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Santa Barbara Instrument Group (SBIG) - ST-8XMEI CCD Imaging Camera
Purchase any new SBIG ST-7/8/9/10/2000/4000 Camera and SAVE $100 on the CFW9 and SAVE $200 on the Remote Guide Head when purchased at the same time as the camera
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$ 3995.00
Reg.$ 6790.00
SAVE $ 2795.00 | |
Click here for recommended accessories |
Purchase any new SBIG ST-7/8/9/10/2000/4000 Camera and SAVE $100 on the CFW9 and SAVE $200 on the Remote Guide Head when purchased at the same time as the camera |
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The Dual CCD ST-8XME and the Single CCD ST-8XMEI
Like the ST-10XME and ST-7XME, the new ST-8XME is based upon Kodak’s latest microlens technology
that increases the effective QE of the CCD. The KAF-1603ME is now available for the model ST-8
cameras. This CCD features a peak QE of nearly 85%, 1530 x 1020 pixels at 9 microns square, and
multiple AR coatings on the CCD window for increased light transmission and significantly reduced
reflections. The ST-8XME camera also includes a TC-237H CCD with 657 x 495 pixels at 7.4 microns
for self-guiding. The ST-8XMEI is intended for industrial use. It is a single sensor camera with
no guiding CCD. Although it is intended for industrial applications, it is also an excellent
lower price alternative for astronomy where an external guider is used. Both models are available
with a Class 1, 2, or 3 CCD. Other than the cosmetic specifications, the Class 3 ME CCD has the
same low noise and high QE as the Class 2 and Class 1 versions. All ST-8 camera models use the
same electronics and fast USB 1.1 interface.
For years, the model ST-8 camera was the flagship of the SBIG self-guiding models. This position
was eventually taken over by the higher resolution ST-10XME and more recently by the much larger
STL-11000M cameras, but the ST-8XME still has its place. At 100 inches or more of focal length,
the 9 micron pixels of the ST-8XME each see about 0.7 arcseconds. It is unlikely that during
typical seeing conditions where the FWHM of star images on long exposures are generally greater
than 2.5 arcseconds, the smaller pixels of the ST-10XME will improve on the resolution of the
ST-8XME at this focal length or longer, and while the ST-10XME will produce an image with twice
as many pixels, the field of view is nearly the same. Also, the ST-8XME is well suited to TDI
imaging.
Alan Holmes has written an Application Note about TDI Imaging and Research applications that are
perfect for the ST-8XME and ST-8XMEI cameras. TDI is particularly interesting because one can
image large areas of the sky without guiding so any telescope will do. TDI stands for Time Delay
Integration. Basically, one points the camera at an area of sky and turns off the telescope drive
to let the stars drift across the field of view. The CCD is clocked in sync with the rate of drift
and the resulting image has an exposure time equal to the amount of time it takes the stars to
drift across the CCD. Depending on the focal length of the scope this can be many minutes. But
there is no periodic error and no guiding error! Furthermore the image can just scroll as the sky
moves past so the image file can be 1020 x 1000 or 1020 x 2000 etc. One gets a deeper image with a
more sensitive CCD. In the case of the ST-8XMEI the extra QE of the microlensed CCD make it quite
sensitive to dim objects and very good wide field astro images can be created with no tracking at
all. All of this means the ST-8XME might be the best choice for imaging through longer focal
lengths or for unguided TDI imaging at a significant savings compared to the ST-10XME.
Other than the QE of the CCD, the ST-8XE and ST-8XME cameras are identical. A table comparing the
features of the ST-8XME and ST-8XMEI can be found below.
Improved Features
Large Built-In Tracking CCD: The Self-Guiding model uses the TC-237H tracking CCD
which is now standard in all of our self-guiding cameras. The TC-237H array is 657 x 495 pixels
at 7.4 microns. The TC-237H is 2.7X larger than the TC-211 CCD which means there is a more than
double the chance you will find suitable guide stars anywhere you happen to be looking without
having to hunt. In the tracking configuration, the TC-237H CCD will normally be binned 2x2 for
increased sensitivity. When binned 2x2 the field of view remains 2.7X that of the TC-211 however
as the pixel size is increased to 14.8 microns. The user may also use the TC-237H CCD in high
resolution (unbinned) mode if desired. ThsSky software from Software Bisque automatically
generates finder charts showing the correct placement of the guiding CCD field of view relative
to the imaging CCD’s field of view. Using this tool to plan your nights imaging is a great
compliment to the self-guiding cameras. When guiding with the TC-237H tracking CCD, the imaging
CCD spends 100% of its time and quantum efficiency gathering the image. You are not required to
compromise by giving up half of the quantum efficiency or by making twice the exposure time as
you might with other self-guiding designs.
Upgradeability: The standard ST-8XME comes with a Class 2 CCD with no column
defects. This model may be upgraded to a Class 1 CCD if desired. The lowest priced ST-8XMEI is
based on a Class 3 CCD. It may also be upgraded to a Class 1 or 2 CCD, and/or to a dual CCD
camera for self-guiding at any time. Current owners of ST-7 and ST-8 cameras may upgrade to the
ST-8XME if they already have USB electronics. The cost to upgrade the CCD only is $3995. Others
may upgrade to USB electronics and ME CCD at the same time for an additional $995. Adding the
TC-237H guiding CCD to a USB camera (or concurrent to a USB upgrade) costs $395. Final upgrade
costs depend on the existing camera configuration. Check with SBIG for the latest upgrade
pricing.
Improved Carrying and Storage Case: The ST-8XME model includes a high quality
carrying and storage case made for SBIG by Pelican. The custom cut foam securely holds the camera
and power supply with additional spots for accessories, cables, etc. The case is dust proof, water
proof, crush proof and carries a lifetime guarantee from the manufacturer. The case is optional
for the ST-8XMEI.
Accessory Test Lens: To make testing of the camera easier we have designed a simple
test lens that screws into the t-thread front end of the camera. This is a handy accessory for
learning the various camera functions in the day time if you do not have a camera lens adapter.
It is included with the Deluxe model and can be added to the Standard and ”I” models. See our
Test Lens Product Announcement for more details.
Optional Accessories: The ST-8XME cameras support a variety of professional
accessories. Each model contains a ROM programmed to support the CFW8A Color Filter Wheel for
automatic RGB or LRGB imaging when attached to the camera. Each model also has electronic relays
built-in so that the cameras can be used as autoguiders for film astrophotography or for guiding
other CCD cameras. The built-in TC-237H guiding CCD in the ST-8XME model enables the use of both
the AO-7 Adaptive Optics Device and the SGS Self-Guiding Spectrograph. The Self-Guiding
Spectrograph was designed to give maximum resolution with 9 micron pixels. Several camera lens
adapters are available from SBIG for attaching a variety of 35mm camera lenses directly to the
ST-8 without the filter wheel for wide field imaging. Third party manufacturers support the
ST-8XME and CFW8A color filter wheel combination with camera lens adapters as well.
Each ST-8XMEI camera includes the following:
* Rugged camera body with new high speed analog and digital electronics
* New High QE Class 3 KAF-1603ME imaging CCD
* High speed USB interface (full frame download in ~ 3.6 seconds)
* New I2C bi-directional expansion port
* Standard accessory / telescope port
* User rechargeable desiccant plug
* Internal shutter
* 1.25” Nosepiece
* Cooling Fan - on/off controlled by software
* Tripod mount 1/4-20 threaded side plate
* Adjustable t-thread ring
* 15 foot USB cable (third party USB extenders available for up to 500 meters!)
* Universal Power supply
* SBIG’s CCDOPS version 5 camera control software
* Software Bisque’s TheSky version 4, level II
* Operating Manuals on CD-ROM
* One Year Warranty Parts and Labor
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