MODEL ST-10E CCD IMAGING CAMERA

ST-10E CCD IMAGING CAMERA

ST-10E Description and Preliminary Specifications:

The Model ST-10E is the latest large array, high resolution CCD camera from SBIG.  The body is identical to the ST-7, ST-8 and ST-9 models with some slight modifications to accommodate the larger detector.  The ST-10E contains an enhanced KAF-3200E imaging detector from Kodak.  This 3.2 megapixel CCD has a Full Frame Resolution of 2184 x 1472 pixels at 6.8 microns making it the ultimate camera for wide field apochromatic refractors.  The active imaging area is 17% greater than the ST-8E and the array contains 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 parallel port.

Multi-megapixel KAF-3200E

The KODAK DIGITAL SCIENCE ^TM KAF-3200E Image Sensor is a high density, 3.2 million pixel, 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^o C (typical) allows moderate cooling for applications involving extended exposures.  With two stage cooling, the ST-10E will reach approximately 40^o C below ambient temperature for best performance even in hot climates.

Athough the ST-10E camera is a perfect match to high quality refractors in high resolution mode, with 3.2 million pixels the ST-10E 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.  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-7, ST-8 and ST-9 as the table below 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-10E still operates much like a ST-9E with 36% more pixels and 43% larger field of view!  The various combinations of useable frame and and pixel sizes makes this an extremely versatile camera. 

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 line of cameras was originally developed using detectors having fewer pixels so the full frame, high resolution download time for this detector is rather long - about 118 seconds.   However, at the end of a long exposure this download time is not so onerous.   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 less than 3 seconds, and in medium resolution mode of 1092 x 736 at 13.6 microns, the download time is 38 seconds, about 10 seconds faster than an ST-8.  CCDOPS software has an Auto Resolution feature that makes using this type of large array easier.  For instance, when focusing using Auto Resolution in conjunction with Planet Mode, the camera is automatically binned 3x3 for the first full frame download.  This shortens the first full frame download time to about 20 seconds.  The user selects a small box size around the star to be used for focusing and thereafter the area inside the focus box is automatically downloaded in high resolution mode.  But since only the area inside the focus box is downloaded, the update rate (for a 20 x 20 box) is less than 3 seconds per frame.  This gives the best resolution and the shortest download times for focusing.  [Note: SBIG is also developing an autofocus accessory that will be compatible with the ST-10E camera.]   The table below shows the download times for various frame and binning modes.     

The Model ST-10E camera maintains similar performance, low noise an high QE as the ST-8E camera.  In fact, the ST-10E has slightly less dark current and lower read noise than the ST-8E.  The dual CCD structure also allows the full range of existing accessories to work with the ST-10E:   The AO-7 Adaptive Optics System, CFW8 color filter wheel, camera lens adapters, etc., are all the same for the ST-10E as the ST-8E.   

The Multi-Megapixel KAF-3200E enhanced CCD installed in the ST-10E Camera. Our highest resolution, dual sensor, self-guiding CCD camera.

Model ST-10E CCD Preliminary Specifications

Readout Specifications

Optical Specifications

System Specifications

Physical Dimensions