Improved Cooling PackageUpgrade for ST

Announcement
Improved Cooling Package
for ST-402 Series Cameras
Revised March 17, 2006

An enhanced cooling package is now standard equipment on the ST-402ME, ST-1603ME and ST-3200ME cameras. Owners of older models of these cameras can add the same enhancments to improve the cooling delta by approximately 10 degrees C. The upgrade consists of (a) a larger heat sink installed in the camera, (b) a larger 50mm magnetic levitating fan and fan guard, (c) a new back plate with openings to accommodate the extension of the fan housing and guard, and (d) a board inside the camera that routes additional power to the TE cooler. No additional external power is required. The addition of the new parts increases the depth of the camera body by 4mm and the fan plus fan guard (not seen in RH photo) adds another 10mm. The backfocus is not changed.

The graph at left above shows the improvement in cooling performance as a function of delta from ambient temperature after installation of the enhanced cooling package compared to the standard camera. In our first production prototype camera, the maximum delta achieved was -35 degrees C below ambient at 100% power. After allowing the camera to stabilize, it was able to regulate the temperature at a delta of -31 degrees C from ambient with less than 95% power in a warm room (approx. 24C). We feel comfortable specifying typical performance of approximately 30 degrees C below ambient, regulated to +/- 0.1 degree C (user's set point). The graph at right shows the typical dark current as a function of the absolute temperature of the CCD.

Prices for the new ST-402ME, ST-1603ME and ST-3200ME, and
cooling enhancement for these cameras are on the Current US Price List

The upgrade is now available, subject to scheduling with the repair department.
Please contact Bill in the repair department or e-mail upgrades@sbig.com to schedule your upgrade.