G2CCD cameras are designed to satisfy both amateur and professional astronomers. They are compact to be attached even to small telescopes. USB computer interface ensures plug-and-play operation. Camera construction is robust to sustain every-day usage. Usage of scientific-grade NABG CCD chips with high QE and linear response enables reliable scientific data reduction. Employing of 16-bit A/D converter with correlated double-sampling and low-noise electronics ensures high dynamic range. CCD chip can be cooled up to 35 °C below ambient temperature to enable long exposures. Internal shutter and filter wheel allow integration into robotic setups performing unattended observations...

G2CCD-0400 on small 80mm short-focus retractor

Please note the G2 CCD cameras are designed to work in cooperation with a host Personal Computer (PC). As opposite to digital still cameras, which are operated independently on the computer, the scientific slow-scan, cooled cameras usually require computer for operation control, image download, processing and storage etc. To operate G2 CCD camera, you need a computer which:

1. Is compatible with a PC standard.

2. Runs a modern 32-bit Windows operating system.

   Remark:

   G2 camera USB driver is designed for Windows 2000 and better operating systems (e.g. Windows XP). Older 16/32-bit systems, like Windows 95/98 and Windows Me, are not supported. G2 CCD cameras cannot properly operate with such operating systems.

3. Provides at last one free USB port.

G2CCD-0400 Camera Technical Specifications

CCD Chip

G2 cameras use high sensitivity and low noise Kodak KAF Full Frame CCD detectors. Advanced techniques like transparent electrodes and microlensing ensure up to 85 % peak quantum efficiency.

KAF-0402ME CCD chip and its Quantum Efficiency

Camera Electronics

16-bit A/D converter with correlated double sampling ensures high dynamic range and CCD chip-limited readout noise. Fast USB interface ensures image download time within seconds. Maximum length of single USB cable is 5 m. This length can be extended for instance to 10 m by using single USB hub or up to 100 m by third-party extender.

Notes:

1. Binning can be combined independently on both axes

2. Download times are valid for USB 1.1 electronics and may vary depending on host PC. USB 2.0 electronics is under development and download times will be different. USB 2.0 digital module will be available in Q1 2006.

   USB 1.1 digital electronics module can be easily replaced by USB 2.0 version in existing cameras due to modular electronics design. Refer to our web site for upgrade cost.

Chip Cooling

Regulated two-stage thermo-electric chip cooling up to °C35 °C below ambient temperature with forced air cooling and °C 0.1 °C temperature precision ensure very low dark current for long exposures.

Notes:

1. Water-assisted cooling will be available in 2006. Contact us for details.

2. The cooling performance depends on the environmental conditions and also on the power supply. If the power supply voltage drops below 12 V, the maximum temperature drop can be around 30 °C.

Power supply

The 12 V DC power supply adapter enables camera operation from arbitrary power source including batteries, wall adapters etc. Universal 100–240 V AC/50–60 Hz, 60 W “brick” adapter is supplied with the camera. Although the camera power consumption does not exceed 30 W, the 60 W power supply ensures noise-free operation.

Notes:

1. Maximum power consumption includes 100% cooling.

2. The camera contains its own power supplies inside, so it can be powered by unregulated 12 V DC power source—the input voltage can be anywhere between 10 and 14 V. However, some parameters (like cooling efficiency) can degrade if the supply drops below 11 V.

3. G2 CCD camera measures its input voltage and provides it to the control software. Input voltage is displayed in the Cooling tab of the CCD Camera control tool in the SIMS. This feature is important especially if you power the camera from batteries.

Mechanical Specifications

Compact and robust camera head measures only 114 × 114 × 74 mm (approx. 4.5 × 4.5 × 3 inches). The head is CNC-machined from high-quality aluminum and black anodized. The head itself contains USB-B (device) connector and 12 V DC power plug, no other parts (CPU box, USB interface, etc.), except a “brick” power supply, are necessary. Integrated mechanical shutter allows streak-free image readout, as well as automatic dark frame exposures, which are necessary for unattended, robotic setups. Integrated filter wheel contains 5 positions for standard 1.25" threaded filter cells. A variant of filter wheel with 6 positions for 1" “glass-only” filters is also available.

Notes:

1. Camera head weight with filter wheel and 1.25" nosepiece, but without filters.

2. Various telescope/lens adapters are available, including standard 1.25" and 2" barrels, T-thread adapter, Zeiss M44 × 1 thread adapter etc.

Integrated blade shutter and filter wheel (left) Custom CNC-machined heat sink with two high-efficient fans (right)

Integrated 5-positions filter wheel accommodates standard 1.25" filters (left) Scientific-grade BVRI filter set (right)

Software Support

Powerful SIMS (Simple Image Manipulation System) software supplied with the camera allows complete camera control (exposures, cooling, filters) with automatic sequences and complete image calibration. SIMS also supports advanced tools like Image Add tool with automatic sub-pixel image alignment, (L)RGB Add tool, Image Blink tool, image filters and many more functions.

Shipping and Packaging

G2 CCD cameras are supplied in the foam-filled, hard carrying case containing:

• Camera body with a user-chosen telescope adapter. The standard 1.25" barrel adapter is included by default. If ordered, the filter wheel is already mounted inside the camera head and filters are threaded into place (if ordered).

• A 100-240 V AC input, 12 V DC output “brick” adapter with 1.8 m long power cable.

• 5 m long USB A-B cable for connecting camera to host PC.

• A CD-ROM with camera drivers, SIMS software package with electronic documentation and PDF version of this manual.

• A printed copy of this manual.