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Amateur CCD cameras generally use a desiccant to absorb moisture that would condense on the CCD window or chip. When the chip is cooled any latent moisture crystallizes and forms ice. See the picture below:
The above clearly shows frost. However, ice usually forms a translucent (foggy) circle that changes size while the chip is cooled (and then is “locked in” once the chip reaches temperature). These are all indications the desiccant needs to be dried out. There is a plug in the camera body that stores the desiccant to be recharged.
- The black knurled plug contains the desiccant. Carefully unscrew it from the CCD chamber.
- Cover the hole to the CCD chamber with a piece of electrical tape while drying the desiccant.
- IMPORTANT! Carefully examine the plug and remove the rubber O-Ring.
- Bake plug (without O-ring) in an oven heated to 350F degrees for 4 hours. After baking and once it is cool to the touch, reinstall the plug and reassemble the CCD camera.