Resolution of 1280 x 960 pixels
With its 1280 x 960 pixel, the astronomy camera offers a very high resolution. It outputs uncompressed image data at a speed of 15 images per second. Using the shipped software - IC Capture.AS - you can capture lossless and uncompressed images sequences as AVI files.
Fast display of color images
Color CCDs output their data in RAW format. For visualization purposes this data cannot be used. It must first be subjected to a color interpolation process, in which the raw data is post processed. Much broader bandwidth is required to transfer interpolated images, than the original raw data from the camera. Color interpolation can be switched off in the CCD camera. In this mode, a transfer rate of 15 color images per second can be achieved. Color interpolation is then carried out by IC Capture.AS on the host PC. Alternatively, should color interpolation not be desirable at all, AVI files can be written in RAW format.
Sony color CCD
The most important part of the asto CCD camera is the high resolution color CCD ICX205AK from Sony. It has a resolution of 1280 x 960 pixels at a format of 1/2". Even at long exposure times, its noise is minimal. Due to the high quality of the ICX205AK CCD chip, it is often used in medical image processing applications.
IR Cut Filter
Color cameras that do not possess a color filter offer users a large degree of flexibility: Filters may be added as required by a specific application. Therefore, the astronomy camera ships without an IR cut filter.
Fast data transfer via GigE
The astro CCD camera outputs uncompressed color images in fast sequences. In order to transfer these to the host PC, a very fast bus is required. Hence, the camera is fitted with a GigE connector.
Shipped software for Windows
This camera ships with the camera driver and the control software IC Capture.AS.
