Artemis 429

SC2

SC3

 

Artemis 429 (beta version)

This is the Artemis 429, a cooled 16-bit CCD camera designed for astronomical use utilizing Sony ICX429ALL CCD. The design is by Steve Chambers and Jon Grove. This 429-model is a monochrome device with base resolution of 752x582 pixels and pixel size of 8.6µm x 8.3µm. The output from the CCD can be binned up to x4 independently x and y. CCD is placed in air-tight cold chamber and is cooled around 22..23°C below ambient temperature by a thermoelectric cooler. Connection to computer is by single USB-cable and the camera also requires a separate supply of  12V and 5V. Optics mounting thread is the T-thread, but also the M42 thread is an option. Front to CCD image plane distance is 12mm and  it could be decreased to 11mm if needed. More details at www.artemisccd.co.uk.

I'm a member of the beta testing group for this camera so the one I have is a beta version and still under a some development. It was built from a kit of parts. I've not yet had the opportunity to take any astro-photos with it due to cloudiness, but I, and other beta testers, have made numerous tests with it and it appears to be a very capable CCD camera for astronomical use; low noise, good linearity and low dark current. Also this same design supports the larger ICX285 CCD with resolution of 1392x1040 and pixel size of 6.45µm x 6.45µm. I might upgrade my camera for that at later time. The upgrade will be straightforward; just a new CCD and some adjustments are required.

Note: Since this is a beta version of Artemis it might differ from the final version in some aspects.

SC2, a modified webcam

At left; modified Philips Toucam Pro II. It has 'SC2' modifications, allowing long exposures and turning off the CCD-chip's internal amplifier during exposures to reduce glow. It connects to computer by USB and parallel port. The parallel port connections are required for the long exposure and amp-off features and are made by the RJ-45 connector visible in the image. On front of the 1.25" barrel is a Baader UV/IR-cut filter #2459207. The overall structure has provision to install a peltier cooling element to reduce CCD temperature. However there is no peltier currently installed so this camera belongs to 'uncooled' category. The heatsink just provides a low thermal resistance path from to camera internals to outside air, keeping the CCD at approximately ambient temperature during operation.
This has been my only camera for astrophotography during year 2004. Now I've acquired an Artemis cooled CCD camera for deep sky work so this SC2 will have less use. However this is still a good camera for planetary work due to small pixel size and high frame rate. Could also be used for guiding.

At right; An unmodified Philips Toucam Pro II (PCVC840K)

At bottom right; Sony ICX424AL monochrome CCD-chip waiting to be installed on the Toucam Pro above. This chip has larger pixel size than the standard ICX098BQ chip used on Toucam Pro and has no color filters (bayer mask) on chip, so it should be 5..6 times more sensitive than the original. However, to get color pictures one needs to make multiple exposures with external color filters. These two will become a 'SC3'-modified webcam some day, for planets and guiding.

 

SC3, a modified webcam

In progress... This will become a camera for guiding and planetary work. It uses the 1/3" ICX424AL monochrome CCD that is quite sensitive.