Handbook for the SXVR-H694
Issue 1 March 2012
26
surface is free of contamination. One gentle wipe from one end to the other, with no
return stroke, will be found to be the most effective action. DO NOT rub vigorously
and be very careful to avoid scratching the window.
6) Before re-assembly, make certain that the inside surface of the front window is also
clean, and then carefully replace the camera front barrel and screw it into place. (If the
heat sink seal is disturbed, renew it with fresh compound before reassembling).
7) Replace all the camera parts in reverse order and the job is done.
Dealing with condensation:
The SXVR-H694 is designed to avoid condensation by minimising the volume of air
trapped within the CCD cavity and by preventing moisture ingress. This normally
works very well, but storage of the camera in a humid location can lead to the trapped
air becoming moist by diffusion through the optical window mounting thread etc. and
can result in condensation on the CCD window. If this becomes a problem, try storing
the camera in a warm, dry place, or in a plastic lunch box containing a sachet of silica
gel desiccant. If this is not effective, try opening the main barrel and loosening the
stand-offs to allow a gap to form between the heat sink and the front barrel assembly.
Now put the camera into a desiccator box (as above) or leave it in a warm place for
several hours before re-sealing it.
N.B. DO NOT leave the camera switched on for long periods between uses. The
cold CCD will collect ice by slow diffusion through any small leaks and this will
become corrosive water on the cooler and CCD pins when the power is removed. If
substantial amounts of moisture are seen, dismantle the camera and dry it
thoroughly.
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Alternative Software
Although we hope that you will be satisfied with our ‘SXV_hmf_usb’ software, other
companies are offering alternative programs with more powerful processing
functions. One of these is programs is ‘AstroArt’ by MSB software. You can purchase
AstroArt from many dealers Worldwide and more information may be obtained from
their web site at
http://www.msb-astroart.com
‘Maxim DL’ is another popular choice and you can find out more by visiting
http://www.cyanogen.com
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Some details of the camera and CCD characteristics
The SXVR-H694 uses a Sony ICX694ALG ‘EXview’ progressive scan CCD, with
2750 x 2200 x 4.54uM pixels in a 12.48 x 9.98mm active area. This EXview device
CCD type:
Sony ICX694ALG EXview interline imager.
CCD size:
Active area 12.48mm x 9.98mm
