8
9
The camera’s pixel size and sensitivity make the Parsec suitable for most tele-
scopes. For telescopes with very long focal lengths (2000mm and greater), you
can optionally bin 2x2 (see section 2. Astronomical Imaging) to utilize greater
sensitivity and obtain sharper images at the expense of resolution. Note that the
Parsec 8300C (color) camera will lose its color information if binning in 2x2.
Because the Parsec uses a larger format CCD chip, a telescope with a 2"
focuser is recommended to for full field illumination. You can still use the
camera with a 1.25" focuser if it has optional T-threads; however, some vignetting
(edge-darkening) may occur in the images.
Backfocus requirement
The Parsec requires 29.24mm (1.151") of backfocus. This is the distance from the
front of the T-threads to the CCD sensor.
Mount
Deep sky imaging with the Parsec requires an equatorial mount with a right ascen-
sion (R.A.) motor drive. The goal for your mount is to seamlessly track the appar-
ent movement of the sky as the Earth rotates. The tracking must be very accurate,
or the object you want to image will drift and blur across the camera’s field of view
while the exposure is taken. Even a small amount of drift will cause a star to look
oblong instead of a round point. We recommend using a high-quality equatorial
mount which utilizes periodic error correction (PEC) or has the ability to interface
with an autoguider.
Computer
The Parsec requires a PC to operate the camera. For astro-imaging in the field at
night, a laptop computer is highly recommended. The included software is Maxim
DL which requires Windows XP, or Windows Vista operating systems.
The following hardware is also required:
• Processor – 700 MHz speed or higher, Pentium
™
III equivalent or higher
• Recommended minimum memory size is 512 MB.
• Disk Space – 380 MB for software installation, 1GB or more to store
images is recommended.
• Video Display – 1024 X 768 or higher, 16-bit color or higher.
• Mouse
• Internet Explorer 4 or higher required to display on-line help
• High-speed USB 2.0 port
Power
The Parsec requires 12 volts DC (12VDC) with approximately 2 amperes of cur-
rent. Power to the entire camera, including the thermo-electric cooler (TEC), and
fan is supplied by the included power cable when plugged into a 12VDC power
source.
Imaging in the field usually requires the
use of a portable field battery to sup-
ply power, or you can use a 110VAC
to 12VDC power converter if you have
access to an AC outlet. Make sure
the power supply provides at least 2
amperes of current. This allows the
Parsec TEC to use 100% of its potential
cooling power.
2.3. Software and Driver
Installation
Before the camera can be used, the
software and camera drivers must be
installed onto your computer. Turn on
your computer and allow the Windows operating system to load as normal. Insert
the included CD-ROM into your computer’s CD-ROM drive, and the
Launcher
will appear. This allows you to install the Maxim DL software. After the software is
installed, the drivers will install automatically once the Parsec is initially connected
to the computer. Do not connect the camera to your computer before you have
installed the software.
Software and
Driver Installation
To install Maxim DL:
1. Insert the CD-ROM into the drive. The
Launcher will appear (Figure 6). (For
Windows 7 and Vista computers, the
AutoPlay window will appear first.
Select
Run Launcher
.
exe, then the Launcher will appear.)
2. Click
Install MaxIm DL
3. The Install Shield Wizard will start. Click
Next.
4. Read the Maxim DL License Agreement. If you agree with the terms, then
select
I accept the terms in this license agreement and click Next.
5. Click
Install. The installation will proceed.
6. The installation is now complete. Click the
Finish button. Do not open MaxIm
DL yet.
Camera Driver
Installation
Now that the software is installed, the camera driver must also be installed. You
must connect power to the camera and connect the USB cable from your camera
to the computer before starting MaxIm DL, or the software and computer will not
recognize the camera.
Figure 6.
The
Launcher provides an
easy menu for software installation.
