Meade is now offering what looks like a webcam-based camera for lunar/planetary imaging. The price is right for those of us who have no fingers for modifying an extant webcam. Since I've been thinking about doing some regular lunar imaging, I was wondering if anyone has had some experience with the item.

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The Devil offered me power. I told him I preferred aperture.

It's a pretty new item, which I understand started shipping in the last two weeks. I've seen some images, but I'm not too impressed. My initial reaction may be because the people doing the imaging were new to "webcam" imaging (and the registration/stacking process), or it may be because the hardware isn't as good as some webcams.

The package includes some software that may or may not be of use to you (more likely so if you own an Autostar controlled scope). There are free/shareware software packages that can do the same or similar functions.

I doubt very much that the autoguiding software will be of much use, since it uses serial commands to the Autostar, and the camera itself may not be able to track fainter guide stars. Guiding doesn't use the standard connectors or signals that most autoguiders use, so without the Autostar, that's useless.

For the meanwhile, I'd wait until more images are posted from more experienced users, and see what the general consensus is in regards to a regular webcam. For the time being, I'm sticking to my modified 3com Homeconnect webcam, my digital camera, and film.

It would be nice if they offered the camera without the software and other goodies, for those that don't have a Meade/Autostar scope. I have to admit that it's a good idea for those interested in buying a package to get started, especially if you have the Meade scope already.

Edited/added:
There's a new discussion group on Yahoo you might want to join to get some feedback:

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/autostarsuite/

Thank you, SarahMc. I just started doing basic electronic imaging this fall and I've been using my electronic camera with a homebuilt mount. Your information is very helpful. I'll check the group you listed.

Got to say that the ecam results are pretty darn good (now that fall is here there won't be a heck of a lot of opportunity till late next spring).

I do have a Meade with Autostar and overall I've been pretty impressed with it. I have to set up/break down for each observing session, so the auto-everything frankly buys me more of my (very limited) observing time. It also seems to hold its collimation quite well.

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The Devil offered me power. I told him I preferred aperture.

I saw the ad for this item in Astronomy magazine and it looks interesting. I want to start imaging with a webcam but some of the good ones,Toucam Pro etc. are out of production and hard to find. The telescope store I go to is getting them in a week or so and they are going to check it out. If they like it I will get one. The price is reasonable if it is a good product.
Just for info I have a Meade LX90 which has the autostar.

I have been doing some imaging with a Nikon Coolpix 4500 with fair results so far but I really want to try a webcam. It seems to open up a lot more opportunity to get better images. I am not interested in deep sky photos. I enjoy just imaging the moon and planets which I have read that webcams are best at without having to modify them.

I use a SAC 7 which is basicall a modified webcam. The CCD that are converted webcams can usually be found for way under $1000 and are a great way to get started in CCD astrophotography. I have been really pleased with my camera, I really enjoy the ability to see "real time" and the ability to do color without a color wheel. Feel free to check out my website where I have those pics posted.(in my signature)
My next scope will be another meade and this package looks awesome,especially the autoguiding feature.

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We've got a five dollar fine, for whining: Chris Ledoux