Introduction CAMERA OVERVIEW. SBIG, The Pioneering CCD Company. SBIG Innovations

Transcription

1 Product Catalog 2012

2 Introduction SBIG, The Pioneering CCD Company In most high technology markets there are "pioneers", companies who have the technology and dedication to influence the direction of an entire industry. Over the past two decades, SBIG has been that pioneer in the science and industry of electronic astronomical imaging. SBIG has a reputation for outstanding quality products, service and customer support. We were the first company to introduce CCD autoguiding with the Model ST-4, Track and Accumulate with the Model ST-6, self-guiding with the Models ST-7 and ST-8 and the first to offer a camera using the 35mm format, 11 Megapixel KAI CCD as well as the first to offer affordable Adaptive Optics for deep space imaging by amateurs. SBIG also pioneered tricolor imaging for amateur astronomers with both hardware and software and we pushed the technology forward again with the recent introduction of a third generation stand-alone autoguider and differential guiding using an artificial guide star. Along the way we have been granted three U.S. Patents: One for Track and Accumulate, one for dual sensor Self-Guiding, and recently one for Differential Guiding. Of more significance to customers reading this catalog for the first time is that we have brought back to life the long forgotten practice of offering quality "technical support". SBIG's company philosophy is "basic values, good products, strong technical support and honesty". We understand how our products work and we want you to consider us a part of your technical staff. If you want to deal with a company that understands CCD imaging and will take the time to help you, contact SBIG. CAMERA OVERVIEW SBIG currently offers several families of camera models, and a variety of CCD choices. Whatever your application, there is an SBIG camera that will fill the need. The table below includes the newest models and CCD choices available for each series. Camera Model CCD Pixel Pixel Pixel # Size Array Seeing Monitor KAF-0402ME 390,000 9u 765 x 510 AllSky-340M/C KAI , u 640 x 480 SG-4 Guider KAI , u 640 x 480 ST-i Guide + Planet KAI , u 640 x 480 ST-402ME KAF-0402ME 390,000 9u 765 x 510 ST-8300M/C KAF-8300M/C 8.3 Meg 5.4u 3326 x 2504 STF-8300M/C KAF-8300M/C 8.3 Meg 5.4u 3326 x 2504 STT-1603 KAF-1603ME 1.6 Meg 9u 1530 x 1020 STT-3200 KAF-3200ME 3.2 Meg 6.8u 2184 x 1472 STT-8300 KAF-8300M 8.3 Meg 5.4u 3326 x 2504 STXL-6303 KAF-6303E 6.3 Meg 9u 3060 x 2040 STXL KAI-11002M/C 11 Meg 9u 4008 x 2672 STX KAF Meg 9u 4096 x 4096 COMPUTER PLATFORMS SBIG is unique in its long-standing support of both PC and Macintosh platforms for our cameras. Unlike many other camera manufacturers who supply only a "bare bones" camera control program that requires you to pay hundreds of dollars more for full featured camera and image processing software, SBIG furnishes operating software that is second to none. Each new SBIG camera includes CCDOPS version 5 from SBIG, plus CCDSoftV5 and TheSky version 5 from Software Bisque. We also include drivers for both 32-bit and 64-bit Windows OS including Windows 7. For Mac users SBIG will provide Equinox Image and Equinox Pro from Microprojects on request. For those interested in astrometry or photometry we offer a free version of MPO and Canopus Software from Brian Warner on request. SBIG also provides a complete developer's kit for those who want to write their own software to control SBIG cameras. All of this software is included with new cameras at no additional cost to the customer. SBIG Innovations CCD AUTOGUIDING SBIG's introduction of the thermoelectrically cooled Model ST-4 CCD autoguider in 1989 changed astrophotography forever. Once astrophotographers determined that they could use a cooled CCD imaging camera to precisely guide their telescope in all four axes on dim guide stars, they started experimenting with the Model ST-4. Within one year we began to see astrophotographs with one to four hour exposures perfectly guided with the ST-4. Today, virtually all long exposure astrophotos are taken using a CCD autoguider. 1

3 TRACK AND ACCUMULATE (U.S. Patent # 5,365,269) Using an innovative engineering approach SBIG developed an imaging camera function called Track and Accumulate (TRACCUM) in which multiple images are automatically registered to create a single long exposure. Since the long exposure consists of short images, the total combined exposure significantly improves resolution by reducing the cumulative telescope periodic error. In the TRACCUM mode each image is shifted to correct guiding errors and added to the image buffer. In this mode the telescope does not need to be adjusted. The great sensitivity of the CCD virtually guarantees that there will be a usable guide star within the field of view. This feature provides dramatic improvement in resolution by reducing the effect of periodic error and allowing unattended hour long exposures. SBIG has been granted U.S. Patent # 5,365,269 for Track & Accumulate. been granted a Patent for the dual CCD Self-Guiding function. DIFFERENTIAL GUIDING (U.S. Patent # 7,920,324) On April 5, 2011, SBIG was granted its most recent patent on a new guiding technique using an artificial guide star. Although artificial stars are used in a variety of techniques on professional telescopes, the SBIG technique is somewhat different and easy to implement on amateur scopes. An artificial star is created near the focal plane of the imaging CCD and an image of this star is retro-reflected into a separate guide scope. DUAL CCD SELF-GUIDING (U.S. Patent # 5,525,793) With the introduction of Model ST-7 Camera, which incorporated two separate CCD detectors, SBIG was able to accomplish the goal of introducing a truly self-guided CCD imaging camera. The ability to select guide stars with a separate CCD through the full telescope aperture is equivalent to having a thermoelectrically cooled CCD autoguider in your imaging camera. Using a separate CCD for guiding allows 100% of the primary CCD's active area to be used to collect the image. The telescope correction rate and limiting guide star magnitude can be independently selected. First tests at SBIG indicated that 95% of the time a star bright enough for guiding will be found on the tracking CCD without moving the telescope, using an f/6.3 optical system. Since with the release of USB electronics and new camera models, the tracking CCD used in all dual sensor cameras has been upgraded to a larger KAI-0340 CCD with twice the area of the TC-211. The self-guiding function quickly established itself as the easiest and most accurate method for guiding CCD images. Placing both detectors in close proximity at the same focal plane insures the best possible guiding. Many of the long integrated exposures now being published are taken with this self-guiding method, producing very high resolution images of deep space objects. SBIG has By using one real star in the FOV of the guide scope and the artificial star image reflected from the main scope, the difference in separation caused by telescope pointing errors is used to make the corrections to the telescope drive. There is no problem with differential deflection and a single CCD external guider can be used to monitor both the real and artificial guide stars. The artificial star image is not seen by the imaging CCD. ADAPTIVE OPTICS AND OTHER FIRSTS SBIG was the first company to offer affordable adaptive optics to amateurs for deep space imaging, as well as host of other firsts. A timeline of some of these milestones is listed here: 1989 ST-4 First stand-alone autoguider 1992 ST-6 Track & Accumulate Patent 1994 ST-7/8 Self-Guiding Patent 1997 AO-7 First AO for amateurs imaging deep space 1999 STV First stand-alone video autoguider 2001 ST-10ME First camera for amateurs with ME CCD 2003 STL Introduced 35mm format CCD 2004 AO-L Adaptive Optics for STL cameras 2007 AO-8 2 nd Generation Adaptive Optics for ST cams 2009 SG-4 Stand-alone smart autoguider 2011 Differential Guiding Patent 2

4 ST-402ME, High QE Camera Simple and Powerful: These were the design goals for the ST-402ME. We wanted something simple and easy to use yet powerful enough to carry the "ST" model prefix. The small size and light-weight of these cameras make them very easy to handle and set up. The ST-402ME also has two optional internal filter wheels, one with high quality RGB color imaging filters, and one with equally high quality BVI photometric filters. high-resolution image from the ST-402ME will download in approximately 0.8 seconds using USB2. A regulated power supply is built into the camera so you can operate directly from a 12V battery or other unregulated 12VDC source. A universal power supply is included for operation from 100 to 240VAC. The ST-402ME has a photometric quality, even-illumination shutter for automatic dark frames. Best of all, the low noise and extraordinary QE of the Kodak ME CCDs make these cameras some of the most sensitive CCD cameras available to amateurs at any price. 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-1603ME and KAF-0402ME CCD. With a peak QE of nearly 85%, this camera bows to no others when it comes to recording faint detail in dim objects. Simply put, there is nothing in their price range that can touch it for sensitivity, except of course the dual sensor, self-guiding STT cameras using the 1603 or 3200 sensors. Electronic relays provide typical autoguider output from the RJ-11 jack, so the cameras can be used as a highly sensitive autoguider with a larger field of view than most other autoguiders. The computer interface is USB 2.0 (USB 1.1 compatible). The high-speed readout rate is approximately 2 Mega pixels per second. With some overhead, a full frame, Typical ST-402ME Specifications CCD Kodak KAF-0402ME Pixel Array 765 x 510 pixels CCD Size 6.9 x 4.3 mm Total Pixels 390,000 Pixel Size 9 x 9 microns square Full Well Capacity 100,000 e- Read Noise 13.8e- Dark Current 1e-/pixel/sec at 0C. Full Frame Download < 1 sec. Gain (e-/adu) 1.5 unbinned / 2.0 binned Shutter Mechanical, Even-illumination 0.09 to 3600 seconds Exposure 10ms resolution Correlated Double Sampling Yes A/D Converter 16 bits Binning Modes 1 x 1, 2 x 2, 3 x 3, 1 x n Pixel Digitization Rate > 1 million pixels per second Cooling - standard -30C regulated Temperature Regulation ±0.1 C Power 12VDC at 3 amps Computer Interface USB 2.0 Windows 7-32 bit and 64 bit Computer Compatibility Mac OSX 10.5 or Linux (3rd party) Camera Body 2x4x5 in. (50x100x127mm) Mounting T-Thread, 2" nosepiece 3

5 ST-i Planet Camera and Autoguider The New ST-i Planet Cam and Autoguider adds features unavailable anywhere else in a camera of this size and price. The ST-i is a low cost, high performance compact camera that is an excellent guider and very capable Planet Camera. The body is light-weight, no larger than many 1.25" eyepieces. It is 1.25" in diameter, 3.5" long and weighs only 2.2 ounces. Nevertheless, we have Features of the ST-i designed it with a builtdark frames. The in mechanical shutter for automatic camera receives both control signals and power from the USB 2.0 port of your computer, so only one thin USB cable is required. For guiding, a standard, opto-isolated, autoguider output port is located in the back panel. A custom Guiding Kit is also available that turns the ST-i into a complete, compact, lightweight guiding system (See Accessory Section). Powered from USB 2.0 port Low noise, high sensitivity CCD Monochrome or Color Mechanical shutter for automatic dark frames Electronic shutter for short exposures Up to 21 frames per second in focus mode 16 bit A/D Eyepiece size body (1.25" diameter) Low cost Lightweight - only 2.2 oz. Standard Guider Output Port Front end threaded for standard 1.25" filters CCDOPS version 5 Software Included Planet Master TM Software Included CCDSoftV5 Software Included KODAK KAI-340 CCD - Mono or Color Rather than using a low cost CMOS sensor (with high noise), the ST-i uses a high quality, low noise, Kodak CCD. The KAI-340 CCD has a measured read noise of only 9e- in the ST-i camera. This is the same CCD used as the guiding sensor in the new STX series cameras and the AllSky-340 cameras. The array is 640 x 480 pixels at 7.4 microns square. Anti-blooming is standard. We use only the Class 1 version of this CCD with 0 column defects, 0 cluster defects, 0 dead pixels, and 0 saturated pixels, all according to Kodak specifications. On-chip binning is available for 14.8 micron pixels if desired. Various sub-frame modes may be used to speed-up the focus and download rates. A full frame high resolution image will update at the rate of approximately 5 frames per second. In addition to full-frame, half-frame and quarter-frame modes, the user may select a sub-frame region of interest (ROI) of any size located anywhere on the CCD. In focus mode, using a 20 x 20 pixel box the update rate is greater than 20 frames per second. This sensor is available in monochrome or color. Kodak describes the performance of this CCD: "Designed for demanding imaging applications, this sensor has additional features including electronic shuttering, peak QE (quantum efficiency) of 55%, extremely low noise and low dark current. These features give this sensor exceptional sensitivity and make it ideal for machine vision, scientific, surveillance, and other computer input applications." ELECTRONIC AND MECHANICAL SHUTTERS This sensor s electronic shutter allows exposure times as short as seconds. Most other eyepiece sized cameras rely on this type of "global" shutter alone due to the difficulty and cost of building an additional mechanical shutter into the camera body. However, in the ST-i camera we have also included a mechanical shutter enabling the camera to automatically take dark frames. This feature 4

6 alone dramatically improves the performance of the ST-i, particularly when used as an autoguider. Cooling of the CCD to reduce dark current is unnecessary at the short exposure times common to planetary imaging and autoguiding, but there remains the possibility of bright pixels in an image that can raise the threshold of brightness required for the most sensitive guiding performance. The ability to automatically take and subtract a dark frame results in a very smooth background against which detection of dim stars is more reliable. Finally, while some inexpensive guiders save cost by using low cost 8 bit or 10 bit electronics, the ST-i camera uses a high quality 16-bit A/D for superior resolution of the full dynamic range of the CCD, greater than 70 db. PLANETARY IMAGING The Planet Master Commands in CCDOPS is used to take the sharpest images of planets or other objects. It takes a sequence of images, grading them for sharpness and keeps the sharpest one. Typically you would take short exposures, knowing that throughout the sequence a stable period of seeing will give a clear image. The Planet Master command beeps twice each time a sharper image is acquired. When you're all done hit the Done key and the Sharpest image will be shown. The dialog also shows you the current sharpness and the best sharpness in terms of a Figure of Merit (FOM). If the object is too bright even with the shortest exposures you may find placing an aperture mask over the telescope or using neutral density filters will get the brightness in range. The Grade Image By Sharpness command allows grading a set of already acquired images. It's like an Off-Line version of the Planet Master command. Many planetary imagers like to average several of their best exposures. This requires taking a large number of images in a short time and then examining each image for the best of the lot of the best few of the lot. In this case the imager might prefer to use the Autograb function of CCDOPS to capture as many images in as short a period of time as possible. (Planets rotate!) PlanetMaster software may then be used to automatically examine a series of images and assign a Figure of Merit for sharpness to each one. Then only the best of the lot can be selected for averaging. GUIDING SENSITIVITY A sample 1 second dark minus dark frame is shown above on the left, along with a 1 second light minus dark frame of the Orion Nebula region on the right. The 1 second light frame, taken with a 60mm guide scope, shows numerous potential guide stars fainter than 11th magnitude, and many more 10th magnitude or brighter. Typical ST-i Specifications Preliminary Specifications CCD Class Class 1 Kodak KAI-340 Mono or Color Array 640 x 480 Pixel Size A/D 7.4 microns 16 bits Read noise 9 e- Dynamic Range Download Mechanical shutter Electronic shutter On-chip binning modes Sub-frame modes > 70 db 5-21 frames per 16 bits Yes (internal) Yes 1x1, 2x2, 1xN, 2xN Any size Power and Interface USB 2.0 Guide port Weight Size Guiding sensitivity Software Opto-isolated, ST-4 Standard 2.2 oz (68.4 grams) 1.25" D x 3.5" L (31.75 x 88.9 mm) 11th Mag / 2 sec / 60mm CCDOPS and CCDSoftV5 included OS Requirements Win 7, Mac, Linux (third party) Drivers Weight 32 bit and 64 bit Approx. 1.8 pounds / 0.8kg 5

7 Model STF-8300 New for 2012 The new STF-8300M and STF-8300C cameras are updated, faster, versions of the popular ST-8300M and ST-8300C models. These new versions have a full frame image buffer and readout at 10Mhz for lowest noise, high resolution downloads in less than one second. The STF-8300 uses SBIG's traditional even-illumination (photometric) shutter design and adds a user rechargeable desiccant plug similar to the proven ST, STL, and STX designs. Integrated 5-position and 8-position filter wheels are also available as well as a new integrated, low profile, wide field off-axis guiding accessory (OAG-8300 below) that, with the ST-i guider, turns the STF-8300 into a self-guiding camera. Optional Nikon or Canon EOS lens adapters are available for use with or without a filter wheel. The small light body without filter wheel also accepts a c-mount lens adapter. Based on Kodak's KAF-8300, 8.3 Mega-pixel, full frame CCD with 3326 x 2504 pixels at 5.4 microns, the mono version is ideal for both short fast optics in high resolution mode, or for longer focal lengths binned 2x2 or 3x3. The color camera is best suited to shorter fast optics unbinned, or binned 2x2 or 3x3 for monochrome imaging. The STF-8300M monochrome camera can be used with a filter wheel in any of several binning and partial frame modes for monochrome, color or narrowband imaging. Binned 2x2 the pixels are 10.8 microns square and binned 3x3 they are 16.2 microns square. At 2x2 the array is still 2 megapixels and at 3x3 just under one megapixel. This feature makes it possible to match the pixel size to your seeing and scope, from a small refractor to a large SCT. On nights of less than good seeing, or when used at longer focal length scopes such as Schmidt-Cassegrains, the sensor can be binned 2x2 or 3x3 in full frame mode to match the conditions while maintaining the full field of view of the CCD. These frame and binning modes, coupled with the large sensor area and 8.3 megapixel array make the STF-8300 cameras extremely versatile and adaptable to a very wide variety of telescopes and conditions. For these reasons, plus the camera's small size and breakthrough price point, we feel the ST-8300 is an ideal camera for those stepping up to a cooled low noise astronomical CCD camera from a DSLR and a superb backup camera for even advanced users. User Selectable Internal Image Processing The STF-8300 is the first astro-camera available with the ability to automatically clean up raw images with userselectable automatic image processing! By selecting the level of hot pixel removal or even column repair, the user can obtain exceptionally clean images without any other image processing required. To illustrate, the 30 second dark frames, below, were taken at room temperature to accentuate the number of warm pixels. The first frame is unprocessed, the second frame has a medium filter, and the third frame the most aggressive filter. 6

8 Each shows fewer bright pixels and each has corresponding lower noise in the image. The user can select from eight levels of filter strength to suit his needs. Filter Wheels and Filters time, a 0.7X reducer effectively doubles the field of view of the guider. This design allows for a low profile between the camera and the telescope, reducing backfocus requirements, and at the same time, gives a wide field of view that offers more guide stars for the guide camera. SBIG offers 5-position and 8-position 36mm filter wheels with optional inserts for 1.25" and 31mm filters. These filter wheels plug directly into the I2C port on the camera for fully automatic operation and therefore do not require any separate power, USB or control cables. Even-Illumination Shutter Full sets of 36mm LRGB and Narrowband filters by Astrodon, Baader Planetarium and Astronomik are available for unvigntted imaging at any f/ratio. The filter wheels are compatible with both Nikon and Canon lens adapters as well as our new integrated OAG-8300 Off-Axis Guider accessory. OAG-8300 The innovative OAG-8300 turns any STF-8300 into a selfguiding camera system. The OAG-8300 is designed to work with either the 5-position or 8-position filter wheel. Color cameras, or mono cameras without a filter can also use the OAG-8300 with a spacer and the OAG is backward compatible with all ST-8300 models. What is unique about the OAG-8300 is the 7-element internal optical design. The OAG contains relay optics that move the guide camera to the side of the imaging camera, and at the same A mechanical shutter is included to facilitate dark frames. This is a necessity for anyone operating remotely; even if remotely means a few feet away from the telescope. Since the early days of the original ST-7 camera, SBIG has been providing even-illumination shutters in our cameras, something not found in the majority of other cameras made for astrophotography. "Evenillumination" means that the shutter mechanism is designed to open and close in such a manner that it does not change the proportion of light falling on the sensor due to the shape or motion of the shutter itself. This is what one finds for instance with an iris type of shutter that opens-up starting at the center and closes over the center last. In the STF-8300 we use a simple and ve ry robust shutter wheel with a fan-shaped aperture of the same design that we have employed in the ST series cameras for the past 15 years. The STF-8300 shutter sweeps over the CCD without leaving any area of the sensor exposed for a different period of time than any other area. Another benefit of the rotating disk type of shutter is that it has only one moving part - the motor. These motors are extremely reliable and can operate for millions of exposures without failure. In 15 years with thousands of cameras in the field taking 7

9 millions of exposures, this shutter design has proven itself better than we can describe. Our design is accurate, proven and reliable. Solid Machined Construction Although small and light, the camera is built to last. The front plate, main body and rear plate are each machined from solid aluminum block for maximum strength and then hard anodized over a special bead blasted finished for durability. Connector labels are laser etched and will never wear off. Low Dark Current According to Kodak, the dark current of the KAF-8300 is less than 200e- at 60 degrees C with a dark current doubling temperature of 5.8 degrees. This means that for approximately each 5.8 degrees C that one warms the CCD, Efficient TE cooling In our tests of production models, the camera reached a maximum of -40 degrees C below ambient in less than 3 minutes. It was allowed to stabilize and a few degrees were then given up for regulation with the camera running at only 80% TE cooling power to maintain -36 degrees C below ambient. the dark current is doubled, and for each 5.8 degrees C one cools the CCD the dark current is halved. Extrapolating this to -10C we can calculate the maximum dark current we can expect to find at that temperature. In fact, Kodak's specifications are usually very conservative when it comes to dark current, and this value can vary from chip to chip by 50% or more and still remain within the allowed specification. When we measured the 8300 CCDs we found many to be less than half of Kodak's allowed spec. This is also typical of what we have seen in other Kodak CCDs. In our tests we measured the dark current in some samples to be as low as 0.01 electrons at -10C. These are extremely low dark current values for a full frame CCD. The Dark Current chart on this page has been updated using the average of the first production run of cameras. Even at zero degrees C the typical dark current is well below 0.2 electrons! At -10C the average of our current production units is around 0.04 electrons making it the lowest dark current of any camera currently made by SBIG. High Quantum Efficiency Because of this CCDs extraordinarily low dark current, great temperature deltas are not required to achieve a dark current low enough to become insignificant compared to the read noise and sky background (See dark current data below). For example, in a test, one 15 minute dark frame taken at -10C was subtracted from another 15 minute dark frame taken at the same temperature. The total noise in the remaining image was ~15 electrons which included both dark current noise and read noise. This is exceptionally low. In the past, one of the drawbacks in using sensors with small pixels and antiblooming structure has been the trade-off of some quantum efficiency. However, Kodak's microlens technology has largely made this trade-off a thing of the past. The KAF-8300 uses microlenses to focus more light on each pixel that would otherwise be lost due to the opaque antiblooming gate structure of the sensor. As a result, the KAF-8300 sensor can handle up to 1000X the full well saturation and at the same time this CCD has quantum 8

10 12VDC Operation The STF-8300 comes with its own universal AC power supply. This supply will operate from VAC and provides 12VDC at 3.75A to the camera. The STF-8300 also has a built-in voltage regulator and can therefore be powered directly from any unregulated 12V (10-14 volts) source such as a battery for operation in the field. Standard (ST-4 pin compatible) Autoguider Port efficiency comparable to that of a full frame sensor without ABG. Moreover, the QE curve for this full frame sensor has a peak in the middle of the visual spectrum and good sensitivity well into the red and near IR. The QE at the important wavelength of H-alpha is nearly 50%. Linearity Linearity is a measure of how flat the CCD response is to light with increasing exposure times. For instance, an ideal CCD will record exactly twice the signal in a 20 second exposure as it does in a 10 second exposure from a constant light source. This is particularly important in photometric studies where the CCD is used as a tool for measuring light at various wavelengths to determine the temperature of stars. The sample we measured is about 10X better than Kodak's allowed specification, with a response that is within about 1% of linear (up to approx. 50,000 counts (binned 2x2). The guider port on the STF-8300 is the same as on the other ST cameras, using a modular telephone type 6-pin jack to connect the STF-8300 to the user's mount when using the camera as an autoguider or in Track & Accumulate Mode with mount corrections. The internal relays used in the STF are opto-isolated and no external relay box is required for any mount with this camera. Note: The STF-8300 can guide or image. To guide and image at the same time, add the the OAG-8300 and ST-i autoguider for complete selfguiding capability. Specifications STF-8300 Typical Specificfations CCD Kodak KAF-8300 Pixel Array 3326 x 2504 pixels CCD Size x mm Total Pixels 8.3 million Pixel Size 5.4 x 5.4 microns square Full Well Capacity ~25,500 e- Dark Current ~0.02e-/pixel/sec at -15C. Antiblooming 1000X Shutter Mechanical, Even-illumination Exposure 0.1 to 3600 seconds, 10ms Correlated Double Sampling Yes A/D Converter 16 bits A/D Gain 0.37e-/ADU Read Noise ~9.3e- rms Binning Modes 1 x 1, 2 x 2, 3 x 3, 9x 9, 1 x n Pixel Digitization Rate > 1 million pixels per second Full Frame Download ~7.5 seconds Focus Mode ~1 second Cooling - standard Max delta -40C, -35C regulated Temperature Regulation ±0.1 C Power 12VDC at 3 amps Computer Interface USB 2.0 Windows 32 and 64 bit, Mac Computer Compatibility OSX 10.5 and Linux (3rd party) Camera Body 2x4x5 in. (50x100x127mm) Mounting T-Thread, 2" nosepiece Weight Approx. 1.8 pounds / 0.8kg Backfocus 0.69 inches / 17.5 mm 9

11 STT SERIES New for 2012 STT-1603 / 3200 / 8300 No compromises. The new mid-sized STT Series cameras offer features and specifications found in no other astro camera - of any size. Drawing on all of our previous experience and the best of each of our previous designs over the years, the STT represents the culmination of everything that the amateur has asked for in an imaging system, packed into a 4.9 x 4.9 x 2.9 inch body. Standard features include: Two-stage cooling with a temperature delta greater than -50C with air only; water cooling ready; USB 2.0 and Ethernet on every camera; full frame buffer; fast low-noise readout of an 8.3Mp CCD in less than one second; MAR coated sapphire chamber window; internal user selectable automatic image processing; self-guiding in front of filters; remote guide head support; optional adaptive optics; and more. Compare these STT features with any other camera: High Precision Filter Wheel / Guider A new filter wheel design for the STT series sets it apart from other designs. The carousel holds eight 36mm filters and inserts are available for 1.25" and 31mm filters. Two new unique features make this an imager's delight: First, the design incorporates a self-guiding CCD in the filter wheel cover so that light from the guide star is captured before passing through the filters. An optional filter wheel cover is available for wide angle imaging with Nikon or Canon 35mm camera lenses, or for anyone who does not need or want the built-in self-guiding. Full sets of 36mm LRGB and Narrowband filters by Astrodon, Baader Planetarium and Astronomik are available for unvigntted imaging at any f/ratio. The second unique feature of the STT filter wheel is a positive centering mechanism that precisely re-positions and firmly holds the filter in exactly the same position over the CCD every time, regardless of a loss of power or intervening movement of the filter wheel. Ethernet and USB 2.0 Built-in Web Server Full Frame Image Buffer 2-Stage TE Cooling > -50C delta T with air Liquid Cooling Capability Standard for greater cooling Twin Variable Speed Fans High Accuracy Temperature Control Built-in Frost Detection Built-in RBI Pre-flash External Triggers In / Out Power Management System 12VDC Operation Lowest Noise 10Mhz Readout (<1 sec download) High Precision 8-position Filter Wheel Option Accepts 1.25", 31mm and 36mm filters Even-illumination (photometric) shutter Multi-coated Sapphire Chamber Window Optional Self-Guiding in Front of filters Optional Remote Guide Head Optional Adaptive Optics (AO-8) User Rechargeable Desiccant Plug User Selectable Internal Image Processing Status, Power and Relay Indicators Windows and Mac Control Software, 32 and 64 bit 10

12 In our tests of the new design, using an STT-8300, the re-positioning of filters was accurate to better than 5.4 microns after several complete rotations of the filter carousel. This degree of precision means that flat fields taken after the filter has moved and returned are accurate to a single pixel. An example of the improvement in flat fields with this kind of precision is demonstrated in the comparison images below. and can operate for millions of exposures without failure. In 15 years with thousands of cameras in the field taking millions of exposures, this shutter design has proven itself better than we can describe. Our design is accurate, proven and reliable. The image at left, above, is a large opaque spot on a filter in STT filter wheel. The filter carousel was rotated several times before the filter was moved back into the optical path and a flat field was taken. The image at right shows the result after applying the flat field image. Even-illumination shutters are also referred to as photometric shutters because they produce flat frames of photometric quality. This is extremely important when taking twilight flats or any flat field image using short exposure times. The effect is demonstrated in the twilight flat field images shown below Even-Illumination Shutter A mechanical shutter is included to facilitate dark frames. This is a necessity for anyone operating remotely; even if remotely means a few feet away from the telescope. Since the early days of the original ST-7 camera, SBIG has been providing even-illumination shutters in our cameras, something not found in the majority of other cameras made for astrophotography. "Even-illumination" means that the shutter mechanism is designed to open and close in such a manner that it does not change the proportion of light falling on the sensor due to the shape or motion of the shutter itself. This is what one finds for instance with an iris type of shutter that opens-up starting at the center and closes over the center last. In the STT-8300 we use a simple and very robust shutter wheel with a fan-shaped aperture of the same design that we have employed in the ST series cameras for the past 15 years. The STT-8300 shutter sweeps over the CCD without leaving any area of the sensor exposed for a different period of time than any other area. Another benefit of the rotating disk type of shutter is that it has only one moving part - the motor. These motors are extremely reliable The left image shows a twilight flat field image taken with a camera using an iris type shutter. The right image is a flat field image taken under the same conditions using our evenillumination type shutter. User Selectable Internal Image Processing The STF-8300 and STT-8300 are the first astro-cameras available with the ability to automatically clean up raw images with user-selectable automatic image processing! By selecting the level of hot pixel removal or even column repair, the user can obtain exceptionally clean images without any other image processing required. 11

13 To illustrate, the 30 second dark frames, below, were taken at room temperature to accentuate the number of warm pixels. The first frame is unprocessed; the second frame has a medium filter, and the third frame the most aggressive filter. in most circumstances, if it should be desired, the STT series cameras include water cooling capability as standard equipment. It is not necessary to buy an expensive add-on or separate back. Simply supply water to the adjustable fixtures on the side of the camera body to obtain further cooling or to run the TE cooler without the fans. Each shows fewer bright pixels and each has corresponding lower noise in the image. The user can select from eight levels of filter strength to suit his needs. Exceptionally Low Dark Current Efficient 2-Stage TE Cooling The KAF-8300 CCD has very low dark current, even at room temperature. Cooling the CCD reduces the dark current by 50% for every drop of 5.8 degrees C of cooling that is applied. Kodak specifies a dark current of less than 200 electrons per pixel per second at +60 degrees C. Extrapolating we calculate that at -15C the dark current is approximately 0.02e-. Our tests of the 8300 CCD in production cameras confirm this extraordinarily low dark current at typical operating temperatures. The STT uses two-stage TE cooling, twin variable-speed fans and a highly efficient pin fin array heat sink that has proven itself in the STX design. Pin fin heat sinks are more expensive than typical parallel fin type heat sinks, but offer more efficient heat dissipation in a given space. In our tests of prototype models, the camera reached an average delta greater than -50C in five minutes and an average maximum delta of -57C in less than 10 minutes using air cooling only. And, while it should not be necessary to use water cooling 12

14 High Quantum Efficiency Another desirable characteristic of the KAF-8300 CCD is its relatively high Quantum Efficiency (QE). Microlens technology is used to focus more light on the sensitive area of each pixel, increasing the effective QE of the Adaptive Optics The STT camera is compatible with our existing AO-8 adaptive Optics accessory. With this accessory, control of the mount during guiding can become a thing of the past. In many cases, mount control is not necessary when using the AO-8 to stabilize the image (See Accessories Section). Remote Guide Head A new remote guide head is available for the STT camera. This external guiding CCD looks similar to the ST-i camera with a KAI-0340 CCD, but as a remote guide head it can plug directly into the STT body with no other connection to the computer required (See Accessory Section). Many nebulas emit a great portion of their light in the red portion of the spectrum, particularly at 656nm, the wavelength of H-alpha light. Other objects such as stars and galaxies emit a great deal of energy in the near IR. According to the KAF-8300 spectral characteristics, this CCD's sensitivity is spread well across the visible portion of the spectrum and into the near IR with a peak of nearly 60% at 550nm and still 50% at 656nm. It is as sensitive at 850nm as it is at 350nm. This is quite a broad range and explains the CCDs popularity (and success) in astro-imaging. Standard (ST-4 pin compatible) Autoguider Output Port The guider port on the STT-8300 is the same as on our other cameras, using a modular telephone type 6-pin jack to connect the STT-8300 to the user's mount when using the camera as an autoguider. The internal relays used in the STT-8300 design are opto-isolated, so that no external relay box is required with any mount if the camera is being used as an autoguider or if it is being used to control the telescope in Track & Accumulate mode. 12VDC Operation The STT-8300 comes with its own universal AC power supply. This supply will operate from VAC and provides 12VDC at 3.5A to the camera. The STT-8300 also has a built-in voltage regulator and can therefore be powered directly from any unregulated 12V (10-14 volts) source such as a battery for operation in the field. STT-8300 Typical Specificfations CCD Kodak KAF-8300 Pixel Array 3326 x 2504 pixels CCD Size x mm Total Pixels 8.3 million Pixel Size 5.4 x 5.4 microns square Full Well Capacity 25,500 e- Dark Current 0.02e-/pixel/sec at -15C. Antiblooming 1000X Shutter Mechanical, Even-illumination Exposure 0.12 to 3600 seconds, 10ms Correlated Double Sampling Yes A/D Converter 16 bits A/D Gain 0.37e-/ADU Read Noise ~9.3e- rms Binning Modes 1 x 1, 2 x 2, 3 x 3, 9x 9, 1 x n Pixel Digitization Rate 10 Megapixels per second Full Frame Download < 1 second Cooling - air only Max delta -55C Temperature Regulation ±0.1 C Power 12VDC at 3.5 amps Computer Interface USB 2.0 and Ethernet Windows 32 and 64 bit Computer Compatibility 3rd party Mac OSX and Linux Camera Body 4.9 x 4.9 x 2.9 in., 124 x 124 x 74mm Mounting T-Thread, 2" nosepiece Weight 2.7 pounds / 1.2kg Backfocus 0.69 inches / 17.5 mm 13

15 STXL SERIES New for 2012 STXL-6303 and STXL The new STXL cameras are the latest versions of the flagship STX series. The STXL is essentially the same camera design as the STX with three exceptions: First, the self-guiding CCD is moved from the main camera body to the new STXL filter wheel for guiding in front of filters; second, a rotating disk even-illumination shutter provides a shorter backfocus distance allowing the use of camera lenses; and third, the STXL uses the new STT remote guide head. A new STXL filter wheel option accompanies the release of the STXL series camera. The 8-position STXL filter wheel is of a similar design as the STT filter wheel. It uses the same precise positioning mechanism, but accommodates either 50mm round unmounted filters or 2" filters mounted in cells with 48mm threads. The self-guiding CCD is incorporated into the filter wheel, in front of the filters. All of the other features of the STXL are the same as the STX series: Two-stage cooling to -60C, water cooling ready, ethernet and USB 2.0 computer interfaces, Several new innovations for serious imagers have been designed into this professional camera. To name a few: USB 2.0 and Ethernet in each camera Web browser control ready Two-Stage TE Cooling Minimum Cooling Delta -60 C with Air Only 12VDC operation (9-14VDC) Self-guiding in front of filters Full frame image buffer Continue guiding while downloading Internal and External Self-Guiding Optional Remote Guide Head Separate focus adjustment for built-in guider New photometric shutter for large arrays Variable speed fan Quick Disconnect Water Cooling Ready User Rechargeable Desiccant Plug Opto-isolated Relays for Telescope Control Tracking Relay LED Indicators Power Management LED Indicators Self-Guiding in Front of Filters It is well known that the advantage of easier guiding through a separate guide scopes is often limited by differential deflection of the guide scope relative to the main optical axis due to mechanical flexure or shifting of the mirror in the main OTA. It was this difficulty that SBIG addressed with our patented self-guiding design, and that we and others have addressed with an Off-Axis Guiding solution. Selfguiding is more convenient and more accurate, but can prove more difficult when narrowband filters are used. Previously, by piecing together an off-axis guiding system with parts from different manufacturers, users could place a guider in front of the filters, but this was generally more expensive, required additional equipment and did not always integrate well. Also, controlling two cameras might require one computer to run run two instances of camera control software. The ideal solution was therefore to design a selfguiding system that placed the guiding CCD in front of the filters using an integrated design that is easy to control. That is the new filter wheel / guider design of the STT and STXL cameras. The guiding CCD is built into the filter wheel and connects directly to the main cameras as an "external" tracking CCD. The optical design is optimized for guiding and all the commands and control of the guider are identical to those of our traditional self-guiding design. The guider does not require any power or control cables routed back to a computer and the system can be operated by a single software package as one camera. 14

16 In addition, the STXL filter wheel is designed with the same precise positioning mechanism used in the STT design. With precise positioning, a filter is returned and held in precisely the same position every time it is rotated into the optical path, even after a loss of power and no matter how many times the filter wheel has moved. For example, the image of the spot at far left is a large opaque piece on a filter in the STT filter wheel. The wheel was rotated four times before a flat field was taken through the dirty filter. The results of flat are shown in the next image. Our initial tests using the STT filter wheel measured this accuracy at better than 5 microns (less than one pixel). Superior Cooling: The STXL uses an innovative pin fin heat sink. This design is the most efficient for dissipating heat per given volume, and while it is more expensive than typical parallel fin heat sinks commonly round elsewhere, it provides superior performance and minimizes size and weight at the same time. This is one of the reasons the STXL camera weighs less than competing cameras with similar cooling performance. The new heat sink is an optimized design for this camera using a large custom pin fin heat sink mated directly to the hot side of the 2 stage TE cooler to achieve maximum heat dissipation with a single large fan. In less than 5 minutes the STXL achieves a delta of -60C using air cooling only. USB 2.0 and Ethernet Interface The STXL series, like the STX and STT series cameras, has both USB 2.0 and Ethernet interface capability for the greatest versatility with a variety of computer systems. Users do not have to choose between the two. The Ethernet interface makes control of the camera over a network easy and less expensive than requiring a local computer to be controlled remotely. Moreover, the camera has a built-in web server. Also, with Ethernet, no camera drivers need to be installed. Water Circulation Ready While the design is aimed at sufficient cooling without water assist, it is possible to use water instead of air or in addition to air for optimum cooling. Using water instead of air will not require the use of a fan. Chilled water may also be used alone or with the fan for even greater cooling. 15

17 that we use on the STF and STT cameras for power and control of accessories such as filter wheels and Adaptive Optics. Even-illumination Shutter Since the early days of the original ST-7 camera, SBIG has been providing even-illumination shutters in our cameras, something not found in the majority of other cameras made for astrophotography. "Even-illumination" means that the shutter mechanism is designed to open and close in such a manner that it does not change the proportion of light falling on the sensor due to the shape or motion of the shutter itself. This is what one finds for instance with an iris type of shutter that opens-up starting at the center and closes over the center last. Tracking Relay LED indicators This handy set of 4 LEDs will tell you at a glance if the camera is issuing corrections to the mount in +X, -X, +Y or Y directions during an imaging session. User rechargeable desiccant In order to allow the user the greatest flexibility in the field, and to avoid having to return the camera to the factory in order to purge the CCD chamber, we have designed the chamber to accept a rechargeable desiccant plug similar to our current ST and STL cameras. Full Frame Image Buffer: The STXL series cameras have a full frame image buffer for storing image data during download. The STX will take an image during download process. We are exploring the possibility of using this buffer for pre-processing pixel defects based on a defect map provided by the CCD manufacturer, at the user s direction. 12VDC Operation The STXL will internally regulate a 12VDC supply so that the camera can be connected directly to any unregulated source such as a car battery. Four power LEDs indicate if the supply voltage drops to 11, 10 or 9 volts and when it is "good." Operation of the camera is possible with a supply voltage of 9.1 to 14 volts DC. Other LEDs indicate camera status and operation of the relays during guiding. Variable Speed Fan If the user desires air cooling only, the fan speed is controllable through software. Variable speed control allows the user to "tune" to fan to eliminate any resonance with the user's telescope thus suppressing harmonic vibrations. Remote guide Head The STXL cameras supports a new remote guide head (see Accessory Section). This guide head plugs directly into the main camera and operates as an "external" tracking CCD. No additional connections to a computer are required. I2C AUX Port The STXL cameras has the same convenient I2C AUX port 16

18 Typical Specifications STXL CCD CCD Kodak KAI-11002M Pixel Array 4008 x 2672 pixels Active Image Size 36 x 24.7 mm Total Pixels 11 million Pixel Size 9 x 9 microns square Full Well Capacity 60,000 e- Read Noise 11e- Dark Current 0.5e-/pixel/sec at 0C. Antiblooming Yes Readout Specifications Shutter Correlated Double Sampling Yes Mechanical, Even-illumination Exposure to 3600 seconds, A/D Converter 16 bits A/D Gain 0.87e-/ADU Binning Modes 1 x 1, 2 x 2, 3 x 3, 9x 9, 1 x n Pixel Digitization Rate 1.8 million pixels per second Full Frame Download 6.3 seconds System Specifications Cooling - standard Cooling - max delta Temperature Regulation ±0.1 C Power Two Stage Thermoelectric, Variable Speed Fan -60C with air only Water cooling ready 12VDC at 6 amps, universal power supply included Computer Interface Ethernet and USB 2.0 Computer Compatibility Physical Dimensions Windows (all Windows O/S supporting USB 2.0 including Vista 32 and 64 bit, Windows 7) Mac Optical Head (excluding fan) 6 x 6 x 3.5 inches Mounting 3" threaded accessory plate Weight Approx. 4.5 pounds (2 kg) Typical Specifications STXL-6303 CCD CCD Kodak KAF-6303 Pixel Array 3072 x 2048 Active Image Size x mm Total Pixels 6.3 million Pixel Size 9 x 9 microns square Full Well Capacity 100,000 e- Read Noise 11e- Dark Current 0.3e-/pixel/sec at 0C. Antiblooming NABG Only Readout Specifications Correlated Double Sampling Yes Shutter Mechanical, Even-illumination Exposure 0.12 to 3600 seconds, A/D Converter 16 bits A/D Gain 1.47e-/ADU Binning Modes 1 x 1, 2 x 2, 3 x 3, 9x 9, 1 x n Pixel Digitization Rate 1.8 million pixels per second Full Frame Download 4 seconds System Specifications Cooling - standard Cooling - max delta Temperature Regulation ±0.1 C Power Two Stage Thermoelectric, Variable Speed Fan -60C with air only Water cooling ready 12VDC at 6 amps, universal power supply included Computer Interface Ethernet and USB 2.0 Computer Compatibility Physical Dimensions Windows (all Windows O/S supporting USB 2.0 including Vista 32 and 64 bit, Windows 7) Mac Optical Head (excluding fan) 6 x 6 x 3.5 inches Mounting 3" threaded accessory plate Weight Approx. 4.5 pounds (2 kg) 17

19 SPECIALTY CAMERAS Model SG-4 Stand-Alone Autoguider SBIG began with the ST-4 autoguider nearly 20 years ago. This venerable stand-alone unit is still used by many for digital astrophotography. We later made the STV video stand-alone autoguider, and now offer the SG-4. After two decades of experience making self-guiding cameras and autoguiders, we have developed the SG-4 for those who just don't want to use a computer to guide or image with their digital camera or non-self-guiding CCD camera. The SG-4 is made to piggy-back on your scope and perform its guiding functions without being connected to any external computing device. Simply attach the tracking cable between the SG-4 and your telescope drive's autoguider input and plug in the 12V power and its ready to go. An RS232 port will allow an initial setup for your particular scope and drive after which operation is completely independent. An optional Bluetooth transmitter may be connected to the RS232 port for wireless setup and download of the image if desired. The KAI-340 CCD has exceptional read noise and dark current characteristics. The mechanical shutter makes taking dark frames automatic, no need to cover the camera or the scope by hand to capture a dark frame. Dark frames are desirable for autoguiding to remove any hot pixels that might otherwise be mistaken for stars by the guider. A (user supplied) Bluetooth transmitter can be plugged into the RS232 port for wireless setup and image download. SG-4 TYPICAL SPECIFICATIONS CCD KAI-0340S, 640 x u Full Well Capacity 50,000e- Read Noise 9.8e- A/D 16 bits Peak QE 55% Exposure time 0.05 to 600 seconds Power Requirements 12VDC (9-18V), 200 ma, unregulated Power Supply VAC supply included Size 4.4 x 3.8 x 2.8 in. (11.2 x 9.7 x 7.1 cm) Weight 20oz. (580g.) Mechanical interface T-threads, C-mount adapter optional Stand-alone configuration, no control computer Perfect for DSLR users KAI-340 CCD 640 x 7.4u Low read noise and low dark current Single button operation Mechanical shutter for automatic dark frames RS232 port for image download and setup Wireless image download with optional Bluetooth USB and Bluetooth adapters available Computer interface Telescope Interface Nosepiece Camera Lens Adapters Image Transfer 15 sec. Guiding Sensitivity (Limiting Magnitude) RS-232 (USB and Bluetooth adapters optional) Opto-isolated relays, RJ-11 type 6P6C jack out 1.25" nosepiece included, 2" nosepiece optional C-mount adapter or CLA-5 for Nikon optional 10th magnitude with 60mm aperture 18

20 SPECIALTY CAMERAS The AllSky-340 and AllSky-340C The AllSky-340 is SBIG s third generation weather resistant all sky imaging cameras made for monitoring weather conditions and viewing the entire night sky. The AllSky- 340C is the color version. Our first all sky camera had to be obsoleted when we stopped production of the ST-237A, and the second went obsolete when the lens we were using became unavailable, with no suitable replacement. With each version we gain some knowledge and this is our best one yet. The sensor is the Kodak KAI-340 CCD, in mono or color, with 640x480 pixels, 7.4 microns square, and a high gain output stage for excellent sensitivity. The AllSky-340 camera electronics are installed in a heavy duty aluminum enclosure with an acrylic dome to protect the fisheye lens. The fisheye lens is Fujinon's new high quality FE185C046HA-1, with a 1.4 mm focal length, F/1.4. We have tested this lens and the image quality is excellent wide open, all the way to the horizon. The sample image on right from an All Sky monochrome camera was a 60 second exposure from a light polluted backyard. One of the challenges of an All Sky camera is that the moon is in the field of view literally half of the time, averaged over a month. The reflections from within the dome and lens can interfere with detection of stars. However, in our tests with the dome in place, while there are some ghost reflections, the image quality is excellent. The new All Sky camera has some very interesting features that make it much more versatile than our previous offerings. First of all, it has an RS-232 link to the PC for control and image download. While this interface is very slow in comparison to USB, it will tolerate 100 foot (30 meter) cable runs. Or, you can throw away the cable and use a Bluetooth wireless link with an optional inexpensive adapter. And, the unit is low power and can be powered by a solar array (also optional) so you don t any wires AT ALL running from your PC to the camera! The beauty of this is now the unit can be located where it has a good view of the sky, instead of good access to a power plug or PC. Your rooftop is the preferred location, above the trees and neighbor s houses. By actual test, an RS-232 link, using a USB to RS-232 adapter running at Kbaud, with a 100 foot cable, downloads a full image reliably in 15 seconds. At Kbaud a full image takes 60 seconds. Bluetooth wireless adapters will typically run at 115 K-baud, and the one we have tried here worked reliably at a distance of 75 feet. With wireless links, one must minimize the number of walls you have to pass through. Each wall (2 layers of dry wall or wood) costs about a factor of two signal and range. While these may seem rather long download times compared to the USB 2.0 interface of our last AllSky camera, the new AllSky-340 can take an image while transmitting. With exposures longer than the download time, the camera is only insensitive for the length of the readout of the CCD to an internal memory buffer, about 1 second. As a result, the camera is excellent for meteor detection. Its field of view is wider than our previous meteor camera, so it will see many more meteors near the horizon. One other plus the software can run continuously in the background while you use your computer for other tasks. The computer workload is so slight your applications won t even notice. It will not interfere with regular imaging using the same PC. The All Sky image is there when you want to view it. 19