I will only recommend items that I have either used myself (marked with an asterisk) or ones (no asterisk) which I have good reason to believe will work well. If you click on the link in the highlighted name it will take you directly to the supplier. For some but not all links I can earn from qualifying purchases as an Amazon Associate. You will not pay more than you would navigating directly to the supplier yourself. This helps me to defer the cost of maintaining my web site. I will not recommend something just to make a few bucks. I appreciate the support. If you have questions on these or other products email me at astrocurtis@yahoo.com.
Cables *Infinte Cables: I really like these 75ohm RG59 videocables. Low loss, highly flexible in cold weather, gold platted, strain relieved connectors. Come with BNC connector at both ends or RCA connector on one end. * Zengineering: Custom cables for Mallincam cameras, including video/power, camera control or all-in-one. *WEme: 32ft USB 3.0 active extension cable. I use this to extend the computer connection to my MyT 32 ft away *IoGear: 39ft USB 2.0 extension cable with built in amplifier. Can daisy chain 3 for 107ft total length. Amazon.
C-Mount Adapters * Mallincam: Threaded for filters. Came with my cameras. Available in 1.25" and 2". SVBONY: Inexpensive but works! Threaded for filters, internal threading for baffling. 1.25.
Focal Reducers * Mallincam MFR5 II: 2 piece with 4 optical elements total. One piece is 0.8X and the other 0.5X and each can be used separately or together. Add optional spacers between the elements or behind to get different focal ratios. I can not get below ~f/4 without noticeable vignetting. * Celestron f/6.3: Designed for an SCT and gives 0.63X reduction. SVBONY f/5: 1.25" x 0.5 focal reducer. Inexpensive but should work fine for the beginner.
Video Capture Device * Pinnacle Dazzle: This has always worked for me without fail. Mid-price range. Larger footprint. * Mallincam MCV-E1: Most expensive one that I have seen or used. Has VDVE control. Mallincam MCV-1: More expensive than Dazzle, but smaller footprint. Rev. Imager USB Capture: Least expensive one I have found known to work. DVR: DVR with a 2.7" LCD and the ability to save videos and photos on the supplied 16 gigabyte SD card. Other: There are many versions of USB video capture devices available on Amazon and Ebay but these can be a crap shoot as to whether or not it will work with you setup. If you go this route, check the forums for advice.
Video Capture & Camera Control Software * Miloslick MC Control: Controls camera settings for all Mallincam cameras except the Micro and Super. Capture images, stack, histogram, real-time dark frame subtraction, etc.. Will provide image display and capture for other cameras, but will not control them. *Stephane's MC Control: Free. Designed to work with many Mallincam cameras. Provides many of the same but not all the features of Miloslick. Will also display and capture images of other cameras. I used this exclusively for a year before purchasing Miloslick. An excellent program. *SharpCap: Free. Does not control analog cameras, but will provide image display, capture, stacking, histogram, etc. Will control USB cameras along with everything else.
RS232-USB Adapters *TrippLite Keyspan: The model 19HS always works for me. I use it to connect the camera control cable to a PC and also to connect the mount control cable to a PC. Lithium-Ion Rechargeable Compact & Lightweight Batteries Ideal for EAA: Talentcell 3Ah- 3Ah at 12V (3amps ) and at 5V (2amps) Talentcell 6Ah - 6Ah at 12V (3amps) and 11Ah at 5V (2amps) * Talentcell 8.3Ah - 8.3Ah at 12V (6amps), 14.5Ah at 9V (1amp) & 26.4Ah at 5V (2amps) * Jackery - Line of Solar generators from 160Wh (13.9Ah) to 100Wh (83.5Ah) Power Cables & Couplers *5.5mm x 2.1mm - 1ft , 2ft , 3ft , 6ftmale to male power cables *5.5mm x 2.1mm - male to male coupler * 5.5mm x 2.1mm to 5.5mm x 2.5mm coupler Filters * Astronomik UHC: Excellent light pollution filter. Available at most astronomy retailers. My favorite. Baader 2" UV-IR: Reduce star bloat & violet halos. Sharp Cutoff below 400nm & above 690nm (lets 656nm H- alpha through). *Baader 1.25" UV-IR: Reduce star bloat & violet halos. Sharp Cutoff below 400nm & above 690nm (lets 656nm H- alpha through).