About this product
Model: atik_horizon_colour
Part Number: ATK0189
New Atik Horizon II
The Atik Horizon II is the follow up to the first Atik CMOS Camera developed for deep sky astrophotography. Whilst maintaining the core elements of the initial Horizon such as its 16MP CMOS sensor with a 21.9mm diagonal, its evolution comes in its variety. Now offering three modes – Normal, PowerSave, and Fast – the Horizon II can produce the highest quality images in PowerSave mode and boasts an increased frame rate in Fast mode.
This makes Horizon II one of the most versatile cameras you can buy; suitable for deep sky, planetary or EAA imaging.
Advanced Hardware Deserves Advanced Software
The Horizon II is natively compatible with Atik's Infinity live stacking software for near real-time views of the night sky. A great choice for video astronomy and public outreach, it also makes getting into astrophotography a breeze. On-the-fly image processing gets you up and running quickly, minimising the learning curve many people experience. And advanced functions ensure you are always in control as you steer your way through the night sky.
- Live continuous stacking
- Flexible histogram control, including auto-stretch functions
- Live YouTube broadcast integration
- Interactive session replay
- Focus assist and monitoring tools
- Save to FITs, PNG, JPG and TIFF formats
The Horizon II is also fully compatible with Atik's Artemis Capture imaging software that provides full control over your imaging. Atik also supply a full ASCOM driver so you’re free to use it with your preferred astroimaging software.
New Horizon II Modes
- PowerSave Mode - Allows for the highest quality images to be taken.
- 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. This can increase to 100FPS through the use of subframing, and reaching 300FPS when used with Dusk.
With extensive experience in both hardware and software design, the Atik Horizon II continues its development in the world of deep-sky optimised CMOS cameras.
Mechanically, the Horizon II is based on our established 4-Series cameras, known for their power and adaptability. With a cyclindrical case measuring 74mm in diameter and 130mm in length, it's compatible with HyperStar systems from 8". The slight size increase on the 4-Series is to house a huge cooling delta of -40°C below ambient. This keeps thermal noise under control, wherever in the world you image from.
The Horizon II is also fully compatible with ATIK' renowned Artemis Capture and Dusk imaging software that gives you full control over your imaging. We also supply a full ASCOM driver so you're free to use it with your preferred astroimaging software. When used with Dusk, the Horizon II can not only be used as a cooled deep sky imaging camera but can also be used for high speed planetary imaging with frame rates reaching 300 frames per second using the ROI function.
Amp Glow Control
From the outset, the Horizon has benefited from a built-in 256mb DDR3 image buffer to remove amp glow and other artefacts caused by data transfer over USB2, all while preventing issues with dropped frames. This makes for a seamless and fast imaging experience, whether you take advantage of the flexibility and lower cable weight of USB2, or the faster speeds of USB3.
Our experience with demanding scientific applications has given them an impressive understanding of sealing techniques. The Horizon features a condensation free sensor chamber (desiccant tablets last much longer between recharges) with the same quartz fused cover glass as used in their Atik 383L+ camera to prevent condensation forming on the outside of the glass when the camera has cooled. Spend less time maintaining your camera, and more time imaging with it!
FEATURES
- 16MP 4/3″ Panasonic CMOS sensor
- 256mb DDR3 Image Buffer
- ~1e- Read Noise
- Cooling ΔT=>-40°C
- USB 3.0
Field of View Simulator
What's in the box
- Camera body with 2" adaptor
- USB 3.0 cable
- 1.8 metre battery power connector
- CD-ROM with drivers, software and user's manual (PDF)
- Quickstart Guide (paper)
- Spare desiccant and desiccant port tool
Specifications
| Sensor Type | Panasonic MN34230 4/3" CMOS |
| Horizontal Resolution | 4644 pixels |
| Vertical Resolution | 3506 pixels |
| Pixel Size | 3.8 µm x 3.8 µm |
| ADC | 12 bit |
| Readout Noise | ~1e- at x30 gain |
| Gain Factor | Variable 1 - x60 |
| Full Well | ~20,000e- |
| Dark Current | 0.016 e-/pix/s at -10°C |
| Interface | USB 2.0 or USB 3.0 |
| Power | 12v DC 2A |
| Maximum Exposure Length | Unlimited |
| Minimum Exposure Length | 18µs |
| Cooling | Thermoelectric set point with max ΔT=>-40°C |
| Weight | approx. 525g |
| Backfocus | 13mm ±0.5 |
| Thread on front | M42x0.75 |
| System REquirements | Windows 10/Vista/Win7/Win8 (not RT)
USB 2.0 or USB 3.0 port |
Customer reviews
| Average Rating (1 Review): | |
Atik Horizon 2 Colour CMOS - First Light EAA 18 January 2020 | David
Initially I plan to use this camera to complement Atik Infinity Mono for Elecronically-Assisted Astronomy and "screen shots" for my observational notes.
Set up of hardware and software straight forward and drama-free.
Atik Horizon 2 used with Williams Optics 73mm Zenith Star and Altair 152mm. No filters, field-flatteners or focal-reducers used.
Software - Atik Infinity.
Focussing straight forward. Fine focus with Bahtinov masks.
Objects viewed (with camera + WO 73mm) M42 and NGC 2024 - B.33 visible (30 sec exposure/ 15 stacked images).
First impressions very positive. Challenge balancing the colours: I think this will improve with use and experience.
With Altair 152mm. M.1 Crab Nebula. Excellent results although colour balance still tricky.
So far very pleased with this camera and service from First Light Optics!
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