ORION TELESCOPES & BINOCULARS StarShoot USB Eyepiece II User manual

Orion®StarShoot™
USB Eyepiece II
#52183
INSTRUCTION MANUAL
Providing Exceptional Consumer Optical Products Since 1975
OrionTelescopes.com
Customer Support [phone]
E-mail: [email protected]
Corporate Offices [phone]
89 Hangar Way, Watsonville, CA 95076
© 2012 Orion Telescopes & Binoculars
IN 470 Rev. A 08/12

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Welcome to a new world of adventure. Your new
StarShoot USB Eyepiece II (SSUEII) is capable of
capturing detailed, full-color images of astronomical
objects in our solar system. The planets, Moon, and Sun
(with optional solar filter) can all be imaged to create
spectacular views on your computer which can be saved
for emailing or printing later. The SSUEII can even be
used during the day to take images of terrestrial subjects.
You’ll find that this inexpensive, yet capable and easy to
use camera will enhance all of your journeys with your
telescope.
Please read this instruction manual before attempting to
use the camera or install the needed software.
Parts List
• StarShoot USB Eyepiece II (SSUEII)
• USB2 Cable
• CD-ROM
System Requirements (refer to Figure 1)
Telescope
The SSUEII can be used with virtually any telescope that is compatible with
1.25" format eyepieces. The camera simply is inserted into a focuser in the
same way as a standard eyepiece (Figure 1). If you use a star diagonal, you
should remove it before installing the SSUEII. If your telescope does not have
enough inward focus travel, you will need to use an optional 1.25" Barlow
lens to extend the telescope’s focal plane to the camera’s imaging plane
(Barlow sold separately).
For most types of astro-imaging with the SSUEII, using a telescope with a
focal length of at least 1000mm is recommended. Otherwise, the image scale
may be too small. To increase the effective focal length of your system, use a
Barlow lens or other type of tele-extender lens.
Mount
While using an equatorial (EQ) mount is recommended to achieve the
best results, one is not absolutely required for general imaging with the
SSUEII. Since the maximum exposure time is only a fraction of a second,
astronomical objects will not drift significantly through a telescope attached
to an altazimuth mount or Dobsonian base during single image captures. Use
a sturdy mount that is appropriately sized for the telescope tube being used.
For obtaining the best planetary images, however, we do recommend an
equatorial mount. Planetary imaging requires combining many individual
images, and having an equatorial mount will prevent the planet from
drifting out of the field of view of the camera during the time it takes to
acquire the large number of images necessary. A motor drive (single-axis) is
recommended too, so you can track the target object as you transmit live
images to your laptop or PC.
Computer
A computer is required for normal use of the SSUEII. For astro-imaging in the
field at night, a laptop computer is highly recommended. The Orion Capture
software requires Windows XP, Vista or 7.
The following hardware is required:
Processor – Pentium III™ or equivalent, or higher
• Recommended minimum memory size is 256 MB.
• Disk Space – 100 MB minimum, 500 MB or more recommended for
saving images.
• Video Display – 800 X 600, 16-bit color or higher. 1024x768 or higher is
recommended.
• Mouse (external or built-in)
Figure 1. To use the SSUEII, a telescope, mount and computer are required.

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• Internet connection required
to display on-line help and
downloading image processing
software
• USB 1.0 or High Speed USB 2.0
port
Software and Driver
Installation
Before the camera can be used, image
capture software must be installed onto
your computer. Turn on your computer
and allow the Windows operating
system to load as normal. Insert the
included CD-ROM into your computer’s
CD-ROM drive, and the Launcher will
appear (Figure 2). This allows you to
install the Orion image capture software
(Orion AmCap),.
Capture Software Installation
1. Click Install Capture Software.
2. The Orion AmCap Setup Wizard
appears. Click Next.
3. Select a destination folder and Click
Next.
4. Click Next again to start the instal-
lation.
5. When the wizard is complete, click
close. This has installed the capture
software.
6. When installation is complete click
the Finish button.
7. Plug in the camera into your
computer’s USB port. A Found
New Hardware notification will
appear in your Windows task bar
(Figure 3).
8. Wait a few moments and the camera will automatically install on your
computer. When Device Installed Successfully notification appears
you will be ready to use the camera.
9. Open Orion AmCap from the icon on your desktop. The Live Video
Window should appear (Figure 4). The software will recognize many
cameras so check that Vimicro USB2.0 UVC PC Camera is selected
from the device menu.
Image Processing Software
Website links are provided in the launcher to download popular free image
processing software to be used with your AVI files to enhance your astro
images.
Image Processing Software such as RegiStax or AviStack; can Align and
Stack(combine) hundreds of individual images into a single resultant image
and perform some additional image processing to bring out subtle details or
to make the image appear more pleasing overall (Figure 11).
Both software applications are a recommended addition to any astro-imagers
arsenal of image processing software.
Image Processing Software Installation
Return the launcher and select RegiStax or AviStack to be directed to a
website to download the latest software.
For detailed information on the image processing software consult the
websites of each software Provider. Tutorials and user groups can be found
online also.
Getting Started During Daylight
We recommend using the SSUEII for the first time during the day. This way,
you can become familiar with the camera and its functions without having to
stumble around in the dark. Set up your telescope and mount so the optical
tube is pointing at an object at least a couple of hundred feet away. Insert an
eyepiece and focus as you normally would.
To obtain first images with the SSUEII, follow these step-by-step instructions:
1. Plug the camera into your computer’s USB port.
2. Double click the Orion AmCap icon now installed on your computer’s
desktop.
3. Orion AmCap will automatically connect directly to your camera with a
Live Video Window. Your Live Video Window will only show light and
dark before the camera is coupled to your telescope.
4. The native resolution of the camera sensor is 640x480 and can be set
from the options menu. To change to resolution select Video Capture Pin
Figure 3. When initially connecting
the SSUEII to a computer, a Found
New Hardware notification will appear
and automatically install the camera to
your computer.
Figure 4. The live video window.
Figure 2. The launcher provides an
easy menu for software installation.

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from Options menu, select desired
resolution (normally 640x480)
under the Output Size heading,
then click OK (Figure 5). The Live
Video Window will now display at
the selected resolution. Any images
captured with the camera will now
also be set at the same resolution.
To move the Live Video Window
out of the way, click on the top bar
of the window and drag it to the
desired location on the computer
screen.
5. To connect the camera to the
telescope, simply replace the
telescope’s 1.25" eyepiece with the
camera. Make sure the securing
thumbscrew on the focuser
drawtube is tightened after the
camera is inserted.
6. You will now need to refocus the
camera for the centered object.
Focusing will be the hardest thing
to learn in the initial stages. If
you are starting out in daylight,
as is recommended, you may
need to turn the exposure and/or
brightness control of the camera
down before attempting to focus.
This is done by selecting Video
Capture Filter in the Options menu
and moving the exposure (Figure
6) or brightness slider (Figure 7). If
the daytime image brightness is still
too bright to produce an acceptable
image on your computer screen,
you may need to stop-down the aperture of your telescope.
7. Look at the Live Video Window on the computer screen and adjust the
focus knob accordingly to determine best image focus.
Note: The camera’s field of view is fairly small. It is approximately equivalent
to the field of view through the telescope when looking through a typical (i.e.
not wide-field) 5mm focal length eyepiece (Figure 9).
8. Image orientation can be changed by rotating the camera within the
focuser drawtube. Simply loosen the thumbscrew on the drawtube and
rotate the camera until the desired
image orientation is achieved.
Retighten the thumbscrew on the
focuser drawtube when done. You
may need to slightly refocus (using
the telescope’s focus knob) if the
focuser drawtube has moved a
bit inward or outward when the
camera was rotated.
The image can also be flipped in
horizontal or vertical by selecting
Video Capture Filter in the
Options menu and clicking on
horizontal and/or vertical checkbox
(Figure 8).
NOTE: The Special Effect, Face
Tracking and Face Effect options in the
Video Capture Filter are not used for
Astronomy purposes.
9. Select Set Capture File from
the File menu and name your file
including the AVI extension name.
IE mymovie.avi. Click Open.
10. Enter the amount of disk space to
allocate as a buffer for this data.
Movie files need a large amount of disk space. Enter a value such as 50
Megabytes or higher. Press OK. The size of the captured data may be
much higher than this value depending upon number and size of frames
captured.
11. Select Set Frame Rate under the Capture menu. Check the box Use
Frame Rate and type 30. Press ok.
12. Select Set Time Limit under the Capture menu. Check the box Use
Time Limit and type 20. Press OK.
13. Select Start Capture under the Capture menu.
14. Press OK when you are ready to capture Images.
An AVI movie sequence of 600 frames (30 frames per second x 20 seconds)
will now be recorded.
The total number of captured frames is displayed on the bottom bar. If
frames are being dropped this will be displayed and the frame rate or
resolution should be set to a lower value to prevent this.
You have now taken your first images with the SSUEII! This simple method
of imaging is exactly how the camera is used to capture terrestrial subjects
Figure 5. Changing resolution via
options->Video Capture Pin.
Figure 6. Changing exposure via
options->Video Capture Filter->
Camera Control Tab.
Figure 7. Changing Brightness and
Contrast via options->Video Capture
Filter->Video Proc Amp Tab.
Figure 8. Changing image flip
via options->Video Capture Filter-
>Advanced Tab.
Figure 9. The camera’s field of view
is comparable to a 5mm focal length
eyepiece. This example uses an Orion
ShortTube 80mm Telescope.

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during daylight hours. Close-up images of birds and other wildlife or faraway
vistas can all be obtained in this way with the SSUEII. Solar images can also
be taken during the day with an optional full-aperture solar filter over the
front of the telescope.
Take some time to use the camera and Orion AmCap software during the
day to become familiar and comfortable with their basic operation. For best
results, you can optimize your images with the camera controls.
Camera Controls
For best images, you can adjust the camera controls though Orion AmCap to
fine tune the image. You can see how the camera controls affect an image in
the Live Video Window.
From the Options menu choose Video Capture Filter and you can access
the camera controls under Video Proc Amp, Camera and Advanced tabs.
Here you will find the Brightness, Contrast, Gamma, Hue, Saturation (level
of color), Sharpness (keep this low as it can add noise), and Exposure
controls. The Exposure control is a gain adjustment that allows additional
flexibility in adjusting image brightness. You can either manually adjust
this by unselecting the Auto box and manually moving the slider, or have
automatic adjustment by leaving the Auto box selected.Other options
such Gamma and White Balance will aid in tuning the live view however it
is recommended to only modify exposure and brightness if images are to
be software processed later. To return the camera controls to their default
settings, click the Reset button.
The other camera controls are available by selecting Video Capture Pin
from the Options menu. This accesses the Stream Format property sheet,
which allows you to set additional parameters. The Frame Rate should
generally be left at 30 frames per second for the sharpest planetary images.
This value may be overridden if the use Frame Rate box is checked in the
Capture -> Set Frame Rate menu. (You can also use the Video Capture
Filter selection described previously to adjust image brightness.)
Try several different settings to get a feel of how the camera controls work
and affect the resultant image on the computer screen. The Brightness and
Exposure controls are the ones you will use the most. The telescope being
used, seeing conditions, and object being imaged will dictate how these
camera controls should be set. Usually Exposure will be set first and then
Brightness is adjusted as needed.
Astronomical Imaging
Now that you’re familiar with basic camera and software operation, it’s time
to take the SSUEII out at night under the stars to capture some astronomical
images. We recommend starting with
the Moon, as it is easy to acquire into
the camera’s field of view, and typically
does not require stacking of multiple
exposures as planetary images do.
Imaging the Moon
Imaging the Moon is much like imaging
terrestrial objects during the day. Since
the exposure is very short, it is not
critical that the telescope be precisely
polar aligned.
When the moon is past half full,
it is hard to get detail due to the
tremendous glare off of the lunar
surface. Most detail, even on a sliver of
a moon, will be at the terminator (that
tiny thin line between the shadow and
light, see Figure 10). To get more of
the moon in the image, a focal reducer
will need to be used. For close-ups of
craters use a barlow lens (see “Using Focal Reducers and Barlow Lenses”).
Imaging Planets
The best planetary images will be obtained by stacking (combining) many
individual images in order to improve image contrast, brightness, and detail
(Figure 11).
A great way to obtain images for stacking is to take several seconds of video
of the planet, then break the video into individual frames for stacking. Since
the SSUEII has a maximum frame rate of 30 frames per second at maximum
resolution, you can literally obtain hundreds of images for stacking in
seconds! You save time by taking one video instead of dozens of individual
pictures!
Since you will be taking multiple images over a period of time, it is important
you have a decent polar alignment in order to keep the planet within the field
of view of the camera. To this end, having a motor drive (at least single-axis)
will also be helpful. Otherwise, you will periodically need to rotate the R.A.
slow-motion knob to keep the planet within the camera’s field.
Tips
Focusing
One of the hardest things to do in planetary imaging is achieving good focus.
You can make this process easier by simply watching the Live Video window
Figure 10. The moon’s surface detail
looks the best along the terminator.
Figure 11. Planetary Stacking.

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to focus. Depending upon the viewing conditions you may notice that the
image goes in and out of focus - this is due to viewing conditions. This is
to be expected and one of the reasons why post processing software can
bring out the best in your captured images. Focus as best as possible with
the average frame being at best focus to ensure more in focus frames than
out of focus. Image processing software can then be used to select the best
frames to combine for best results.
Refocus often throughout your imaging session. This ensures at least some
of your images will have an excellent focus. It is also not uncommon for
telescope movements to alter the focus slightly, so be sure to refocus for any
new astro-imaging targets.
Choosing a Site for Astro-imaging
Once you have a focused image, you may find your image shifting and
washed out. This can be caused by many environmental factors. Poor
seeing (movement of molecules in the air, such as heat rising) and poor
transparency (moisture, smoke, or other sky contaminants) will all serve to
reduce image quality. That is why most major astronomical telescopes are on
high mountains in thin air, to get above much of the seeing and transparency
problems. Also, wind will move your telescope and affect images. Your
eyes viewing through an eyepiece can change slightly to compensate for
disturbances like these, but the camera cannot. Keep these factors in mind
when choosing an observing site for astronomical imaging.
For the best astro-images, we recommend finding a location with dry air,
some altitude, and away from city or streetlights. Even a nearby hilltop in
the countryside can provide better viewing conditions than many convenient
backyard locations.
Loss of Camera Connection
If the computer connection to the camera is interrupted, you will need to
re-establish connection. This can happen due to several reasons; if a cable
becomes unplugged, the computer “freezes”, or the software/hardware
otherwise temporarily loses the data coming from the camera.
To re-establish camera connection, first close the Orion AmCap program on
your computer. Then, unplug and re-plug the camera into the computer’s
USB port. Now, open Orion AmCap, and the Live Video Window should
appear indicating re-established connection between camera and computer.
Using Focal Reducers and Barlow Lenses
Focal reducers serve to decrease the focal length of your telescope.
This increases the field of view seen by the camera (decreases camera
magnification). This can be useful for obtaining images of wider objects, such
as the full Moon or a landscape vista.
Barlow lenses, or other tele-extenders, increase the focal length of your
telescope, which makes the camera field of view narrower (increases camera
magnification). This is useful for high-power planetary images. Keep in mind
that when the focal length is doubled, the image will become four times
dimmer, so a longer exposure may be necessary.
For best planetary imaging, you should shoot with an effective focal ratio
(telescope focal length ÷ telescope aperture) of F/20 or greater. This will give
you a good combination of image brightness and image scale for planets.
For most telescopes, a Barlow lens will be required to obtain this focal ratio.
For example, Schmidt-Cassegrain telescopes usually have a focal ratio of
F/10. A 2x Barlow lens doubles the effective focal length of the telescope,
which makes the focal ratio f/20. Similarly, a 3x Barlow lens will yield of focal
ratio of F/30. You can also try using multiple Barlows to obtain even greater
effective focal ratios. There is a limit to how large a focal ratio your telescope
and seeing conditions can handle, however. Experimentation will be needed
to see what your telescope is capable of in the seeing conditions on a given
night. If the image appears somewhat dim and fuzzy on the computer screen,
you may want to consider removing the Barlow lens.
(Focal Reducers and Barlow lenses available through Orion, check the
catalog or www.OrionTelescopes.com for more information).
Filters
For some types of planetary imaging, you may want to use color filters to
bring out subtle details. Any standard Orion 1.25" filter will thread into the
front of the SSUEII’s barrel. Try using different color filters on a planet to see
which filters help best show planetary details.
Neutral-density Moon filters and variable-polarizer filters are useful to reduce
the glare from the moon. They can also be used to reduce the glare from
Venus.
Solar Filters
Warning: Always use a full aperture solar filter when viewing the sun.
With a properly fitting full-aperture solar filter attached to your telescope,
you can use the SSUEII to take images of the Sun and the sunspots on its
surface.
(Filters available through Orion, check the catalog or www.OrionTelescopes.
com for more information).
Flip Mirror
As easy as flipping a switch, the Imaging Flip Mirror enables the
astrophotographer to find, center and focus a target visually with a 1.25
telescope eyepiece, then photograph it with a CCD camera. All without
swapping out any equipment. It’s a real timer saver, making the normally
tedious task of focusing with the CCD camera alone easier and quicker.

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(Available through Orion, check the
catalog or www.OrionTelescopes.com
for more information).
USB Extension Cable
In many instances, it is likely that a
longer cable for the SSUEII will be
needed in order to comfortably setup
telescope, camera, and computer. We
recommend purchasing a 10’ USB
extension cable if you need more cord
length
(available through Orion, check the
catalog or www.OrionTelescopes.com
for more information).
Things to do
Moon
• Learn your way around our
closest celestial neighbor.
• Image the craters and mares.
• Image the different phases from New moon to Full Moon
• Image the detail at the terminator
• Create a moon mosaic
Planets
• Take a movie of the position
of the great red spot of Jupiter
during the Gas Giant’s <10 hour
day.
• Image Jupiter’s moons and their
shadows as they transit across
the Gas Giant
• Follow in Galileo’s footsteps by
Imaging the different phases of
Venus
Solar
• Using a full aperture Solar Filter
to image sunspots, eclipses and
transits
Terrestrial
• Image animals from a far distance
so as not to disturb feeding and
nesting spots
Specifications
Sensor: Color CMOS sensor
Sensor size: 1/4"
Number of pixels: 640 x 480 pixel layout; 0.3 megapixel resolution
Pixel size: 6.0µm x 6.0µm
Video frame rate: up to 30 frames/second
A/D conversion: 8 bit
IR filter: Yes
Spectral Range: 400-650nm (with IR Filter)
Connection: USB 1 or 2
Barrel: 1.25" threaded for filters
Figure 12. Moon Mosaic. Use
software to assemble individual
frames to create a higher resolution
image.
Figure 13. Crescent phases of
Venus.
Figure 14. Venus Transit and
Sunspots.

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This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the
following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause harmful interference, and (2)
this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may
cause undesired operation.
Changes of modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for
compliance could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.
Note: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class
B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to
provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation.
This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not
installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference
to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not
occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to
radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off
and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the
following measures:
Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
Connect the equipment into an output on a circuit different from that to which the
receiver in connected.
Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
A shielded cable must be used when connecting a peripheral to the serial ports.
One-Year Limited Warranty
This Orion StarShoot USB Eyepiece II is warranted against defects in materials or workman-
ship for a period of one year from the date of purchase. This warranty is for the benefit of the
original retail purchaser only. During this warranty period Orion Telescopes & Binoculars will
repair or replace, at Orion’s option, any warranted instrument that proves to be defective,
provided it is returned postage paid to: Orion Warranty Repair, 89 Hangar Way, Watsonville,
CA 95076. If the product is not registered, proof of purchase (such as a copy of the original
invoice) is required.
This warranty does not apply if, in Orion’s judgment, the instrument has been abused, mis-
handled, or modified, nor does it apply to normal wear and tear. This warranty gives you
specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights, which vary from state to state. For
further warranty service information, contact: Customer Service Department, Orion Telescopes
& Binoculars, 89 Hangar Way, Watsonville, CA 95076; [phone].
OrionTelescopes.com
89 Hangar Way, Watsonville, CA 95076
Customer Support Help Line [phone]
© 2012 Orion Telescopes & Binoculars