ATiK CCD Cameras and Accessories

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M-57 - camera: ATK-2HS - taken by Mario Weigand
M-57 - camera: ATK - 2 HS - taken by Mario Weigand

ATiK CCD Cameras - Powerful And Affordable All-Purpose Cameras

ATiK CCD cameras offer many advantages and an extraordinary value for money. Semi-professional astro-imaging becomes affordable with these cameras!

Some of the Great Features of ATiK Cameras:

- Integrated peltier cooling system for less "noise" during long exposure times
- highly sensitive and powerful SONY chips
On the monochrome cameras you can use LRGB filters for colour images.
- very good results for planetary and lunar imaging. You can use contrast-boosting filters
- efficient amplifier control for noise suppression
- simple adaptation to any telescope using the T-2 thread and 1.25" barrels

-- CCD Cameras

-- Accessories for ATiK Cameras

Easy Payment: We offer our customers several easy and fast payment methods. You will receive exact payment details when ordering or on request!

Just click on the images below to find the respective product presentations!


ATiK 16 IC-HS and IC-C ATiK introductory line cameras Peltier cooling	ATiK 16 and 16 HR: professional monochrome cameras large chip	ATiK 16 C and 16 HRC professional colour cameras large chip

Please send requests or online orders to: sales@telescope-service.com

ATiK 16 IC-HS // ATiK 16 IC-C
high sensitivity monochrome and colour cameras - chip D=6mm

ATIK 16 IC HS rear view

ATiK - 16 IC Cameras

The chip is extremely sensitive. This allows you to take excellent images of faint nebulae and galaxies. The colour version of the camera takes colour images automatically, but as a consequence is somewhat less sensitive. The monochrome variant is more sensitive and you can still take colour images by using LRGB filters: You take four separate images with dedicated colour filters and stack the images in your computer. We of course offer the needed LRGB filters:
--- Baader CCD Filters ---- Astronomik CCD Filters --- The filter support kit and the new filter wheel (see recommended accessories) are a great help for LRGB imaging. They allow you to exchange the filters much more easily without having to take the camera out of the telescope.

Design Features
The camera is compact. The cooling fan is embedded into the body so that it cannot be damaged by accident. A four meter long cable connects the camera with the computer - this allows you to set up the computer at a comfortable distance from the telescope.

Telescope Connection
The camera has a T2 female thread (M42x0.75). This allows you to use a multitude of T2 accessories like tele-lenses, eyepiece projection adaptors, ... In addition a 1.25" adaptor is included. Thus you can attach the camera directly to your telescope.

Efficient Peltier Cooling
Using this efficient thermo-electric cooling system the temperature can be reduced 25 centigrades below ambient temperature. This reduces thermal noise enormously

Autoguiding
You can use the ATiK cameras for autoguiding. The K3 CCD software is included in the scope of delivery. You can also use other softwares like e.g. IRIS, Astrosnap, Guidedog, ... and of course MAXIM DL.

The camera also has an autoguiding port that is ST4 compatible.

Computer Connection
The ATiK 16 IC cameras have USB 1.1 for computer connection.

ATK-16 IC-HS and IC-C Specifications:

CCD Chip
Monochrome: CCD - Sony ICX-424AL (Data Sheet)
Colour: CCD - Sony ICX-424AQ (Data Sheet)

Chip diagonal
6mm - diagonal

Horizontal resolution
640 pixels

Vertical resolution
480 pixels

Pixel size
7.4 x 7.4 um

Readout Noise
7e RMS

Computer port
USB 1.1

Frame Rate
10fps @ 320x240 (fast mode)

Power supply
USB - no separate power supply needed

Max. Exposure time
unlimited

Cooling
Peltier Cooling

Dimensions
50x68 mm (w/o 1.25" adaptor)

Weight
350 grams (incl. cable)

Trifid Nebula - ATK 2HS - Astronomik Filter - P. Monta
Trifid Nebula - ATK 2HS - Astronomik Filter - P. Monta

The ATK 2HS has been the predecessor of the ATK 16 IC-HS

ATiK-16 and ATiK 16HR (High Resulution) - Monochrome Cameras with Large Chips

The large high-performance chips used in these cameras are ideally suited for astro-imagers looking for larger fields of view. Both CCD cameras resemble a large improvement on a high level of quality and performance.

Both cameras have an excellent value for money - just compare the features and the chips with other brand cameras!

Astro Imaging
The large chip is obviously very attractive for taking images of large areas on the moon or the sun. But the major advantage is in deep-sky imaging.

The chip is extremely sensitive - this allows you to take excellent images of faint nebulae and galaxies even with "slow" focal ratio telescopes. You can even take colour images by using LRGB filters: You take four separate images with dedicated colour filters and stack the images in your computer. We of course offer the needed LRGB filters:
--- Baader CCD Filters (German Page) ---- Astronomik CCD Filters --- The filter support kit and the new filter wheel (see recommended accessories) are a great help for LRGB imaging. They allow you to exchange the filters much more easily without having to take the camera out of the telescope.

Efficient Peltier Cooling
Using this efficient thermo-electric cooling system the temperature can be reduced 25 centigrades below ambient temperature. This reduces thermal noise enormously.

12V - Power Supply
power supply of this camera is 12V. A cigarette lighter plug (1.8m cable) is included.
The peltier cooling requires 0.8Amp.

Telescope Connection
The camera has a T2 female thread (M42x0.75). This allows you to use a multitude of T2 accessories like tele-lenses, eyepiece projection adaptors, ... In addition a 1.25" adaptor is included. Thus you can attach the camera directly to your telescope.Videos Taken With the ATiK Camera
You can even take films with the ATiK Cameras. Exposure times range from 0.5 seconds to infinite. Afterwards you can use programs like GIOTTO to stack the images - the resulting very high resolution especially for moon and planets offers and image quality unheard of a few years ago!

Autoguiding
You can use the ATiK cameras for autoguiding. A custom application for autoguiding as well as Maxim DL and Astroart plug-ins are included.

Long Exposure Photography
These new ATiK cameras are ideally suited for long exposures. Data transfer to the computer is through the USB port.

ATIK sensor size comparison

High Sensitivity Monochrome Chips
The cameras are equipped with particularly powerful Sony chips. The high sensitivity enables you to use the cameras on slow focal ratio telescopes. The cameras are ideally suited for telescopes with a longer focal length. They will still show plenty of detail.

Left Image: Size comparison between the ATiK 16HR and the previous flagship of the ATiK camera line, the ATiK 2HS.
The ATiK 16 uses the Sony chip ICX-429 ALL (Diagonal 9.49mm).
Die ATK 16 HR uses the Sony chip ICX-285 AL (Diagonal 13.15mm).

Specifications of These Two ATiK Cameras:

Camera ATiK 16 and 16 C

Chip	Monochrome: Sony Chip ICX-429 ALL ( PDF file ) Colour: Sony Chip ICX-429 AKL ( PDF file )
Resolution	752 x 582 pixels ( 437,664 pixels )
Chip size	7.4mm x 5.95mm - diagonal 9.49mm
Pixel size	8.6 x 8.3 um
BIT	16 BIT
Computer Port	USB 1.1 - Download time max. 5s
Cooling	Peltier cooling (25° below ambient temp.)
Preview function	only approx. 1 second download time
Power supply	12V DC - 0.8A power consumption
Protective glass	optical glass - BK-7

Camera ATiK 16 HR and 16 HRC

Chip	Monochrome: Sony Chip ICX-285 AL ( PDF file ) Colour: Sony Chip ICX-285 AQ ( PDF file )
Resolution	1390 x 1040 pixels ( 1,445,600 pixels )
Chip size	10.2mm x 8.3mm - diagonal 13.15mm
Pixel size	6.45 x 6.45 um
BIT	16 BIT
Computer Port	USB 1.1 Download time max. 11s
Cooling	Peltier cooling (25° below ambient temp.)
Preview funtion	only approx. 1 second download time
Power supply	12V DC - 0.8A power consumption
Protective glass	optical glass - BK-7

Filter Wheel 1.25" High quality filter wheel - short optical length - for 5x 1.25" filters Manual or motorized.	CCD Filters LRGB filters for 3-colour composit images	Baader IR Cut Filter enhances contrast whenever there is a lens between the camera and the object	0.5x Focal Reducer 1.25" for shorter exposure times and larger fields of view
0.5x Focal Reducer 2" for shorter exposure times and larger fields of view	Case For ATiK Cameras for save storage and transport	Telelens Adaptor for ATiK Cameras Allows you to use telelenses for your ATiK camera. Also works with many other cameras

ATIK filter wheel with Baader filters

ATiK filter wheel with Baader CCD filter set (optional)
Baader CCD Filters

The ATiK Filter Wheel offers several important advantages when using 1.25" filters. It is made both for visual and photographical applications.

-- Safe Storage of Your Filters ...... Filters are well protected against dust and dirt. During operation they are also protected against dew.

-- Rapid Change of Filters ...... by turning the large knurled wheel you can switch filters in the blink of an eye. You can easily compare the effect of your various filters, or take LRGB images, without having to take off any part of your equipment.

-- Ultra-Short Optical Length ...... allows you to use the filter wheel in telescopes with short back focus, such as many Newtonian telescopes.

-- Versatile T2 Thread ...... you can use any of a very large range of adaptors on both sides of the filter wheel.

-- Easy Filter Insertion ...... just remove the four screws at the edge of the filter wheel and take off the cover. Then you can change the filters easily. You can fit up to 5x 1.25" filters.

Specifications and Scope of Delivery

Connections	T2 (M42x0.75) female thread on the side of the telescope T2 (M42x0.75) male thread on the side of the camera / eyepiece
Filters	threads for up to 5x 1.25" filters (filters not included)
Filter Switch	Large knurled wheel for easy and smooth switching between filters. The filters snap into position. Engraved numbers show which filter is in the "active" position.
Optical length	very short ..... only 19.5mm
Material used	Aluminium - black anodized
Weight	Lightweight ... only 260 grams

Example of a CCD Setup
The ATiK Filter Wheel can be attached to the TS Flip Mirror. This allows you to find and center objects easily and then switch to the camera for photography .................. Further Information on the Flip Mirror (German)

Visual Setup
Switch between UHC, O-III, H-beta, ... nebular filters.
Or compare the effect of various colour filters on the planets.


The T2 female thread on the side of the telescope allows you to use all kinds of adaptors	With an optical length of only 19.5mm the filter wheel is ultra-thin. It is even suitable for many Newtonian telescopes	The T2 locking ring allows you to lock the camera in position. You have full control of the orientation of the camera.	The filter wheel can be fitted with filters easily. Changing the filters takes only a few minutes.

motorized ATIK filter wheel

ATiK Motorized Filter Wheel ........ Fira M1

The ATiK filter wheel is now also available in a motorized version. This makes it even more suitable for astro-imaging without touching the telescope when switching the filters.

The ATiK motorized filter wheel has the same dimensions and uses the same adaptations that the manual filter wheel has, but instead of switching the filters manually this is done automatically at the push of a button.

When pressing the button the filter wheel will automatically switch to the next filter.

Features:
- magnetic sensors for determining the filter wheel's position. No LEDs that would cause stray light.
- closed body prevents stray light from entering the filter wheel.
- compact and easy to use hand control unit. Filter switch at the push of a button.
- 12V power supply. Cigarette lighter cable included.
- can be upgraded with computer control through USB. This upgrade is currently under development.
- an LED on the outside signals which filter position is currently active.

Baader CCD Filters

Astronomik CCD Filters

Prices and Recommended Accessories

Item No.	Short description
FIRA 1	Manual filter wheel for 5x 1.25" filters. T2 connection on both sides.
FIRA M1	Motorized filter wheel for 5x 1.25" filters. T2 connection on both sides.
TS FA 1	1.25" nose piece on the side of the telescope (for 1.25" focusers)
TS FA 2	2" nose piece on the side of the telescope - only 3mm optical length
TS SC-T2	SC Thread Adaptor for ATiK filter wheel. Connects the filter wheel to telescopes with the SC thread
TS T2 - 1	1.25" clamp for 1.25"eyepieces ( eyepieces, adaptors, ... )
TS T2 - 2	2" clamp for 2" eyepieces ( eyepieces, adaptors, ... )
T2	T-2 ring for most common SLR cameras. Please state the exact camera type
Scharzfilter 1	Zero transmission filter. Is screwed into an empty 1.25" filter thread of the filter wheel and permits no light at all. Used to take dark frame images.

Please send requests or online orders to: sales@telescope-service.com

CCD Filters for 3-Colour (LRGB) Imaging

Allow you to get high quality colour images with high sensitivity monochrome cameras.

Astronomik Filters - thumbnail

We offer two different variants:

1.25" Astronomik CCD Filters
Set consisting of four filters including IR cut filter. These are interference colour filters, resulting in a precisely controlled spectral transmission curve. Excellent results. ... Astronomik CCD Filters

1.25" Baader CCD Filters
A good low-cost alternative to the Astronomik filters. These are not interference filters, but the results are nonetheless very good. Set consisting of three colour filters and one IR cut filter. ................................................................................ Baader CCD Filters

IR cut filter

1.25" Baader IR / UV Cut Filter - recommended whenever there are any glass elements between the object and the camera

Telelenses and telescope objective lenses are not corrected in the infrared and ultraviolet range of the spectrum (exception: reflecting telescopes). Unlike the naked eye the CCD chip of ATiK cameras is sensitive in the near IR. As a consequence contrast and sharpness would suffer.

For this reason you should cut off the IR and UV light whenever there are any glass elements between the camera and the object (objective lens, correcting lens, focal reducer, ...). The Baader IR cut filter is an interference filter with a steep, precisely controlled filter curve. For the naked eye the filter seems fully transparent since the human eye doesn't perceive the IR and UV light. .................................................................................... Baader IR / UV Cut Filter

Reduction of the focal length - reduction of the exposure time - larger field of view
recommended in particular for long focal length telescopes!

0.5x focal reducer 1.25"

A beautiful storage box is included in the scope of delivery. The box is now semi-transparent and more flexible, so it does not crack easily.

0.5x Focal Reducer for Visual and Photographical Use

The TS / ATiK focal reducer reduces the focal length of the lens / telescope by half. As a result you will get a much larger field of view (100% larger in diameter = 300% larger in surface). This is a great advantage for visual observing as well as photography.

Adaptation

The TS / ATiK easily fits to a camera or an eyepiece. It has the standard 1.25" filter thread. You can screw it into the filter thread of an eyepiece directly. Likewise most 1.25" camera adaptors have the 1.25" filter thread (e.g. the 1.25"-T2 adaptor we offer with the ATiK cameras).

Fields of Use

Imaging:
- larger field of view and shorter exposure times. The focal reducer is not only recommended for ATiK cameras, but also for::

--- Philips Webcam ( Further Information - German )
--- Deep Sky Video Camera WAT 120 ( Further Information - German )
--- Mintron Video Cameras ( Further Information - German )

Visual Use:
- larger field of view with 1.25" eyepieces. This is particularly interesting in long focal length telescopes when trying to observe large objects.

Due to the shorter distance between the reducer and the eyepiece field stop (compared with a camera) the focal reduction is only by a factor of approx. 0.75x.

The focal position is only changed by about 5mm inwards.

Note:

The focal reducer does not only reduce the focal length, but also changes the position of the focal plane slightly inwards. Under normal circumstances even telescopes with a notoriously narrow focal position (Newtonians, ...) will work with the reducer. In such cases we do not recommend to use the "TSV F1" extension tube, though, especially in Newtonian telescopes.

Prices

Item No.	Short description
TS Red 0,5	Focal reducer 0.5x with 1.25" filter thread on both sides (visual use: approx. 0.75x)
TSV F1	Extension tube with 1.25" filter thread on both sides. Length approx. 25mm

Reduction of the focal length - reduction of the exposure time - larger field of view
recommended in particular for long focal length telescopes!

TS 2" 0.5x focal reducer

A beautiful storage box is included in the scope of delivery

0.5x Focal Reducer for Visual and Photographical Use

Similar to the smaller 1.25" focal reducer this unit serves to reduce the focal length of a telescope, reducing the exposure times and enlarging the field of view. This is a great advantage for visual observing as well as photography.

Adaptation

The 2" 0.5x focal reducer is screwed directly into the filter thread of a 2" nose piece or into the 2" barrel of an eyepiece.

On the opposite side the focal reducer has a 2" female filter thread that allows you to continue with the adaptation of further items such as filters.

Fields of Use

Imaging:
- the use is similar to the 1.25" focal reducer, but the 2" unit is chosen whenever it is easier to adapt: If your camera has a 2" nose piece. If you want to use a 2" off axis guider. There are several cases in which a 1.25" focal reducer could not be adapted easily.

Visual Use:
- larger field of view with 2" eyepieces. This is particularly interesting in long focal length telescopes when trying to observe large objects.

Due to the shorter distance between the reducer and the eyepiece field stop (compared with a camera) the focal reduction is only by a factor of approx. 0.75x.

The focal position is only changed by a few millimetres inwards.

Please note: The visual use is a secondary use and it has some side-effects. In particular you will get vignetting with most 2" eyepieces. You still gain some field of view, but the viewing comfort is often reduced somewhat.

The 2" 0.5x focal reducer has a 2" filter thread also on the telescope side. This allows you to combine it with filters etc.

Specifications:

Connecting thread 2" filter thread on both sides

Lens design 2-lens achromatic - cemented - coated

Body material Aluminium - black anodized

Reduction factor approx. 0.5x (photographical use) or 0.75x (visual use), depending on the distance

Boosting the Focal Reduction

By inserting an extension tube between the focal reducer and the eyepiece or camera you can get a more extreme focal reduction. The item you will need is the " TSV F2".

Note:

The focal reducer does not only reduce the focal length, but also changes the position of the focal plane slightly inwards. Under normal circumstances even telescopes with a notoriously narrow focal position (Newtonians, ...) will work with the reducer. In such cases we do not recommend to use the "TSV F2" extension tube, though, especially in Newtonian telescopes.

Prices

Item No.	Short description
TSRED052	Focal reducer 0.5x with 2" filter thread on both sides (visual use: approx. 0.75x)
TSV F2	Extension tube with 2" filter thread on both sides. Length approx. 30mm

Pelicase for ATIK cameras

A CCD camera is a delicate piece of equipment. You should always take great care when using it, but also when storing it or transporting it.

This robust case for the ATiK cameras is the ideal "home" for your camera. It is made of shock resistant plastic and is foam fitted for the ATiK cameras. Furthermore it is water resistant.

In the case the camera is always safely stored. There is enough space for cables and some accessories like the filter support kit.

Item No.	Short description
ATK Koffer	Foam fitted hard case for ATiK cameras (1C, 2C, 1HS, 2HS)

If you want to attach an existing camera lens to the ATiK camera - with integrated camera tripod mount

camera lens attached to an ATIK camera

ATiK camera with standard camera lens - the camera sits "piggy back" on a telescope

ATiK CCD cameras can of course also be used with existing camera lenses. You can get very nice large-field images. This is particularly interesting with short camera lenses up to 135mm focal length.

Adaptation to a Tripod or Telescope
The adaptors include a 1/4" standard camera thread. This allows you to attach them to most camera tripods. Likewise many telescopes offer camera mounts (piggy back mounts) that allow you to attach the ATiK cameras parallel to the main telescope with these adaptors.

Prices

Item No.	Short description
135mm Objektiv	135mm lens, f/2,8 with Pentax K bayonet mount
50mm Objektiv	50mm lens, f/1,7 with Pentax K bayonet mount
Pentax K	ATiK camera adaptor for Pentax K lenses
Pentax S	ATiK camera adaptor for M42x1 threaded lenses
Olympus	ATiK camera adaptor for Olympus lenses
Nikon	ATiK camera adaptor for Nikon lenses
C Mount	ATiK camera adaptor for C-mount lenses - Without 1/4" camera tripod mount


Filter Wheel for LRGB imaging further information	IR Cut Filter should be used if any lenses are between the camera and the object further information	0.5x Focal Reducer for faster images and larger fields of view further information	Carry Case for ATiK Cameras for safe storage and transport further information	Camera Lens Adaptors for your ATiK camera further information


Filter Wheel for LRGB imaging further information	IR Cut Filter should be used if any lenses are between the camera and the object further information	0.5x Focal Reducer for faster images and larger fields of view further information	Camera Lens Adaptors for your ATiK camera further information