Telescope Reviews: HyperCams & Mods

Name change time....
This WAS called "RCAIDcams & Mods".But after some months and the need for a website soon,I decided to change it to a name more fitting what I do..
The first and foremost thing I wish to convey to everyone is...
YES,we DO do DSLR filter modifications.I have modded nearly every model that Canon makes,and most of the Nikons as well.
The rates for MOST of Canon and Nikons models are as follows(and are hopefully not too hard to understand):
For me to:Remove the STOCK filter.Labor Price is $75+$7 for return shipping
For me to:Install a replacement filter,like the Baader Canon Series. Labor Price is $15(this is assuming that you send the filter along with the cam!!!)
So,if you want to get an XSi modded with the Baader Filter.And you supply the filter,Your TOTAL would be $97!!!!! that includes return shipping.
If you wish for me to purchase filter,then I would require that money in advance so I can order it and have it ready for when you ship the cam to me.I do NOT upcharge,or add ANYTHING to the cost of these filters.What I pay,is what you pay.I use AlpineAstro for all my Baader Filter needs.Good prices.
These prices are good for all Canons EXCEPT:40D,50D,5D,5DmII,7D,1Ds,etc.
The price for these only goes up on the initial "removal fees". The prices are:
$90(+$8 return shipping) for 30D,40D,50D.Same $15 charge for installing a replacement filter..
$145(+$10 return shipping) for the 5D.Charge to install a replacement filter =$20(Model FAC3)
$155(+$10 return shipping) for the NEW 7D!!Charge to install a replacement Filter(Model FBCF-400D)
$165(+$10 return shipping) for the 5DmII.Charge for installing a replacement filter=$20(Model FAC3)

Replacement filters are additional:
#FACF1.Baader DSLR ACF I Filter, rectangular (unmounted) Astro Conversion Filter, 26.9x19.5x2.7mm) for Canon EOS300D $99+$8shipping
#FACF2.Baader DSLR ACF II Filter, rectangular (unmounted) Astro Conversion Filter, for Canon EOS350D/10D/20D/30D $114+$13shipping
#FACF3.Baader DSLR ACF III Filter, rectangular (unmounted) Astro Conversion Filter, for Canon 5D,and 5DmII.$129+13 for shipping
#FBCF-400D.Baader DSLR BCF Filter, rectangular (unmounted) Astro Conversion Filter, for Canon EOS 400XTi (400D, 40D, 450D, 50D, 1000D/Rebel XS/T1i),and ALSO the NEW 7D!!!$88+$8 for shipping
These prices are for illustrative purposes only..I would check with Alpine Astro before ordering.

I do not do these mods to make a living.I do these mods because I love working with digital cameras. I have experience.I have many satisfied customers.If you really do need verification that I have done your model before,just ask.I would be more than willing to provide some names(as long as they dont mind,of course..).
I would love to have your business.
I do not keep my prices low to "cut down the legends"..I have low prices because that is what I think they are worth..what I would pay for one. I dont see me being able to justify it to myself that making $100-$200 an hour is okay...I am not a world renowned TV evangelist..or some other crazyiness like that..
I just think people deserve a quality Mod for thier beloved camera,done by someone with enough experience,and the will to make it the best possible service and experience,for you,that I can give..

Okay,enough already with the used carsalesman speech...lol
I just get a lot of emails asking me if we do filter mods..
YEP.I sure do!!!!

OKAY,
Now,time for the main attraction.THis is a service that will be available soon(knock on wood).I am going to post this because I really need the wonderful,and extremely knowledgeable,people of this community's opinion on several yet to be finalized components.More on that later...

First,
For those who do not know what a Hyper Mod is..it is the taking of an everyday DSLR(preferably by Canon,as most would agree..) and convert it into a Peltier cooled OSC Astro Cam.
SO,
Let me start with the obvious...:
Noise. Noise is the bain of Digital Photography. Digital Sensors create an image out of electrons,but the circuitry of these digital cams can create heat/or noise in the image. Typically,the longer the exposure,the more noise,since the noise just keeps building for every moment the sensor is being used.. And,in astro imaging,long exposures are key to getting the most signal.But this builds noise.

Well,WHAT TO DO?

So,enter the Astronomical Camera. These are very sensitive instruments that use cooling elements to keep the noise at bay. Typically,these cameras are VERY expensive. Most people can not afford cameras of this caliber..that is why people use the much cheaper,but still very sensitive,DSLR.

So,what would the next logical step be for progressing in this hobby?
If you move past the abilities of a DSLR,but cannot afford the price of a dedicated Astro camera...why not cool the DSLR?

Enter the "HyperMod".
There are many levels of this idea.Some simply wrap thier DSLR in ice packs. Others simply put there DSLR in homemade "cooler boxes". While these are very good ideas...the are not the most efficient,nor are they creating that much of a difference in the sensor's temperature.

So,I and several others out there have started building "HyperCams".
Some are simply puting a "cold finger" behind the sensor. The other end is connected to a Peltier device(TEC),this draws the heat out of an object and through the peltier to a heatsink of some kind. Some maintain the use of the stock camera housing.Others,like myself, have/are making a NEW housing for the camera electronics. Inside these new hoisings will be a Peltier device that will cool the sensor to a very workable state..some even below freezing.

My Mod will include a new housing.A cooling system that will deliver ~30degC(below ambient) temps. It will be operated by way of USB2.0 connections.It will be powered by way of a small/very manageable "power box".It will essentially,not allow noise/heat to build in the image.

For my mods I am taking the VERY popular Canon DSLR's and turning them into even better AstroImagers.

I will start with the lowest models.The XS,XSi,and T1i will all share the same housing.They will utilize slightly different frames,but the housing will be the same.

After I get these models out I will start on what I like to call "The Big One"...lol
I will be using the Full Frame CMOS sensors in the Canon 5DmII as the base for this VERY sensitive camera. It will be my biggest challenge in this venture..but will also be my finest work..
It will not be easy..but I cant wait till I can own a OSC 35mm Format Cooled Astro Cam.

The housings and frames will all be made of high grade aluminum. The back plate will act as the heat sink.And a fan,or two smaller fans,will be mounted to this backplate. This will allow the Peltier,inside the cam,to dissipate the heat more efficiently,and will allow for even more cooling performance.

This is about where I run out of things to bring up...

I love to talk "shop",so worst case scenario when you call to speak with me you might end up talking for 30minutes or more..lol

Thanks so much for reading this excrutiatingly looooong post!!!!

Any questions feel free to ask.
I have a Blog as well that I will be uploading images soon to.I will use it primarily to allow people to keep up with my prgress in this venture.
I will continue to post updates on here as well.But the Blog will have more info and tech specs...
Blog here: http://hyperdslr-mods.blogspot.com/

Thanks so much!!
Brent Oliver
One Man Show

HyperCams & Mods
nofxrx@aol.com
(321)-720-8222 Cell

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Brent Oliver
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