Specifications

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Table of Contents
1. Introduction to CCD Cameras....................................................................................................3
1.1. How CCDs Work.......................................................................................................................3
1.2. CCDs Applied to Astronomical Imaging..................................................................................4
1.2.1. Cooling..................................................................................................................4
1.2.2. Dark Frames..........................................................................................................5
1.3. The Various CCD Parameters and How they Affect Imaging..................................................5
1.3.1. Pixel Size...............................................................................................................5
1.3.2. Full Well Capacity................................................................................................5
1.3.3. Dark Current.........................................................................................................6
1.3.4. Read Noise............................................................................................................6
1.3.5. Frame Transfer......................................................................................................6
1.3.6. Antiblooming Protection......................................................................................7
1.3.7. A/D Bits and Digitization Rate............................................................................7
1.3.8. Binning..................................................................................................................8
1.3.9. Spectral Response.................................................................................................8
1.4. Camera Hardware Architecture................................................................................................9
2. The First Day with the Camera.................................................................................................11
2.1. Setting up the System..............................................................................................................11
2.1.1 Installing the CCDOPS Software.........................................................................11
2.1.2. Getting Acquainted with CCDOPS Software.....................................................12
2.1.3. Connecting the Camera to the Computer ..........................................................14
2.1.4. Establishing a Communications Link with the Camera.....................................15
2.1.5. Operating your Camera with CCDOPS - a Daytime Orientation.....................15
2.2. The First Night with the Camera ............................................................................................17
2.2.1. Focusing the Camera..........................................................................................18
2.2.2. Finding and Centering the Object......................................................................19
2.2.3. Taking an Image.................................................................................................19
2.3. Further Foray’s into CCDOPS................................................................................................19
3. Advanced Imaging Techniques................................................................................................21
3.1. Taking a Good Flat Field.........................................................................................................21
3.2. Track and Accumulate............................................................................................................21
3.3. Color Imaging..........................................................................................................................21
3.4. Autoguiding............................................................................................................................22
3.5. Field Operation........................................................................................................................22
4. Glossary.....................................................................................................................................23
5. Hints and Tips...........................................................................................................................27
5.1 Question and Answer...............................................................................................................27
5.2. CCDOPS Use Tips...................................................................................................................29
5.3. Hints and Tips for Laptop Users.............................................................................................29
5.4. Telescope Tips.........................................................................................................................30
A. Appendix A - Specifications....................................................................................................33
A.1 DC Power Jack.........................................................................................................................33
A.1 Communications Port .............................................................................................................33
A.1 Telescope Port.........................................................................................................................34