RE: ATM Building CCD cameras

["Arjan te Marvelde (EMN)" <Arjan.te.Marvelde@emn.ericsson.se>]

Chris,

I'm also planning to build a CCD camera, and have considered a number of options. 

Probably the simplest way to go is to buy a cheap webcam and make the conversions to 
improve it for astrophotography (like addition of cooling). See for example 
http://www.astrosurf.org/uranus/astrocam/

Then there is the trodden path of the cookbook, of which you can find large quantities of 
info on the web. Try "CB 245" at your favourite search engine. I think however that TI 
discontinues the TC245 chip.

The there is another TI based design: Kitty (255 or 237). See 
http://perso.wanadoo.fr/bernard.dalstein/Dossier.html and test your knowledge of French. 
I find the design quite complex, but because of its' specs and prize i do like the TC237 
chip (which by the way has a pin compatible colour variant; TC236).

The Audine design (http://astroccd.com/terre/audine/English/index0.htm) is much more 
straightforward and easy to understand. In my opinion the only disadvantage may be the 
prize of the KAF401 chip, which is more than 4 times the TC237.

I also had a quick look at the Philips CCD's, e.g. the FT18. They have some interesting 
background articles on CCD chips and circuit design.

So now i'm designing my own CCD camera, for a big part based on Kity and Audine. I opt 
for a minimal setup, in which as many tasks as possible are done in the PC (e.g. the 
timing of the signals). If you like i can send you the Word file of the stuff i have 
brewed up till now.

/Arjan

P.S. Does anyone on this list know a source for the TC237 chip? The retailers in the 
Netherlands charge me pretty much, compared with the $75 listed on the TI page.