MallinCam Universe Manual de usuario

MallinCam Universe - User’s Guide v3.10 2

Foreword

Welcome to the MallinCam Universe!

The new MallinCam Universe represents years of research and design to develop a color

astronomical CCD camera that is capable of live constant refresh to provide a near real-time

experience of many celestial targets. Such capability was previously only available with sensitive

astronomical video imagers, such as the MallinCam Xtreme. But unlike video cameras, the

Universe utilizes an APS-C size 6.1 megapixel scientific-grade CCD sensor, which provides a

much larger field of view. The constant refresh image display, coupled with up to 4x4 binning in

full color, is ideal for those who wish to use the camera as a live observing system, as well as a

highly capable imager. Adjustments are done on-the-fly, with features such as: fully automatic or

manual histogram control, gamma range and contrast adjustments, and complete white balance

color control. And switching between color and monochrome modes requires only a single click.

The unique Hyper Circuit system found on all other MallinCam imaging cameras has been

included in the Universe. This allows the camera to deliver a total variable gain of 26 dB and a

dynamic range of 80 dB, with a signal-to-noise ratio of 60 dB.

The Universe is fully USB 2.0 controlled, including image transfer. A thermo-electric cooling

system and sealed sensor chamber allow the imaging chip to reach –45o C below the ambient

temperature to ensure extremely low noise and dark current. In most cases, shooting dark frames

for noise reduction during image processing is not usually required. Obtaining high-quality

publication grade images is now possible and easier than ever with the MallinCam Universe!

NGC7635: MallinCam Universe image courtesy of Chris Appleton

MallinCam Universe - User’s Guide v3.10 3

Table of Contents

1. Supplied components.........................................................................................................4

2. Computer system requirements..........................................................................................5

3. Software installation ..........................................................................................................6

4. Hardware installation.........................................................................................................9

5. Attaching the camera to your telescope...........................................................................12

6. Using the MallinCam image capture application.............................................................13

 A. Setting up a proper exposure to help achieve focus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

 Procedure 1: Adjusting the exposure length . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

 Procedure 2: Adjusting the focus using the preview images . . . . . . . . . . . . . .... ..15

 B. Adjusting the camera controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17

 Procedure 3: Cropping images for capture . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .... . 25

 C. Capturing images and saving your files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

 Procedure 4: Capturing individual images . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

 Procedure 5: Capturing a sequence of images with equal exposure times . . . . . . . 27

 Procedure 6: Capturing a sequence of images with customized exposure times...29

 Procedure 7: Capturing images using the Capture delay timer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

 D. Saving and loading your camera settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

 Procedure 8: Saving your camera settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

 Procedure 9: Loading a saved configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..34

 Procedure 10: Deleting a saved configuration. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34

7. Viewing your captured images ........................................................................................35

8. Viewing the preview images............................................................................................37

9. Using filters and adjusting color balance.........................................................................39

10. Processing astronomical images....................................................................................41

11. Troubleshooting..............................................................................................................44

12. Specifications..................................................................................................................46

Cover background image of M42/M43: MallinCam Universe image courtesy of Paul Comision

User’s Guide created by: Paul Klauninger Send comments and corrections to: [email protected]

PRO-COM Electronics and MallinCam reserve the right to change product specifications without notice.

Support and inquires contact: Rock Mallin at [email protected]

MallinCam Universe - User’s Guide v3.10 4

Section 1: Supplied components

1MallinCam Universe CCD imaging camera

2T-mount to 2” threaded camera nosepiece adapter

31.25” eyepiece adapter converter

This is part of the protective metal cap. Unscrew and remove the central plug to

expose the converter threads required to mount the optional 1.25” eyepiece adapter.

4AC-to-DC power supply (specific model supplied may vary)

516-foot (5-meter) USB 2.0 data cable

6Disc or flash drive containing software installation files and User’s Guide

The following optional components are also available for your MallinCam Universe:

• 0.5X T-mount focal reducer

The optional 0.5X focal reducer is a recommended accessory when using the

Universe on a telescope with a long focal length and/or a high F-ratio, such as F8 or

greater. A long focal length yields a relatively small field-of-view. The 0.5X focal

reducer essentially cuts the telescope’s focal length in half and provides a field-of-view

that is twice as large in both length and width. It also reduces the F-ratio by a factor of

two. For example, it makes a relatively slow F10 optical system perform like a much

faster F5 configuration. This cuts the exposure time down by a factor of four. A properly

exposed 8-minute image taken through an F10 telescope would only require a 2-minute

exposure to achieve the same level of brightness using the focal reducer! And the sky

area covered in the image would be four times greater! A highly recommended accessory

to increase the near-live viewing experience!

• Focal reducer spacer

This is used to increase the focal reduction factor even further when using the 0.5X

focal reducer. The degree of reduction varies with the telescope type.

• 1.25” eyepiece adapter

This adapter allows the camera to be attached to a 1.25 focuser. However, the

camera’s large chip requires a 2” focuser for full illumination. Using the camera on a

1.25” focuser will cause some vignetting in the images.

MallinCam Universe - User’s Guide v3.10 5

Section 2: Computer system requirements

The MallinCam image capture application requires a Windows-based computer running one of

the following operating systems:

• Windows XP SP3 or later

• Windows Vista 32-bit or 64-bit*

• Windows 7 32-bit or 64-bit*

• Windows 8 32-bit or 64-bit*

*NOTE: Installing the MallinCam Universe driver on the 64-bit versions of Vista,

Windows 7, or Windows 8 may be problematic due to the Device Driver Signature

Enforcement function built into these operating systems. If you experience difficulties

installing the driver, you can override this enforcement by rebooting your computer and

pressing the F8 key during the boot sequence (this must be done before the Windows logo

appears). When the Advanced Boot Options screen appears, select “Disable Driver Signature

Enforcement” and then press Enter to start Windows.

The minimum required computer hardware configuration includes:

• A PentiumTM IV processor running at 1.8 GHz or higher

• A CD-ROM or DVD drive (if you received the software on a disc)

• At least 1 GB of RAM if you are using WIN XP; 2 GB for WIN Vista or WIN 7

• 10 MB of hard disk space for the capture application and documentation

• 1 GB or more of hard disk space for image capturing

• A video display capable of rendering 1024x768 resolution minimum; 1280x1024 or

higher is recommended, and in 24-bit color

• One available fully-specified high-speed USB 2.0 port

Other requirements:

• A 120 VAC mains power connection

MallinCam Universe - User’s Guide v3.10 6

Section 3: Software installation

The MallinCam software required to operate the camera is supplied on a disc or flash drive

included with your camera. You can also download the latest versions of the drivers, capture

application, and documentation over the Internet at: www.mallincam.net/software-

downloads.html. Contact Rock Mallin at mallincam@gmail.com for assistance if required.

The installation procedure for the various supported versions of the Windows operating system

are all quite similar. The recommended step-by-step installation procedure for WIN XP is

detailed below as an example.

You must install the software drivers before connecting the camera to the computer. Proceed as

follows:

1. Close all other applications currently running on your computer system.

2. Insert the installation disc or flash drive into your computer. A form similar to this is

typically displayed:

3. Click on the Open folder to view files using Windows Explorer option and then click OK.

If this form is not automatically displayed, right-click the My Computer desktop

icon to open Windows Explorer and then click on your CD-DVD drive or flash drive to

view the files.

MallinCam Universe - User’s Guide v3.10 7

4. Double-click the MALLINCAM Driver Setup.exe file. The camera Driver Setup Wizard

opens to install the driver.

5. Click Next to continue. The following message may appear:

If this is displayed, click the Continue Anyway button to install the driver.

6. The Driver Setup Wizard displays a message informing you when the setup has finished

installing the camera driver on your computer.

7. Click Finish to complete the driver installation.

8. In Windows Explorer, double-click the MallinCam Universe Setup.exe file. The

MallinCam Setup Wizard opens:

9. Click Next to start the installation.

MallinCam Universe - User’s Guide v3.10 8

10. The program prompts you for a destination folder to install the files:

You can change the suggested location or click Next to accept the default location.

11. The setup proceeds and notifies you when it is complete:

12. Click Finish to complete the software installation and close the MallinCam Setup

Wizard.

A MallinCam icon is installed on your desktop as part of the procedure. You can use this

later on to launch the application.

13. Remove the disc or flash drive from your computer.

14. Go to Section 4: Hardware Installation to install the hardware.

MallinCam Universe - User’s Guide v3.10 9

Section 4: Hardware installation

After the software has been successfully installed, you must connect the hardware to complete

the initial installation process so that Windows recognizes the camera.

1. Connect the USB 2.0 cable to camera first and then to an available USB 2.0 port on your

computer (USB 1.1 ports are not supported for the MallinCam Universe).

NOTE: You should always attach the USB cable to your camera and computer before

powering up the camera.

2. Check to ensure that the recessed thermo-electric cooler (TEC) switch is in the ON

position. The TEC unit is on when the slider switch is closest to the Power ON indicator.

This is the default (as shipped) position and normally does not need to be changed.

3. Connect the +12 VDC lead from the AC-DC power supply to the camera’s power port.

4. Plug the AC-DC power supply into a power source to turn on the camera. The Power ON

indicator will light and the cooling fan will start to operate. Allow a minute for full

stabilization of the hardware.

MallinCam Universe - User’s Guide v3.10 10

5. When the camera is powered up, the Welcome to the Found New Hardware Wizard form

is displayed:

Click the No, not this time radio button and then click Next.

6. On the following form, click on the Install software automatically (Recommended) radio

button and then click Next:

7. The Hardware Installation form may then appear:

If this is displayed, click the Continue Anyway button.

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