STL-4020CM Color CCD Camera

The best of both worlds. SBIG has expanded the self-guiding capabilities in the Research cameras by adding the option of a remote guiding head. With the remote guiding head attached, there are two, software selectable, TC-237 CCDs available for self-guiding under any conditions in addition to the main imaging CCD. One guiding CCD is located next to the imaging CCD in the patented design, similar to the self-guiding arrangement in the ST line of cameras. The remote guiding CCD is in a small separate head that attaches to the main camera body by a short cable. There is no separate power supply or communication cable required. The remote head contains its own TE cooler and shutter. With the optional remote guiding head attached to the main camera body, self-guiding is accomplished by selecting either the internal TC-237 tracking CCD or the remote TC237 CCD using the camera control software. The benefits of this flexibility are obvious. Internal guiding eliminates the need for a guide scope and separate autoguider. It also eliminates the problem of differential deflection of the guide scope or differential motion of the primary mirror relative to the guide scope. However, some users prefer to use an external guider when imaging through dark infrared band or narrow band filters, or for RGB color imaging in regions of the sky with sparse guide stars. The remote guiding head may be used in an off-axis guiding accessory or attached to a separate guide scope. There is only one small cable between the remote head and the main camera body. The remote head can be left connected and the user may freely switch between the internal or the remote TC-237 for self-guiding. All the guiding functions are controlled by the same camera software that normally controls the internal guider.

An internal 5 position 2" filter carousel is integrated into the front cover of the camera body. For color, UBVRI, or narrow band imaging simply add filters to the camera's carousel. There is no expensive separate 2" filter wheel to purchase. The filter carousel accepts both 50mm diameter flats and 48mm threaded filter cells. 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. Extra carousels may be purchased for quick and easy transition between filter sets. A shutter mechanism is also located inside the camera body, between the filter wheel and the sealed CCD chamber.

CCD Specifications

• CCD: Kodak KAI-4021CM + TI TC-237
• Pixel Array: 2048 x 2048 pixels
• CCD Size: 15 x 15 mm
• Total Pixels: 4 million
• Pixel Size: 7.4 x 7.4 microns
• Full Well Capacity: 40,000 e-
• Dark Current: 0.07e-/pixel/sec @ 0°C
• Antiblooming: ABG Only

Readout Specifications

• Shutter: Internal mechanical
• Correlated Double Sampling: Yes
• A/D Converter: 16 bits
• A/D Gain: 0.6e-/ADU
• Read Noise: 7.9e- RMS
• Full Frame Download: ~ 10 sec

Systems Specifications

• Cooling: 2 Stage Thermoelectric, water circulation, -40°C from ambient with uncooled water
• Temperature Regulation: +/- 0.1°C
• Power Requirements: 10-18VDC, 12VDC nominal, Universal AC to 12VDC desktop supply and 12VDC field power cord supplied
• Computer Interface: USB 1.1
• Guiding: Dual CCD Self-Guiding
• Includes Pelican 1550 case with custom foam insert

Physical Dimensions

• Optical Head: 6.5 x 6 x 3.5 inches (16.5 cm x 15.2 cm x 8.9 cm)
• Mounting: T-Thread, 2" nosepieces included
• Weight: Approx. 4 lbs. (1.8 kg)