ATR585C User Manual

2.1 Camera Specifications

Table 1: ATR585C Technique Specifications

2.2 Sony IMX585 Sensitivity

The sensor G Sensitivity of ATR585C is 5970mv with 1/30s. Its spectral sensitivity is shown in Figure 2.

Figure 2: IMX585 Spectral Sensitivity Characteristic

Spectral Sensitivity Characteristic graph for the IMX585 sensor, showing relative response [a.u.] on the y-axis against Wavelength [nm] on the x-axis. Three curves represent Red, Green, and Blue spectral sensitivity.

2.3 12bit ADC and ROI

ATR585C has a built-in 12bit ADC. It also supports a 12bit output mode for hardware binning and smaller resolution. The camera also supports hardware ROI (Region of Interest), and the smaller the ROI size, the higher the frame rate.

Table 2 shows the frame rate of ATR585C in 12/8bit mode, using USB3.0 / USB2.0 data transfer interface at different resolutions. When HDR mode is enabled, the frame rate is reduced by half.

Table 2: ATR585C Frame Rate at Different Resolution/Data Bit/Data Transfer (USB3.0/ USB2.0)

2.4 DDR3 Buffer

The ATR585C camera features a 512MB (4Gb) DDR3 buffer, which helps maintain the stability of data transmission and effectively reduces amp-glow by temporarily buffering image data before sending it to the receiver.

2.5 Binning

ATR585C supports digital binning from 1×1 to 8×8 (stacking or averaging method) and hardware binning from 1×1 to 2×2 (averaging method). Hardware pixel binning is significantly faster than software binning.

2.6 Conversion Gain Switch

ATR585C supports HCG, LCG, and HDR mode switching.

2.7 Power and Cooling System for Precise Temperature Regulation

The camera must be powered by a DC12V 3A power source. The cooling system of ATR585C is a two-stage Thermoelectric Cooling (TEC) with a controllable electric fan for heat dissipation. The TEC system is controlled by a PID algorithm, allowing precise regulation to the target temperature with a 0.1°C deviation. The working temperature can be set to a specific number, with an effective temperature drop of -45°C from ambient temperature. This efficient cooling system guarantees high-quality camera images.

2.8 Zero Amp-Glow

ATR585C has been carefully designed to achieve zero amp-glow photo shooting. Figures 3 and 4 show images from different cameras at 20°C with a 5-minute exposure time, with and without amp-glow. The image captured by ATR585C shows zero amp-glow.

Figure 3: Amp-glow

Image showing amp-glow, likely from a different camera, with bright artifacts.

Figure 4: Zero amp-glow

Image showing zero amp-glow, captured by the ATR585C, appearing clean.

2.9 Camera Performance Analysis

Camera performance can be evaluated using e-/ADU, Read Noise, Full Well, and Dynamic Range metrics.

• e-/ADU: Pixels in vision application sensors convert photons into electrons. Gain represents the conversion factor from electrons (e⁻) into digital counts (ADUs), expressed as electrons per ADU.
• Read Noise: Generated within the camera electronics during readout, it's a key performance indicator. Lower read noise generally means better SNR and image quality.
• Full Well: The maximum electrical charge a pixel can hold, indicating the amount of light it can capture. A larger full well capacity generally leads to a wider dynamic range.
• Dynamic Range: The ratio between the maximum output signal level and the noise floor. It represents the camera's ability to display both the brightest and darkest portions of an image simultaneously.

For the ATR series camera, the Gain Value is in xxx% mode, where xxx represents the x-axis (Gain Value) for performance descriptions.

Rel Gain(dB) = 20 * log₁₀[xxx(Gain Value)/100]

xxx(Gain Value) = 100 × 10^(Rel Gain(dB)/20)

All following data were acquired in SharpCap with ASCOM driver. Camera settings for HCG performance analysis: Full resolution, RAW 12-bit mode, Temperature: -10°C.

Figure 5: e/ADU, Read Noise, Full Well and Dynamic Range for ATR585C (HCG Mode)

Graphs showing e/ADU, Read Noise, Full Well, and Dynamic Range for ATR585C in HCG Mode against Gain / Gain(dB). The x-axis shows Gain Value and Gain(dB), with the formula Gain / Gain(dB)=20*log(GainValue/100).

Table 3: Camera Analysis Data (HCG Mode)

Camera settings for LCG performance analysis: Full resolution, RAW 12-bit mode, Temperature: -10°C.

Figure 6: e/ADU, Read Noise, Full Well and Dynamic Range for ATR585C (LCG Mode)

Graphs showing e/ADU, Read Noise, Full Well, and Dynamic Range for ATR585C in LCG Mode against Gain / Gain(dB). The x-axis shows Gain Value and Gain(dB), with the formula Gain / Gain(dB)=20*log(GainValue/100).

Table 4: Camera Analysis Data (LCG Mode)

Camera settings for HDR performance analysis: Full resolution, RAW 16-bit mode, Temperature: -10°C.

Figure 7: e/ADU, Read Noise, Full Well and Dynamic Range for ATR585C (HDR Mode)

Graphs showing e/ADU, Read Noise, Full Well, and Dynamic Range for ATR585C in HDR Mode against Gain / Gain(dB). The x-axis shows Gain Value and Gain(dB), with the formula Gain / Gain(dB)=20*log(GainValue/100).

Table 5: Camera Analysis Data (HDR Mode)

3.1 Packing List

Figure 8: Packing Information of ATR585C

Shows the camera body (C), cover (K), M42 adapter (J), extenders (H, G), power adapter (D), power cable (E), and USB3.0 cable (F).

Table 6: ATR585C Packing List

3.2 Camera Dimension and Its Mount

Figure 9: Dimension and Mount of ATR585C

Shows front and side views with dimensions: Diameter 80mm, Height 107.1mm, and M42Fx0.75 mount. Includes labels for Cover Glass, CMOS, and Rear Focus (17.5mm / 18.1mm Optical Path).

Table 6: Dimension and Mount of ATR585C

3.3 Camera Outline and Interface

Figure 10: Camera Outline and Interface.

Shows the back of the camera with labeled ports: 1. Protective window (AR window for mono camera, IR-cut filter for color camera), 2. M42x0.75 thread, 3. Thermal outlet or radiator, 4. LED indicators (Power LED, System LED, TEC LED, Fan LED), 5. DC 12V 3A power port (5.5 x 2.1mm), 6. Air inlet, 7. USB 3.0/ USB 2.0 port, 8. USB 2.0 HUB.

Table 7: Camera Outline and Interface List

3.4 Camera Mechanical Connection with Adapter

The ATR585C can be connected to a telescope using a suitable adapter or a camera lens. Common adapters are included, with options for specific requirements. The female flange to the sensor is 17.5mm. The ATR585C features an M42x0.75 mount for direct telescope connection. It can also connect to telescopes using 1.25" or 2" eyepieces via M42M-1.25" or M42M-2" adapters.

Figure 2: The Connection of the ATR Camera and Adapter

Illustrates connecting the camera's M42Fx0.75 mount to telescope adapters like M42M-1.25" and M42M-2", showing telescope side M42 threads.

Table 8: Camera and Its Adapter Connections

3.5 Camera Mechanical Connection with Lens

Figure 3: Nikon F/Canon EF Lens with ATR Camera

Shows diagrams for connecting Nikon F-mount and Canon EF-mount lenses to the ATR camera via M42 adapters.

Table 9: Camera and Lens Connection

3.6 Camera Electric Connection with Accessories

The back of the ATR585C has three connection ports: DC 12V/3A power port, USB3.0/ USB2.0 port, and USB-HUB. Due to the higher power consumption of the IMX585 sensor and cooling system, the ATR585C requires a 12V/3A power supply. USB3.0 functions solely as a data communication method, not for power. The USB-HUB allows connection to other devices, simplifying cable management. Devices connected via USB-HUB communicate with the PC through the USB3.0/USB2.0 port.

Figure 4: Camera Electric Connection

Illustrates the camera's connections to a computer via USB3.0/USB2.0, USB HUB for accessories, and the DC 12V power adapter. Shows connection to a computer, filter wheel, and guiding camera.

Table 10: Camera Electric Connection Details

4.1 Application Installation

For software, customers can download the latest ToupSky from the official website: https://touptek-astro.com/downloads/. The ATR camera is also compatible with ASCOM and DirectShow SDKs. If third-party software supports these SDKs, drivers can be downloaded from the website and installed.

ToupSky is ToupTek's Windows application for astronomy cameras. It is a professional software integrating camera control, image capture & process, image browse, and analysis functions. ToupSky offers the following features:

• Windows Compatibility: x86: XP SP3 or above; CPU supports SSE2 instruction set or above. x64: Win7 or above.
• Features: Full camera control, Trigger mode and video mode support (raw or RGB format), Automatic capture and quick record, Multi-language support, Hardware ROI and digital binning, Extensive image processing (stitching, live stacking, flat field correction, dark field correction, etc.).
• Supported Camera: All ToupTek astronomy cameras.

Figure 5: ToupSky and Its Video Window

A screenshot of the ToupSky software interface showing the video capture window with camera controls and image preview.

Figure 6: ToupSky and Its Browse Window

A screenshot of the ToupSky software interface showing the image browsing window with file thumbnails.

4.2 ATR585C and Dshow

Download ToupTekDshowAstroSetup from the provided link. DshowAstro is an interface driver providing Dshow standard support for ToupTek USB astronomy cameras.

• Supported OS: Windows: x86: XP SP3 or above; CPU supports SSE2 instruction set or above. x64: Win7 or above.
• Supported Camera: All ToupTek astronomy cameras.

4.3 ATR585C and the 3rd Party Software

5 Service

For software upgrades, please refer to the "Download" section on the official website: https://touptek-astro.com/.

For customers purchasing cameras from local dealers, please contact your dealer for more information.

For technical support, please contact the e-mail address: astro@touptek.com.