CentreCam

Watch This Space: Version 2 of CentreCam software will be available soon;

With New features and bug fixes.

The author's CentreCam is based on a Logitech Quickcam Express webcam that has a 640 x 480 resolution. These are available from a wide variety of high street and internet outlets at low cost.
	The Logitech Quickcam Express was taken apart to reveal an electronics board with integrated camera chip and a mounted lens. The lens is located on the board with a plastic spider in which it is screwed. Screwing the lens in and or out adjusts the focus. For the CentreCam application a fixed focus is used. Trial and error showed that this camera would focus in as close and 5 mm but about a 20 mm focus point is ideal for the CenreCam. The picture opposite shows the camera components. The lens and spider has been removed here and the CCD camera chip is clearly seen.
A two-part aluminium housing was constructed with space for the electronics board milled out by "free-hand". The board was clamped on place by the two parts with care taken to ensure that no electronic tracks were shorted to the housing. A 10 mm silver steel shaft was press fitted into the base.
	The CentreCam hardware is shown fully assembled before painting.
Finally, the unit was painted and the picture opposite shows it in use.

Adding A light Source

© Copyright 2006 Mike Trethewey

Site last updated: January, 2008

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