ATIK Cameras 383L+ User manual

Atik 383L+ user manual
Version 1.2 – November 2011
Page 1

Table of contents
1 Introduction ................................................................................................................. 3
2 Pack Contents .............................................................................................................. 4
3 Atik Cameras 383L+ ...................................................................................................
3.1 CCD ......................................................................................................................
3.2 Analog to Digital Converter (ADC) .....................................................................
3.3 Shutter ..................................................................................................................
3.4 Power Consumption .............................................................................................
4 USB Port ......................................................................................................................
Replacing the desiccant ............................................................................................... 6
6 Thermal Stabilization .................................................................................................. 6
7 Additional Technical Information ............................................................................... 6
8 Software Development Kit .......................................................................................... 7
9 Declaration of Conformity .......................................................................................... 8
9.1.1 Disposal of the camera .................................................................................. 8
10 Warranty .................................................................................................................... 9
Page 2

1Introduction
Thank you very much or your purchase o an Atik camera.
Atik cameras represent the most a ordable way to capture high-quality
astronomical images, whilst delivering superior per ormance and unparalleled
ease-o -use. Your Atik camera is the result o extensive research and
development, and it has been designed and built with the requirements o the
most demanding astrophotographer in mind. A wide range o accessories is
also available in order to answer the needs o even the most ambitious astro-
imaging applications.
Your Atik camera incorporates state-o -the-art design and materials, and it will
be your trusted astrophotography companion or a long time to come.
However, modi cations to the camera and/or accessories which are
undertaken without the manu acturer’s written permission will void the
warranty. Repairs, servicing and upgrades are available through your local
dealer or at http://www.atik-cameras.com. Full details o the warranty are
given at the end o this manual.
This manual will help you get the most out o your Atik camera: please take
the time to read it thoroughly, and you will be ready to discover new worlds...

2Pack Contents
The pack contains:
•1- Atik Cameras 383L+
•2- USB cable
•3- Car lighter type power cable
•4- CD-ROM with So tware and manuals
•5- Quick start guide

3Atik Cameras 383L+
3.1 CCD
The sensor inside your camera is a Kodak KAF-8300.
The optical window used in ront o the CCD is quartz with BBAR coatings on
both sides ensuring that no re lection will appear in your image.
3.2 Analog to Digital Converter (ADC)
The Analog to Digital Converter (ADC) is a 16bit ADC. This means that your
Atik camera will allow you to record subtle levels o gray providing you with
enhanced dynamic range when capturing an image.
3.3 Shutter
The 383L+ is itted with a mechanical shutter but, as is inevitable with
shuttered cameras, this imposes some constraints on the minimum advisable
exposure length owing to the time it takes or the shutter to open and close. A
minimum exposure time o at least 200ms is recommended in order to
minimize the e ects o vignetting.
3.4 Power Consumption
Your Atik camera was electrically and electronically designed in order to have
low power consumption so your autonomy is enhanced one step urther.
Versatility is a very important eature since the (centre-positive) DC input used
by Atik cameras can be plugged into almost any 12V/2.5A supply.
WARNING: If you have purchased the optional mains power adaptor, please
note that it is for indoor or observatory use only. There is a risk of electric
shock if the adaptor is used in damp environments or outside. If in doubt do
not use the adaptor and consult a trained electrician.
4USB Port
The Atik 383L+ uses a USB 2.0 high-speed inter ace, allowing or a ull- rame
download in approximately 10 seconds. A higher speed “preview” mode is
also available, providing roughly twice the speed.

5Replacing the desiccant
Your camera includes a high-per ormance molecular sieve desiccant tablet
which is used to avoid condensation in the CCD chamber. Although this
desiccant will last a long time it may eventually need replacement or
recharging, in which case please ollow the instructions below:
- To replace the desiccant, open the desiccant port with the supplied
plastic inter ace and a screwdriver, take out the used tablet and replace
it with a resh one. Replace the port cover and tighten (no need to over-
tighten). Wait 24 hours be ore connecting the camera again.
- To recharge the desiccant, place the tablet in an electric oven at 200ºC
or a couple o hours. Take it rom the oven, wait a ew minutes or it to
cool down slightly, then put it back in the camera and wait 24 hours.
Some versions o the 383L+ have a ilter inside the desiccant chamber. The
purpose o this is to avoid contamination o the chamber when the desiccant
is being replaced. The ilter is very ragile and should not be touched.
6Thermal Sta ilization
Atik cameras are thermally stabilized in a way that your CCD will output the
best result that it can deliver. This in ormation o ten appears with the
indication ΔT = -x where x is the cooling capacity. This means that the CCD’s
temperature will drop approximately xº C below outside temperature. This is a
thermoelectric process and there ore in order to obtain the best results you
should wait 2 to 5 minutes until thermal stabilization is achieved (depending
on model). This act also depends on the outside temperature so, higher
environment temperatures will demand more time or the CCD to stabilize.
7Additional Technical Information
Sensor Type Kodak KAF-8300
Horizontal Resolution 3362 pixels
Vertical Resolution 2504 pixels
Pixel Size 5.40μm x 5.40μm
ADC 16 bit
Readout Noise (Typ.) 7e-
Interface USB 2.0
Power 12v DC 2.5A
Maximum Exposure Length Unlimited
Minimum Exposure Length >200ms
Cooling Setpoint thermoelectric, ΔT = -38°C max
Weight Approx. 700g
Distance rom top o T-thread to ocal plane: Approx 17mm
Optical window thickness: 2mm

8Software Development Kit
Due to the act that our ever changing World is always inding new
applications or Atik cameras, a so tware development kit is available at
http://www.atik-cameras.com. This SDK is ree o charge or now.

9Declaration of Conformity
EU Declaration of Conformity.
This product carries the CE Mark in accordance with the related European Directive. CE
Marking is the responsibility of:
Perseu, A
R. Dr. Agostinho Neto, 1D
2690-576 ta Iria da Azoia
Portugal
Critical Applications.
This product is not designed for any “critical applications”. “Critical applications” means life
support systems, medical applications , connections to medical devices, commercial
transportations, nuclear facilities or systems or any other applications where product failure
could lead to injury to persons or loss of life or catastrophic property damage.
This product is not a toy.
This is a class A product. In a domestic environment this product may cause radio
interference in which case the user may be required to take adequate measures.
9.1.1 Disposal of the camera
When no longer required do not dispose of this electronic device with general
household waste. To minimise pollution and protect the environment the camera
should be recycled. Local recycling drop off points available under the Waste from
Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) regulations which will accept the
camera. For further information contact Perseu SA at the above address, or the shop
from which the camera was bought.

10 Warranty
The equipment is guaranteed against de ective design, manu acture or
materials or a period o one year rom the date o purchase.
This means that Atik Cameras will repair or replace the equipment as its sole
option, at no charge to the purchaser or parts or or labour, i the ault is
reported within the guarantee period, provided however, that Atik Cameras is
able to duplicate the de ect or problem at its acilities. This warranty does not
apply to damage that occurred as a result o abuse or misuse, abnormal
service or handling, damage which may have been caused either directly or
indirectly by another product, or i the equipment has been altered or modi ied
in any way, or i the damage was caused by repairs or service provided or
attempted by anyone other than Atik Cameras. This warranty does not include
or provide or incidental or consequential damages.
To exercise your rights under this warranty, you must return the equipment to
the dealer rom whom it was purchased together with proo o purchase and a
clear description o the ault. I it’s not possible to return the equipment to your
dealer, you should contact Atik Cameras. Equipment returned to Atik
Cameras must be sent in appropriate packaging and at your expense
(insurance is recommended), together with proo o purchase, a return
address and a clear description o the ault.
This does not a ect your statutory rights.