There are lots of different equipment configurations with which you can do RSpec spectroscopy. Below are some suggestions. We haven’t tried them all, but these are the kinds of approaches we’ve seen in use.
Are you new to spectroscopy? An RSpec user, Iain Petrie, has written a very valuable introduction to spectroscopy. Read them from the bottom of each page to the top for chronological order. Set one: link. Set two: link.
Questions? The RSpec Yahoo group is an excellent place to discuss your questions on hardware. Link.
Also, see the short video here where Tom discusses presentations he make and explains the fundamentals of spectroscopy and the equipment needed.
Here’s what you need to get in on the fun:
RSpec software: you can download a free, fully-enabled 30-day trial version of RSpec from this link. If your trial period runs out, just send us an email and we’ll be happy to provide you with an extension. You can also purchase a copy in our store: link.
Even without clear skies or the necessary diffraction grating, you can get started today with the trial version and our sample video file at this link.
Cameras
RSpec can process real-time video, or JPGs, BMPs, TIFs, RAW files from any source including DSLRs, and FITS images from your current astronomical CCD.
Video Camera: If you want to do real-time video spectroscopy with RSpec, you’ll need a DirectX-capable video camera. We recommend the Celestron NexImage camera as a good entry-level camera. Cost: $91 from Amazon. (link). If you’re running Windows 7, download the drivers from this link. If you’re using this camera with the Star Analyser, order one spacer at the same time you order your diffraction grating.
If you already have a webcam that you use with your telescope and if it can accommodate a filter cell for the diffraction grating, you probably have all you need. To get the best spectra, the grating should be located at the optimal distance from the CCD chip – read about spacers at this link.
Another popular video camera is DMK series from The Imaging Source. The mono version of their camera (link, $390) is the preferred choice if you are buying a camera specifically for producing spectra of scientific quality. This is because it is more sensitive and has a more even response to a wider range of wavelengths. However, if you’re doing public outreach or teaching with RSpec, you may want to go with the less expensive color camera (link, $350) so that the RSpec video preview of the spectrum is the more interesting and intuitive rainbow rather than just a mono smudge. Just screw your diffraction grating into the nose of the camera and you’re ready to go!
RSpec can be used with a variety of astronomical video cameras like the Mintron, Mallicam, Stellacam and Watec. The camera or telescope adapter you use will need to have the correct threading to mount the diffraction grating at the proper distance from the camera chip. If the camera doesn’t come with an adapter, adapters are available from different sources. (For example, try PreciseParts: link or Mogg: 
link) Questions about adapters or spacers? Get them answered at RSpec forum (link) and the Yahoo StarAnalyser group (link)
If you want do close-in, live, real-time video spectra in the lab, simply suspend your diffraction grating in front of a home entertainment video camera. (This is Robin Leadbeater’s technique as described in the next section.)
Or, as shown in the photo below, we’ve seen RSpec used for very close-up, indoor spectra with the NexImage video camera and an inexpensive, used, standard 35mm camera lens purchased on eBay. The only challenge with this approach to mechanically connect the two at the proper distance. You’ll need an adapter from someone like PreciseParts or Mogg. Depending on your camera lens, the setup below can take real-time spectra videos of pin-point sources that are as close as 1 foot (0.3m).
Sample Setup
Using your DSLR as a live video camera: The Canon 450d and other cameras can generate live video. With many cameras, the addition of an inexpensive converter (Radio Shack, $50, link) lets you feed real-time video from your camera into RSpec. This configuration can get remarkably good results and is extremely simple to setup and use on a moment’s notice.
Also for Canon cameras: you can use ExtraWebcam, a software-only solution to turn your Canon camera into a video camera: link.
Still Camera: Although real-time spectroscopy using live video is easier and considerably more exciting, RSpec can process static images RAW, JPG, BMP mages from your DSLR, and FITS images from any astronomical CCD. You can configure RSpec to automatically load each new FITS, JPG, RAW (etc.) file as your still camera saves them to a specific folder on your hard disk. Click this link for more information about attaching a grating to your DSLR or T-Ring.
Many users have gotten good results with the Canon Rebel DSLR family using the EOS utility. To avoid huge files, stay with the S .jpg format. There are plenty of pixels and resolution in S .jpg to create good spectra. And S .jpg has the advantage of seeing dimmer objects for the same exposure because of internal camera binning. (And, of course, if your DSLR can produce .avi video files, RSpec should be able to play them back.) You’ll need a DSLR to telescope adapter that can allows the diffraction grating to be threaded on at the proper distance.Or, use your grating with a DSLR: link.
Computer: RSpec’s real-time video processing won’t run very smoothly on your 10 year-old laptop! Before purchasing RSpec, use the trial version to confirm that your computer has the horsepower you’ll need. If you’re planning to do real-time video spectroscopy, experiment with any of the sample video files we provide (link). If you can play the video, rotate it, smoothly adjust the capture box, and use the histogram (3rd toolbar button), then your computer is adequate. Also, of course, if you’re planning on doing video spectroscopy, you’ll need to confirm that your computer can play the video stream coming from your camera into RSpec.
RSpec is optimized to run on multi-core Intel CPUs, so performance will be best on them rather than AMD machines. If your computer is sluggish with RSpec, use the RSpec “Configure”-button to lower your camera’s frame rate and resolution. Usually, that’s all that’s needed.
As always, we’re happy to answer any questions you may have. And, please forgive us for suggesting one last time that the RSpec forum on Yahoo is a great place to get your equipment questions answered!
And, once you get a working setup, it would be great if you shared the details with other forum members. We’d love to see a photo or two of your grating and camera on your telescope. And don’t forget to show us a screen capture of your actual profile results!