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The Model ST-10XE and ST-10XME are the latest large array, high resolution CCD cameras from SBIG. The body is identical to the
ST-7XE, ST-8XE and ST-9XE models with some slight modifications to accommodate the larger detector.
The ST-10XE contains an enhanced KAF-3200E imaging detector from Kodak.
The ST-10XME contains an enhanced KAF-3200ME imaging detector from Kodak.
The only difference between the CCDs is the addition of a micro lens layer over the pixels of the KAF-3200ME CCD for increased
sensitivity. These 3.2 megapixel CCDs have a Full Frame Resolution of 2184 x 1472 pixels at 6.8 microns making them the ultimate
cameras for wide field apochromatic refractors. The active imaging area is 17% greater than the ST-8E and the arrays contain
approximately twice as many pixels. The imaging camera includes an electro-mechanical shutter, 16 bit analog to digital (A/D)
converter, regulated temperature control with all of the electronics integrated into the CCD head. Communication to the PC is
through the USB port at up to 425,000 pixels per second.
The KODAK DIGITAL SCIENCE TM KAF-3200E Image Sensor is a high density, 3.2 million pixel, full-frame Blue Plus image sensor. It
joins the family of Kodak Blue Plus sensors with improved quantum efficiency across the visible spectrum. Ultra-low dark current
of less than 1e-/pixel/second at 0o C (typical) allows moderate cooling for applications involving extended exposures. With an
improved liquid cooling design, the ST-10XE/XME cameras will reach approximately 45o C below ambient temperature for best
performance even in hot climates. The KAF-3200ME is the same CCD as the KAF-3200E with the exception of the addition of micro
lenses over the pixels. This has the effect of increasing the effective quantum efficiency of the CCD. There is a minor blooming
effect similar to diffraction spikes that is sometimes seen when imaging with the micro lens version and short fast optical
systems. For this reason we continue to offer both either types of CCD.
Although the ST-10XE/XME camera is a perfect match to high quality refractors in high resolution mode, with 3.2 million pixels
the ST-10XE/XME is easily adapted to a variety of focal lengths. The various binning modes of 6.8, 13.6 and 20.4 micron pixels
allow you to match the focal length of a wide range of telescopes and lenses to this imaging camera. There are also half-frame and
quarter-frame modes available for each resolution setting. Moreover, even when binned 2x2 or 3x3 the number of pixels is still
comparable to the ST-7XE, ST-8XE and ST-9XE as the table below illustrates. For example, in addition to 2184 x 1472 at 6.8
microns, the user can elect to image at 1092 x 736 with 6.8 micron pixels or 1092 x 736 with 13.6 micron pixels. In "low"
resolution, full frame mode, the ST-10EXE/XME still operates much like a ST-9XE with 36% more pixels and 43% larger field of view!
The various combinations of useable frame and pixel sizes makes this an extremely versatile camera.
| Full Frame | Half Frame | Quarter Frame |
High Res
(unbinned) | 2184 x 1472
6.8 microns | 1092 x 736
6.8 microns | 548 x 370
6.8
microns |
Medium Res
(binned 2x2) | 1092 x 736
13.6 microns | 546 x 368
13.6 microns | 275 x
186
13.6 microns |
Low Res
(bin 3x3) | 728 x 490
20.4 microns | 364 x 245
20.4 microns | 184 x 124
20.4
microns |
The file size of high resolution images can be reduced by about half by saving the images in SBIG compressed file format. The
benefit of this format is that the compression is lossless, unlike JPEG and othercompression techniques. The original file size
and amount of compression varies somewhat depending on the content of the image and the resolution mode selected, but the
information contained in the table below is typical.
Resolution Modes
(Binning) | Pixel Array
(Full Frame) | Uncompressed
Image
Size | Compressed
Image Size |
| High Res Mode (1x1) | 2184 x 1472 | ~ 6.4 Mb | ~ 3.4 Mb | | Med Res Mode
(2x2) | 1092 x 736 | ~ 1.6 Mb | ~ 1.1 Mb |
| Low Res Mode (3x3) | 728 x 490 | ~ 715 Kb | ~ 500 Kb |
The ST-10XE/XME camera utilizes SBIG's newest high speed analog and digital electronics with a USB interface to the PC. This new
interface is up to 14 times faster than our older parallel interface. The full frame download rate for the ST-10XE/XME is
approximately 8.7 seconds. For finding and centering objects and for focusing, various binning or partial frame modes may be
selected to significantly shorten the download time. For instance, in focus mode with a 20 x 20 pixel box the download time is
about 0.5 seconds per frame. CCDOPS software also has an Auto Resolution feature that makes using this type of large array easier.
The Model ST-10XE/XME camera maintains similar performance, low noise and high QE as the ST-8XE camera. In fact, the ST-10XE/XME
has slightly less dark current and lower read noise than the ST-8XE. The dual CCD structure also allows the full range of existing
accessories to work with the ST-10XE/XME: The AO-7 Adaptive Optics System, CFW8 color filter wheel, camera lens adapters, etc.,
are all the same for the ST-10XE/XME as the ST-8XE.
Complete system includes:
* Camera with new enhanced Class 2 KAF-3200E or KAF-3200ME detector from Kodak,
* High speed USB interface,
* All cables,
* 90-240VAC power supply,
* Windows software (CCDOPS) plus TheSky v.4 and new CCDSoftV5 software and discount certificates for Maxim DL/CCD or Mira
software.
CCD Specifications
Imaging CCD ST-10XME Kodak KAF-3200E/ME + Texas Instruments TC-237
Pixel Array 2184 x 1472 pixels - 14.9 x 10 mm
Total Pixels 3.2 million
Pixel Size 6.8 x 6.8 microns
Full Well Capacity 77,000 e-
Dark Current 0.9 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 1.5e¯/ADU
Read Noise 9e¯ RMS
Binning Modes 1 x 1, 2 x 2, 3 x 3, 1 x N, 2 x N, 3 x N
Pixel Digitization Rate up to 420,000 pixels per second
Focus Frame Update Rate 20 x 20 pixels 2 frames per second
Full Frame Acquisition With High Speed USB 8.7 seconds
| 24" FL | 30" FL | 42" FL | 80" FL |
Detector
Field of View | 1.4 x 0.9 degrees | 1.1 x .74
degrees | .8 x .5 degrees | 25 x
17 arcminutes |
Pixel (6.8u)
Field of View | 2.3 x 2.3
arcseconds | 1.8 x 1.8
arcseconds | 1.3 x
1.3
arcseconds | .7 x .7 arcseconds |
System Specifications
Cooling - standard Single Stage Thermoelectric, Active Fan, Liquid assist, -45 C from Ambient Typical
Temperature Regulation ±0.1°C
Power 5 VDC at 1.5 amps, ±12 VDC at 0.5 amp Desktop Power Supply Included
Computer Interface USB
Computer Compatibility Windows 95/98/NT/Me/2000/XP
Guiding Dual CCD Self-Guiding
Physical Dimensions
Optical Head 5 inches diameter x 3 inches 12.5 cm diameter x 7.5 deep 2.2 pounds/1 Kg
CPU All electronics integrated into Optical Head, No CPU
Mounting T-Thread, 1.25" and 2" nosepieces included
Backfocus 0.92 inches/2.3 cm
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