ST-10XME and ST-10XMEI
High Quantum Efficiency CCD Cameras
The Model ST-10XME is the flagship of the "ST" series of self-guiding CCD cameras from SBIG. The body is identical to the ST-7XME, ST-8XME, ST-9XME and ST-2000XM models with some slight modifications to accommodate the larger detector. Like other self-guiding cameras in the ST series, the ST-10XME contains two CCDs. In this case, the imaging CCD is an enhanced KAF-3200ME imaging detector from Kodak with 3.2 million pixels. The guiding CCD is the TC-237H with 657 x 495 pixels. The Model ST-10XMEI is essentially the same camera without the guiding CCD and some accessories. As of March, 2006, both the single CCD and dual CCD models come with the Remote Guide Head port for attaching an external guiding head. Both the ST-10XME and ST-10XMEI cameras use the same electronics and USB 1.1 interface that is as fast or faster than some competitors' USB 2.0. Moreover, the USB 1.1 interface is easily extended up to several hundred feet with commonly available and relatively inexpensive USB extenders whereas USB 2.0 is not. For a comparison of the ST-10XME and ST-10XMEI please refer to the chart below. See the table below for a comparison of the two versions.
The addition of a micro lens layer over the pixels of the CCD has significantly increased the quantum efficiency of the KAF-3200ME detector. The peak QE for this CCD is over 85%. Previously, this level of QE was achievable only through the expensive process of thinning the wafer and illuminating the image sensor from the backside. The QE for the blue wavelength of 400 nm is nearly double that of the 3200E and there is a 30% increase in QE over the 3200E (from 65% to 85%) at the important deep red H-alpha emission line.
Except for the increased QE, the CCD specifications remain the same as the 3200E: 2184 x 1472 pixels at 6.8 microns with the same low read noise and low dark current as the KAF-3200E CCD. The cosmetic grades also remain the same, a Class 2 CCD is free of column defects. This 3.2 megapixel CCD has a Full Frame Resolution of 2184 x 1472 pixels at 6.8 microns making it an ideal camera for wide field apochromatic refractors. The active imaging area is 17% greater than the ST-8E and the arrays contain approximately twice as many pixels. The imaging camera includes an electro-mechanical shutter, 16 bit analog to digital (A/D) converter, regulated temperature control with all of the electronics integrated into the CCD head. Communication to the PC is through the USB port with image data transfer at up to 425,000 pixels per second.
The KODAK DIGITAL SCIENCE TM KAF-3200E Image Sensor is a high density, full-frame Blue Plus image sensor. It joins the family of Kodak Blue Plus sensors with improved quantum efficiency across the visible spectrum. Ultra-low dark current of less than 1e-/pixel/second at 0 degrees C (typical) allows moderate cooling for applications involving extended exposures. With an improved liquid cooling design, the ST-10XME cameras will reach approximately 45 degrees C below ambient temperature for best performance even in hot climates.
Although the ST-10XE/XME camera is a perfect match to high quality refractors in high resolution mode, with 3.2 million pixels the ST-10XE/XME is easily adapted to a variety of focal lengths. The various binning modes of 6.8, 13.6 and 20.4 micron pixels allow you to match the focal length of a wide range of telescopes and lenses to this imaging camera.
|
Full Frame | Half Frame | Quarter Frame |
High
Res (unbinned) |
2184 x 1472 6.8 microns |
1092 x 736 6.8 microns |
548 x 370 6.8 microns |
Medium
Res (binned 2x2) |
1092 x 736 13.6 microns |
546 x 368 13.6 microns |
275 x 186 13.6 microns |
Low
Res (bin 3x3) |
728 x 490 20.4 microns |
364 x 245 20.4 microns |
184 x 124 20.4 microns |
There are also half-frame and quarter-frame modes
available for each resolution setting. Moreover, even when binned 2x2 or 3x3 the
number of pixels is still comparable to the ST-7XE, ST-8XE and ST-9XE as the table to the
right illustrates. For example, in addition to 2184 x 1472 at 6.8 microns, the user
can elect to image at 1092 x 736 with 6.8 micron pixels or 1092 x 736 with 13.6 micron
pixels. In "low" resolution, full frame mode, the ST-10EXE/XME still
operates much like a ST-9XE with 36% more pixels and 43% larger field of view! The
various combinations of useable frame and pixel sizes makes this an extremely versatile
camera.
Resolution
Modes |
Pixel Array |
Uncompressed Image Size |
Compressed Image Size |
High Res Mode (1x1) | 2184 x 1472 | ~ 6.4 Mb | ~ 3.4 Mb |
Med Res Mode (2x2) | 1092 x 736 | ~ 1.6 Mb | ~ 1.1 Mb |
Low Res Mode (3x3) | 728 x 490 | ~ 715 Kb | ~ 500 Kb |
The file size of high resolution images can be reduced
by about half by saving the images in SBIG compressed file format. The benefit of
this format is that the compression is lossless, unlike JPEG and other compression
techniques. The original file size and amount of compression varies somewhat
depending on the content of the image and the resolution mode selected, but the
information contained in the table below is typical.
The ST-10XME camera utilizes SBIG's newest high speed analog and digital electronics with a USB interface to the PC. This new interface is up to 14 times faster than our older parallel interface, and in some cases faster than others' USB 2.0. The full frame download rate for the ST-10XE/XME is approximately 8.7 seconds. For finding and centering objects and for focusing, various binning or partial frame modes may be selected to significantly shorten the download time. For instance, in focus mode with a 20 x 20 pixel box the download time is about 0.5 seconds per frame. CCDOPS software also has an Auto Resolution feature that makes using this type of large array easier. The Model ST-10XME camera maintains similar performance, low noise and high QE as the ST-8XME camera. In fact, the ST-10XME has slightly less dark current and lower read noise than the ST-8XME. The dual CCD structure also allows the full range of existing accessories to work with the ST-10XME: The AO-7 Adaptive Optics System, CFW-8A color filter wheel, CFW-10 color filter wheel, camera lens adapters, etc., are all the same for the ST-10XME as the other ST series cameras.
Each ST-10XME camera system includes the following:
ST-10XME Comparison Chart |
||
ST-10XMEI | ST-10XME | |
High QE KAF-3200ME CCD | Class 2 | Class 2 |
Column defects allowed | none | none |
High Speed USB Interface | l | l |
Internal shutter for automatic dark frames | l | l |
Internal ROM for CFW8A control | l | l |
Regulated thermoelectric cooling with fan | l | l |
Universal Power Supply | l | l |
USB Cable | l | l |
Adjustable t-thread interface block | l | l |
2" nosepiece with t-thread base | l | l |
CCDOPS ver.5 software on CD-ROM | l | l |
CCDOPS ver.5 manual on CD-ROM | l | l |
Camera Operating Manual | l | l |
TheSky v.5, level II software on CD-ROM | l | l |
TC-237H Tracking CCD (657x495 at 7.4u) | $395 | l |
Custom Pelican Carrying Case | $149 | l |
Water Cooling Heat Exchanger | $99 | l |
ST-7RC Adapter and Relay Cable | $9 | l |
Printed Camera Operating Manual | $15 | l |
Printed CCDOPS ver.5 manual | $15 | $15 |
1.25" Nosepiece | $49 | $49 |
* Rugged camera body
with new high speed analog and digital electronics
* New High QE Class 1 KAF-3200ME imaging CCD with no column defects
* Built-in TC-237H CCD autoguider with 2.7X the area and 10X the sensitivity
of an ST-4
* High speed USB interface (425,000 pixels/sec).
* New Remote Guide Head Port
* New I2C bi-directional expansion port
* Standard accessory / telescope port
* User rechargeable desiccant plug
* Shutter
* 2" Nosepiece
* Cooling Fan - on/off controlled by software
* New heat exchanger design with water cooling capability
* Tripod mount 1/4-20 threaded side plate
* Adjustable t-thread ring
* 15 foot USB cable (third party USB extenders available for up to 500
meters!)
* Telescope interface cable (for autoguiding)
* Universal Power supply
* SBIG's CCDOPS version 5 camera control software
* Software Bisque's CCDSoftV5 camera control and image processing software
* Software Bisque's TheSky version 5, level II
* Operating Manual
* Custom design Pelican carrying case with pre-cut foam for your camera and
accessories
* One Year Warranty Parts and Labor
* Demo CD-ROM with sample images and software
Each ST-10XMEI camera includes the following:
* Rugged camera body
with new high speed analog and digital electronics
* New High QE Class 1 KAF-0261E imaging CCD with no column defects
* High speed USB interface (425,000 pixels/sec)
* New Remote Guide Head Port
* New I2C bi-directional expansion port
* Standard accessory / telescope port
* User rechargeable desiccant plug
* Shutter
* 2" Nosepiece
* Cooling Fan - on/off controlled by software
* Tripod mount 1/4-20 threaded side plate
* Adjustable t-thread ring
* 15 foot USB cable (third party USB extenders available for up to 500
meters!)
* Universal Power supply
* SBIG's CCDOPS version 5 camera control software
* Software Bisque's TheSky version 5, level II
* Software Bisque's CCDSoftV5 camera control and image processing software
* Operating Manuals on CD-ROM
* One Year Warranty Parts and Labor
Optional Accessories |
||
|
||
CFW9 Five Position Color Filter Wheel | CFW10 Ten Posisiton Color Filter Wheel | AO-8 Adaptive Optics |
LRGB, Narrowband and Photometric filters |
Submersible water pump and tubing |
Self-Guided Spectrograph |
ST-10XME
and ST-10XMEI
Typical Specifications
CCD |
|
CCD |
Kodak KAF-3200ME + TI TC-237 |
---|---|
Pixel Array | 2184 x 1472 pixels |
CCD Size | 14.9 x 10 mm |
Total Pixels | 3.2 million |
Pixel Size | 6.8 x 6.8 microns square |
Full Well Capacity | ~77,000 e- |
Dark Current | 0.5e-/pixel/sec at 0 degrees C. |
Antiblooming | n/a |
Readout Specifications |
|
Shutter | Electromechanical |
---|---|
Exposure |
0.12 to 3600 seconds, 10ms resolution |
Correlated Double Sampling | Yes |
A/D Converter | 16 bits |
A/D Gain | 1.3e-/ADU |
Read Noise | 8.8e¯ RMS |
Binning Modes | 1 x 1, 2 x 2, 3 x 3 |
Pixel Digitization Rate |
Up to 420.000 pixels per second |
Full Frame Download | ~8.7 seconds |
System Specifications |
|
---|---|
Cooling - standard |
Single Stage Thermoelectric, Active Fan, Water Assist -45 C from Ambient Typical with water, -35 C w/air only |
Temperature Regulation | ±0.1°C |
Power |
5VDC at 1.5 amps, +/-12VDC at 0.5 amps, power supply included |
Computer Interface | USB 1.1 |
Computer Compatibility |
Windows 98/2000/Me/XP Mac OS-X / Vista 32 bit |
Guiding |
Dual CCD Self-Guiding with built-in TC-237 CC |
Physical Dimensions |
|
---|---|
Optical Head |
5 inches diameter x 3 inches 12.5 cm diameter x 7.5 deep |
CPU |
All electronics integrated into Optical Head, No CPU |
Mounting |
T-Thread, 2" nosepieces included |
Weight | Approx. 2 pounds/0.9kg |
Backfocus | 0.92 inches / 2.3 cm |
Price and specifications are aubject to change without notice
Revised:
October 06, 2008 12:52:37 PM.
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