Orion STARSHOOT 52187 User Manual

INSTRUCTION MANUAL  
®
Orion StarShoot AllSky Camera  
#52187 (NTSC)  
#52188 (PAL)  
Providing Exceptional Consumer Optical Products Since 1975  
OrionTelescopes.com  
Customer Support (800) 676-1343  
Corporate Offices (831) 763-7000  
89 Hangar Way, Watsonville, CA 95076  
© 2011 Orion Telescopes & Binoculars  
IN 416 Rev. A 06/11  
Parts List  
Orion StarShoot AllSky Camera (SSASC)  
Allen Key (For Vandal Proof screws)  
50 ft Dual RCA/Power extension Cable  
BNC/RCA Adapter  
Mains Power Adapter  
Field Battery Power Adapter  
Orion Video Capture device, video adapter cables and Software CD  
®
Orion HandyAVI Special Edition software CD  
Practical Uses of the All-Sky Camera  
Astronomer’s Sky Monitor  
Use to check sky conditions at remote locations by broadcasting the real-  
time views over the internet via email, website and/or the free night skies  
network service  
Figure 1. The Orion StarShoot AllSky Camera and included items.  
Welcome to a new world of adventure. Your new Orion Star-  
Shoot AllSky Camera (SSASC) is capable of providing 180  
degree color views of the night skies from horizon to horizon  
in real-time. The SSASC can even be used during the day to  
take images of daytime skies.  
See the Milky Way  
Constellations and planets can be easily identified  
Meteor/Satellite Detector  
Automatically detect and capture meteors using the included Orion  
®
HandyAVI Special Edition software.  
Images and movies of detected objects can be automatically downloaded to  
websites via FTP or email.  
Primarily designed to monitor sky conditions, the SSASC  
can also capture meteors, satellites, International Space  
Station, atmospheric phenomena and much more.  
With the included Orion Video Capture device the SSASC can be used to broad-  
cast your real time images across the internet.  
All-Weather Camera  
Create time-lapse movies of cloud movements  
Image cloud types  
Image storms, lightning, rainbows, sunsets, auroras  
Other  
®
The included Orion HandyAVI special edition software features time-lapse pho-  
tography, meteor detection and ability to send images via email or FTP images/  
movie to a website.  
Create a 24 hour time-lapse from dusk until dawn  
Take images at automated times to capture analemma and retrograde  
movements of the moon and bright planets over long periods of time.  
The weather proof dome housing makes it possible to permanently mount the  
SSASC making it an ideal tool for observatories, schools and home use (mount-  
ing options sold separately).  
Take the portable all-sky camera to star parties, air shows, balloon festivals,  
mountain ranges, cities with landmarks etc. to make interesting time-lapse  
movies.  
Please read this instruction manual before attempting to use the camera or  
install the software.  
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Horizontal and vertical mirror functions.  
Auto white balance mode.  
Wide and Narrow Auto Tracking White Balance (ATW) modes aid in light  
polluted skies.  
Auto, Color and Black and White day/night modes.  
Lens Feature List  
High Quality Fujinon Fish Eye Lens  
Vari-focal (1.4mm->3.1mm) with horizontal field angle of 185-94°  
Wide aperture of f/1.4, optimizing the performance at low lighting intensity  
Built-In ND filter supporting super sensitive cameras  
DC Auto-Iris for day viewing  
Figure 2. TV as a displaying device.  
Figure 3. Laptop as a displaying/  
capture/broadcasting device.  
Viewing Devices  
Housing Feature list  
Weather proof IP66 certified  
The SSASC outputs a standard composite video signal that can be displayed  
or recorded on any device with composite video input such as a TV, Projector,  
Camcorder, DVR or VCR (Figure 2).  
Distortion free acrylic dome bubble window  
Optionally using the included Orion Video Capture Device, camera output can  
also be viewed and captured on a PC/Laptop (Figure 3). You can even broad-  
cast your views over the internet using the included Orion Video Capture device  
and free online service Night Skies Network.  
Heater and fan to prevent fogging of dome bubble cover  
Getting Started During Daylight  
We recommend using the SSASC for the first time during the day. This way, you  
can become familiar with the camera and its functions without having to fumble  
with controls and settings around in the dark.  
(Read the included Orion Video Capture Device manual for details).  
Camera Feature List  
768 x 494 (NTSC), 752 x 582 (PAL) screen resolution  
Place the SSASC on a stable flat surface outdoors. The SSASC can be tested  
indoors but focusing is best done outside with a real sky.  
24 bit color  
30hz Video frame rate (NTSC), 25hz (PAL)  
Waterproof Wired Remote control  
Frame integration for up to 4 seconds exposure (256x Sense up).  
Automatic Gain control.  
Plug the male power jack (Red) of the Dual Power/Video extension cable into the  
SSASC and plug the mains adapter jack into the female power jack (Red).  
Plug the mains adapter into a wall socket. The device should now have power.  
When used with the included field battery power adapter and a field battery  
(such as the Dynamo Pro available through Orion) the SSASC becomes a more  
portable device.  
Auto Light Control (ALC) shutter speeds from 1/10000 second to 1/100  
second.  
Plug the Video jack (Yellow) that is closest to the male power jack (Red) into the  
SSASC and the other end into a TV.  
Super Digital Noise Reduction virtually eliminates all hot pixels.  
Color Bar display for display calibration and testing of video signal.  
2X digital zoom feature.  
Power the TV and select the input channel that the video cable was plugged into.  
A live video should now appear on screen. The screen will be black until the  
camera controls are activated.  
Customizable Title text display.  
Light & Dark Gamma modes.  
To adjust camera settings the SASC comes attached with a waterproof remote  
control (Figure 4).  
High and Mid sharpness enhancement modes.  
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ALC/AES  
ALC – Auto Light Control  
Camera Controls  
The SSASC camera settings will ini-  
tially be set to factory default values.  
SHUTTER  
OFF, 1/100, 1/250, 1/500, 1/1000,  
1/2000, 1/4000, 1/10000  
All camera features are controlled via  
remote control and the OSD menu  
(On Screen Display). Selections are  
made using the navigational Menu  
buttons (up/down/left/right) and select  
button (center) of the remote control  
(Figure 4).  
Automatic Light Control (ALC) indi-  
cates the image sensor’s ability to  
automatically adjust in diverse lighting  
conditions to yield the most vivid video  
image possible (Figure 6. Shutter  
speeds can be selected for different  
lighting conditions.  
Figure 4. The 5 button remote control.  
Figure 6. ALC Shutter speed menu.  
Pressing the center button for a short  
period of time will bring up the OSD  
menu (Figure 5).  
For the optimum results at night SHUTTER should be turned OFF.  
AES – Auto Electronic Shutter  
WHITE BAL. (white balance).  
AES is used when a manual or fixed iris lens is fitted and the shutter speed will  
respond to the amount of light to keep the signal output at optimum level. AES  
allows changing the iris level automatically without using the auto iris lens.  
CCD security cameras feature this  
adjustment to compensate for ambient  
light color. Since there’s a color differ-  
ence between standard light bulb light  
and sunlight, white balance adjusts to  
ensure a more realistic picture.  
Figure 5. Main OSD menu screen.  
Note: The AES should be switched off when an Auto Iris Lens is fitted hence  
AES is not used in this application.  
FLC – Flickerless mode  
ON or OFF  
There are two white balance control modes, namely Auto tracking white balance  
(ATW) and Auto White Balance (AWB).  
Flickerless mode is used for suppressing the flicker of light (illuminating the cap-  
tured scene) produced depending upon the frequency of the power source. In  
50Hz area, the CCD exposure time is 1/50sec and if NTSC camera is used with  
working frequency of 60Hz, there will be flicker on the screen. Same will happen  
in using PAL camera in a 60Hz area. The shutter speed is fixed to 1/100 sec for  
the 50 Hz area and 1/120 sec for the 60 Hz area to reduce the flicker of the fluo-  
rescent light.  
AWB – Auto White Balance  
AWB is a preset type function whereby white color in the scene is detected and  
white balance is automatically adjusted, then the setting status is stored. It auto-  
matically memorizes the adjusted white balance value every time the AWB is  
selected. AWB is most suitable for environment with little change in light source.  
ATW – Auto Tracking Balance  
NARROW (darkness adjustment)  
WIDE (Light adjustment)  
Note: FLC is normally set to ON.  
AGC – Automatic GAIN Control  
ATW functions by detecting white color in the scene at a color temperature from  
3200 to 10000 Kelvin. The color temperature is being monitored continuously  
and the white balance is set automatically by internal controller.  
ON or OFF  
The AGC function provides a clear image in low light condition. This controls  
an amplifier that is used to boost the video signal when the light dims so as to  
increase the camera’s sensitivity.  
ATW is most suitable for viewing objects with changing color temperature and  
which can make the picture color look more natural. This mode is also helpful in  
light polluted skies.  
SENSE UP  
OFF, x2, x4, x8, x16, x32, x64, x128, x256  
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Sense-Up: An image processing tech-  
nology which allows user selectable  
digital slow shutter speeds in order to  
allow extra light into a camera thereby  
providing higher sensitivity in low light  
conditions (Figure 7).  
COLOR BAR  
The Color Bar (Figure 11) is a useful  
feature to test video output from cam-  
era to your viewing device.  
GAMMA  
TYPE A – 0.45 Gamma (Lighter)  
The minimum frame integration (x2) is  
1/32 of a second for NTSC (1/40 for  
PAL).  
TYPE B – 1.0 Gamma (Darker)  
ZOOM  
The maximum frame integration  
(x256) is 4 seconds for NTSC (5 sec-  
onds for PAL).  
Figure 9. TITLE edit menu.  
Figure 7. Sense Up menu.  
Digital zoom x2 – ON or OFF  
The Digital zoom is a useful feature to  
aid focusing.  
Set SHUTTER SPEED (ALC) to OFF  
for frame integration.  
ENHANCER  
MID Sharpness or HIGH Sharpness  
Low light objects such as stars and  
the Milky Way require a high value  
sense up setting such as x256 which  
gives a total exposure time of up to 4  
seconds NTSC (5 seconds PAL).  
DAY/NIGHT  
AUTO – Automatically switches to  
COLOR for bright objects and BLACK  
& WHITE for low light object.  
Figure 8. OPTION sub menu.  
Figure 10. TITLE being used with live  
image.  
BACK LIGHT – Background  
Light Compensation  
DAY/EXT COLOR mode always.  
Background Light Compensation is used when there is a very bright background  
with very dim front image.  
NIGHT – BLACK & WHITE mode  
always.  
Note: BACK LIGHT is not normally used for astronomy.  
PRIORITY  
PRIORITY (AGC/SENSE) controls the  
auto-darkening on bright objects.  
MASK  
A security camera feature for privacy masking. Not used in this application.  
OPTION  
RETURN  
The option menu contains features that will be modified less frequently than the  
Select to return to main menu.  
main menu features. (Figure 8).  
Figure 11. Color Bar Test.  
EXIT  
TITLE  
SAVE – exit and save current settings.  
Use UP/DOWN/LEFT/RIGHT and CENTER buttons to select up to 20 characters  
to be used as an on-screen title (Figure 9 & 10).  
PRESET – exit and default to factory defined settings.  
Removal of Dome Bubble  
H-REV  
In order to initially focus your view, the dome cover will first need to be removed.  
Horizontal Mirror Function – Image is flipped in the Horizontal axis.  
Use the included allen key to unscrew the 4 vandal-proof screws on the top of  
the SASC. Be careful not to hit the acrylic dome with the allen key, screws or  
other hard objects. Also be careful not to lose the non standard Vandal-proof  
allen key.  
V-REV  
Vertical Mirror Function – Image is flipped in the Vertical axis.  
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Carefully lift the dome cover directly  
upwards from the base and place in a  
safe location.  
Re-Installation of Dome Bubble  
Carefully line up the groove on the inside of the dome cover with the notch on  
the base and gently allow the cover to drop into place. The dome cover should  
now be seated evenly and all 4 screws lined up ready for installation.  
FAR  
NEAR  
TELE  
WIDE  
Remove the lens cap. Be careful not  
to touch the lens to avoid having to  
clean it.  
Using the allen key, gently tighten each screw until a small bit of resistance is  
felt, then move onto the next screw. Repeat for all screws. Next tighten each  
screw more firmly and evenly to help ensure a weatherproof seal.  
(Cleaning supplies sold separately by  
Orion)  
Take some time to use the camera during the day to become familiar and com-  
fortable with its basic operation. For best results, you can optimize your images  
with the camera controls.  
Figure 12. The SSASC fish eye lens.  
Focusing  
Now using your live view as a guide,  
adjust the zoom (focal length) and  
then adjust the focus of the fish eye  
lens using the thumbscrews on the  
side (Figure 12).  
Now that you’re familiar with basic camera operation, it’s time to take the SSASC  
out at night under the stars to capture some astronomical images.  
When installing at night, follow the same focus procedure as in daytime. Be  
patient as focusing on stars in longer exposure mode (SENSEUP X256) will take  
~4seconds to update on screen.  
The SSASC lens has a variable focal  
length from 1.4mm to 3.1mm giving a  
range of field of view.  
A permanently installed SSASC should only require you to set the focus once  
when initially installing.  
The Dome Bubble cover can be wiped clean with a damp soft cloth.  
Be careful not to scratch the surface when cleaning or moving the device.  
(Spare domes are available at Orion)  
As the camera user, you get to decide  
which setting is preferred for your par-  
ticular needs (Figures 13, 14).  
Figure 13. At 1.4mm more sky is seen  
(~181 degree angle of view). Image is  
smallest and low detail resolution.  
2X Digital Zoom  
Viewing and Capture  
on Laptop/PC  
View and capture your skies on a laptop or desktop PC by using  
the included Capture Device. (See Video Capture Device Manual  
for installation and usage instructions).  
Use the 2X digital zoom feature in  
the options menu as focus aid. This  
mode is most useful at night to focus  
on stars. Turn off the 2X digital zoom  
when finished focusing.  
Focusing can be difficult with longer  
exposure settings. If possible set the  
camera to a faster exposure time  
(SENSEUP x2) whilst focusing.  
Time-lapse and  
Meteor detection  
Install the included OrionHandyAVI Special Edition software by selecting “install  
Orion HandyAVI SE” from the launcher menu. Instructions are located on the  
launcher menu and in the software drop down help menu.  
®
Figure 14. At 3.1mm less sky is seen  
(~90 degree angle of view). Image is larger  
and higher detail resolution.  
At night longer exposures are neces-  
sary (SENSEUP X256) in order to  
see as many stars as possible under  
the given conditions. Therefore more  
patience is required when focusing to see the adjusted result on screen (~4 sec-  
onds).  
®
The OrionHandyAVI SE software features Timelapse, Meteor detection and the  
ability to send images via email and movies/images via FTP to a website. The  
software also includes features such as timestamps, Scanning AVI files for mete-  
ors, frame selection and automated time/day recording.  
Internet  
Broadcasting  
After focusing, the dome cover can now be placed back onto the base.  
Broadcasting on the internet can be accomplished using  
the OrionVideo Capture Device and the free astronomy specific internet broad-  
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for details.  
Specifications  
Sensor:  
Mintron Color sensor  
Mounting options  
52K9BHN-EXCS (NTSC); 52K9BHP-EXCS (PAL)  
NTSC/PAL Composite Video out (BNC/RCA)  
1/2”  
As well as being a portable device, the SSASC can be permanently installed  
on buildings with additional accessories. (Mounting options sold separately by  
Orion)  
TV System:  
Sensor size:  
Number of pixels:  
0.4 megapixel resolution  
NTSC – 768 x 494 (effective) 811 x 508 (total)  
PAL – 752 x 582 (effective) 795 x 596 (total)  
Extension cables  
The included 50 foot dual Power/Video cable can be further extended with an  
additional cable (sold separately by Orion)  
Pixel size:  
8.4µm x 9.8µm  
Replacement Dome Cover  
Replacement dome covers are also available for the SSASC (sold separately by  
Orion).  
Video frame rate:  
A/D conversion:  
IR filter:  
NTSC: 30 frames/second; PAL: 25 frames/second  
8 bit  
Yes  
Operation Temperature: -20°C to 50°C  
Power Supply: DC12V 150mA  
Typical Camera Settings  
For best daytime images  
WHITE BAL.  
ALC/AES  
AGC  
ATW  
ALC (SHUTTER 1/10000 to 1/100)  
OFF  
OFF  
SENSE UP  
For best nighttime images  
WHITE BAL.  
ALC/AES  
AGC  
AWB/ATW  
ALC (SHUTTER OFF)  
ON  
SENSE UP  
ON (x2 to x256)  
For best dual day/night images  
WHITE BAL.  
ALC/AES  
AGC  
AWB/ATW  
ALC (SHUTTER OFF)  
ON  
SENSE UP  
ON (x2 to x256)  
Try several different settings to get a feel of how the camera controls work and  
affect the resultant image on the computer screen. The WHITE BAL, SHUTTER  
speed (ALC) and SENSE UP controls are the ones you will use the most.  
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