Atik Series 3 User Manual
Version 1.5 – July 2015

Contents
1. Introduction ................................................................................................................................ 3
1.1 Further information .............................................................................................................. 3
2. Pack Contents ............................................................................................................................. 4
3. Getting to know your camera ..................................................................................................... 5
3.1 Camera Parts......................................................................................................................... 5
3.2 Sensor ................................................................................................................................... 5
3.3 Optical Window .................................................................................................................... 6
3.4 Analog to Digital Converter (ADC) ........................................................................................ 6
3.5 Power Consumption ............................................................................................................. 6
3.6 USB Port................................................................................................................................ 6
3.7 Autoguiding Port ................................................................................................................... 6
3.8 Cooling .................................................................................................................................. 7
3.9 Replacing the desiccant ........................................................................................................ 7
4. Technical Information Summary ................................................................................................. 8
5. Declaration of Conformity .......................................................................................................... 9
5.1 Disposal of the camera ......................................................................................................... 9
6. Servicing and Repairs ................................................................................................................ 10
7. Warranty ................................................................................................................................... 10

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1. Introduction

Congratulations on your purchase of an Atik Series 3 camera. This manual will help you
get the most out of your Atik camera so please take the time to read it thoroughly
and you'll soon be ready to discover new worlds.
Atik Cameras provide exceptional value for money, superior performance andunparalleled ease of use. They are the result of extensive research and development,each one having been designed and built with the requirements of the mostdemanding astro-imager in mind. Your Atik camera incorporates state-of-the-art
design and materials, and will be your trusted astro- photography companion for along time to come.

1.1 Further information
For installation instructions and other useful information please refer to the Quickstartguide which was shipped with the camera. Information on the software is given in theArtemisCapture guide, a PDF file of which is copied to your computer hard drive by thesoftware installer. Further information, including a number of 'Getting Started' tutorial
videos, is available on our website at http://www.atik-cameras.com.

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2. Pack Contents
This pack includes:

1. Atik Series 3 camera
2. USB cable
3. Car lighter type power cable
4. CD with software and manuals
5. Quick start guide

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3. Getting to know your camera
3.1 Camera Parts

1.
2.
3.
4.

ST-4 compatible autoguider port
2.1mm centre-positive 12V DC input
1.25” nosepiece with T2 (M42 x 0.75mm pitch) thread
USB port

3.2 Sensor
The sensors used in the Atik series 3 cameras are listed below:
MonochromeColour

Atik 314L+

SONY ICX285AL

SONY ICX285AQ

Atik 320E

SONY ICX274AL

SONY ICX274AQ

Due to the very clean nature of these CCDs, dark frames are unnecessary in mostcases. This is due to the low noise which stands at an amazing less than 5 electrons
RMS.
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3.3 Optical Window
The optical window used in front of the CCD is a BK7 with BBAR coatings on both sides
ensuring that no reflection will appear in your image.

3.4 Analog to Digital Converter (ADC)The Analog to Digital Converter (ADC) is a 16-bit ADC. This means that your Atikcamera will allow you to record subtle levels of gray, providing you with enhanced
dynamic range when capturing an image.
3.5 Power Consumption
Your Atik camera was designed to have low power consumption: please see the tablein section 4 for details specific to your camera model. The 2.1mm centre-positive DC
input is compatible with a wide range of 12V DC supplies.
WARNING: If you have purchased the optional mains power adaptor, please
note that it is for indoor or observatory use only. There is a risk of electric
shock if the adaptor is used in damp environments or outside. If in doubt do
not use the adaptor and consult a trained electrician.
3.6 USB Port
The Atik series 3 cameras use a USB 2.0 high-speed interface, allowing full- frame
image downloads in only a few seconds. A higher speed “preview” mode is alsopresent, providing roughly twice the speed.
3.7 Autoguiding Port
The autoguiding port enables you to do autoguiding with any ST4 compatible guiding
software when using the optional cable.
Guider port pinout:

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3.8 Cooling
Atik cameras are thermally stabilized to allow your CCD to output the best result thatit can deliver. The very low readout noise, combined with efficient cooling, means thatdark frames are not necessary in most situations, allowing you to spend more time
imaging and less time taking calibration frames. If very long exposures are to be usedor high precision data is required (exo-planet searches, for example), dark frame
libraries will be easy to maintain.
The cooling delta varies between models and full specifications are available in theTechnical Information Summary on page 7. Please note: the cooling delta is how farbelow the ambient temperature the camera can achieve, rather than a fixed
temperature it will cool to.
The Atik 314L+ has a regulated cooling system, meaning that the CCD is kept at thedesired temperature throughout the imaging session. After switching on the camera,
it is advisable to allow at least 2 minutes before taking images in order to allow
the temperature to stablilize.

3.9 Replacing the desiccantYour camera includes a high-performance molecularsieve desiccant tablet which is used to avoid
condensation in the CCD chamber. Although thisdesiccant will last a long time it may eventually needreplacement or recharging, in which case please follow
the instructions below:

Desiccant PortTo replace the desiccant, open the desiccant port with thesupplied plastic tool and a screwdriver and take out the used tablet.
To recharge the desiccant, place the tablet in an electric ovenat 200ºC for 90 minutes. Take the tablet out the oven (CAUTION: tablet
will be very hot) and allow it to cool down.
Place the recharged tablet back in the camera, replace theport cover and tighten (no need to over- tighten). Wait 24 hours before
connecting the camera again.
You will notice that there is a filter inside the desiccant chamber. The purpose of thisis to avoid contamination of the chamber when the desiccant is being replaced. Thefilter is very fragile and should not be touched.

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4. Technical Information Summary
Image sensor
Resolution
Pixel size (um)
ADC
Readout noise (Typ.)
Cooling Delta
Regulated cooler
Water assist
Maximum exposure
Minimum exposure
Maximum Frame Rate
PC Interface
Power requirements
Backfocus distanceThread on front
WeightMono or OSC

Atik 314L+Sony ICX285
1392x1040 pixels
6,45x6,4516 bit
4 e-27
Yes
NoUnlimited
0,001sN/A
USB2
12VDC 0.8A
13mm ±0.5
M54x0,75400g
EitherAtik320E
Sony ICX274
1620x1220 pixels
4.4x4.4μm
16 bit4 e-25
NoNo
Unlimited
0,001sN/A
USB2
12VDC 0.8A
13mm ±0.5
M54x0,75350g
Either

The following table gives the angular resolution per pixel with certain focal
distances. The formula to calculate any other focal length is:(Pixel Size (μm) / Focal Distance (mm)) * 206.3 = angular resolution (arcseconds/pixel)
Focal Distance (mm)350
400
450500
550
600
650
700
750
800
850
9009501000

Angular resolution(arcsec/pixel) – 314L
3.80
3.33
2.96
2.66
2.42
2.22
2.05
1.90
1.77
1.66
1.57
1.48
1.40
1.33

Page 8Angular resolution(arcsec/pixel) – 320E
2,59
2,27
2,02
1,82
1,65
1,51
1,40
1,30
1,21
1,13
1,07
1,01
0,96
0,91

5. Declaration of Conformity

EU Declaration of Conformity
This product carries the CE Mark in accordance with the related European
Directive. CE Marking is the responsibility of:Perseu, SAR. Dr. Agostinho Neto, 1D
2690-576 Sta Iria da Azoia
Portugal
Critical Applications
This product is not designed for any “critical applications”. “Critical applications”
means life support systems, medical applications , connections to medical devices,
commercial transportations, nuclear facilities or systems or any other applications
where product failure could lead to injury to persons or loss of life or catastrophic
property damage.
This product is not a toy.
This is a class A product. In a domestic environment this product may causeradio interference in which case the user may be required to take adequate
measures.
5.1 Disposal of the camera
When no longer required do not dispose of this electronic device with generalhousehold waste. To minimise pollution and protect the environment the camera
should be recycled. Local recycling drop off points available under the Waste from
Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) regulations which will accept the camera.
For further information contact Perseu SA at the above address, or the shop fromwhich the camera was bought.

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6. Servicing and Repairs
Repairs, servicing and upgrades are available through your local dealer or by emailingsupport@atik-cameras.com
Please note that modifications to the camera and/or accessories which areundertaken without the manufacturer’s written permission will void the warranty.

7. Warranty
The equipment is guaranteed against defective design, manufacture or materials for aperiod of one year from the date of purchase.
This means that Atik Cameras will repair or replace the equipment at its sole option,
at no charge to the purchaser for parts or for labour, if the fault is reported within theguarantee period, provided however that Atik Cameras is able to duplicate the defector problem at its facilities. This warranty does not apply to damage that occurred as aresult of abuse or misuse, abnormal service or handling, damage which may have beencaused either directly or indirectly by another product, or if the equipment has beenaltered or modified in any way, or if the damage was caused by repairs or service
provided or attempted by anyone other than Atik Cameras. This warranty does notinclude or provide for incidental or consequential damages.
To exercise your rights under this warranty, you must return the equipment to thedealer from whom it was purchased together with proof of purchase and a clear
description of the fault. If it’s not possible to return the equipment to your dealer, you
should contact Atik Cameras. Equipment returned to Atik Cameras must be sent inappropriate packaging and at your expense (insurance is recommended), together
with proof of purchase, a return address and a clear description of the fault.
This does not affect your statutory rights.

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