Starlight Xpress believes that our cameras should be as user friendly as possible. This is the philosophy behind the design of the SXVF-H9 and results in a camera which needs virtually no
maintenance and the minimum of effort to take top-notch astro photos. One key feature of the design is the ultra-low dark current, which means that dark frames are now totally redundant. It also
means that the camera has no need of heavy cooling fins, or water cooling pipes and mess. As an example of this extremely low noise, here is a comparison of dark frames from an SXVF-H9 and another
popular camera which uses the Kodak KAI 2000 chip. Please note that the KAI 2000 was 15 degrees cooler than the SXVF CCD!
The rear panel of the SXVF-H9 provides multiple inputs and outputs, as shown. The autoguider output is opto-isolated and will drive any standard active-low guider input via an RJ11 'telephone'
lead. The Parallel and serial socket is an 18 way latching high density connector, which provides both power and control signals for the external guide camera. It also carries two RS232 serial ports
for external device control. If the serial ports are not required, the guide camera may be connected directly to this socket, otherwise a small 'port divider' box can be connected in-line and
presents the two serial outputs on standard 9 pin 'D' plugs.
| The SXVF-H9 camera specification: |
| CCD type: |
 Sony ICX285AL Exview HAD CCD with ultra low dark
current, extended IR response and vertical anti-blooming. |
| CCD pixel data: |
Pixel size: 6.45µm x 6.45µm, image format: 1392 x 1040 pixels |
| CCD size: |
Image area: 8.98mm (horizontal) x 6.7mm (vertical). |
| Spectral response: |
QE max at 540nm (~65%), 50% roll-off at 400nm and 750nm.
More info (opens in new browser window). |
| Readout noise: |
Less than 12e RMS |
| Full-well capacity: |
Greater than 27,000 e- (unbinned) |
| Anti-blooming: |
Overload margin greater than 800x. |
| Dark current: |
Dark frame saturation time greater than 100 hours. Less than 0.1 electrons/second @ + 10C ambient. |
| Data format: |
16 bits |
| System gain: |
0.45 electrons per ADU |
| Computer Interface: |
Built-in USB 2.0 compatible interface. Also works with USB 1.1. |
| Image download time |
Typically 3.5 - 4 seconds full resolution using USB 2.0, approximately 7 seconds with USB 1.1. |
| Power requirements: |
115VAC / 240VAC @ 12VA, or 12VDC @ 750mA max. |
Cooling system:
|
Regulated constant current cooling supply built-in. Single Stage thermoelectric cooler to give a CCD temperature of approximately -30C below ambient. |
| Size/Threads: |
63 x 95mm black anodised aluminium barrel with M42 x 0.75mm (often called 'T' or 'T2') thread at the CCD window end & input/output plugs at rear. The 2 inch adaptor tube has an M42 x 0.75
male thread and an M42 x 1mm female thread (Pentax). |
Weight:
|
Approximately 350g. |
