ATIK Cameras 383L+ User manual

Atik 383L+ User Manual
Version 1.3 – July 2015

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Contents
1. Introduction ....................................................................................................................................3
1.1 Further information...................................................................................................................3
2. Pack Contents..................................................................................................................................4
3. Getting to know your Camera.........................................................................................................5
3.1 Camera Parts.............................................................................................................................5
3.2 Sensor........................................................................................................................................5
3.3 Optical Window.........................................................................................................................5
3.4 Analog to Digital Converter (ADC) ...........................................................................................5
3.5 Shutter .....................................................................................................................................6
3.6 Power Consumption ................................................................................................................6
3.7 USB Port ....................................................................................................................................6
3.8 Cooling ......................................................................................................................................6
3.9 Replacing the desiccant.............................................................................................................7
4. Technical Information......................................................................................................................7
5. Declaration of Conformity ..............................................................................................................8
5.1 Disposal of the camera ............................................................................................................8
6. Servicing and Repairs ......................................................................................................................9
7. Warranty .........................................................................................................................................9

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1. Introduction
Congratulations on your purchase of an Atik 383L+ Camera. This manual will help you
get the most out of your Atik camera so please take the time to read it thoroughly and
you'll soon be ready to discover new worlds.
Atik Cameras provide exceptional value for money, superior performance and unparalleled
ease of use. They are the result of extensive research and development, each one having
been designed and built with the requirements of the most demanding astro-imager in
mind. Your Atik camera incorporates state-of-the-art design and materials, and will be your
trusted astro- photography companion for a long time to come.
1.1 Further information
For installation instructions and other useful information please refer to the Quickstart
guide which was shipped with the camera. Information on the software is given in the
ArtemisCapture guide, a PDF file of which is copied to your computer hard drive by the
software installer. Further information, including a number of 'Getting Started' tutorial
videos, is available on our website at http://www.atik-cameras.com.

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

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3. Getting to know your Camera
3.1 Camera Parts
1. 2.1mm centre-positive 12V DC input
2. USB port
3. Desiccant port
3.2 Sensor
The sensor inside your camera is a Kodak KAF-8300.
3.3 Optical Window
The optical window used in front of the CCD is quartz with BBAR coatings on both sides
ensuring that no reflection will appear in your image.
3.4 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 of gray providing you with enhanced dynamic range when
capturing an image.
1
2
3

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3.5 Shutter
The 383L+ is fitted 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 for the shutter to open and close. A minimum exposure time of at least
200ms is recommended in order to minimize the effects of vignetting.
3.6 Power Consumption
Your Atik camera was electrically and electronically designed in order to have low power
consumption so your autonomy is enhanced one step further. Versatility is a very important
feature 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.
3.7 USB Port
The Atik 383L+ uses a USB 2.0 high-speed interface, allowing for a full-frame download in
approximately 10 seconds. A higher speed “preview” mode is also available, providing
roughly twice the speed.
3.8 Cooling
Atik cameras are thermally stabilized in a way that your CCD will output the best result that
it can deliver. This information often 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 therefore in order to
obtain the best results you should wait 2 to 5 minutes until thermal stabilization is
achieved. This fact also depends on the outside temperature so, higher environment
temperatures will demand more time for the CCD to stabilize.

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3.9 Replacing the desiccant
Your camera includes a high-performance 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 follow the instructions
below:
- To replace the desiccant, open the desiccant port with the supplied plastic
tool and a screwdriver and take out the used tablet.
- To recharge the desiccant, place the tablet in an electric oven at 200ºC for 90
minutes. Take the tablet out the oven (CAUTION: tablet will be very hot) and
allow it to cool down.
- Place the recharged tablet back in the camera, replace the port cover and
tighten (no need to over- tighten). Wait 24 hours before connecting the camera
again.
Some versions of the 383L+ have a filter inside the desiccant chamber. The purpose of this
is to avoid contamination of the chamber when the desiccant is being replaced. The filter
is very fragile and should not be touched.
4. Technical Information
383L+
Image sensor
Kodak KAF-8300
Resolution
3362x2504
Pixel size (um)
5,4x5,4
ADC
16 bit
Readout noise (Typ.)
7e
Cooling Delta
-40
Regulated cooler
Yes
Water assist
No
Maximum exposure
Unlimited
Minimum exposure
0,2s
Maximum Frame Rate
N/A
PC Interface
USB2
Power requirements
12VDC, 2A
Backfocus distance
17mm ±0.5
Thread on front
M42x0,75
Weight
700g
Mono or OSC
Either

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5. Declaration of Conformity
EU De cla ra tion o f C o nf o rm ity
This product carries the CE Mark in accordance with the related European Directive.
CE Marking is the responsibility of:
Perseu, SA
R. Dr. Agostinho Neto, 1D
2690-576 Sta 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.
5.1 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.

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6. Servicing and Repairs
Repairs, servicing and upgrades are available through your local dealer or by emailing
[e-mail]
Please note that modifications to the camera and/or accessories which are undertaken
without the manufacturer’s written permission will void the warranty.
7. Warranty
The equipment is guaranteed against defective design, manufacture or materials for a
period of one year from the date of purchase.
This means that Atik Cameras will repair or replace the equipment as its sole option, at no
charge to the purchaser for parts or for labour, if the fault is reported within the guarantee
period, provided however, that Atik Cameras is able to duplicate the defect or problem at
its facilities. This warranty does not apply to damage that occurred as a result of abuse or
misuse, abnormal service or handling, damage which may have been caused either directly
or indirectly by another product, or if the equipment has been altered or modified in any
way, or if the damage was caused by repairs or service provided or attempted by
anyone other than Atik Cameras. This warranty does not include or provide for incidental or
consequential damages.
To exercise your rights under this warranty, you must return the equipment to the dealer
from whom it was purchased together with proof of purchase and a clear description of the
fault. If 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 proof of purchase, a
return address and a clear description of the fault.
This does not affect your statutory rights.