What has two heads, three eyes and can
see billions of years into the past ...?

The New Research Line of Large Format, Dual Head
Triple Sensor, Self-Guiding CCD Cameras from SBIG

STL-1001E     STL-1301E       STL-4020M/CM     STL-6303E    STL-11000M/CM

ALL NEW DESIGN

The Research Line of cameras is an all new camera design that has been over two years in the making.  Our design team has combined the best features and ideas from past designs and updated our current high speed electronics and USB interface to handle these large format CCDs (up to 35mm format with 11 megapixels).  New features include a dual head self-guiding option, simplified power requirements and an internal 2" filter wheel for overall system cost and weight reduction.  These large format cameras are designed to offer more features at a lower price than other previously available cameras.  Our goal was to produce a high performance imaging system that included large area detectors, flexible self-guiding options and a large format filter wheel all at a lower price than competing cameras alone.   We believe we have achieved that goal.  Click here to see pictures of the finished camera body and PDF format mechanical drawings.

DUAL HEAD, TRIPLE SENSOR, SELF-GUIDING

The best of both worlds.  We have 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 our patented design, similar to the self-guiding arrangement in our 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.  Click here to see a prototype camera and remote head attached to 5" refractor and 8" SCT.

INTERNAL 2" FILTER CAROUSEL

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.  A custom LRGBC filters set is optional.

12VDC OPERATION

We have added an internal 12VDC regulated power supply to the camera for simplified power requirements and greater tolerance of input voltage variation.   When operating in the field from a 12V battery, current drain, power cord extensions and cold temperatures may cause the input voltage to drop below 12 volts.   The internal regulated supply will accommodate some variation in input voltage (from about 10 volts to 18 volts) and keep the camera operating normally.   This will allow for longer power cords to be used with less concern for voltage drops so long as the input voltage stays within a certain range.  A set of indicator LEDs will let you know if your input voltage at the camera is getting too low for normal operation.   A universal 110VAC-220VAC to 12VDC power supply is also included for operation from virtually any line voltage in the world. 

INTELLIGENT

A set of five LED indicator lights on the side panel of the camera provide critical camera status information.  The green LED lets you know the camera is booting up and gives camera exposure status during normal operation.  One red LED provides a warning if the heat sink gets too hot.  This could happen, for instance, if you were running high power to the cooler and the fan failed for some reason.   In this case the camera automatically reduces power to the two-stage cooler to prevent damage.  One amber LED warns of an input voltage drop to 11 volts or less but the camera will continue functioning normally.  The second amber LED warns of an input voltage drop to 10 volts but the camera will still continue functioning normally.  The last red LED warns of an input voltage drop to 9 volts or less.  In this case, the camera automatically turns off the TE cooler and continues to operate normally without cooling until the voltage drops to the point that the camera shuts down (around < 7 volts).

TWO STAGE COOLING WITH WATER ASSIST

The standard cooling design utilizes a very efficient two-stage TE cooler for maximum performance with large format detectors.  Each camera is also liquid assist ready so that additional cooling in warm climates may be achieved by circulating water if needed.  We are currently testing a special magnetic levitating fan to eliminate even the smallest vibration.  Typical performance tests show that cooling to -40 Degrees C below ambient will be achieved with this system using ambient temperature water.  Greater cooling may be achieved with water cooled to just above the dew point. 

DELUXE ACCOMMODATIONS

Every Research Model camera will be shipped in a custom fitted Pelican brand carrying case for superior protection of your equipment.  These cases are waterproof, dustproof, crushproof and have a lifetime guarantee from the manufacturer.   Each Pelican case has an automatic pressure relief valve and double hinged latches for easier opening.  There is ample room inside for the camera, cables, wall transformer and some accessories in the custom cut foam insert.  An optional lid pocket is available from Pelican that will hold charts and manuals.       

CAMERA MECHANICAL SPECIFICATIONS

REMOTE HEAD MECHANICAL SPECIFICATIONS

TYPICAL SPECIFICATIONS AND PRICE

For more complete specificaitons see the individual model sections below.  

Note:  The Class 2 CCDs from Kodak mentioned above have no column defects with the exception of the KAI-11000M/CM class 2 and the KAF-1001E class 2.  The class 2 STL-1001E camera has been reduced to the old class 3 price (class 3 is no longer available).  The Class 1 versions of all CCDs, color and mono, including the KAI-11000M and CM have no column defects.  CCD specifications quoted above are considered typical.  For minimum, nominal and maximum CCD specifications please refer to the Kodak web site for specifications of the particular CCD.

The Research STL-11000M

CCD:  KAI-11002M Total Pixels:  11 million Array:  4008 x 2672 active pixels (35mm film format) Pixel Size:  9 microns square Antiblooming:  Yes Class: 1 (no column defects) Peak QE: 50% [click to see QE chart] Image Area: 36 mm x 24.7 mm Focal Length at 1 arcsecond per pixel:  73 inches FOV at 1 arcsecond per pixel:  1.1 x 0.74 degrees

Astrophotographers take note:  A 35mm format CCD with 11 million pixels.  Another revolution in astrophotography is about to take place.   If you have been waiting for a wide field CCD with the same coverage as 35mm film, here it is.  Only this one is cooled, linear, self-guiding, 16 bits and optimized for high sensitivity and low noise performance in low light astronomical applications.   No reciprocity failure here.  Click here to see Sample Images taken with the KAI-11000M.

For more camera specifications in HTML format, click here.

For more camera description and specifications in PDF format, click here.

For prices, click here. 

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The Research STL-11000CM

CCD:  KAI-11002CM (Color) Total Pixels:  11 million Array:  4008 x 2672 active pixels (35mm film format) Pixel Size:  9 microns square Antiblooming:  Yes Class: 1 or 2 Peak QE: 50% [click to see QE chart] Image Area: 36 mm x 24.7 mm Focal Length at 1 arcsecond per pixel:  73 inches FOV at 1 arcsecond per pixel:  1.1 x 0.74 degrees

Update:  November 12, 2004:  Based on the results we have seen with the ST-2000XCM Camera, we have added a color version of the STL-11000 camera.  Click here to see the first light sample images taken with the STL-11000CM.  Price for the Class 1 will be the same as the monochrome STL-11000M.   A lower priced Class 2 device is available in color only.

For more camera specifications in HTML format, click here.

For more STL camera description and specifications in PDF format, click here.

For more information about single-shot color cameras, comparison data, image processing tips and sample images, click here.

For prices, click here. 

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The Research STL-6303E

CCD:  KAF-6303E/LE Total Pixels:  6.3 million Array:  3072 x 2048 pixels Pixel Size:  9 microns square Antiblooming:  Optional Class: 1,2 or 3 Peak QE: 68%  [click to see QE chart] Image Area:  27.7 mm x 18.5 mm Focal Length at 1 arcsecond per pixel:  73 inches FOV at 1 arcsecond per pixel:  0.9 x 0.6 degrees

Imagine a perfect mosaic of four ST-8XE images stitched together with no overlap.  That is the field of view and resolution of the KAF-6303E CCD.  With four times the field of view and four times the number of pixels, the 6.3 megapixel Research 6303XE is essentially like having four ST-8XE cameras imaging at once.   The 9 micron pixels are small enough that the large field of view can be exploited with relatively modest telescopes of less than 100 inches focal length.  High QE, blue sensitive, full frame, high dynamic range, low noise, and optional anti-blooming protection make this one of the most sought after detectors for professional use.

For more camera specifications in HTML format, click here.

For more camera description and specifications in PDF format, click here.

For prices, click here. 

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The Research STL-4020M / CM

CCD:  KAI-4022M / CM Total Pixels:  4.2 million Array:  2048 x 2048 pixels Pixel Size:  7.4 microns square Antiblooming:  Yes Class:  One class with no column defects Peak QE: 55%  [click to see QE chart] Image Area:  15.2 x 15.2 mm FOV at 1 arcsec / pixel:  0.6 x 0.6 degrees Focal Length at 1 arcsec / pixel:  60 inches

Designed around the KAI-4022M and KAI-4022CM (color) progressive scan interline CCD, this is the big brother to the popular ST-4000XCM.  With 4 million pixels and twice the imaging area of the ST-2000XM, this camera packs a lot of punch for the price and is our entry level large format camera.  The small pixel size and superb anti-blooming characteristics of Kodak's interline parts make this an ideal choice for wide field imaging through short fast refractors.  The QE is very high in the blue and green compared to other interline parts from other manufacturers.  Compared to Kodak's full frame sensors this CCD is less sensitive in the red and slightly higher in the blue/green.

For more camera specifications in HTML format, click here.

For more camera description and specifications in PDF format, click here.

For prices, click here. 

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The Research STL-1001E

CCD:  KAF-1001E Total Pixels:  1.0 million Array:  1024 x 1024 pixels Pixel Size:  24 microns Antiblooming: No Class:  1,2,3 Peak QE:  72% [click to see QE chart] Image Area:  24.6 mm x 24.6 mm Focal Length at 1 arcsecond per pixel:  195 inches FOV at 1 arcsecond per pixel:  0.3 x 0.3 degrees

This CCD started our development of the large format Research line of cameras.  The same CCD was used in our previous ST-1001E camera.  However, there were some limitations on the earlier model which have been eliminated with this design.  The previous model did not have a self-guiding CCD or matching 2" filter wheel due to physical constraints in the smaller ST camera body.  Also, the predecessor model used the slower parallel interface.  These things are now resolved with the larger Research Model camera body, 2" internal filter carousel and high speed USB electronics.

For more camera specifications in HTML format, click here.

For more camera description and specifications in PDF format, click here.

For prices, click here.  

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OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES

Click here for the accessory page for STL Series Cameras

Click here for the accessory prices

Each Research Series camera includes the following items:  STL camera body with TE cooled maging CCD and built-in TE cooled tracking CCD, internal filter wheel (filters are optional), custom 2" nosepiece, camera handles, USB cable, ST-L-RC Adapter plug and tracking cable, Universal 100-240VAC power supply, CCDOPS software, CCDSoftV5 software, TheSky version 5 software, hex wrench set, and Pelican carrying case with custom cut foam.

ORDERING AND AVAILABILITY

We are shipping all models of STL cameras on a monthly schedule.  Some models may be on back order due to demand.
Please check with your dealer or contact SBIG for further details.  

The Research STL-1301E has been discontinued (Kodak no longer makes the KAF-1301E CCD)

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Revised: February 24, 2009 01:07:01 PM
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