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Santa Barbara Instrument Group (SBIG) - ST-9XEI CCD Imaging Camera System
Purchase any new SBIG ST-7/8/9/10/2000/4000 Camera and SAVE $100 on the CFW9 and SAVE $200 on the Remote Guide Head when purchased at the same time as the camera
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$ 2795.00
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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 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
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