This makes large-format astrophotography fun: the cooled Atik 4000 CCD camera works with a 4-megapixel Kodak sensor!
The large sensor field is optimised for use with 1.25" filters. These are used to their full potential, eliminating the need for expensive 2" filters. The resolution of the Atik 4000 is suitable for printing in A4 or even A3 format.
The Atik 4000 is available as a black and white or colour camera (mono or colour).
Included in delivery:
- camera
- USB cable, 3 metres
- Power cables, 1.8 metres with cigarette lighter connection, universal power adapter
- CD-ROM with drivers, software and instructions (PDF), quick start guide in paper form
- High-quality carrying case with foam insert
Special features of the Atik 4000 and 11000
Unlike other cameras from Atik, these two models do not use Sony sensors, but Kodak CCDs specially developed for large format cameras . These have a well-deserved reputation in astrophotography. Kodak uses innovative materials for the conductor tracks vapour-deposited onto the chip, which are significantly more transparent in the visual and near-infrared range than conventional materials. This has enabled Kodak to significantly increase sensitivity (quantum efficiency). However, the Kodaks can only deliver their optimum performance with the use of sophisticated control electronics and advanced cooling systems. This is where Atik's design and expertise come into play.
The Kodak sensors require dark images for calibration, and these must be generated at the same temperature as the main image. The Atik 4000 achieves this through temperature control using a two-stage Peltier element and fan. This achieves cooling to 40 degrees below the ambient temperature.
For very demanding use or in hot summer months, water can also be pumped through the camera's internal heat exchanger. This achieves cooling of around 45 degrees.
Efficient cooling minimises thermal noise and reduces the occurrence of hot pixels. However, this carries the risk of condensation forming. Therefore, a highly efficient dry pack dries the air in the sensor chamber. On the outside, however, heating elements are used to prevent the sensor window from fogging up, among other things. This heating is controlled by the camera software and adapted to the external conditions.
Atik large format cameras are designed and built to meet the needs of the most demanding users. At the same time, they are extremely easy to use. They have only two sockets - a 2.1 mm socket for the 12V power supply and a USB2 port for communication with the computer. The cameras are not only compatible with the Atik Capture software, but also with Astroart, CCDSoft and Maxim DL. The minimum system requirements for the Atik software are a Pentium III PC with 28MB RAM.
The Atik 4000 and 11000 enable astrophotography in the uncompromising high-end range with the simplest possible handling!
