|
The Imaging Source DFK 41AF02.AS / DFK 41AU02.AS
|
Compact Colour Video Camera with USB 2.0 or FireWire Interface
|
|
- Sony ICX205AK 1/2" CCD
- Progressive scan
- Resolution: 1280 x 960
- IR cut filter
- Max. 15 fps
- Max exposure time 60 min
- C/CS Mount
- Computer interface option:
- Software included
- Operating systems:
- Windows 7 (32-bit & 64-bit)
- Windows Vista (32-bit & 64-bit)
- Windows XP
- Windows 2000 (SP2)
|
|
|
|
|
DFK 41AF02.AS (FireWire version)
|
|
|
DFK 41AU02.AS (USB 2.0 version)
|
|
|
|
Outline
|
| Resolution of 1280 x 960 pixels.
The telescope camera DFK 41AF02.AS exceeds with its high resolution (1280 x 960 pixels).
Additionally, the DFK 41AF02.AS can output these high resolutions images at a speed of
up to 15 frames per second. Using the shipped software - IC Capture.AS - you can capture
lossless and uncompressed images sequences as AVI files.
|
|
|
 |
The Imaging Source CCD camera shown from various angles with telescope adapter and lens attached.
The camera includes a 0.25" photographic thread that enables it to be attached to a photographic tripod.
|
| Fast display of colour images.
Using the original images from the CCD (RAW format) for visualization purposes does not
make much sense. Only after colour interpolation, is it possible to view the images in
common formats. The bandwidth required when transferring interpolated images is considerably
broader than when transferring the original RAW formatted images. The CCD camera DFK 41AF02.AS
allows colour interpolation to be switched off, thus achieving 15 colour frames per second.
In this case, colour interpolation is performed by IC Capture.AS on the host computer.
Alternatively, should colour interpolation not be desirable at all, AVI files can be
written in RAW format.
|
|
|
| Sony® colour CCD
The astro CCD camera DFK 41AF02.AS deploys the colour CCD ICX205AK, manufactured by Sony®.
This chip has a 1/2" format and 1280 x 960 pixel resolution. Even at long exposure times,
its noise is minimal. Thanks to the high quality of the ICX205AK, it is often used in
scientific image processing applications.
|
|
|
| IR cut filter.
Unlike the human eye, CCDs are sensitive to near infrared light (wavelengths over 700nm).
It is often not desirable to capture light that is in the near infrared range. Indeed,
such light often disturbs an otherwise perfect shot. Therefore, the CCD camera DFK 41AF02.AS
ships with an IR cut filter.
|
|
|
Fast data transfer via FireWire.
The DFK 41AF04.AS camera generates a fast stream of uncompressed colour images.
In order to transfer these to the host PC, a very fast bus is required. Hence,
the camera is fitted with a FireWire connector.
|
|
|
|
Looking for a Higher Specification Video Camera?
|
The PX-137C (colour) and PX-137M (monochrome)
cameras are ideal for imaging demanding targets in real-time including planets, the Sun and the
International Space Station among others; with an exposure range of 1ms to 60 seconds the PX-137 cameras can also be
used in low light applications.
 Sony IMX035 1/3" Exmor CMOS, 1.3 Megapixel, 1280x1038 pixels.
Quantum efficiency: 76%, 3e-Low noise (fan cooled).
1280x1038 25 fps, 668x512 50fps (max).
Gain in hardware.
1ms minimum exposure time, 60 second maximum.
Low noise: 3e- RMS (fan cooled).
|
|
|
|
FireWire Connectivity
|
 |
The camera requires power to operate. Typically desktops have 6-pin Firewire sockets and as such a
6/6 Firewire cable should be used, this will supply power to the camera.
This also applies to laptops with 6-pin Firewire sockets.
Computers with 4-pin Firewire sockets will require a 4/6 pin Firewire cable with a power input and
power supply to supply power to the camera. Using this cable, you can connect an Imaging Soure
astronomy camera to any computer that is fitted with a 4 pin FireWire connector i.e. laptops.
An external power supply can be connected to supply power only if required. The Imaging Source astronomy
cameras work with between 8 and 30 VDC and draw around 200 mA at 12 VDC.
|
|
Software
|
IC WDM DCAM TIS - Device driver for FireWire telescope cameras
The driver IC WDM DCAM TIS embeds all FireWire telescope cameras, manufactured by
The Imaging Source, into Windows® 2000 and Windows® XP. By deploying this driver,
all CCD cameras are DirectX® compatible. Consequently, all The Imaging Source
cameras can be used with all astro-photography software that is compatible with
DirectX®.
Computer requirements:
- PIII/800 MHz, 128 MB
- Graphics card with 24 or 32 bit
- Windows® 2000/SP2 or Windows® XP
- DirectX® 9.0c or higher
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
Live 60fps colour image display.
Click on image to enlarge.
|
Capture of an AVI file.
Click on image to enlarge.
|
|
IC Capture.AS - Camera control software
IC Capture.AS is authored by The Imaging Source and has been specifically designed
for use with astronomy cameras. The software is bundled with the camera
Using IC Capture.AS, you can do the following:
- Set all camera parameters.
- See the live image data stream from the camera.
- Retrieve singular images from the camera and save them as BMP or JPG files.
- Capture image sequences and save the single images as enumerated BMP or JPG files.
- Capture image sequences and save them as lossless, uncompressed AVI files. These files can be post-processed in other astronomy applications, such as RegiStax.
Software requirements:
- PIII/800 MHz, 128 MB.
- Graphics card with 24 or 32 bit.
- Windows® 2000/SP2 or Windows® XP.
- DirectX® 9.0c or higher.
Please note that in order to save image sequences, a host computer with a fast CPU and fast secondary hard disk is required.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Video format selection.
Click on image to enlarge.
|
Live image stream with histogram display.
Click on image to enlarge.
|
|
AVI file generation
With IC Capture.AS you can save the images outputted from the camera as an AVI file.
There are two approaches to achieve this:
- If you would like to save a compressed AVI file, simply select the appropriate codec in IC Capture.AS (DivX, for example).
- If you prefer uncompressed AVIs, simply select the shipped codec (uncompressed Y800, uncompressed RGB24, uncompressed RGB32, uncompressed UYVY).
|
|
|
| Product Code |
DFK 41AF02.AS / DFK 41AU02.AS |
| Type |
colour FireWire camera with IR cut filter |
| Application |
FireWire CCD Imager for Astrophotography |
| Computer Interface |
FireWire / USB 2.0 |
| Manufacturer |
The Imaging Source |
| Sensor |
CCD |
| Type |
progressive scan |
| Sensor specification |
Sony ICX205AK PDF |
| Format |
1/2" |
| Resolution |
1024 x 960 (983,040 pixels) |
| Dynamic range |
8-bit |
| Exposure time |
1/10000 s to 60 minutes |
| Gain |
0 dB to 36 dB |
| FPS @ Max resolution |
15 fps |
| Video formats @ Frame rate |
1024 x 960, Y800 @ 15, 7.5, 3.75 fps |
| Lens mount |
C/CS-mount |
| Power supply |
8 V to 30 V via the FireWire cable |
| Current consumption |
approx 200 mA @ 12 VDC |
| Dimensions (H x W x L) |
50.6 mm x 50.6 mm x 50 mm |
| Weight |
265g |
| Max. temperature (operation) |
-5 °C to 45 °C |
| Max. temperature (storage) |
-20 °C to 60 °C |
| Max. humidity (operation) |
20% to 80% |
| Max. humidity (storage) |
20% to 95% |
|
This information is provided by The Imaging Source and it is subject to change without notice.
|
|
Astronomy Cameras from The Imaging Source
|
|
|
|
Notice
|
We are constantly checking the accuracy of the technical data. We are prepared to provide
more detailed information on request. Technical data is subject to change without notice.
|
|
|
|
|
