383L+OSC Blooming

[CCD-Freak]

I am seeing blooming artifacts in some of my images.  The blooming streaks do not show up in all images. The attached image of M8 shows the problem and I have shot the same object before with the same exposure times and the streaks did not appear.  Has anyone else seen this problem.  I recently upgraded the firmware to the latest version and it made no difference.  I am wondering if I need to send the camera in for service.

John
CCD-Freak

[jsbianco]

John,

Is the vertical line in all the subs or just one?  Could be a satellite or space object in a single sub.

Joseph

[jcm]

Hi ( I am not the OP)

The lines come from 3 stars so the chance of satellites is unlikely.

What was the exposure?

John

[CCD-Freak]

The artifacts are in all subs.  The subs are 10 minutes with an AT8RC.  I even see these in 1 second exposures when focusing too.  I have taken 10 minute subs of M20 on a differnt night and did not have the artifacts.  See attached M20 from Okie-Tex.

[jcm]

Hi All,

I have stretched the image even more and more stars have
the vertical lines.

Looks like a failure of the anti blooming system.
Suggest check with Atik - Is the camera still under warranty?

John

[CCD-Freak]

I don't remember how long the warranty is and I have had the camera for several years.  I bought it directly from Warren Keller as he was setting up US dealers.  It was one of the very first to reach the US (sn 1004294). 

[Chris]

It looks to me as if the shutter hasn't closed.

Chris

[CCD-Freak]

The shutter seems to be working OK.  I can hear it operate between subs and I have watched it open and close when off the telescope. 

[raygjones]

I have just recently experienced the same problem.   I had not used the camera for several months.  I now get blooming on all images, and am concerned that, the electronics are failing.

Ray Jones

[andysea]

That sure looks like blooming. It would be good to know how many cameras are experiencing this issue. I suggest posting the question on other astronomy websites too.

Andy

[CCD-Freak]

I think I will contact the guys at Atik to see what they think and to find out what it would cost to get it fixed since it is beyond the one year warranty. I need to find an e-mail address.

[andysea]

I would just send an email to the Atik tech support. There is really no other way to contact them...I'm spoiled by AP. Whenever I have a question I just pick up the phone and call them

Andy

[vince]

Hi John,

This happens when the CCD is not fully covered by the shutter while it is being readout, can you have a look to see if its visibly sticking?

You can email me direct at vince at atik-cameras.com or on the support email, support at atik-cameras.com

Best Regards
Vince

[andysea]

That's interesting Vince.
Chris you were right on the money! I don't understand how the shutter not closing would create those artifacts. Is there a quick way to explain the cause?

Andy

[CCD-Freak]

Hi Vince

I will check it again even though I have never been able to catch it sticking open.
If the shutter is sticking is there anything I can do locally to cure the problem?
I am a retired radio / electronic technician so I am familiar with electronics.

John
CCD-Freak