Oculus handbook Issue 2 January 2013
good a view of the sky as possible. If you cannot avoid stray light getting into the field of view, then
raising the effective horizon is an option. Starlight can supply a ‘horizon ring’ which slips over the
dome retaining ring and which cuts off light from below about 15 degrees above the true horizon.
Alternatively, you can construct your own from lightweight metal or plastic sheet. I recommend
making the horizon ring at least 300mm in diameter to minimise the lost field, while still blocking stray
light from the dome. If available, a high location on a roof or tall pole will minimise stray light
problems and improve your low altitude view.
Mounting the camera assembly is usually done by using the ¼ Whitworth tripod screw hole in the
attached bracket. A camera tripod will provide an adequate mounting for temporary use, or a suitable
mast and fixing screw can be erected to permanently mount the Oculus several feet above the ground.
It is wise to mount the unit as high as possible, so that the effects of low-hanging fog and dew are
reduced and stray light is minimised. It is also helpful if the camera is positioned above a source of
warmth, such as a house roof, to help keep the dew at bay.
A simple setup with the Oculus mounted on an old tripod
The minimum setup requires only a USB cable to the monitoring computer. This should be as short as
is practical, but it will probably be necessary to have a fairly long lead if the Oculus is mounted high on
