Used: ATIK 16200 Mono CCD Camera - sensor D=35 mm - 6 µm pixels

ATIK 16200 Mono - cooled 16.2 megapixel CCD camera for astrophotography

This CCD camera from ATIK offers very good performance with almost all amateur telescopes for astrophotography. With 35 mm sensor diameter, 2" correctors can be used. Even lighter focusers can handle the 1.3 kg camera weight. The high resolution of the fine pixels, the very high sensitivity and the large image field make the Atik 16200 an ultimative camera for astrophotography.

Features and advantages of the ATIK 16200 CCD camera:

Easy adaption to your telescope via the M54 connection thread - suitable adapters can be found in the accessories section

The camera fits directly to the ATIK EFW2 filter wheels

The sensor is in an air-tight, argon-filled chamber - no fogging possible

Very good quantum efficiency of 60%

Minimal read noise - only approx. 9 e- RMS

2-stage Peltier cooling upt to 50 °C below ambient

Housing newly developed by ATIK, offers more stability and comfort at minimum weight

Mechanical shutter (optimal for darks)

Exposure time from 200 ms to any longer time

Working distance: 19.5 mm from the female M54 thread

Atik 16200 Column Repair Tool:

The camera is equipped with a "Class II" sensor. The additional expense for a "Class I" sensor is very high and the result would not be different from a successfully processed image coming from a "Class II" sensor. With the Atik 16200 Column Repair Tool you achieve the same results as with a "Class I" sensor, even after many years:

Atik 16200 Column Repair Tool
The Atik Column Repair Tool is a great tool for getting the most out of your Atik 16200! The model we tested had only one defect column at -20 °C sensor temperature. At 0 °C there were six defect columns. Using the repair tool, you can create and scan a test exposure at a given temperature for such defect columns. After you have correctly entered the amount of defect columns into the software, you can create a new exposure and check whether the correction has been applied successfully. This can be done within a few minutes. You can then activate the correction permanently within the ASCOM driver interface. With the correction activated you won´t be able to see a difference between a Class 1 and Class 2 image . Thanks to this tool there is truly no more argument for purchasing a much more expensive Class 1 sensor!

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.

Safety informations: PDF Download