ToupTek ATR2600C Cooled Colour Astronomy Camera User Manual

: September 21, 2024
: TOUPTEK

Table of Contents

ATR2600C Cooled Colour Astronomy Camera
Specifications:
Product Usage Instructions:
1. Setup and Connection:
2. Software Installation:
3. Camera Operation:
4. Image Capture:
- FAQ:
Q: Can the ATR2600C camera be used for planetary
Q: What is the recommended cooling temperature for optimal

ATR2600C Cooled Colour Astronomy Camera

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Specifications:

Sensor: IMX 571 Color CMOS
Resolution: 6224 x 4168
Pixel Size: 3.76m Square Pixel
Format: APS-C Optical Format
ADC: 16-bit
Memory: 512 Mbyte
G Sensitivity: 484.6mv with 1/30s
Temperature Regulation: Precise
Amp-Glow: Zero
Noise Level: 0.79 to 2.77e- (Low Noise Mode)
SNR Max: 47.1 dB (Low Noise Mode)
Dynamic Range: 86.8 dB (Low Noise Mode)
Cooling: -35C below ambient under short exposure, -42C under
long exposure time

Product Usage Instructions:

1. Setup and Connection:

Before using the ATR2600C camera, ensure it is properly
connected to your computer via a USB 3.0 or USB 2.0 port.

2. Software Installation:

Install the provided software package for controlling the camera
and capturing images. Refer to section 4 of the user manual for
details on the software.

3. Camera Operation:

To power on the camera, connect it to a power source using the
provided adapter.
Adjust the camera settings such as exposure time, gain, and
temperature regulation as per your astrophotography
requirements.
For deep sky photography, use the low noise mode for optimal
image quality.

4. Image Capture:

Position the camera towards the desired celestial object using
a telescope or lens setup.
Capture images using the software interface, adjusting settings
as needed for different types of astrophotography.

FAQ:

Q: Can the ATR2600C camera be used for planetary

photography?

A: Yes, the ATR2600C camera can be used for planetary photo
shooting in addition to deep sky photography due to its versatile
features.

Q: What is the recommended cooling temperature for optimal

performance?

A: The camera’s effective cooling temperature is -35C below
ambient under short exposure and -42C under long exposure time for
best results.

“`

ATR2600C(ATR3CMOS26000KPA) User Manual
ATR2600C User Manual
Version 2.2 Apr 2024
All materials related to this publication are subject to change without notice and its copyright totally belongs to ToupTek Photonics. Please download the latest version from touptek-astro.com.

ATR2600C(ATR3CMOS26000KPA) User Manual
Contents
ATR2600C User Manual …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 1
1 Description and Features…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 1
2 ATR2600C Specifications and Performance ………………………………………………………………………………………… 2
2.1 Camera Specifications ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 2 2.2 Sony IMX571 Sensitivity ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 3 2.3 16bit ADC and ROI ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 3 2.4 DDR3 Buffer…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 3 2.5 Binning ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 3 2.6 Conversion Gain Switch …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 3 2.7 Power and Cooling System for Precise Temperature Regulation………………………………………………………….. 4 2.8 Zero Amp-Glow …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 4 2.9 Camera Performance Analysis…………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 4
3 Product Package and Connections …………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 14
3.1 Packing List ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 14 3.2 Camera Dimension and Its Mount ………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 15 3.3 Camera Outline and Interface ………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 16 3.4 Camera Mechanical Connection with Adapter …………………………………………………………………………………. 16 3.5 Camera Mechanical Connection with Lens ……………………………………………………………………………………… 17 3.6 Camera Electric Connection with Accessories …………………………………………………………………………………. 18
4 ATR2600C and Its Software ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 20
4.1 Application Installation ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 20 4.1.1 User-friendly UI Design …………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 20 4.1.2 Professional Camera Control Panel…………………………………………………………………………………………. 21 4.1.3 Practical Functions with Good Results …………………………………………………………………………………….. 22 4.1.4 Powerful Compatibility ………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 22 4.1.5 Hardware Requirement…………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 22
4.2 ATR2600C and Dshow …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 22 4.3 ATR2600C and the 3rd Party Software ……………………………………………………………………………………………. 23
4.3.1 Support Software …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 23 4.3.2 N.I.N.A …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 23 4.3.3 INDI …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 23 4.3.4 ASCOM Platform…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 23 4.3.5 PHD Guiding ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 23 4.3.6 Nebulosity …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 23 4.3.7 MetaGuide ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 23 4.3.8 MAXIMDL ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 23 4.3.9 AstroArt………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 23 4.3.10 FireCapture ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 23 4.3.11 SharpCap ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 23 4.3.12 Registax ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 23 4.3.13 AstroStack …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 23 4.3.14 DeepSky Stacker ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 24
5 Service ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 25
ATR2600CATR2600CATR2600CATR2600CATR2600C
I

ATR2600C(ATR3CMOS26000KPA) User Manual
1 Description and Features
The ATR2600C(ATR3CMOS26000KPA) camera is designed specifically for astrophotography. It is mainly used for deep sky photo shooting, since the camera has cooled CMOS sensor, ultra-low readout noise and zero amp-glow. It can be also used for planetary photo shooting. Its extraordinary performance and extensive usage will give you great astrophotography experience. The features of ATR2600C are listed below:
IMX 571 Color CMOS Sensor Resolution: 6224 x 4168 3.76m Square Pixel APS-C Optical Format 16-bit ADC 512 Mbyte Memory Precise Temperature Regulation G Sensitivity: 484.6mv with 1/30s Zero Amp-Glow Ultra-Low Noise: 0.79 to 2.77e- (Low Noise Mode) Support Low Noise Mode/ High Frame Rate Mode (6.8 FPS at all Pixel Readout 16 bit) SNR Max: 47.1 dB (Low Noise Mode) Dynamic Range: 86.8 dB (Low Noise Mode) -35C below ambient under short exposure/ -42C under long exposure time (> 1s)
Figure 1 IMX571 Sensor and Its Pixel Structure
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ATR2600C(ATR3CMOS26000KPA) User Manual

2 ATR2600C Specifications and Performance

2.1 Camera Specifications
Table 1 ATR2600C Technique Specifications.

Sensor Diagonal Image Resolution Pixel Size Image Area
Max FPS at Resolution (USB 3.0)
Max FPS at Resolution (USB 2.0)
Max FPS at Resolution (Low Noise, USB 3.0)
Max FPS at Resolution (Low Noise, USB 2.0)
Shutter Type Exposure Time Gain SNR Dynamic Range Read Noise (Low Noise Mode) QE Peak Full Well ADC DDR3 Buffer Connection Port Camera Adaptor Protect Windows Spectral Range Capture/Control SDK Recording System Camera Dimensions Camera Weight Back Focus Distance Cooling: Effective Cooling Temp:
Supported OS

Sony IMX571 back illuminated sensor

28.3 mm

26 mega pixels (6224*4168)

3.76m 3.76m

23.4mm 15.7mm

16bit
6.8 FPS @ 62244168 28 FPS @ 31042084 63 FPS @ 20641386
16bit
0.6 FPS @ 62244168 3.6 FPS @ 31042084 8.5 FPS @ 20641386
16bit
3.4 FPS @ 62244168 (Low Noise Mode is only available in All Pixel Readout Mode)
16bit
0.3 FPS @ 62244168 (Low Noise Mode is only available in All Pixel Readout Mode)
Rolling shutter

8bit
13.2 FPS @ 62244168 37.1 FPS @ 31042084 110 FPS @ 20641386
8bit
1.2 FPS @ 62244168 7.0 FPS @ 31042084 15.7 FPS @ 20641386
8bit
12.7 FPS @ 62244168 (Low Noise Mode is only available in All Pixel Readout Mode)
8bit
1.2 FPS @ 62244168 (Low Noise Mode is only available in All Pixel Readout Mode)

0.1ms 3600s

1x 100x

47.1 dB

86.8 dB (Low Noise Mode)

2.77 0.79 e-

80%

51ke-

16bit

512MB (4Gb)

USB3.0/USB2.0

M42 0.75mm

IR-cut filter/AR-window

380-690nm (with IR-cut filter)
Windows/Linux/macOS/Android Multiple Platform SDK (Native C/C++, C#/VB.NET, Python, Java, DirectShow, Twain, etc.);
Still picture and movie

Diameter 80mm * height 107.1mm

0.577kg

17.5mm

Two stage TEC

-35C below ambient under short exposure/ -42C under long exposure (> 1s)
Microsoft® Windows® XP / Vista / 7 / 8 / 10 / 11 (32 & 64 bit) OS x (Mac OS X) Linux

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ATR2600C(ATR3CMOS26000KPA) User Manual
2.2 Sony IMX571 Sensitivity
The sensor G Sensitivity of ATR2600C is 484.6mv with 1/30s. Its spectral sensitivity is shown in Figure 2.

Figure 2 IMX571 Spectral Sensitivity Characteristic
2.3 16bit ADC and ROI
ATR2600C has built in 16bit ADC. It also has 12bit output mode for hardware binning and smaller resolution. The camera also supports hardware ROI, and the smaller the ROI size is, the higher the frame rate is.
Table 2 shows the frame rate of ATR2600C in 16/8bit mode, USB3.0 / USB2.0 data transfer interface at different resolutions: Table 2 ATR2600C Frame Rate at Different Resolution/Data Bit/Data Transfer (USB3.0/ USB2.0)

FPS Resolution

Bit & Interface

6224 * 4168

16bit ADC

8bit ADC

USB3.0 USB2.0 USB 3.0 USB 2.0

6.8

0.6

14.2

1.2

6224 * 4168 (Low Noise)

3.4

0.3

NA

3104*2084

28

3.6

37.1

7.0

2064*1386

63

8.5

110

15.7

2.4 DDR3 Buffer
The ATR2600C camera has a 512MB (4Gb) DDR3 buffer, which helps maintain the stability of data transmission, and effectively reduce the amp-glow caused, because image data can be temporarily buffered without being sent hastily to the receiver.
2.5 Binning
ATR2600C supports digital binning from 11 to 88 in either stacking or averaging method, and hardware binning from 11 to 33 in averaging method. Hardware pixel binning is much faster than software binning.
2.6 Conversion Gain Switch
ATR2600C support HCG and LCG mode switch, the Gain ratio is 3.01.

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ATR2600C(ATR3CMOS26000KPA) User Manual
2.7 Power and Cooling System for Precise Temperature Regulation
Please remember, the Camera can be powered only by DC12V 3A power source. The cooling system of ATR2600C is two-stage Thermoelectric Cooling (TEC) with controllable electric fan assisting heat dissipation. The TEC system is controlled by PID algorithm, which allows the TEC to be precisely regulated towards the target temperature with 0.1C deviation. The working temperature can be regulated to specific number, and effective temperature drop can be -42C from ambient temperature. Such efficient cooling system guarantees the stability of ultra-low noise mode and quality of the camera image.
2.8 Zero Amp-Glow
ATR2600C has been carefully designed and is able to achieve zero amp-glow photo shooting. Figure 3 and Figure 4 show the different cameras at 20C and 5-minute exposure time with and without amp-glow. By comparison, the image captured by ATR2600C shows zero amp-glow.

Figure 3 Amp-glow

Figure 4 Zero amp-glow

2.9 Camera Performance Analysis
Camera performance can be evaluated with e-/ADU, Read Noise, Full Well and Dynamic Range.
e-/ADU: The sensors found in cameras used for vision applications have pixels that convert incoming photons into electrons. Gain on a CCD /CMOS camera represents the conversion factor from electrons (e-) into digital counts, or Analog-Digital Units (ADUs). Gain is expressed as the number of electrons that get converted into a digital number, or electrons per ADU (e-/ADU).
Read Noise: Read Noise is created within the camera electronics during the readout process as the electrons are subjected to the analog to digital conversion, amplification and processing steps that enable an image to be produced.
Full Well: The electrons are held in each pixel and are converted into electrical charge which can be measured to show the amount of light that has fallen on each pixel. The maximum electrical charge possible is termed “full well capacity”. Under the same conditions such as noise and A/D converter quality, the greater full well capacity a sensor has, the wider dynamic range the sensor has. As there is a limit to the depth to which pixels can be made, the full well capacity is often proportional to the frontal area of the light gathering element of the pixel.
Dynamic Range: Dynamic range is the ratio between the maximum output signal level and the noise floor at minimum signal amplification (noise floor which is the RMS (root mean square) noise level in a black image). The noise floor of the camera contains sensor readout noise, camera processing noise and the dark current shot noise. Dynamic range represents the camera’s ability to display/reproduce the brightest and darkest portions of the image and how many variations in between. This is technically intra-scene dynamic range. Within one image there may be a portion that is in complete black and a portion that is completely saturated.

4

ATR2600C(ATR3CMOS26000KPA) User Manual For the ATR series camera, the Gain Value is in xxx% mode. Here xxx is used as the x axis (Gain Value) for the description of the camera performance
() = 20 10[( )/100] ( ) = 100 × 10( ()/20
Read noise is the most important reference to measure the performance of a camera. Lower read noise usually means better SNR and better quality of image. It is impressive that ATR2600C comes with Low Noise Mode, which means users could get even lower readout noise by selecting Low Noise Mode while the frame rate is reduced as sacrifice. Its significantly low read noise is: 0.79-2.77 e(Low Noise Mode).
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ATR2600C(ATR3CMOS26000KPA) User Manual
All following data were acquired in SharpCap with ASCOM driver:
(The ASCOM Driver version for camera TEST in Low noise mode & High full well mode was relatively new) Camera setting used for HCG performance analysis is shown below:
Full resolution RAW 16-bit mode Temperature: -10C Figure 5 shows the curves of the camera analysis data in Table 3
Figure 5 e/ADU, Read Noise, Full Well and Dynamic Range for ATR2600C 6

ATR2600C(ATR3CMOS26000KPA) User Manual

The camera analysis data is shown in Table 3: Table 3 Camera Analysis Data

Gain Value Rel Gain (dB)
e-/ADU Read Noise (e-) Full Well (ke-) Dynamic Range (stop)

Sensor Analysis Data

100 158

251

398

630

1000

1584

2511

3981

6309

10000

0.00 3.99

8.03

11.90

15.89 19.90 23.87 27.81

31.83 35.84

39.83

0.25 0.16

0.10

0.06

0.04

0.03

0.02

0.01

0.006 0.004

0.002

0.94 0.86

0.84

0.86

0.87

0.82

0.80

0.76

0.70

16.5 10.4

6.6

4.2

2.7

1.7

1.1

0.7

0.4

0.3

0.2

14.1 13.6

12.9

12.3

11.6

10.9

10.3

9.7

9.1

8.5

7.9

7

ATR2600C(ATR3CMOS26000KPA) User Manual Camera setting used for HCG performance analysis is shown belowLow noise mode & High full well mode:
Full resolution RAW 16-bit mode Temperature: -10C Figure 5.1 shows the curves of the camera analysis data in Table 3.1
Figure 6.1 e/ADU, Read Noise, Full Well and Dynamic Range for ATR2600C 8

ATR2600C(ATR3CMOS26000KPA) User Manual

The camera analysis data is shown in Table 3.1: Table 4.1 Camera Analysis Data

Gain Value Rel Gain (dB)
e-/ADU Read Noise (e-) Full Well (ke-) Dynamic Range (stop)

100 0.00 0.53 1.18 34.8 14.85

177 5.0 0.30 0.99 19.5 14.27

Sensor Analysis Data

316

562

10.03

15.02

0.17

0.09

0.98

0.97

11

6.2

13.45

12.63

1000 20.02 0.05 1.00 3.5 11.76

1778 25.03 0.03 0.94 1.9 11.01

3162 30.04 0.02 0.93 1.1 10.20

5623 35.10 0.01 0.94 0.6 9.34

10000 40.14 0.01 0.79 0.3 8.76

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ATR2600C(ATR3CMOS26000KPA) User Manual Camera setting used for LCG performance analysis is shown below:
Full resolution RAW 16-bit mode Temperature: -10C Figure 7 shows the curves of the camera analysis data in Error! Reference source not found.
Figure 7 e/ADU, Read Noise, Full Well and Dynamic Range for ATR2600C 10

ATR2600C(ATR3CMOS26000KPA) User Manual

The camera analysis data is shown in Error! Reference source not found.: Table 5 Camera Analysis Data

Gain Value Rel Gain (dB)
e-/ADU Read Noise Low Noise (e-)
Read Noise (e-) Full Well (ke-) Dynamic Range (stop)

Sensor Analysis Data

100 158

251

398

630

1000

1584

2511

3981

6309

10000

0.00 3.96

8.00

12.03 16.02 20.04 24.02 27.98

32.03 36.02

39.96

0.77 0.49

0.31

0.19

0.12

0.08

0.05

0.03

0.02

0.01

0.008

2.35 2.04

1.99

2.05

2.08

2.06

1.99

1.93

1.8

1.64

1.16

2.6

2.27

2.2

2.21

2.31

2.22

2.16

2.12

1.97

1.79

1.14

51.3 32.5

20.5

12.9

8.1

5.1

3.2

2.1

1.3

0.8

0.5

14.4 13.9

13.3

12.6

11.9

11.3

10.6

10.0

9.5

8.9

8.8

11

ATR2600C(ATR3CMOS26000KPA) User Manual Camera setting used for LCG performance analysis is shown belowLow noise mode & High full well mode:
Full resolution RAW 16-bit mode Temperature: -10C Figure 7.1 shows the curves of the camera analysis data in Error! Reference source not found..1
Figure 8.1 e/ADU, Read Noise, Full Well and Dynamic Range for ATR2600C 12

ATR2600C(ATR3CMOS26000KPA) User Manual

The camera analysis data is shown in Error! Reference source not found..1: Table 6.1 Camera Analysis Data

Gain Value Rel Gain (dB)
e-/ADU Read Noise Low Noise (e-)
Full Well (ke-) Dynamic Range (stop)

100 0.00 1.56 2.77 102.5 15.17

177 4.96 0.88 2.19 57.9 14.69

Sensor Analysis Data

316

562

10.00

15.03

0.49

0.28

2.19

2.17

32.4

18.2

13.85

13.03

1000 19.92 0.16 2.24 10.3 12.17

1778 25.09 0.09 2.00 5.7 11.48

3162 30.12 0.05 1.99 3.2 10.65

5623 35.18 0.03 2.01 1.8 9.79

10000 40.19 0.02 1.46
1 9.42

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3 Product Package and Connections
3.1 Packing List

ATR2600C(ATR3CMOS26000KPA) User Manual

Figure 9 Packing Information of ATR2600C Table 7 ATR2600C Packing List

Standard Package

A

Carton L:50cm W:30cm H:30cm (20pcs, 12~17Kg/ carton, 0.045m3), not shown in the photo

B

3-A safety equipment case: L:28cm W:23cm H:15cm (1pcs, 3.9Kg/ box); carton size: L:28.2cm W:16.7cm H:25.5cm (TBD), not shown in the photo

C

ATR series camera (M42x0.75 Mount+2″ adapter)

D

Power adapter: input: AC 100~240V 50Hz/60Hz, output: DC 12V 3.3A

E

Power cable

F

High-Speed USB3.0 A male to B male gold-plated connectors cable /1.5m

G

M48-M42 extender 0mm

H

M42M-M42F extender 21mm (TBD)

I

M48F – M42M extender 16.5mm (TBD)

J

M42M adapter 12.5mm

K

Cover

14

3.2 Camera Dimension and Its Mount

ATR2600C(ATR3CMOS26000KPA) User Manual

Item Diameter Height
Mount

Figure 10 Dimension and Mount of ATR2600C Table 8 Dimension and Mount of ATR2600C

80mm 107.1mm M42Fx0.75mm

Specification

15

3.3 Camera Outline and Interface

ATR2600C(ATR3CMOS26000KPA) User Manual

Figure 11 Camera Outline and Interface Table 9 Camera Outline and Interface List

Item

Specification

1

Protective window, AR window for mono camera, IR-cut filter for color camera

2

M42F 0.75 thread

3

Thermal outlet or radiator

4

LED indicators: 1) Power LED. 2) System LED. 3)TEC LED. 4)Fan LED

5

DC 12V 3A power port, 5.5 2.1mm

6

Air inlet

7

USB 3.0/ USB 2.0 port

8

USB 2.0 HUB

3.4 Camera Mechanical Connection with Adapter
ATR2600C can be connected to a telescope with proper adapter, or the camera lens. The most common adapters are already included in the package, but we also provide some specific adaptors based on the requirement.
The female flange to the sensor is 17.5mm. ATR2600C comes with M42x0.75 mount and can connect to telescope with the M42x0.75 thread in a direct way.
ATR2600C can also connect to the telescope who use 1.25″ or 2″ eyepieces by M42M-1.25″ or M42M-2″ adapter. Figure 12 shows the connection of the camera and the adapter. After the adapter is screwed to the camera, the camera can insert into the

16

ATR2600C(ATR3CMOS26000KPA) User Manual telescope’s eyepiece tube. Table 10 list the details of the camera and adapter parameters.

Figure 12 The Connection of the ATR Camera and Adapter Table 10 Camera and Its Adapter Connections

Item Back Focal Distance M42M-1.25″ Adapter M42M-2″ Adapter

17.50mm M48M-1.25″ adapter for 1.25″ telescope M42M-2″ adapter for 2″ telescope

Specification

3.5 Camera Mechanical Connection with Lens
Figure 13 shows the connections of the ATR camera and the lens.Table 11 list the connection’s parameters.

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ATR2600C(ATR3CMOS26000KPA) User Manual

Figure 13 Nikon F/Canon EF Lens with ATR Camera Table 11 Camera and Lens Connection

Item

Specification

1

Nikon F-M42 adapter (TBD)

2

EOS EF-M42 adapter

3

Nikon F-mount lens

4

Canon EF-mount lens

5

ATR camera with M42Fx0.75 mount

3.6 Camera Electric Connection with Accessories
On the back side of ATR2600C, there are 3 connection ports: DC 12V/3A power port, USB3.0/ USB2.0 port and USB-HUB.
Due to the significantly larger power cunsumption of IMX571, ATR2600C (including the cooling system) is now booted up only by 12V/3A power supply. USB3.0 no longer workds as a power source but only as a data communication method. The USB-HUB provides connection with other devices, which allows user to avoid the mess of cable management. Once another device is connected through the USB-HUB, it will be connected to PC device through the USB3.0/USB2.0 port.

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ATR2600C(ATR3CMOS26000KPA) User Manual

Item USB3.0/USb2.0 Port USB HUB for Accessories
Power Port

Figure 14 Camera Electric Connection Table 12 Camera Electric Connection Details

To computer with USB3.0/USB2.0 cable To filter wheel with USB2.0 cable To guiding camera with USB 2.0 cable DC12V/3A

Specification

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ATR2600C(ATR3CMOS26000KPA) User Manual

4 ATR2600C and Its Software

4.1 Application Installation

For software, customers are welcomed to go to our software website: https ://touptek-astro.com/downloads/, to download the latest ToupSky. The ATR can also be used with ASCOM, DirectShow SDK. If the third-party software is compatible with these SDK, customers can also download the software driver from our website and install the drivers into the third-party software.

ToupSky is ToupTek astronomy camera’s Windows application. ToupSky is a professional software integrated with camera control, image capture & process, image browse, and analysis functions. ToupSky is born with the following features:

Windows:

Features

x86: XP SP3 or above; CPU supports SSE2 instruction set or above x64: Win7 or above

Full control of the camera Trigger mode and video mode support (raw format or RGB format) Automatic capture and quick record function Multi-language support Hardware ROI and digital binning function Extensive image processing functions, like image stitching, live stacking, flat field correction, dark field
correction, etc. Supported Camera:

All ToupTek astronomy cameras

4.1.1

User-friendly UI Design
Well-arranged menus and toolbars ensure quick operating; The unique design of 3 sidebars — Camera, Folders, Undo/Redo are orderly classified Convenient operating method (Double click or right-click context menu) as much as possible; Detailed help manual;

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ATR2600C(ATR3CMOS26000KPA) User Manual

Figure 15 ToupSky and Its Video Window

Figure 16 ToupSky and Its Browse Window

4.1.2 Professional Camera Control Panel

Capture & Resolution

Set the live and snap resolution and snap the image or record video;

Exposure & Gain

Auto exposure (exposure target preset) and manual exposure (exposure time can be inputted manually); Up to 5 times gain;

Color Balance

Advanced single-click intelligent white balance setting, temperature and tint can be manually adjusted;

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ATR2600C(ATR3CMOS26000KPA) User Manual

Color Adjustment Frame Rate

Hue, saturation, brightness, contrast, gamma initialization adjustment; Adjustment of frame rate available for different computer configurations;

Flip Sampling Bit Depth ROI
Dark Field Correction Cooling Parameters

Check the “horizontal” or “vertical” option to correct the sample direction;
Bin mode can obtain low noise video stream; Skip mode obtains sharper and smoother video stream. Support video stream histogram extension, Negative and positive switching, Gray calibration, Clarity factor for focusing etc. Switch between 8 bits and 16 bits. 8 bits is the basic Windows image format. 16 bits will have higher image quality but moderate FPS. ROI, Region of interest. This function can set the ROI on the video window. When the ROI group was expanded, a dotted rectangle with “Handles” will appear around the video window that will let you alter the ROI. Use mouse button to adjust the ROI size. If ROI is ok, click Apply will set the video to ROI size, Defaults will return to the original size. To Enable the Dark Field Correction, one should capture the dark field image first. After the images are captured, the Enable button will be clickable. Checking the Enable button will enable the Dark Field correction. Unchecking it will disable the Dark Field Correction.
Set the TE-Cooling target temperature and set the fan On/Off;
Load, save, overwrite, import, export self-defined parameters of camera control panel (including calibration information, exposure and color setting information);

4.1.3 Practical Functions with Good Results

Video functions

Various professional functions: Video broadcast; Time lapse capture; Video record; Video stream grid; Image stitch; Video scale bar, date etc.

Image Processing and Control and adjust image by denoise, sharpen, color toning deinterlace, all kinds of filtering algorithm and mathematical

Enhancement

morphology algorithm, range, binary, pseudo color, surface plot and line profile ital..

Image Stacking

Image stacking adopts advanced image matching technology. With the recorded video, regardless of shifting, rotation, scaling, the high-fidelity image can be stacked to decrease the image noise.

Figure 17 Image Stacking

4.1.4 Powerful Compatibility

Video Interface

Support Twain, DirectShow, SDK PackageNative C++C#/VB.NET

Operating System Language Support

Compatible with Microsoft® Windows® XP / Vista / 7 / 8 / 10 / 11 (32 & 64 bit), Mac OSX, Linux
Unlimited language support, currently available in Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, English, Russian, German, French, Polish and Turkish

4.1.5 Hardware Requirement
CPU: Intel Core 2 2.8GHz or higher

Memory:2GB or more

PC Requirements

USB port: USB3.0/USB2.0 port

Display: 17″ or larger

CD-ROM

4.2 ATR2600C and Dshow
DshowAstro is an interface driver providing Dshow standard support for ToupTek USB astronomy camera Supported OS: Windows:
x86: XP SP3 or above; CPU supports SSE2 instruction set or above

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ATR2600C(ATR3CMOS26000KPA) User Manual

x64: Win7 or above Supported Camera:
All ToupTek astronomy cameras
4.3 ATR2600C and the 3rd Party Software

4.3.1

Support Software

No.

Software

1

PHD Guiding

2

Nebulosity

3

MaxIm DL

4

SharpCap

5

MetaGuide

6

FireCapture

7

Astroart

Version 2.3.0(2014) 3.2.2(2014) 5.23(2013) 2.1(2014) 5.2.0(2014) 2.4.05(2014) 5.0(2014)

WDM

ASCOM × × × ×

Native

4.3.2 N.I.N.A
Powerful open source astronomy equipment management system for deep sky photo shooting, free.

4.3.3 INDI
A popular third-party driver software for astronomy devices, often used on Linux and MacOS.

4.3.4 ASCOM Platform
All AstroCam telescope camera drivers request to install ASCOM platform, free.
http://www.ascom-standards.org/index.htm
You can download the ASCOM package from : http://ascom- standards.org/Downloads/Index.htm

4.3.5 PHD Guiding
A popular free guide software: http://openphdguiding.org/
ToupTek’s telescope camera support Native/ASCOM/WDM driver to run the video.

4.3.6 Nebulosity
A popular cooled camera control/image process software directly supported via ASCOM.

4.3.7 MetaGuide
Autoguiding software with novel method to avoid the atmospheric agitation. The latest version support GCMOS01200KPB and the guide port: http://www.astrogeeks.com/Bliss/MetaGuide/

4.3.8 MAXIMDL
Famous full functional CCD Control/Image Process software. Popular used in US.

4.3.9 AstroArt
Famous full functional CCD Control/Image Process software. Popular used in Europe.

4.3.10 FireCapture
Great free planetary capture software. Support part of AstroCam series telescope camera.

4.3.11 SharpCap
A nice free planetary capture software support WDM cameras includes AstroCam series telescope camera.

4.3.12 Registax
A popular free planetary stacking and processing software.

4.3.13 AstroStack
A planetary stacking and process software.

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4.3.14 DeepSky Stacker
A free deep sky image stack and process software.

ATR2600C(ATR3CMOS26000KPA) User Manual

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ATR2600C(ATR3CMOS26000KPA) User Manual
5 Service
For software upgrades, please refer to “Download” on our official website: https://touptek-astro.com// For customers who purchase the cameras from local dealer, please contact your dealer for more inquiry. For technical support, please contact e-mail address: astro@touptek.com.
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