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The New Research Line of Large Format, Dual Head, Triple Sensor, Self-Guiding CCD Cameras from SBIG
ALL NEW DESIGN
The Research Line of cameras is an all new camera design that has been over two years in the making. Our design team has combined
the best features and ideas from past designs and updated our current high speed electronics and USB interface to handle these
large format CCDs (up to 35mm format with 11 megapixels). New features include a dual head self-guiding option, simplified power
requirements and an internal 2" filter wheel for overall system cost and weight reduction. These large format cameras are designed
to offer more features at a lower price than other previously available cameras. Our goal was to produce a high performance
imaging system that included large area detectors, flexible self-guiding options and a large format filter wheel all at a lower
price than competing cameras alone. We believe we have achieved that goal.
DUAL HEAD, TRIPLE SENSOR, SELF-GUIDING
The best of both worlds. We have expanded the self-guiding capabilities in the Research cameras by adding the option of a remote
guiding head. With the remote guiding head attached, there are two, software selectable, TC-237 CCDs available for self-guiding
under any conditions in addition to the main imaging CCD. One guiding CCD is located next to the imaging CCD in our patented
design, similar to the self-guiding arrangement in our ST line of cameras. The remote guiding CCD is in a small separate head that
attaches to the main camera body by a short cable. There is no separate power supply or communication cable required. The remote
head contains its own TE cooler and shutter. With the optional remote guiding head attached to the main camera body, self-guiding
is accomplished by selecting either the internal TC-237 tracking CCD or the remote TC237 CCD using the camera control software.
The benefits of this flexibility are obvious. Internal guiding eliminates the need for a guide scope and separate autoguider. It
also eliminates the problem of differential deflection of the guide scope or differential motion of the primary mirror relative to
the guide scope. However, some users prefer to use an external guider when imaging through dark infrared band or narrow band
filters, or for RGB color imaging in regions of the sky with sparse guide stars . The remote guiding head may be used in an
off-axis guiding accessory or attached to a separate guide scope. There is only one small cable between the remote head and the
main camera body. The remote head can be left connected and the user may freely switch between the internal or the remote TC-237
for self-guiding. All the guiding functions are controlled by the same camera software that normally controls the internal
guider.
INTERNAL 2 INCH FILTER CAROUSEL
An internal 5 position 2" filter carousel is integrated into the front cover of the camera body. For color, UBVRI, or narrow band
imaging simply add filters to the camera's carousel. There is no expensive separate 2" filter wheel to purchase. The filter
carousel accepts both 50mm diameter flats and 48mm threaded filter cells. The front cover of the camera is easily removed for
changing filters. Since the CCD is in a separate sealed chamber, removal of the front cover to change filters does not expose the
CCD to dust or air and the desiccant does not need to be recharged after replacing the cover. Extra carousels may be purchased for
quick and easy transition between filter sets. A shutter mechanism is also located inside the camera body, between the filter
wheel and the sealed CCD chamber. A custom LRGBC filters set is optional.
12VDC OPERATION
We have added an internal 12VDC regulated power supply to the camera for simplified power requirements and greater tolerance of
input voltage variation. When operating in the field from a 12V battery, current drain, power cord extensions and cold
temperatures may cause the input voltage to drop below 12 volts. The internal regulated supply will accommodate some variation in
input voltage (from about 10 volts to 18 volts) and keep the camera operating normally. This will allow for longer power cords to
be used with less concern for voltage drops so long as the input voltage stays within a certain range. A set of indicator LEDs
will let you know if your input voltage at the camera is getting too low for normal operation. A universal 110VAC-220VAC to 12VDC
power supply is also included for operation from virtually any line voltage in the world.
INTELLIGENT
A set of five LED indicator lights on the side panel of the camera provide critical camera status information. The green LED lets
you know the camera is booting up and gives camera exposure status during normal operation. One red LED provides a warning if the
heat sink gets too hot. This could happen, for instance, if you were running high power to the cooler and the fan failed for some
reason. In this case the camera automatically reduces power to the two-stage cooler to prevent damage. One amber LED warns of an
input voltage drop to 11 volts or less but the camera will continue functioning normally. The second amber LED warns of an input
voltage drop to 10 volts but the camera will still continue functioning normally. The last red LED warns of an input voltage drop
to 9 volts or less. In this case, the camera automatically turns off the TE cooler and continues to operate normally without
cooling until the voltage drops to the point that the camera shuts down (around < 7 volts).
TWO STAGE COOLING WITH WATER ASSIST
The standard cooling design utilizes a very efficient two-stage TE cooler for maximum performance with large format detectors.
Each camera is also liquid assist ready so that additional cooling in warm climates may be achieved by circulating water if
needed. We are currently testing a special magnetic levitating fan to eliminate even the smallest vibration. Preliminary tests
indicate that cooling -50 Degrees C below ambient will be achieved with this system.
DELUXE ACCOMMODATIONS
Every Research Model camera will be shipped in a custom fitted Pelican brand carrying case for superior protection of your
equipment. These cases are waterproof, dustproof, crushproof and have a lifetime guarantee from the manufacturer. Each Pelican
case has an automatic pressure relief valve and double hinged latches for easier opening. There is ample room inside for the
camera, cables, wall transformer and some accessories in the custom cut foam insert. An optional lid pocket is available from
Pelican that will hold charts and manuals.
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 ready, - 50o C below ambient, regulated to +/- 0.1 degree
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.4, level II.
REMOTE HEAD MECHANICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Mechanical Specifications Common to All Models (Typical)
Dimensions 2.75 x 2 x 2 inches (7 x 5 x 5 cm) excluding nosepiece and desiccant plug
Weight Approx. 0.5 lbs. (0.23kg)
Computer Interface USB 1.1 through main camera to computer. Proprietary protocol between remote head and camera body.
Telescope Interface T-thread or supplied 1.25" nosepiece, optional T-thread to C-mount and 35mm camera lens adapters
Shutter Internal Mechanical Shutter for dark frames plus electronic shutter for short exposures
Power Requirements None (Remote head receives power through the head cable from the main camera)
Mounting connections 1/4-20 threaded hole on side of camera housing
TYPICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Model Research STL-11000M/CM
CCD KAI-11000M/CM
Total Pixels 11 million
Array 4008 x 2672
Dimensions 36 x 24.7 mm
Pixel Size 9 x 9 u
CCD Type Interline
CCD ClassAvailable Mono Class 1 only Color Class 1, 2
ABG/NABG ABG only
Full Well Capacity 50,000 e-
Dark Current e-/p/s @ 0C 0.5 e-
Read Noiserms 13 e-
Gain e-/ADU 0.8
Full Frame Download ~26 seconds
CCD SPECIFICATIONS
CCD: KAI-11000M
Total Pixels: 11 million
Array: 4008 x 2672 active pixels (35mm film format)
Pixel Size: 9 microns square
Antiblooming: Yes
Class: 1 (no column defects)
Peak QE: 50%
Image Area: 36 mm x 24.7 mm
Focal Length at 1 arcsecond per pixel: 73 inches
FOV at 1 arcsecond per pixel: 1.1 x 0.74 degrees
Astrophotographers take note: A 35mm format CCD with 11 million pixels. Another revolution in astrophotography is about to take
place. If you have been waiting for a wide field CCD with the same coverage as 35mm film, here it is. Only this one is cooled,
linear, self-guiding, 16 bits and optimized for high sensitivity and low noise performance in low light astronomical applications.
No reciprocity failure here.
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