Class 1 |
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The ST-9XE is identical to the ST-8XE cameras with the exception of the imaging CCD. The ST-9XE utilizes the same patented dual
sensor head design integrating one CCD for self-guiding and another CCD for imaging. In the case of the ST-9XE the imaging sensor
is the new Enhanced KAF-0261E detector from Kodak with 512 x 512 pixels at 20 microns square. The ST-9XE Imaging Camera is ideal
for use on long focal length scopes where a larger field of view than an ST-7XE is desired, but one's budget does not allow for an
ST-8XE camera. Large scopes, even those with relatively fast f/ratios, have focal lengths that "waste" sensitivity of cameras
using detectors with small pixels. Longer focal lengths also mean smaller fields of view given a fixed detector size. Take, for
example, a C-14 at f/7, 16" SCT at f/6.3 and a 20" f/5. In all of these cases the telescopes have focal lengths of about 98 to 100
inches. When used at 100 inches of focal length, the 9 micron pixels of the ST-7XE and ST-8XE cameras subtend about 0.7 arcseconds
- a bit small for this focal length under average seeing conditions. So these cameras are often operated binned 2x2 at focal
lengths of 100 inches or more unless the optics and seeing are rather exceptional. For the ST-8XE this is no problem because the
detector has 1.5 million pixels and binning 2x2 still leaves the user with a reasonable 765 x 510 pixels @ 18 microns. But binning
the ST-7XE 2x2 yields an image that is 382 x 255 so the image size on the monitor begins to get small for this size camera.
However, the ST-9XE's 20 micron pixels subtend about 1.6 arcseconds per pixel at 100 inches focal length without binning. Just
about perfect for optimum sensitivity under typical seeing conditions. This gives the long focal length user the advantage of
larger more sensitive pixels and a reasonably large image of 512 x 512 at a substantial savings compared to an ST-8XE. Moreover,
the FOV of the ST-9XE is nearly as large as an ST-8XE.
Sensitivity:
With its relatively large (20 micron) pixels, the ST-9XE is approximately 20 times as sensitive as a standard ST-7XE ABG camera
(binned 1x1) with a field of view approximately 3.3x as large as the ST-7XE. This compares very favorably with an ST-8XE operating
in 2x2 binned mode at about half the cost of the ST-8XE. So for long focal lengths where one cannot take advantage of the smaller
pixels of the ST-7XE or ST-8XE, the ST-9XE is an excellent choice.
The ST-9XE is an excellent choice for minor planet and supernova searches when one's budget does not allow for a very large CCD
camera such as the KAF-1001E based ST-1001E camera. Moreover, the ST-9XE is capable of self-guiding with a built-in TC237 tracking
CCD. It is therefore capable of hour long self-guided exposures for deep space imaging. The ST-9XE accepts all of the same
accessories as the ST-7XE and ST-8XE cameras including the integrated CFW8A color filter wheel for color imaging or UBVRI
photometric measurements, AO-7 adaptive optics device, CLA7 camera lens adapter, etc.
Complete system includes:
* Camera with new enhanced Class 1 KAF-0261E detector from Kodak,
* Internal TC-237 tracking CCD,
* All cables,
* 90-240VAC power supply,
* Windows software (CCDOPS) plus TheSky v.4, CCDSoftV5 and discount certificate for MaxIm DL/CCD or Mira AP.
* High Speed USB is standard.
CCD Specifications:
CCD Kodak Enhanced KAF-0261E (Class 1) + Texas Instruments TC-237
Pixel Array 512 x 512 pixels, 10.2 x 10.2 mm
Total Pixels 262,144
Pixel Size 20 x 20 microns
Full Well Capacity 150,000 e-
Dark Current 10 e'/pixel/sec at 0° C
Antiblooming Non-ABG only
Readout Specifications
Shutter Electromechanical
Exposure 0.11 to 3600 seconds, 10ms resolution
Correlated Double Sampling Yes
A/D Converter 16 bits
A/D Gain 2.8e'/ADU
Read Noise 13e' RMS
Binning Modes 1 x 1, 2 x 2, 3 x 3
Full Frame Acquisition (including digitization and download) with high speed USB interface < 1 second
Optical Specifications (8" f/10)
Field of View 17.3 x 17.3 arcminutes
Pixel Size 2 x 2 arcseconds
System Specifications
Cooling - standard Single Stage Thermoelectric Active Fan Water Assist Ready -45 degrees C from Ambient Typical
Temperature Regulation '0.1°C
Power 5 VDC at 1.5 amps, '12 VDC at 0.5 amp
Computer Interface USB
Computer Compatibility Windows 95/98/NT/2000/Me/XP
Guiding Dual CCD Self-Guiding
Physical Dimensions
Optical Head 5 inches diameter x 3 inches 12.5 cm diameter x 7.5 deep 2 pounds/0.9 Kg
CPU All electronics integrated into Optical Head, No CPU
Mounting T-Thread, 1.25" and 2" nosepieces included
Backfocus Approximately 0.9 inches - 2.3 cm |
