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Adirondack Video Astronomy offers a " STATE of the ART" Computer Controllable 1/4" 480 line High Resolution Planetary Video Camera with Built-IN EEPROM Features.
The use of the 1/4 inch CCD allows higher apparent magnification and high resolution images at shorter focal lengths. (see the manually controlled PlanetCam for more info on this.)
This camera is completely customizable for every telescope / lens combination you are using and for every object you are imaging.
Custom *.sts Camera control files can then be created, saved, for each object type you are imaging. Once saved they can be reloaded into the Camera during subsequent imaging sessions.
The EEPROM *.sts Control files can even be e-mailed to other users of the ASTROVID PLANETCAM CC and loaded into their cameras.
Schools and planetariums can use previously created custom files for their live presentations. The lecturer can then reload the files into the camera and offer the public a very smooth running " live" presentation.
The availability of camera control files will allow users "all over the globe" to obtain precise calibration of their cameras so that color observation image information can be shared among many users.
This has the possibility of opening up a whole new area of real time color astronomical video observations especially on the moon!
NEGATIVE IMAGING:
Another aspect of this camera that is quite unique is that you can have a real time negative image. This is an image much like that of a color photographic negative. The use of the real time negative image can be used to investigate bright planetary structures or lunar rays.
The ability to do this in real time instead of after image processing allows the imager to slightly over expose the white parts of the images and then by turning on the negative switch the image can then again be adjusted to bring out detail normally hidden in the bright portions of the object. The ability to do this in real time is a definite advantage.
BRING OUT HIDDEN LUNAR RAYS !
CLICK ON THUMBNAIL FOR LARGER IMAGE
NEGATIVE IMAGE of the MOON - Note the enhanced ray structure. With a calibrated system individual rays can be measured and analyzed !
The PLANETCAM CC has both S-Video and Composite Video Outputs.
NTSC PLANETCAM CHIP PDF
http://www.sel.sony.com/semi/PDF/ICX209AK.pdf
PAL PLANETCAM CHIP PDF
http://www.sel.sony.com/semi/PDF/ICX209AK.pdf
COMPUTER CONTROL:
The Computer Controlled Parameters include:
Negative/Positive Image Select
Auto-Gain Control
Manual Gain Control
White Balance - Auto Manual -2 level control
TAB MENUS - With Centers to control many of the Camera Functions
AWB Center - AWB settings for both Negative and Positive Images
Gamma Center - Can control the Gamma ( contrast) for both the Gray scale and color Information independently of each other.
Y-SETUP Controls the overall brightness/black levels of the image.
Chroma - Color Balance 2 channels
Shutter Speeds /Field Rates
CDS Gain Calibration - Rough gain adjustment for the white and black levels independent of each other.
EEPROM Computer control to save all of the camera control parameters to the camera itself or to the disk for retrieval at a future point in time.
Dip Switch Control via the software's graphical user interface.
FURTHER EXPLANATION of CAMERA CONTROLS:
USING THE CAMERA CONTROL
SOFTWARE-MAIN PANEL CONTROLS
1. After the Software Loads You will see the
DSP Camera Control Box.
2. There will be a series of DIP Switches at the
top of the software. To the right there is a down arrow box. Click on the down
arrow button. A set of commands will appear.
3. At the bottom of the Menu
are two commands under the heading labeled SWITCH VOLUME.
4. Turn on both
switches labeled NO USE EQUIPPED DIP SWITCH and NO USE EQUIPPED VOLUME. This
moves the controls off the camera into the software. You must turn them
on.
DIP SWITCH CONTROL
You can use your mouse button to
click on the Dip Switches for quick control of your image. They are numbered
from left to right 1-8.
1. SWITCH I White Balance OFF-auto white
balance-adjusts to color temperature of predominating light source
automatically. White Balance-ON Manual control of white balance from controls
set in the AWB Center
2. SWITCH 2 AGC Auto-Gain Control AGC -ON gain
controlled automatically. AGC-OFF Gain controlled by preset Manual Gain on the
Main Menu under the Auto Gain Control.
3. SWITCHES 3,4,5,6,7 Shutter
Speed Controls-Please see the spec sheet for DIP switch shutter speed controls.
PLEASE NOTE: IT IS MUCH EASIER TO SET THE SHUTTER SPEEDS FROM THE SHUTTER SELECT
MENU ON THE MAIN PAGE.