Webcam Telescope Adaptor

thingiverse

I designed this webcam adaptor after finding that most of the existing designs were designed to fit into the eyepiece tube, rather than over an eyepiece. I wanted to be able to use eyepiece projection rather than prime focus. The webcam mounting plate is specifically designed to fit my Logitech C210, but could easily be modified for another camera. I designed it in two pieces so that they could be printed with no support, and replaced if anything broke. The eyepiece holder is the result of a lot of trial and error with various eyepieces, and having problems with either friction fit or wobble. In this design, rubber bands are stretched across openings that let them intrude under tension slightly into the eyepiece tube, allowing the adaptor to be easliy attached or removed without disturbing the telescope position. I also recommend that you get or make a parfocal ring as shown in the last photograph. Once you achieve a good focus with the camera and the eyepiece you plan to use, take that eyepiece and the camera out. Get one of your other wider-angle eyepieces and put it in the eyepiece holder with the parfocal ring loosely on it. Slide the eyepiece in and out until you get a good focus (don't change the focus knob). Once you have the good position, slide the parfocal ring to hold the eyepiece there, and tighten the knob or clamp. Now you can find your target easily with one eypiece, and use the webcam and other eyepiece without needing to refocus!