DIY CCD camera?

[MrB]

Hello all,
Looking for any names/links etc for DIY cams that are NOT based on webcams.
With time and money I could design one myself, but I don't have that much time to spare and besides, the PC side of it (driver/interface software) is where I would fall down.

Many years ago I remember seeing a mature design for a DIY CCD camera that had a name like Dauphine of Daphne or Delphin or something like that, can anyone recall the name?
I've searched low and high and I'm getting nowhere! Grrr.

If my memory is not shot, it was a re-designed/modernised(a few years ago!) version of Richard Berry's TC-245 Cookbook camera, which is now obviously obsolete.

Many thanks,
Simo

[DeanoNZL]

Hi Simon,
Are you thinking of "Audine"
Not sure if it has been updated in a while.:thumbsup:

[Gama]

You may want to review building one Simon.
Once you add up the cost for building it, especially the cost of the sensor, you will end up paying the same or more for a camera already available.
An example, the cost for a Sony sensor (Mono), like on the SXV-H9, QHY-2 Pro etc, costs approx $1000 in single price purchase. The larger Sony is around the $800.00 mark, and the Kodaks, well, look over $2000 each.

Then of course you have issues with compatability with O/S plus capturing software, support and on and on.
A second hand camera is cheaper, comes complete, and works out of the box.

Theo

[MrB]

Deano! your a legend mate, Cheers!
Dunno why I thought it started with a D?

Theo, thanks.
Have been toying with the idea for many many years(since Berry's Cookbook cam was 'new'!), so have looked heavily into the pro's and cons....I'm still not comitted to the idea, just revisiting.
The biggest winning pro in my mind is the joy that us DIY types get from using something we built ourselves.... just ask someone that has gound their own mirror(which I've done) or built their own dob(observatory,pier/mount etc etc), when they could have bought one cheaper. ;)

[MrB]

Oh, and I'm still open to suggestions of alternative designs if anyone can think of one.
Cheers.

[Terry B]

I built my CCD many years ago. At the time it was much cheaper than buying an eqivalent one. Mine is a genesis CCD with a KAF0401E chip. This is the same as in an ST7E. The parts are no longer available for my camera but it was just a clone of the Audine camera made by a guy in the US.
I had a great time making it and the experience was well worth it. I am now very happy pulling electronic equipment to bits knowing I can put it back together again.
I don't know if the audine kits are still available but email them and see at
http://www.astrosurf.com/audine/English/index0.htm
The people that originally designed it are still very much active.

[bojan]

Hi Simon,
I actually build one couple of years ago..
The design was similar to Audine, but with somewhat different approach.
It had two pieces, the on-board controller (to generate timing for CCD, it was TC237 - still available from Texas Instruments) and PC-based application.
The communication was via RS232, at highest possible speed available on Fujitsu Stylistic 1000.
It was also cooled with Peltier.
Well, if you are interested, I have all the documentation available - schematics, layout.. source code.. even couple of bare PCB's.. you name it. Even working prototype.

I still want to use this design as a stand-alone guider, when I find some time for this - right now I am very busy, trying to find a new job as I was retrenched from NEC Australia, together with 250 other staff/management in the recent restructure.

Also, I am trying to find someone who will be able to help with guiding algorithm. I am not skilled enough in those things - I can make them work somehow but it will take too much time and effort fromby side only to complete it.

[CometGuy]

My first CCD camera was DYI and a lot of fun (but you need a lot of spare time!) I had a small amount of experience in electronics and programming, enough that with some technical books like Richard Berry's Cookbook camera and Christian Buil's CCD Astronomy I was able to design and build a camera around a Kodak KAF-400 CCD in 1994. All the electronics were soldered onto Veroboard. By using a PIC microcontroller to do all the clocking and communication with a parallel port the design could be simplified.

I remembered first light I was really dissappointed with the sensitivity. A week later I discovered that I'd missed a requirement in the Kodak Datasheet that required that the CCD output need to be activated by grounding it through a resister. When I did that, wow! Here is an image I got with this camera:

http://www.pbase.com/terrylovejoy/image/32822669

The second camera was the Genesis G16 (as Terry B points out an Audine Clone). Another DYI, but the design was already done. This was a nice camera and I still have it.

I've since been using DSLR's recently mainly because of the wide field of view and low cost but I think thats going to change soon now thanks to people like QHY :thumbsup: . And as Gama said its not really worth going the DYI route these days.

Terry

[MrB]

Thanks for the replies guys.
Re-reading as much as I can on the Audine.... lots to read.
Thinking something along the lines of a Modded Audine with a KAF-1603 or 3200 :shrug:


Terry, nice first light shot!


Hi bojan, I'm afraid I'm with you on this one.. not skilled enough.
I'm fine when it comes to machining things and soldering things... even coding for a microcontroller... but a guiding algorithm?
glug glug glu....... thats the sound of me drowning :D

[CometGuy]

Bojan/MrB,

Maybe one solution is to write a simplified ascom driver for the camera, that way you could use existing guiding software. Or perhaps you could design the hardware to look like an existing camera.

Terry

[bojan]

What I really want is to have stand-alone guider (less hardware in the field, the better..), and since my camera has it's own processor (LPC P-2148, 100MHz ARM core) RS232 and couple of output ports, it should not be too hard to convert somehow the existing software (for example, Marti Niemi BASIC routines) into C code.
Perhaps I should contact him... Anyone knows his current email address? (the one on his website is not active any more).

[rally]

Simon,

If you are really game - why not buy a second hand DSLR and get a big chip ?

The Olympus E300 cameras use an 8mp KAF8300c chip - 3326x2504 x 5.4µm pixels in a 4/3rds format.
This is the same chip used by all the big name astro cameras in their cameras - either as the mono version or colour.

Best thing is you can buy these things for well under US$300 these days
cheapest I have seen recentlly was US$175, but that came with a lens as well !

So you either scavenge the chip and build your own controller or you just use the camera as is after doing an IR mod.

Where can you buy a one shot colour astro camera for a few hundred bucks ?

Chilling - well thats another issue and I am unsure if its been done to this camera.

Of course we all expect you to publish your DIY project now !!!

Good luck
Rally

[MrB]

Thanks Rally,
I had been thinking along those lines, was going to start searching info on which chips were in which of the cheaper point-and-shoot cams.
I would prefer a mono cam with a high QE chip, but if all else fails, a scavenged colour chip is passable ;)

[bojan]

Provided you can get hold of full data sheet.. which may be quite challenging in some cases.

BTW, I have couple of Japanese CCD's even with some data sheet. If you are interested, you can have them :-)

BW CCD surveillance cameras may be a good source for CCD's (small pixel number again, but VERY sensitive, especially in IR).

TC237 from Texas Instruments is still available (it is small though.. but very sensitive, with large pixels).
It is US$25 or so. They also have a range of specialised chips for scientific applications, some of them with integrated peltier (expensive though).

[scopemankit]

Wasn't there a self build called Artemis. I believe these were sold in the assembled state as Atik.

[amtrww]

I would like some advice on what to do with a Cookbook CCD Camera.
My parents were avid amateur astronomers, volunteering at McDonald Observatory, and founding the Big Bed Astonomical Society. My father and two other gentlemen built a Cookbook Camera, which operated successfully for several years. Sadly, all three are now deceased and the camera has passed to me. I am also an amateur astronomer and telescope maker, but have no interest in imaging. The camera has no value to me except for some components that can be used for other purposes, and scrap. I would much prefer that it go to someone who can use it for its intended purpose, even if that's only to be caniballized to keep another Cookbook Camera running.
Can you give any advice on how best to accomplish this? eBay? AstroMart? I would most appreciate any help you can give.
Bob Walker
314-209-1515
tac@i1.net

[amtrww]

Correction: that's Big Bend Astonomical Society.

[wasyoungonce]

Digging up old thread.....As title says...a DIY 16bit camera (http://www.cloudynights.com/topic/497530-diy-astro-ccd-16-bit-color-6mpx-camera/#entry6549505) using CCD Sensor Sony ICX453AQ from not working Nikon D40/D50/D70/D70s.

These guys (http://translate.googleusercontent.com/translate_c?depth=1&hl=en&prev=search&rurl=translate.google.com.au&sl=ru&u=http://astroccd.org/&usg=ALkJrhijsGsIUZm8m_Lmn7grWaHOkPe DOw)have been at this for some time and looks to be exciting and progressive project, some github files on his projects here (https://translate.googleusercontent.com/translate_c?depth=1&hl=en&prev=search&rurl=translate.google.com.au&sl=ru&u=https://github.com/vakulenko&usg=ALkJrhif8CHwAtBNHhh-ZX4ouVxDtzSByw).

I've jumped onboard...just purchased a cheap Nikon D70s body from fleabay (lets hope it arrives) and are gearing up.

I believe they are looking for others to join.

Brendan

[clive milne]

Well, if I was going to roll my own,
I couldn't go past this:
http://www.raptorphotonics.com/product/kingfisher-ccd-oem-39

1.5e- of readout noise is substantially better than the very best professional CCD's on the market, irrespective of price.

[Eden]

This is an interesting project and looks like it could very well be the next Artemis kit. The ICX453 is a decent entry-level CCD and is the same chip used in the proven QHY8 camera.

A fellow from Germany has done something similar with the ICX453 and even went as far as making a complete stand-alone peltier-cooled imager with integrated 8 position filter wheel, OLED screen and compact flash storage.

http://www.astroselbstbau.homepage.t-online.de/index.htm

[wasyoungonce]

Yep have seen that...quality work but not a lot of info.

This will be open source...I think. Anyway pretty much a QHY8 camera...although cooling needs to be sorted. I did note the originator from Russia has already designed a software driven peltier cooler and ASCOM driver. Probably this can be used for cooling this unit.

If anyone would like to dabble...then come on board.

[rmuhlack]

Hi Brendan - any clue as to what the cost will be for the PCB etc? What are you plans for a case?

[wasyoungonce]

Hi Richard...not finalised yet but, member steveastrouk (the gent who kindly offered to make up PCB & parts kits for cost...+ P&P) messaged me:

..." We can get decent discounts at 10 off quantities. Looking like around 60-70 USD for all the bits, including the PCB, but not shipping ? There;s still some uncertainty in component specification in the BOM."

Of course this all depends upon the final design. There is talk of re-design into a disc type camera so it can be used with filter wheels, include desiccant and sealed chamber etc. Its getting very interesting indeed.

Brendan

edit:
ahh a post on CN indicates even lower pricing, probably due to greater numbers.

[wasyoungonce]

Ok to generate more interest and since I can handle the soldering of this DIY PCB, I will offer to populate qty 2 PCB DIY kits (that is solder in components), that steveastrouk (http://www.cloudynights.com/topic/497530-diy-astro-ccd-16-bit-color-6mpx-camera/?p=6544724), (on CN) offered to make up and sell at cost.

Steve is a research engineer and buying in bulk lowers the cost, but he offered to make up parts kits and PCBs for cost to people that ask.

Obviously some members on IIS might be interested but lack the soldering skills, so I'll be happy to solder in the parts (and probably install drivers) for them, no cost, nada. You'll have to pay postage to/from me and buy the kits from Steve, but I'll do the PCB population and post them back.

I'll put this out for only IIS members who lack soldering skill required, not those too busy or wanting a freebie pass. This will also help me in a way in that production building is far easier than one off runs. Also I have the ability to source spare parts if something is amiss or not working right (although not a sensor). I cannot guarantee your PCB works when built, but I do have the resources to fault find and fix.

I did something similar some time back with the "Sharpsky focuser (http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/showpost.php?p=1043740&postcount=147)" and this helped quite a few members. Obviously this is a bigger project but nonetheless, I'm happy to help.

Obviously you'll need an ICX453AQ sensor, from either a Nikon D40/D50/D70/D70s. I purchased a Nikon D70s body from fleabay for just this. Again I cannot guarantee your sensor, but, hey this is looking at worst case but really it'll be fine, depends on how careful you were in removing it! In fact is local we can probably share the DMSO solvent costs.

Frankly this project has a while to go and is not finalised yet so there is no great rush, but if you are interested and want in but lack the soldering skills...then I can help but, PM Steve for a kit and contact me. I'll leave this offer at qty 2 PCB kits atm but might be open to help more if really needed.

Brendan

[glend]

I have indicated my interest on CN but have yet to hear anything about what it might cost in that thread. So i'd be a 'maybe' for your offer. Thanks. Do you know where I coukd source that solvent?

[wasyoungonce]

Hi Glen

DMSO solvent is available from fleabay and other sources locally: here (http://dmso.com.au/product/dmso-250ml-spray/), $39 250ml spray (99.9% I think); here (http://www.ebay.com.au/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_sacat=0&_nkw=DMSO&_sop=2) fleabay, $22 100ml 70% and so forth.

Kits at this stage for PCBs and parts are from $50 USD to $70USD (at this stage). Depends on numbers and finalisation of layout. Camera..well depends you can buy "damage non working units" cheap, but mine was $86 AUD for a working body, fleabay. 70% grade should be ok.

That said...I should get it soon and test it out first. As said, in general a non working camera unit...its 99.9% likely the sensor is ok, just some other electronic or moving part malfunction causing it not to work.

I'll tentatively mark you are interest #1.

Brendan
edit:

Should say the case design is being looked at for a major revision so this is why it won't be starting soon...but it will happen. A proper CNC'd case may be designed up and sold, but this will not be that cheap...price U/K atm but I'd suggest $200~$300 USD (just a guess).

[wasyoungonce]

Ok...D70s body arrived today. Works just fine as said. Seller threw in extra battery but I also have CF card, another battery and charger...$86 AUD.

Not bad at all...IMHO. Nice pixel size...7.8um I believe, which is a real nice size.

I want to play with it for awhile (I've purchased a "D ring" to test it fully, I have no lenses for it in anycase) then when the DIY camera is finalised...it'll be relived of its Sony ICX453AQ sensor! Bit of a shame really as it's a nice camera.

Anyway you don't need a fully working body (like mine) in fact as said you can pick up non-working bodies really cheap and 99.9% of the time the sensors are just fine so suit this project well well.

[netwolf]

Brendan, I am interested but wonder if this will work with the Mono sensor version? I did see something on CN about a chap converting Nikond DSLRs to Mono sensors. Maybe he has a source for the Mono sensor?

[wasyoungonce]

Fahim

I believe the Niokns (Sony) sensors are easy to convert to mono, but this removers the bayer and micro-lens as well.

I have seen some nikon (and Canon) mono conversions over at Stargazerslounge (http://stargazerslounge.com/topic/166334-debayering-a-dslrs-bayer-matrix/page-97?hl=%2Bmono+%2Bnikon#entry2542298 ). It appears the Nikons are much easier to "mono-fying". I also believe that a CN member trialled mono-fying (http://www.cloudynights.com/topic/402600-icodome-now-converting-dslrs-to-true-monochrome/#entry5159601) some sony sensors from QHY, but, there was an issue with UV light tests damaging/degrading (http://www.cloudynights.com/topic/497530-diy-astro-ccd-16-bit-color-6mpx-camera/?p=6554558) the silicon array, but, this was strong UV light and over a long time.

Though...I cannot see how...I mean UV is attenuated in our atmosphere and the strongest source would be our sun...I don't intend to point this at the sun.

I believe that the drivers may need some re-write to accommodate mono image download as the bayer matrix cells are differently counted to mono?:shrug: Though this has been mentioned in the CN thread and others are interested in mono as well.

Pretty difficult to obtain these sony sensors and probably even more difficult to obtain mono versions. This is why members are scavenging from Nikons etc.

Brendan

Edit:
Damn...no SDK for Nikon D70 so BYN has no support (http://www.otelescope.com/index.php?/store/product/4-backyardnikon-10-premium-edition/#cameragrid_bookmark)...now that'll complicate things. Not really, just wanted to try BYN and this camera (on long exposures) before taking it apart...bummer.

[wasyoungonce]

QTY 2 Nikon D70 sensors avail here (http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/GENUINE-NIKON-D70-SENSOR-UNIT-CCD-REPAIR-PART-REPLACEMENT-/281649501362?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item41939e54b2) cheap, ebay $40USD $5 P&P. 100% positive feeback.

A cheapo way to get into this DIY project.

[glend]

Thanks for that head's up Brendan, I just bought one for the camera project.

[netwolf]

Thx got one.

[wasyoungonce]

Jeez that was quick!

You gents need to PM steveastrouk (http://www.cloudynights.com/topic/497530-diy-astro-ccd-16-bit-color-6mpx-camera/?p=6544724) on CN about getting on board with a parts kits and PCB at cost.

He is going to make up parts kits and PCBs and sell them at cost (plus postage). Obviously the more people onboard the lower the costs. At this stage this is anywhere from $50USD to $70 USD but who knows in the end. Suffice to say I'm not concerned.

From what I can tell the PCB is being re-designed with some improvements (like inbuilt antifog, inbuilt TEC cooling, filter-wheel and case, desiccant etc etc. Probably best to keep following the thread yourselves (http://www.cloudynights.com/topic/497530-diy-astro-ccd-16-bit-color-6mpx-camera/)rather than me repeating it all.

What they are doing is integrating improvement ideas, the camera is already known to work just fine and you could build one with the existing design.

So this re-vamp might take some time...who knows but this will allow me (us) to ramp up for this, gather solvent like DMSO etc.

As I said I'm quite happy to build some PCBs for those who are lacking soldering skills as production batching is much easier than one offs. Just wait till the parts kits & PCBs are available and I can make them up for a few members on this forum.

So, just PM steve and join the parts list and hopefully progress will be made as this project appears to be be gaining momentum rapidly.

Brendan
.

[glend]

I had previously expressed interest in his thread on CN but will PM as well. I have some of my own design ideas I will try to implement in mine, like sealing the unit and argon filling and doing away with the need for dessicants- this has worked well on my cold finger Canon 450d.

[wasyoungonce]

Yeah Glen...gotta PM the member to be added.

Argon is a good idea and I believe this is being looked at. The desiccant is just a plug for residual moisture left post gas fill....I think!:shrug:

Are you looking at your own PCB/CASE design then?

[glend]

No I would take the case being offered but insure it was sealed and add a port for the argon fill point.

Will PM him tonight.

[wasyoungonce]

I believe the case is redesigned and they were going to have this case CNC'd the cost depends on how many and batch pricing. You can make your own.

I'm not sure if the new design has a sealed window? Really at this stage it's all to early to tell suffice to say there have been major changes.

Looking fwd to doing this and there has been quite a bit of interest in debayering the sensor.....thus the filter wheel I guess!

[glend]

I am concerned that the project is morphing into something more complicated in both design and function. It seems to be getting taken over by mono enthusiasts and people talking about dual TECs, etc. A single stage TEC is really all that's needed for a delta T of -25C, and this will keep the power requirement down to 6 amps for the TEC.

I am happy enough to build it as a OSC camera, and I hope that Steve will stick to that as version 1, and offer different designs for the filter wheel guys. I am after a lightweight camera, and don't want increased complexity (and obviously cost that goes with it).

[Ausrock]

Would it be feasable to make the housing body from a composite material with an aluminium back for the cooling arrangement to attach to?

[glend]

Feasible yes. Reading Steve's latest post on CN it appears the case will be offered without the filter wheel. Can't see why you could not make your own case, although a molded composite case will likely be heavier than a cnc'd aluminium one designed to hold the pcb. I don't care for his idea to use an aluminium cold finger and I plan to use copper, at least against the TEC to improve heat transfer. I ill also be using a good heat extraction fan on the rear heatsink. It looks like OSC and Mono will be catered for so that's good. You could potentially build it as OSC and later debayer the sensor and add the filter wheel for mono operation if you wished.

I won't build mine until Steve has it working and components finalised qnd proven. Importantly, power supply management, noise, etc need to be proven.

[Ausrock]

Re the weight factor......much depends on the way a composite item is made. The glass microfibre infused resins we produce have a density of approx., 1.4 gms/cc as opposed to aluminium's 2.7 gms/cc.

Cheers

[glend]

When you said composite molding my mind ran to heavy glass mat fibreglass boats.

If you work in a place which does glass microfibre molding then it would be great if you want to tool up a case, I'm sure you get some buyers here.

I want to keep the weight down because I'll be using copper on the TEC and adding a heatsink fan, so the lighter the case the better. Perhaps Steve could share his drawings of the case. Why not PM him and ask, you might uncover a US market for the case as well. PM him at the Cloudy Nights thread.
Thanks for the ideas.

[Ausrock]

I'm trying to decide whether I'll have the time to join the diy project, if I do then I'll look at a composite housing. At the moment I'm buried in planning how we're going to move our factory from Warabrook over to Cardiff :rolleyes:

[Ausrock]

I pulled the trigger and PM'd Steve......have asked if he would supply details of his case design so I can try and design a mold for casting the housings.

[wasyoungonce]

Damn...it appears everyone joining the project has something to offer or expertise to add.....except me!:shrug:

[Ausrock]

Brendan,

I'm fine with basic pcb assembly and soldering so long as it's a kind of "join the dots" job but I'm going to be way out of my depth after that.

Also, I've heard back from Steve who is more than happy to supply details once everything is locked in. If you're bored have a look at our website www.mirteq.com (http://www.mirteq.com) ......it is aimed at the US composites market and the factory we opened over there but we're actually a N'cle company.

[wasyoungonce]

Good to hear...ohhh nice stuff to play with! A little OT....did these MIR resins grow from the minesweeper project (forgive my ignorance). I can see how these can reduce development time indeed.

Steve has been a champ on this, in fact they all have...I just get to ask stupid questions!;).

Really looking forward to this as it'll stimulate me and keep me from being idle. I did note one or 2 of the chipsets they were using were a little old (aka the clock generator) and they were looking at the dual PSU package, U1, as a QFN24 package, which is going to be a pain to solder. I wonder if there are alternates easier to solder like TSSOP24 packages.

Anyway no use worrying as the design is undergoing rather large changes atm.:shrug:

[glend]

Brendan, et all, are you going to try debayering the D70 sensor? I am considering sending my spare Canon 450D 12 megapixel sensor over to JTW to get it debayered. It's already full spectrum.

[wasyoungonce]

Yes and no. I see that you would be best to debayer it prior to putting the sensor in as it's soldered in and not placed in a carrier socket. This is probably for noise and stray capacitance on the sensor pins.

So, attempting to debayer it later...will not be easy with the sensor in situ.

Yes I'd love to do this debayer but this may be impractical later...or...maybe build 2 cameras! One of each! I can see that this project is going to tear at my heart strings and nerves are already beginning to fray!:shrug:

[glend]

Here are JTW's instructions for debayering a sensor (CCD or CMOS):

http://www.jtwastronomy.com/tutorials/debayer.html

[wasyoungonce]

Thanks Glen. I have been watching the members over at Stargazers lounge (http://stargazerslounge.com/topic/166334-debayering-a-dslrs-bayer-matrix/page-101)mono-DSLRs (100+ pages so far), as well as our won Alistair (http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/showthread.php?t=109439&highlight=debayered) and Jo's work. (http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/showthread.php?t=110554&highlight=debayered)

Have also checked out CN when the debayering started, Some impressive mouth watering results indeed. The trade off is the extra integration and imaging time.

Thus I'd love to have a colour version and a mono version....is that greedy?:lol:

Oh I think there was discussion regarding the "gold finger wires" to the matrix on the sensor. Some "glues" shrank when setting causing them to break...bummer!:sadeyes:

edit:
oh tried my D70s on the scope (with a nikon T ring) with some simple shots in daylight...sensor and the rest works a treat...just looking at a method of tethering it (http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/showthread.php?t=134391)to have a play before offering it to the "dissemble gods"!.

[Ausrock]

No mate, nothing to do with minesweepers.

If you've ever worked with chopped strand mat f/glass you may have noticed the individual strands are made up of a multitude of micro-fine filaments, that is what we use........approx., 1/3 the diameter of hair and nominal length of 0.5mm. Our core technology (our 11 herbs and spices) is what we do to them to create a chemical bond to the resins rather than the traditional mechanical bond.......the end result is that while we don't compete with traditional f/glass for things like pools and boats, we do offer the ability to mold intricate shapes that trad f/g can't achieve.

The detailed info I ultimately get from Steve will dictate whether it is going to be feasable to proceed. If I can prove it's viable to make composite housings, then once the inital tooling is completed, the rest should be relatively straight forward. If time allows, I will have a play with "dummy" molds in preparation for the real thing.........will post anything of interest here.

[glend]

Chris are you using epoxy resin or polyester, etc?

[Ausrock]

Glen,

Primarily Vinyl and Polyesters. We have a resin alloy we developed which is a blend of thermoset and thermoplastic resins as well.

We are essentially a custom or bespoke formulation company developing and supplying to order.........nothing kept on the shelf.

[luka]

Sorry for digging up a very old thread that has been dug up already once.
Did anyone actually make one of the cameras based on the D70 sensor? I got bitten by the DIY bug and this looks like quite a fun project to do next.

[wasyoungonce]

Hi folks. I've been watching the CN thread closely and believe the system is still in a little bit of flux.

For example I was waiting for the round PCB ver but this appears not ready. Also, this impacts on thermoelectric cooler design, which is being implemented by some users but not yet ready.

Of course I could do my own cooling but if it's already in development I'd rather wait.

I will be making this camera, but believe it's not ready yet. Time frame....My best guess is later this year.

[glend]

Luka, et al, I have a brand new Nikon D70 sensor - as used in this project, that I can sell to anyone wishing to build one of these cameras. Since the project started I have purchased a mono camera and no longer need the D70 sensor. Let me know if interested. I will put an ad in the IIS Classifieds later today.

[luka]

Sensor already gone... that was quick.

Anyway, maybe I should start a new thread for this specific build instead of trailing on this 7-years old thread about generic builds?

[wasyoungonce]

Probably a good idea Luka

[luka]

Just letting you know that a new thread has been started regarding building ICX453AQ based camera, see here (http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/showthread.php?p=1255701).