Video Cameras: RSpec can process static images, or real-time video.

If you want to do real-time video, you’ll need a Direct X-capable video camera.

As much as we love to give you an inside look at all sorts of cool toys and gadgets, the job also includes a responsibility to educate you on the finer points of using those toys responsibly and lawfully.

Such is the case with our recent videos featuring Carlos Puertolas (Charpu).

We recommend the ZWO ASI120MC Color Astronomy Camera (9, link) as a good planetary and spectroscopy camera.

RSpec software: you can download a free, fully-enabled 30-day trial version of RSpec from this link. Also see link for sample files and a You Tube video of a workshop Tom gave on processing. Diffraction Grating: We recommend the Star Analyser 100.

Those videos have captured the attention of many readers who are now interested in First Person View (FPV) quad-rotor racing--including me.

What you might not know is that one of the prerequisites for most types of FPV flying is obtaining an amateur radio license (aka “ham radio license”) from the FCC (Federal Communications Commission). Getting a license is easy, and maybe even a little bit fun.

The certification ensures that the system does not create interference with other equipment.

The FCC also verifies that the radio works acceptably well in the presence of interference from other sources.