alignment Calculator by Ray Porter

If you own a Tuthill Polar Alignment finder scope then this free little utility written by Ray Porter is something you need. Thanks to this handy utility I have never even had to look at the Tuthill Polar Alignment scope’s rather complicated instructions.

This is a more modern version of an old QuickBasic program also available as freeware on the internet.

Some important modifications have been made such as adjustment for longitude, daylight savings time, and time zone, but is still fast, light weight and very easy to use.

Mouse Cam – Connectix QuickCam Mods

I finally managed to track down a used Connectix black and white webcam on E-bay, and after a few weeks I was testing and tweaking to my heart’s content.

I quickly realized I was going to need some sort of box to put this thing in so it would attach to the scope more easily.

After rummaging around some old computer equipment at the office I came across an old IBM PS/2 mouse. Hey, the dimensions were right… Its really light, the hole at the bottom seemed the right size… Well why the heck not??

Converting a WebCam for Astrophotography

Modern webcams are very good at capturing images of the moon and planets as those targets are quite bright, and you do not need a super-sensitive astro camera to get good images. It is also a relatively inexpensive, and fun way to get a start in astrophotography.

The method described here works for most “ball” cameras. Mainly for the old Connectix (now Logitech), and QuickCam VC type.