Webcam for 10-10

[SteveOak]

There's a free one here that works well with no adverts or other rubbish attached. There's loads of options to zoom, change resolution etc.
https://www.sharpcap.co.uk/

I just realized that this is the same one I had posted. It would have been easier for me if I had seen it in your post.

Have you figured it out? I got it to work but there are settings I don't understand.

 

[Mikemci]

Virtually all phone cameras use CMOS (Complimentary metal-oxide semiconductor) technology. In the semiconductor world there is a phenomenon known as thermally induced poly-silicon migration.

In simple terms, electrons passing through the poly-silicon cause heat. This heat induces the poly-silicon to migrate. As the poly-silicon migrates the performance of the device degrades. When enough poly-silicon has migrated the device fails.

It is my understanding that due to cost, packaging limitations and expected use, cell phone cameras are not designed to and are not expected to be operated in continuous video mode for long periods so doing so will cause them to fail prematurely.

Think of shooting long strings rapidly. This will cause your barrel to erode faster and to lose accuracy sooner.

Webcams on the other hand are expected to be operated in continuous video mode for long periods so at least some consideration as to thermal operational aspects has been made.

To make it even simpler, which would you rather burn up, a $20 webcam or a $500 phone?

I am especially aware of this phenomenon as it is an important consideration when designing and testing critical electronic systems for commercial aircraft for immunity to lightning. The FAA testing protocol is 10 strikes positive and 10 strikes negative at not greater than 1 minute intervals for damage effects testing and not greater than 5 minute intervals for upset/damage effect testing. We wait as long as we can between strikes to allow the components to cool in between strikes. Not waiting can and has caused artificially induced failures

If you use a web cam and connect it to a tablet, will you get the poly-silicon migration on the tablet screen or does that only occur if the device is in camera mode?

 

[1066]

I just realized that this is the same one I had posted. It would have been easier for me if I had seen it in your post.

Have you figured it out? I got it to work but there are settings I don't understand.

www.sharpcap.co.uk

I just use the basic functions Steve - "Plug and play" does it for me. There's just so much stuff there, ideal if your doing time exposures of distant galaxies but we are looking at a needle 2" away. It's free, it's easy, there's no ads or trash,what more do you need....I have no connection with the site or program, just a happy user.

 

[SteveOak]

If you use a web cam and connect it to a tablet, will you get the poly-silicon migration on the tablet screen or does that only occur if the device is in camera mode?

The tablet screen is intended for continuous use. No worries.

The poly-silicone migration concern I addressed is for the camera sensor.

 

[SteveOak]

www.sharpcap.co.uk

I just use the basic functions Steve - "Plug and play" does it for me. There's just so much stuff there, ideal if your doing time exposures of distant galaxies but we are looking at a needle 2" away. It's free, it's easy, there's no ads or trash,what more do you need....I have no connection with the site or program, just a happy user.

I have used just the basic functions. I especially like the cross hair overlay.

I downloaded the user manual. Lots of capabilities. I am impressed that I can click through some menus and access the Logitech software to make some adjustments to cam settings.