Orion StarShoot AllSky II User manual

Orion®StarShoot™AllSky Camera II
#52191 (NTSC) #52197 (PAL)
INSTRUCTION MANUAL
Providing Exceptional Consumer Optical Products Since 1975
OrionTelescopes.com
Customer Support (800)676-1343
E-mail: suppor[email protected]
Corporate Offices (831) 763-7000
89 Hangar Way, Watsonville, CA 95076
© 2012 Orion Telescopes & Binoculars
IN 455 Rev. A 05/12

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Welcome to a new world of adventure. Your new Orion
StarShoot AllSky Camera II (SSASCII) is capable of
providing 180 degree color views of the night skies from
horizon to horizon in real-time. The SSASCII can even be
used during the day to take images of daytime skies.
Primarily designed to monitor sky conditions, the SSASCII can also capture
meteors, satellites, International Space Station, atmospheric phenomena and
much more.
With the included Orion Video Capture device the SSASCII can be used to
broadcast your real time images across the internet.
With the included software, cables and adapters the SSASCII can be controlled
remotely from your laptop or PC.
The included Orion HandyAVI®special edition software features time-lapse pho-
tography, meteor detection and ability to send images via email or FTP images/
movie to a website.
The weather proof dome housing makes it possible to permanently mount
the SSASCII making it an ideal tool for observatories, schools and home use
(mounting options sold separately).
Please read this instruction manual before attempting to use the camera or
install the software.
Parts List
• Orion StarShoot AllSky Camera II (SSASCII)
• Allen Key (For Vandal Proof screws)
• 50 ft Dual RCA/Power extension Cable
• 50 ft Serial Cable
• USB to RS-232 Adapter
• BNC/RCA Adapter
• Mains Power Adapter
• Field Battery Power Adapter
• Orion Video Capture device, video adapter cables and Software CD
• Orion HandyAVI® Special Edition software CD
• Orion Video Camera Control software CD
Practical Uses of the All-Sky Camera
Astronomer’s Sky Monitor
• Use to check sky conditions at remote locations by broadcasting the real-
time views over the internet via email, website and/or the free night skies
network service
• See the Milky Way
• Constellations and planets can be easily identified
Meteor/Satellite Detector
• Automatically detect and capture meteors using the included Orion
HandyAVI Special Edition software.
• Images and movies of detected objects can be automatically downloaded to
websites via FTP or email.
All-Weather Camera
• Create time-lapse movies of cloud movements
• Image cloud types
• Image storms, lightning, rainbows, sunsets, auroras
Other
• Create a 24 hour time-lapse from dusk until dawn
• Take images at automated times to capture analemma and retrograde
movements of the moon and bright planets over long periods of time.
• Take the portable all-sky camera to star parties, air shows, balloon festivals,
mountain ranges, cities with landmarks etc. to make interesting time-lapse
movies.
Figure 1. The Orion StarShoot AllSky Camera II and included items.

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• Horizontal and vertical mirror functions.
• Auto white balance mode.
• Wide and Narrow Auto Tracking White Balance (ATW) modes aid in light
polluted skies.
• Auto, Color and Black and White day/night modes.
Lens Feature List
• High Quality Fujinon Fish Eye Lens
• Vari-focal (1.4mm->3.1mm) with horizontal field angle of 185-94°
• Wide aperture of f/1.4, optimizing the performance at low lighting intensity
• Built-In ND filter supporting super sensitive cameras
• DC Auto-Iris for day viewing
Housing Feature list
• Weather proof IP66 certified
• Distortion free acrylic dome bubble window
• Heater and fan to prevent fogging of dome bubble cover
Getting Started During Daylight
We recommend using the SSASCII for the first time during the day. This way, you
can become familiar with the camera and its functions without having to fumble
with controls and settings around in the dark.
First the following software drivers and applications will need to be installed.
Orion Video Capture Device
The Orion Video Capture Device enables a Laptop/PC to
record and view video from the SSASCII.
Please follow the instructions included with the Orion Video
Capture Device CD to install the Device Driver and capture
software.
Orion Video Camera Control
The Orion Video Camera Control software, USB to serial
adapter and 50ft serial cable enable the SSASCII to be
remotely controlled via Laptop/PC.
Please follow the instructions included with the Orion Cam-
era Control CD to install the USB to Serial Adapter Device
Driver and Camera Control software.
Viewing Devices
The SSASCII outputs a standard composite video signal that can be displayed
or recorded on any device with composite video input such as a TV, Projector,
Camcorder, DVR or VCR (Figure 2).
Optionally using the included Orion Video Capture Device, camera output can
also be viewed and captured on a PC/Laptop (Figure 3). You can even broad-
cast your views over the internet using the included Orion Video Capture device
and free online service Night Skies Network.
(Read the included Orion Video Capture Device manual for details).
Camera Feature List
• 768 x 494 (NTSC), 752 x 582 (PAL) screen resolution
• 24 bit color
• 30hz Video frame rate (NTSC), 25hz (PAL)
• Computer Controlled via rs-232
• Frame integration for up to 4 seconds exposure (256x Sense up).
• Automatic Gain control.
• Auto Light Control (ALC) shutter speeds from 1/10000 second to 1/100
second.
• Super Digital Noise Reduction virtually eliminates all hot pixels.
• Color Bar display for display calibration and testing of video signal.
• 2X digital zoom feature.
• Customizable Title text display.
• Light & Dark Gamma modes.
• High and Mid sharpness enhancement modes.
Figure 2. TV as a displaying device. Figure 3. Laptop as a displaying/
capture/broadcasting device.

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Orion HandyAVI Special Edition
The Orion Handy-
AVI Special Edition
software features
Timelapse and
Meteor detection
software.
Please follow the
instructions included with the Orion
HandyAVI Special Edition CD to install
the software.
Now that the drivers and software are
installed the camera can be setup.
Place the SSASCII on a stable flat
surface outdoors. The SSASCII can
be tested indoors but focusing is best
done outside with a real sky.
Power
Plug the male power jack (Red) of the
Dual Power/Video extension cable
into the SSASCII and plug the mains
adapter jack into the female power
jack (Red).
Plug the mains adapter into a wall
socket. The device should now have
power.
When used with the included field battery power adapter and a field battery
(such as the Dynamo Pro available through Orion) the SSASCII becomes a
more portable device.
Attaching to a TV
Plug the Video jack (Yellow) that is closest to the male power jack (Red) into the
SSASCII and the other end into a TV.
Power the TV and select the input channel that the video cable was plugged into.
A live video should now appear on screen. The screen may be black until the
camera controls are adjusted.
Attaching to a Laptop/PC
Plug the Video Capture Device into USB port on computer. The device driver
and software should have been previously installed. Plug the Video jack (Yellow)
that is closest to the male power jack (Red) into the SSASCII and the other end
into the Video Capture Device using the cable with Yellow RCA input.
Run Orion HandyAVI software or
Orion AmCap and select device “USB
28185 Device” in order to see live
video on screen.
The screen may be black until the
camera controls are adjusted.
Camera Controls
The SSASCII camera settings will ini-
tially be set to factory default values.
All camera features are controlled via Orion Video Camera Control software.
The Orion Video Camera Control software uses rs-232 protocol to communicate
with the camera. The user has the option of using either the serial ports (COM1/
COM2) if present on their Laptop/PC or alternatively using the USB to RS-232
adapter. This is useful when a Laptop/PC has available USB ports but no serial
ports.
Please read the Orion Video Camera Control manual for installation and usage
instructions.
Selections are made using the sliders, dropdowns, buttons and checkboxes in
the software interface. (Figure 4). Alternatively an OSD (On Screen Display)
menu can be activated by pressing the center button of the OSD Buttons located
at the right hand side of the Camera Control Software screen and using the Up/
Down/Left/Right buttons to navigate and make changes (Figure 5).
The following text explains each available feature. It is recommended that the
user become familiar with all the settings before moving onto final setup.
ALC/AES
ALC – Auto Light Control
SHUTTER
OFF, 1/100, 1/250, 1/500, 1/1000, 1/2000, 1/4000, 1/10000
Automatic Light Control (ALC) indicates the image sensor’s ability to automati-
cally adjust in diverse lighting conditions to yield the most vivid video image pos-
sible Shutter speeds can be selected for different lighting conditions (Figure 6).
For the optimum results at night SHUTTER should be turned OFF.
AES – Auto Electronic Shutter
AES is used when a manual or fixed iris lens is fitted and the shutter speed will
respond to the amount of light to keep the signal output at optimum level. AES
allows changing the iris level automatically without using the auto iris lens.
Figure 4. The Orion Video Camera
Control software interface.
Figure 5. Main OSD menu screen.
Figure 6. ALC Shutter speed menu.

8 9
PRIORITY
PRIORITY (AGC/SENSE) controls the auto-darkening on bright objects.
WHITE BAL. (white balance)
CCD security cameras feature this adjustment to compensate for ambient light
color. Since there’s a color difference between standard light bulb light and sun-
light, white balance adjusts to ensure a more realistic picture.
There are two white balance control modes, namely Auto tracking white balance
(ATW) and Auto White Balance (AWB).
AWB – Auto White Balance
AWB is a preset type function whereby white color in the scene is detected and
white balance is automatically adjusted, then the setting status is stored. It auto-
matically memorizes the adjusted white balance value every time the AWB is
selected. AWB is most suitable for environment with little change in light source.
ATW – Auto Tracking Balance
NARROW (darkness adjustment)
WIDE (Light adjustment)
ATW functions by detecting white color in the scene at a color temperature from
3200 to 10000 Kelvin. The color temperature is being monitored continuously
and the white balance is set automatically by internal controller.
ATW is most suitable for viewing objects with changing color temperature and
which can make the picture color look more natural. This mode is also helpful in
light polluted skies.
DAY/NIGHT (Color Mode)
AUTO – Automatically switches to COLOR for bright objects and BLACK &
WHITE for low light object.
DAY /EXT – COLOR mode always.
NIGHT – BLACK & WHITE mode always.
GAMMA
TYPE A – 0.45 Gamma (Lighter)
TYPE B – 1.0 Gamma (Darker)
ENHANCER
MID Sharpness or HIGH Sharpness
H-REV (H Flip)
Horizontal Mirror Function – Image is flipped in the Horizontal axis.
Note: The AES should be switched off
when an Auto Iris Lens is fitted hence
AES is not used in this application.
SENSE UP (Slow Shutter)
OFF, x2, x4, x8, x16, x32, x64,
x128, x256
Sense-Up: An image processing tech-
nology which allows user selectable
digital slow shutter speeds in order to
allow extra light into a camera thereby
providing higher sensitivity in low light
conditions (Figure 7).
The minimum frame integration (x2) is 1/32 of a second for NTSC (1/40 for PAL).
The maximum frame integration (x256) is 4 seconds for NTSC (5 seconds for
PAL).
Set SHUTTER SPEED (ALC) to OFF for frame integration.
Low light objects such as stars and the Milky Way require a high value sense up
setting such as x256 which gives a total exposure time of up to 4 seconds NTSC
(5 seconds PAL).
BACK LIGHT – Background Light Compensation
Background Light Compensation is used when there is a very bright background
with very dim front image.
Note: BACK LIGHT is not normally used for astronomy.
AGC – Automatic GAIN Control
ON or OFF
The AGC function provides a clear image in low light condition. This controls
an amplifier that is used to boost the video signal when the light dims so as to
increase the camera’s sensitivity.
FLC – Flickerless mode
ON or OFF
Flickerless mode is used for suppressing the flicker of light (illuminating the cap-
tured scene) produced depending upon the frequency of the power source. In
50Hz area, the CCD exposure time is 1/50sec and if NTSC camera is used with
working frequency of 60Hz, there will be flicker on the screen. Same will happen
in using PAL camera in a 60Hz area. The shutter speed is fixed to 1/100 sec for
the 50 Hz area and 1/120 sec for the 60 Hz area to reduce the flicker of the fluo-
rescent light.
Note: FLC is normally set to ON.
Figure 7. Sense Up menu.

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Typical Camera Settings
For best daytime images
WHITE BAL. ATW
ALC/AES ALC (SHUTTER 1/10000 to 1/100)
AGC OFF
SENSE UP OFF
For best nighttime images
WHITE BAL. AWB/ATW
ALC/AES ALC (SHUTTER OFF)
AGC ON
SENSE UP ON (x2 to x256)
For best dual day/night images
WHITE BAL. AWB/ATW
ALC/AES ALC (SHUTTER OFF)
AGC ON
SENSE UP ON (x2 to x256)
Try several different settings to get a feel of how the camera controls work and
affect the resultant image on the computer screen. The WHITE BAL, SHUTTER
speed (ALC) and SENSE UP (Slow Shutter) controls are the ones you will use
the most.
Final Setup
Removal of Dome Bubble
In order to initially focus your view, the dome cover will first need to be removed.
Use the included allen key to unscrew the 4 vandal-proof screws on the top of
the SASC. Be careful not to hit the acrylic dome with the allen key, screws or
other hard objects. Also be careful not to lose the non standard Vandal-proof
allen key.
Carefully lift the dome cover directly upwards from the base and place in a safe
location.
Remove the lens cap. Be careful not to touch the lens to avoid having to clean it.
(Cleaning supplies sold separately by Orion)
V-REV (V Flip)
Vertical Mirror Function – Image is
flipped in the Vertical axis.
ZOOM
Digital zoom x2 – ON or OFF
The Digital zoom is a useful feature to
aid focusing.
OPTION
The option menu contains features
that will be modified less frequently
than the main menu features. (Fig-
ure 8).
TITLE
Use keyboard to type or use UP/
DOWN/LEFT/RIGHT and CENTER
buttons on software to select up to 20
characters to be used as an on-screen
title (Figure 9 & 10).
COLOR BAR
The Color Bar (Figure 11) is a useful
feature to test video output from cam-
era to your viewing device.
MASK
A security camera feature for privacy
masking. Not used in this application.
RETURN
Select to return to main menu.
EXIT
SAVE – exit and save current settings.
PRESET – exit and default to factory
defined settings.
Figure 8. OPTION sub menu.
Figure 10. TITLE being used with live
image.
Figure 11. Color Bar Test.
Figure 9. TITLE edit menu.

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Take some time to use the camera during the day to become familiar and com-
fortable with its basic operation. For best results, you can optimize your images
with the camera controls.
Now that you’re familiar with basic camera operation, it’s time to take the
SSASCII out at night under the stars to capture some astronomical images.
When installing at night, follow the same focus procedure as in daytime. Be
patient as focusing on stars in longer exposure mode (SENSEUP X256) will take
~4seconds to update on screen. Also use the digital zoom to aid in focusing.
A permanently installed SSASCII should only require you to set the focus once
when initially installing.
The Dome Bubble cover can be wiped clean with a damp soft cloth.
Be careful not to scratch the surface when cleaning or moving the device.
(Spare domes are available at Orion)
Post Setup
Viewing and Capture on Laptop/PC
View and capture your skies on a laptop or desktop PC by using the
included Capture Device. (See Video Capture Device Manual for instal-
lation and usage instructions).
Time-lapse and Meteor Detection
Install the included Orion HandyAVI®Special Edition software by selecting
“install Orion HandyAVI SE” from the launcher menu. Instructions are
located on the launcher menu and in the software drop down help menu.
The Orion HandyAVI®SE software features Timelapse, Meteor detection and
the ability to send images via email and movies/images via FTP to a website.
The software also includes features such as timestamps, Scanning AVI files for
meteors, frame selection and automated time/day recording.
Display on a Web Page
The Orion HandyAVI®SE software CD launcher features a guide to dis-
playing images and movies on websites.
Mounting Options
As well as being a portable device, the SSASCII can be permanently installed
on buildings with additional accessories. (Mounting options sold separately by
Orion)
Focusing
Now using your live view as a guide,
adjust the zoom (focal length) and
then adjust the focus of the fish eye
lens using the thumbscrews on the
side (Figure 12).
The SSASCII lens has a variable focal
length from 1.4mm to 3.1mm giving a
range of field of view.
As the camera user, you get to decide
which setting is preferred for your par-
ticular needs (Figures 13, 14).
2X Digital Zoom
Use the 2X digital zoom feature in
the options menu as a focus aid. This
mode is most useful at night to focus
on stars. Turn off the 2X digital zoom
when finished focusing.
Focusing can be difficult with longer
exposure settings. If possible set the
camera to a faster exposure time
(SENSEUP x2) whilst focusing.
At night longer exposures are neces-
sary (SENSEUP X256) in order to
see as many stars as possible under
the given conditions. Therefore more
patience is required when focusing to
see the adjusted result on screen (~4
seconds).
After focusing, the dome cover can
now be placed back onto the base.
Re-Installation of Dome Bubble
Carefully line up the groove on the
inside of the dome cover with the
notch on the base and gently allow the cover to drop into place. The dome cover
should now be seated evenly and all 4 screws lined up ready for installation.
Using the allen key, gently tighten each screw until a small bit of resistance is
felt, then move onto the next screw. Repeat for all screws. Next tighten each
screw more firmly and evenly to help ensure a weatherproof seal.
NEARFAR
TELEWIDE
Figure 12. The SSASC fish eye lens.
Figure 13. At 1.4mm more sky is seen
(~181 degree angle of view). Image is
smallest and low detail resolution.
Figure 14. At 3.1mm less sky is seen
(~90 degree angle of view). Image is larger
and higher detail resolution.

14 15
Extension cables
The included 50 foot dual Power/Video cable can be further extended with an
additional cable (sold separately by Orion)
The included 50ft serial computer control cable can also be further extended
with an additional serial cable extension (sold separately by Orion).
Replacement Dome Cover
Replacement dome covers are also available for the SSASCII (sold separately
by Orion).
Specifications
Sensor: Mintron Color sensor
52K9BHN-EXCS (NTSC); 52K9BHP-EXCS (PAL)
TV System: NTSC/PAL Composite Video out (BNC/RCA)
Sensor size: 1/2”
Number of pixels: 0.4 megapixel resolution
NTSC – 768 x 494 (effective) 811 x 508 (total)
PAL – 752 x 582 (effective) 795 x 596 (total)
Pixel size: 8.4µm x 9.8µm
Video frame rate: NTSC: 30 frames/second; PAL: 25 frames/second
A/D conversion: 8 bit
IR filter: Yes
Operation Temperature: -20°C to 50°C
Power Supply: DC12V 150mA
One-Year Limited Warranty
This Orion StarShoot AllSky Camera II is warranted against defects in materials or workman-
ship for a period of one year from the date of purchase. This warranty is for the benefit of
the original retail purchaser only. During this warranty period Orion Telescopes & Binoculars
will repair or replace, at Orion’s option, any warranted instrument that proves to be defective,
provided it is returned postage paid to: Orion Warranty Repair, 89 Hangar Way, Watsonville,
CA 95076. If the product is not registered, proof of purchase (such as a copy of the original
invoice) is required.
This warranty does not apply if, in Orion’s judgment, the instrument has been abused,
mishandled, or modified, nor does it apply to normal wear and tear. This warranty gives
you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights, which vary from state to state.
For further warranty service information, contact: Customer Service Department, Orion
Telescopes & Binoculars, 89 Hangar Way, Watsonville, CA 95076; (800) 676-1343.
OrionTelescopes.com
89 Hangar Way, Watsonville, CA 95076
Customer Support Help Line (800) 676-1343
© 2012 Orion Telescopes & Binoculars
This manual suits for next models
3
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