ST-402ME camera
The new ST-402ME is seen at right equipped with the optional T-thread to C-mount adapter ring and lens. For use at the telescope, a 1.25" nosepiece screws into the T-threads of the front plate.
The ST-402ME uses the same Microlensed, Blue Enhanced, Full Frame KAF-0402ME CCD as the ST-7XME camera. The array is 765 x 510 pixels at 9 microns square. The same technology that is used to achieve such high quantum efficiency in the KAF-3200ME CCD is also used with the same effectiveness in the KAF-0402ME CCD. With a peak QE of nearly 85%, this camera bows its head to no other when it comes to recording faint detail in dim objects.
A full frame download takes less than a second with the new USB 2.0 electronics. Focus mode updates the computer screen about 2X per second. The small size and light weight makes this camera very easy to handle and set up. A custom internal filter wheel and shutter lets you take dark frames and tri-color images automatically. Best of all, the low noise and extraordinary QE of the KAF-0402ME CCD makes this one of the most sensitive CCD cameras available to amateurs at any price. Simply put, there is nothing that can touch it in its class, except of course the dual sensor, self-guiding ST-7XME camera.
The ST-1603ME
is essentially the same camera as the ST-402ME except that the imaging CCD is 4X larger and it has 4X the number of pixels. The ST-1603ME uses the KAF-1603ME CCD, the same sensor we use in the ST-8XME. This CCD is 1530 x 1020 pixels at 9 microns. However, due to the size of the array, the internal filter wheel cannot be used. For color or photometric applications the CFW10-SA can be used insted with standard 1.25" filters.
The ST-1603ME, like the ST-3200ME, is intended primarily for industrial and life science applications where a faster download rate is more important than maximum cooling or self-guiding. Of course it will also perform very well for astronomical applications, particularly where an external guider is already available. For astronomical applications where greater cooling and lower read noise performance is more important than the somewhat faster download rate, we also offer the ST-8XMEI single sensor camera, and ST-8XME dual sensor, self-guiding camera, with the KAF-1603ME imaging CCD and USB 1.1 electronics.
ST-7XME and ST-7XMEI High QE Imaging Cameras
The Model ST-7XME is a self-guided imaging camera and contains two CCD detectors; one for guiding and the other for collecting the image. They are mounted in close proximity, both focused at the same plane, allowing the imaging CCD to integrate while the PC uses the guiding CCD to correct the telescope. In addition, a Remote Guiding Head port is now included for attachment of an external guiding head for those occasions when an external guider is desired. Using a separate CCD for guiding allows 100% of the primary CCD to be used to collect the image. The telescope correction rate and limiting guide star magnitude can be independently selected. The Full Frame Resolution is 765 x 510 pixels at 9 microns square. Carefully guided exposures up to one hour are possible, enabling a standard 8" SCT to capture images showing 19th magnitude stars from typical background observing sites. The imaging camera includes an electro-mechanical shutter, 16 bit analog to digital (A/D) converter, regulated temperature control, and has all of the electronics integrated into the CCD head. Communication to the PC is through the USB port. Click here for more information on recent improvements the new High Speed USB Interface.
The Model ST-7XMEI is the same camera as the ST-7XME except that it has no internal guiding CCD and some extras and not included in order to keep the base price as low as possible. Both the ST-7XME and ST-7XMEI cameras use the same electronics and USB 1.1 interface that is as fast as some competitors' USB 2.0. Moreover, the USB 1.1 interface is easily extended up to several hundred feet with commonly available and relatively inexpensive USB extenders whereas USB 2.0 is not. As of March, 2006, both the single CCD and dual CCD models come with the Remote Guide Head port for attaching an external guiding head. For a comparison of the ST-7XME and ST-7XMEI please refer to the chart below.
Each imaging camera is furnished with the most complete compliment of software available from any manufacturer of astronomical imaging equipment. The software includes camera control, telescope control, image processing plus photometric and astrometric measurement functions. The software provided with the equipment is unsurpassed in performance and ease of operation. Optional operating software can be expanded to include remote telescope control, a large stellar data base from the SAO catalog and Hubble Guide Star Catalog, plus a non-stellar data base from NCC, IC, PCC (Principle Galaxies Catalog), PK planetary nebulae, WDS (double star catalog), and GCVS (variable star catalog). Support for Windows, Mac and Linux are inlcuded.
The New Research Line of Large Format, Dual Head Triple Sensor, Self-Guiding CCD Cameras
CAMERA MECHANICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Mechanical Specifications Common to All Models (Typical)
Dimensions 6.5 x 6 x 3.5 inches (16.5 x 15.2 x 8.9 cm) excluding nosepiece and handles
Weight Approx. 4 lbs. (1.8kg) without filters
Computer Interface USB 1.1 (transfer rate approx. 425,000 pixels/second)
Telescope Interface Threaded accessory ring, mounting plate and 2" nosepiece supplied, Nikon 35mm lens adapter optional
Filter Wheel 5 position internal carousel accepts 48mm threaded filter cells and 2" unmounted round filters
Shutter
Internal Mechanical Shutter on all cameras, plus electronic shutter on Interline CCDs
Cooling 2 stage thermoelectric, water circulation, - 40o C below ambient with uncooled water, regulated to +/- 0.1 degree (~32C air only). Further cooling may be achieved by using water cooled below ambient and above the dew point.
Backfocus Approximately 1.7 inches +/- 0.1 inches (~4.3 cm +/- 0.25 cm) with 2" nosepiece attached
Power Requirements 10 - 18VDC, 12VDC nominal, Universal AC to 12VDC desktop supply and 12VDC field
power cord supplied
Carrying Case Pelican 1550 Case with custom cut foam insert
Software CCDOPS ver. 5.xx, CCDSoftV5, CCDSharp, TheSky v.5, level II.
