Latest News

SBIG STL-11000MC2 Review

SBIG STL-11000MC2 Review

The Research Series Self-Guiding CCD cameras from SBIG represent a new step forward in the field of astronomical imaging. These cooled, large format cameras leave nothing to be desired in the way of features and functionality. The Research Series cameras support a variety of imaging sensors. The 11 megapixel STL-11000M with interline CCDs offer large imaging areas, excellent anti-blooming characteristics and high pixel density at a reasonable cost. The CCD used in the 11 megapixel STL- 11000M camera is a full 35mm format CCD. These cameras are excellent choices for wide field imaging with short focal length scopes. The built-in guiding CCD is a TC-237H frame transfer device with high sensitivity and a 657×495 pixel array. The built-in filter carousel accepts both 50mm unmounted round filters and filters mounted in 48mm threaded cells. Filter selection is accomplished with the camera control software. 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. A shutter mechanism is also located inside the camera body, between the filter wheel and the sealed CCD chamber. An internal 12VDC regulated power supply is added to the camera for simplified power requirements and greater tolerance of input voltage variation.

SBIG ST-10XME Review

SBIG ST-10XME 3.2 Megapixel Camera with High QE Kodak KAF-3200ME and Texas Instruments TC-237 CCD, Class 2

The ST-10XME is the highest resolution CCD cameras in the “ST” series from SBIG. The body is identical to the ST-7XME, ST-8XME, ST-9XE, and ST- 2000XM models with some slight modifications to accommodate the larger detector. 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-8XME 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, and built-in TC-237H, guiding CCD 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.