DFK 31AF03.AS

High resolution, fast refresh rate

Three characteristics make the astronomy camera DFK 31AF03.AS an ideal tool for color astrophotography: high resolution, fast refresh rate and a low price. Using the shipped software - IC Capture - you can save the captured images to lossless and uncompressed AVI files.

Fast display of color images

IC Capture.AS performs color interpolation on the raw color data (RAW format) from the CCD chip. This reduces the load on the camera processor. On the other hand, if you prefer the camera itself to perform color interpolation, simply select the appropriate option in the shipped software IC Capture.AS. In this case, the maximum frame rate is 15 fps. Alternatively, should color interpolation not be desirable at all, AVI files can be written in RAW format.

Sony® color CCD

A Sony® color CCD, type ICX204AK is at the core of the astro CCD camera DFK 31AF03.AS. The format of this CCD is 1/3" at a resolution of 1024 x 768 pixels. Even at long exposure times, its noise is minimal. The unsurpassed quality of the CCD allows its deployment in scientific image processing applications.

IR cut filter

Unlike the human eye, CCDs are sensitive to near infrared light (wavelengths over 700nm). The CCD camera DFK 31AF03.AS ships with an IR cut filter. Thus, its deployment is recommended for applications in which capture of these wavelengths would lead to interference.

Fast data transfer via FireWire

The astro CCD camera DFK 31AF03.AS is particularly well known for its ability to output high resolution images at high speed. In order to transfer these large amounts of data to the host PC, a very fast bus is required - FireWire (IEEE 1394).

Shipped software for Windows®

This camera ships with the camera driver IC WDM DCAM TIS and the control software IC Capture.AS. To learn more about these software products, please take a look at the software section:

• Included Software

Below are sample images and 'in action' images of astronomy cameras (click to enlarge).:

Efrain Morales - Jupiter

Dr. Joseph M. Zawodny - DMK 31AF03.AS on TEC 140

Raymund Sarmiento - Sun Spots

Efrain Morales - Telescopes System with DMK CCDs

Mike Brown - Saturn

Dr. Joseph M. Zawodny - DMK 31AF03.AS and Meade

Shevill Mathers - Total Lunar Eclipse August 28, 2007

Bob Schnitzer - DMK 31AF03.AS

More Sample Images

More 'In Action' Images

 

Technical specification, detailing all important parameters of the DFK 31AF03.AS astronomy camera:

Camera Parameter	Parameter Value
Product Code	DFK 31AF03.AS
Type	color FireWire camera with IR cut filter
Connection	FireWire
Manufacturer	The Imaging Source
Sensor	CCD
Type	progressive scan
Sensor specification	Sony ICX204AK  PDF
Format	1/3"
Resolution	1024 x 768 pixel
Dynamic range	8 bit
Exposure time	1/10000 s to 60 minutes
Gain	0 dB to 36 dB
FPS @ Max resolution	30 fps
Video formats @ Frame rate	1024 x 768, BY8 (RAW) @ 30, 15, 7.5, 3.75 fps 1024 x 768, UYVY @ 15, 7.5, 3.75 fps
Lens mount	C/CS mount
Supply voltage	8 V to 30 V via the cable
Current consumption	approx 200 mA @ 12 VDC
Dimensions (H x W x L)	50.6 mm x 50.6 mm x 50 mm
Mass	265 g
Max. temperature (operation)	-5 °C to 45 °C
Max. temperature (storage)	-20 °C to 60 °C
Max. humidity (operation)	20 % to 80 %
Max. humidity (storage)	20 % to 95 %
Subject to change.

Accessories for the DFK 31AF03.AS are sold separately. Not included with the camera.

Cables
Order Code	Description	Unit Price
CA-1394-66/1.8	Cable connecting two 6-pin IEEE 1394 devices, length 1.80m	$ 11.95
CA-1394-64/PJ/2	Cable connecting a 4-pin and a 6-pin IEEE 1394 device, it additionally offers a connection to the power supply of the FireWire bus, length 2m	$ 29.80
Power Supplies
Order Code	Description	Unit Price
Dxx 21F04/Mainy/US	PSU for the Dxx 21F04 camera series (ONLY REQUIRED if the 1394 bus does not supply power), input range 90 to 264 VAC, output 12VDC/1A, US plug	$ 38.35
Dxx 21F04/Mainy/EU	PSU for the Dxx 21F04 camera series (ONLY REQUIRED if the 1394 bus does not supply power), input range 90 to 264 VAC, output 12VDC/1A, EURO plug	$ 38.35