Setting up the CCD camera for imaging involves linking the camera and computer and setting the temperature regulation.  Also, some imaging preferences can be set during this step.

Linking to the Computer

Click on Setup in the toolbar to establish a link with the camera.

Above:  The CCDOPS Toolbar.  If the Toolbar is not visible, click Ctrl-I.

The Setup window should appear once the connection to the camera is made.

Setting the Temperature

In the lower right-hand corner of the screen, you should see the current temperature of the camera (which, at this step, is the same as the ambient temperature).

In the Setup window, enter a temperature setpoint about 25-30 degrees below the ambient temperature.  In this example, a setpoint of -25 was selected, the ambient temperature at the time being just above freezing (0°C).

Note:  Remember that all CCD temps are given in degrees Celsius, and that 0°C = 32°F.  On warm summer nights, especially in the hotter parts of the country, getting the camera below 0°C can be difficult.  In southern Arizona, for example, midnight temps in July can be over 80°F, or almost 30°C.  Most of the time, however, the camera setpoint will be negative numbers.

Once you have selected an appropriate setpoint, use the Temperature Regulation pull-down menu to select Active to turn on the CCD cooler.  The temperature indicator will show the temperature falling and the cooler working 100%.

Give the system a few minutes to reach the setpoint.  If, after several minutes, the setpoint is not reached (the cooler is still running at 100% and the temperature is above the setpoint), go back into the Setup menu and select a higher setpoint.  If the cooler is running less than about 85%, select a colder temperature.  You want the camera cooler to run at about 90% for the best efficiency.

Other Settings

In the CCDOPS Setup menu you can make several other selections.  Recommendations are given below.

Reuse dark frames

Usually you will want this set to Yes.  If you are taking multiple exposures (i.e., focusing) and are automatically subtracting a dark frame (explained  in detail later), setting this to Yes will take only one dark frame for the entire series of pictures instead of alternating between darks and lights, which would take twice as long.

Resolution

Set this to Auto.  This will automatically bin the CCD chip to 3x3 making exposures more sensitive and downloads shorter for focusing, while setting the chip to full resolution for taking an image.  There may be exceptions down the road where you will want to control the binning yourself, but for now Auto is the easiest way to get started.

Cooling fan

Should be set to On.

Response factor

This is used only for photometric calibration and need not be set for the purposes of standard imaging.  You can leave it as is.

Additional Settings for ST-7/8/9/10/2000 Cameras

Active CCD

Allows you to switch between Imaging CCD and Tracking (guiding) CCD.  Begin with this set to Imaging as you can easily change to the tracking CCD later for acquiring a guide star.

Non-ABG Streak Removal

If you have a Non-ABG version of the ST-7E or ST-8E, or an ST-9E or ST-10ME (which are Non-ABG only), you can set this to Yes to set a special readout mode to remove horizontal streaking component from bright stars which bloom.  If you have an ABG version of the ST-7E or ST-8E leave this set to No.

Next, Focusing the CCD Camera....

Next Page