ST-1603ME CCD Camera

The ST-1603ME is essentially the same camera as the ST-402ME except that the imaging CCD is 4X larger and it has 4X the number of pixels. The ST-1603ME uses the KAF-1603ME CCD, the same sensor used in the ST-8XME. This CCD is 1530 x 1020 pixels at 9 microns. However, due to the size of the array, the internal filter wheel cannot be used. For color or photometric applications the CFW10-SA can be used insted with standard 1.25" filters.

The ST-1603ME, like the ST-3200ME, is intended primarily for industrial and life science applications where a faster download rate is more important than maximum cooling or self-guiding. Of course it will also perform very well for astronomical applications, particularly where an external guider is already available. For astronomical applications where greater cooling and lower read noise performance is more important than the somewhat faster download rate, check out the ST-8XME dual sensor, self-guiding camera, with the KAF-1603ME imaging CCD and USB 1.1 electronics.

CCD Specifications

• CCD: Kodak KAF-1603ME
• Pixel Array: 1520 x 1030 pixels
• CCD Size: 13.8 x 9.2 mm
• Total Pixels: 1.56 million
• Pixel Size: 9 x 9 microns
• Full Well Capacity: ~100,000 e-
• Dark Current: 1e-/pixel/sec @ 0°C
• Antiblooming: Optional

Readout Specifications

• Shutter: Electromechanical
• Exposure: 0.04 to 3600 seconds, 10ms resolution
• Correlated Double Sampling: Yes
• A/D Converter: 16 bits
• A/D Gain: 1.5e-/ADU unbinned, 2.0e- binned
• Read Noise: 18e- RMS
• Binning Modes: 1x1, 2x2, 3x3
• Pixel Digitization Rate: Up to 1,150,000 pixels/sec with USB 2.0
• Full Frame Download: ~2.1 sec with USB 2.0

Systems Specifications

• Cooling: Single Stage Thermoelectric, Active Fan, -30°C from ambient typical
• Temperature Regulation: +/- 0.1°C
• Power: 12VDC, power supply included
• Computer Interface: USB 2.0 (USB 1.1 compatible)
• Computer Compatibility: Windows 98/2000/ME/XP

Physical Dimensions

• Optical Head: 5 x 4 x 1.8 inches (12.5 x 10 x 4.6 cm)
• Mounting: T-Thread, 1.25" nosepieces included
• Weight: Approx. 20 oz. (0.6 kg)
• Backfocus: 0.69 inches (1.75 cm)