Limited Time Offer: ATIK Horizon II monochrome CMOS Camera cooled, Sensor D=21.9 mm

ATIK Horizon B/W Astro Camera, with CMOS sensor, cooled

The Atik Horizon is the first CMOS camera from Atik. Therefore Atik opens itself to this interesting technology, as one of the first professional CCD camara manufacturers. A state-of-the-art 16 MP sensor from Panasonic offers a sensitivity of which one could only dream of with previous CCD cameras. Additionally, the sensor convinces with an extremely low read noise, the image is smoother and low-noise, even at very short exposure times.

The advantages and features of the ATIK Horizon CMOS cameras:

16 MP 4/3" CMOS Sensor - QE approx. 60%

very high sensitivity also in H-alpha

256 MB DDR3 image buffer - no amp glow

can be used with USB 3.0 or with USB 2.0

Powerful Peltier cooling up to 40 °C below ambient

ASCOM, Artemis and Infinity software compatible

High-quality machined housing

Backfocus / working distance from the T2-thread: 13 mm

The camera is also compatible with the HyperStar systems from 8" upwards and with the Celestron RASA. The diameter of the housing ist 74 mm.

Amp Glow Control

From the outset, the Horizon has benefited from a built-in 256 MB DDR3 image buffer to remove amp glow and other artifacts caused by data transfer over USB2, all while preventing issues with dropped frames.

Fused quartz cover glass with full IR transmission

This protective window lets IR radiation pass. The good sensor sensitivity beyond H-alpha also allows the exciting use for infrared photography with suitable optics. The protective window has already proven well for the Atik cameras and additionally prevents condensation.

More than "just" Ascom compatible:

Atik provides an ASCOM driver with which you can operate the camera with your preferred software, like MaximDL. Additionally, the camera is also compatible with the proven Artemis Capture software. This software provides full camera control.

The camera is also compatible with the innovative Infinity Live Stacking Software. This software makes astrophtography easier than ever before and fites especially well with the Atik Horizon cameras.

Photography of nebulae and galaxies: the software automatically adds the images together - experience LIVE at the monitor when the deep-sky object becomes more contrasty and prominent with every minute.

Flexible histogram control, including auto-stretch functions

Video astronomy possible (live YouTube broadcast)

Focus assist and monitoring tools

Save to FITs, PNG, JPG and TIFF Formats

Advantages of the Version II

The exciting evolution of the camera comes as a result of the extensive R&D work of the Atik team; this has led to the improved electronics and an increased variety of options that Horizon II makes possible. The camera now features three modes of operation, with Powersave and Fast modes available in addition to the default setting of Normal mode.

In Powersave mode, the highest quality images of the camera are produced. Meanwhile Fast mode takes advantage of the on board DDR memory to return a constant stream of images. Fast mode increases the frame rate of the Horizon II to 8FPS, with further increases up to 100FPS being possible through the use of subframing. This enhances the experience of those using the camera for planetary imaging, as the faster frame rate minimises the atmospheric distortion of a set of images. This in turn makes the stacking process, carried out by various Horizon II compatible software, simpler and more efficient.

Horizon II is also natively compatible with our Infinity live stacking software. This software is designed with deep sky applications in mind and is simultaneously useful for novices and advanced users alike. Its image processing helps to minimise the learning curve whilst advanced functions, such as flexible histogram control, enable a complete astrophotography experience for those more experienced users.

Adaptation for correctors with M48 connection and 55 mm working distance

Many correctors have an M48x0.75 threaded connection on the camera side. This adapter suggestion allows you to adapt and additionally use 2" filters (like L-RGB or nebula filters) directly in front of the camera. The articles are linked in the accessories section.

TSFSLT2 - TS filter changerr for 2" filters: 18 mm overall length

TSSCHUB2 - TS filter drawer for 2" filters

Fipa92 - protective container for drawer with nebula filter

TSVF210 and TSVF208 - M48 spacer rings - total length 18 mm

TSM48-T2L - extension adapter: 6 mm overall length

Good storage is an important preventive measure against dew and also extends the service life

After use, put the camera straight into the TS Protect Case and add some silica gel. During storage, the silica gel absorbs the moisture from the camera. At the same time, the penetration of moist room air is prevented. Dry storage can even partially regenerate the small desiccant tablets in cooled cameras. Your camera or accessories are always ready for you in optimum condition. You can find the silica gel and the case in our product recommendations.

The cameras are not airtight, so if the camera remains on the telescope, it is exposed to moisture. The small amount of desiccant in the camera can protect the sensor and the inside of the protective glass from moisture for the duration of the exposure, but not for days on end. Moisture problems can be the result. A simple trick is to stretch a plastic bag around the focuser to which the camera is attached so that no air can get in. Silica gel is placed in a small cloth bag inside the plastic bag. This will also create a "dry climate zone" for the camera on the telescope. This allows you to leave the camera on the telescope for a few days for an imaging session lasting several days.

In the medium and long term, however, this is no substitute for proper storage in an airtight case with silica gel.

Astrophotographic results obtained with this camera on Astrobin

Here you can find some astrophotographs made with this camera model: Link to Astrobin

Astrophotographic results obtained with this camera on Astrobin

Here you can find some astrophotographs made with this camera model: Link to Astrobin

Safety informations: PDF Download