The ASTROVID 2000 was named One of the 25 Hot New Products of 1998 by the editors of Sky & Telescope Magazine!
See December 1998 Sky & Telescope Magazine
CLICK ON THUMBNAILS FOR LARGER IMAGES
ASTROVID 2000 IMAGING SYSTEM
Here's what one Customer has to Say!
In a letter dated 10/06/98 Patrick J Anway of Munising MI had the following to say:
I just started imaging with the camera (ASTROVID 2000) and I can say I truly love it. The small size, ease of operation and the results make it a pleasure to own.
I've enclosed the first image I put together on the very first night I used the camera.
Actually, it is three images I took of a 7 day 8hr old moon at the prime focus of my 10" f/ 4.5 reflector. One image each of top, mid and bottom portions were captured with a Snappy and combined in Adobe Photoshop 4.0.
For my first attempt, I was certainly pleased with the results. Hat's off to you for putting together such a fine system.
Sincere Thanks,
Patrick J Anway pjma@juno.com
Patrick J Anway's fist ever image with the Astrovid 2000.
Be Ready for the Solar Maximum !
Look at this solar sunspot image using the Astrovid 2000 in H-alpha
Some of Our other ASTROVID Customers include:
Boeing , NASA, JPL, SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION, KITT PEAK, ROCKETDYNE
The System:
The ASTROVID 2000 Astronomical CCD Video System, manufactured by Adirondack Video Astronomy , is a "High-Resolution Real-Time" video System optimized for Video Astronomy. We use only SONY A grade CCD's in every camera. Every component used in the system has been selected to provide the best possible video images. The control box, power supply, cable, cable adapters , and telescope adapters are just as important as the camera itself when it comes to producing high quality images. No "off the shelf" video camera will perform as well as the Astrovid 2000 for Video Astronomy.
The Control Box:
To further enhance the ASTROVID 2000 Astronomical CCD Video System a separate control box was developed to move all the required controls off the camera. User determined controls include , shutter speed , gain , and contrast (gamma). These controls are required due to the vast differences in brightness and contrast of astronomical objects.
The use of the control box allows for easy manual adjustment of the shutter speed, gain ,and gamma. Without manual control of shutter speeds, gain and gamma a camera is not suited for the application of Video Astronomy.
Performance:
When it comes to performance for Video Astronomy none of the inexpensive auto-gain, auto shutter cameras flooding the market today can come close to the performance of the ASTROVID 2000. In fact, for planetary imaging you will have to stop down your telescope with off axis aperture masks if you use an auto gain/shutter camera. This will allow you to view some planetary detail but you will be missing a great deal of what could have been seen with an ASTROVID 2000! With an Astrovid 2000 you can really explore the terminator of the moon. By adjusting the gain, gamma and shutter speeds you can go deeper into the shadows and bring out hidden detail. This is not possible with the auto gain/shutter cameras. You can also view Jupiters eclipsing moons and time occultations with an Astrovid 2000.
Again, the use of our unique control box really enhances the performance of the Astrovid 2000. A separate control box prevents shaking of the telescope when adjustments are made and allows the imager to create smooth flowing videos and presentations. There is no fumbling in the dark for tiny screwdrivers to flip TINY switches or turn MINUTE dials. You can make your adjustments in a matter of seconds all the while watching the effect as you relax in front of your television or monitor!
REMOTE IMAGING: Entension Cables,Signal Boosters,Wireless Transmission
Custom extension cords have also been manufactured by Adirondack Video Astronomy to increase the distance from the ASTROVID camera head to the control box up to 50 feet. This SINGLE extension cable contains all the information required for the adjustment of your image at the control box. The cables are modular in design and can be plugged into one another. You can always add more extension cables as your needs grow. These uniquely designed cables allow remote imaging from another part of the observatory or from the comfort of a warm home. These are especially useful in cold climates.
The Video cable from the control box can run for a total of 75 more feet. In-line video signal boosters can be used to run the video signal longer distances. These are placed just before the final viewing or recording site.
For wireless transmission of the video signal Video transmitters of "HIGH QUALITY"can also be used to send the signal long distances. A couple of cautionary comments when it comes to wireless transmission. In areas where there is a-lot of RF interference the transmitter will be competing for "air-space". This can lead to a loss in bandwidth and a degradation of the signal.
All the video cable that we supply is 95% shielded and will provide you with excellent images at the monitor. It will also enable you to make excellent recordings of your observations.
THE CAMERA:
The heart of the system is the ASTROVID 2000 CCD Video Camera. Available in either the US EIA version or the European PAL version , the Astrovid 2000 uses a SONY HAD ICX038DLA interline transfer chip with 8.4 (horiz) by 9.4 (vert) micron pixels for high resolution images.
The composite video output allows the observer to connect to a Camcorder , VCR , TV, or High Resolution monitor. A High Resolution monitor is recommended as the system is capable of producing 600 lines of horizontal resolution.
The Astrovid 2000 has a spectral sensitivity range of 400 to 1100 nm. This allows a full range of imaging and even permits the use of filters to isolate and view various features found in Solar System objects. For commercial applications the Astrovid 2000 can image in the near infrared. With proper filtration the camera can be used as a Visible light or IR camera.
The Complete Astrovid 2000 Astronomical CCD Video System includes: the Astrovid 2000 CCD video camera, 110/220 volt power supply , control box , 25 feet of cable , cable adapters , and a choice of c to 1.25" adapter or a c to T adapter, instructions, one year warranty.
Price for complete system is $595.00 US add $25.00 for a PAL System.
Pixel Size : 8.4 Horizontal X 9.8 microns Vertical
Effective Pixel Elements 768 (H) x 494 (V)
CUSTOM ASTROVID 2000 Extension Cables
ITEM# 12AV 12 foot custom extension cable to go from the ASTROVID 2000 camera head to the control box. Brings total distance from camera head to box to approximately 17 feet.
ITEM 24AV 24 foot custom extension cable to go from the ASTROVID 2000 camera head to the control box. Brings total distance from camera head to box to approximately 29 feet.
ITEM 50AV 50 foot custom extension cable to go from the ASTROVID 2000 camera head to the control box. Brings the total distance to approximately 55 feet. PRICE