Orion StarShoot 52097 User manual

Orion®StarShoot 5 MP Solar
System Camera
#52097
INSTRUCTION MANUAL
Providing Exceptional Consumer Optical Products Since 1975
IN 510 Rev. A 09/13
Customer Support:
www.OrionTelescopes.com/contactus
Corporate Offices:
89 Hangar Way, Watsonville CA 95076 - USA

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Congratulations on your purchase of the Orion StarShoot 5 MP Solar System
camera (5 MP). The 5 MP is a high resolution color CMOS camera designed for
solar system imaging. The 5 MP can be used for the following purposes:
• Lunar Imaging
• Planetary Imaging
• Solar Imaging
• Terrestrial Imaging
Parts List
• Orion StarShoot 5 MP Solar System Camera (5 MP)
• 1.25” Nosepiece
• USB Cable
• Software CD
• Manual
System
Requirements
Computer
The 5 MP requires a computer running
Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8 or Mac OS X.
The computer hardware should have at
least the following:
• Pentium™ III Processor
• CD-ROM
• Connection to the Internet
• 512MB RAM
• Disk Space – 10GB or more is
recommended
• Video Display –16-bit color or higher, 1280 x 960 or higher is
recommended
• Mouse
• USB High Speed 2.0 port
Software and Driver Installation
Before the 5 MP can be used, software and camera drivers must be installed onto
your computer. Do not connect the camera to your computer before you have
installed the software.
Windows Software Installation
1. Insert the CD-ROM and wait for the Launcher window to appear (Figure 2).
If you are using Windows Vista or Windows 7, the AutoPlay window will
appear first, and then select Run autorun.exe
2. When the launcher appears, select Install Camera Driver. Go through the
prompts until the driver is installed.
3. Once the camera driver is installed select Install Capture Software (which
will install Orion EZPlanCap).
4. Links are also provided in order to download post processing software
RegiStax and AVIStack. These are valuable tools that add to the astro-pho-
tographer’s arsenal of post processing software.
Windows Installation of the Camera
1. Once the software installation is complete from the steps above, connect the
5 MP to your computer’s USB port using the provided USB cable.
Figure 1. The 5 MP attached to telescope for solar system imaging.
Figure 2. The launcher window
(Windows).

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4. Next, choose Install the software
automatically.
5. Windows may note that the driver
has not passed Windows Logo
testing. This is normal. Click the
Continue Anyway button. When
the Wizard has completed, click
the Finish button.
Windows Vista, Windows 7 and
Window 8 will automatically detect and
install the camera to your computer.
Mac Software Installation
Insert the CD-ROM and wait for the
window to appear. Read the file “read-
me.pdf” for installation instructions.
Also included on CD is Lynkeos a post
processing tool for Macs. This soft-
ware contains common post process-
ing tools such as alignment and stack-
ing for your planetary images.
Using the
Camera for the
First Time
We recommend using the camera for
the first time in daylight to become
familiar with the software interface and
camera settings.
1. Setup your telescope and use an eyepiece to locate an object outside that is
200 yards or more away.
2. Plug the 5 MP into your computer’s USB port.
3. Remove the eyepiece and insert the 5 MP into the 1.25” eyepiece holder on
your telescope (Figure 1).
4. Open Orion EZPlanCap and select a resolution to connect to camera (Figure
5 & 6).
5. Windows users press the button “Start Camera” to connect to camera and
begin streaming live video. Mac users press the “Live” button to connect with
camera and begin streaming live video.
6. If no camera is seen, check cable connections and camera driver installation.
2. In Windows XP a Found New Hardware Wizard will appear. Windows 7, 8
or Vista will automatically install the device.
3. Windows XP will ask if you want to search for drivers and updates online.
Select No, not this time and click Next.
Figure 3. EZPlanCap software (Windows).
Figure 4. EZPlanCap software (Mac).
Figure 5. Selecting resolution (Windows).
Figure 6. Selecting resolution (Mac).

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EXPOSURE: This is represented in
milliseconds. Move the slider back and
forth to adjust exposure (Figure 8).
Windows users press “Change Exp.”
and enter the value (Figure 7).
Dark Frame Correction
All CCD and CMOS cameras have
inherent noise which becomes more
apparent with longer exposure images.
If you require taking longer exposures
(typically longer than 3 seconds) you
may start to see background noise,
vertical lines and bright dots (hot pixels).
To automatically remove the noise and hot
pixels, dark frames are used to subtract the
noise and hot pixels from the live images. Best
results are accomplished by capturing many
dark frames and averaging them (Median
Combine) into one resultant frame.
In order create dark frames the camera must
be covered so that light is blocked from pass-
ing into the sensor. If using a telescope this can
easily be accomplished by placing the lens cap
on the telescope.
7. If the image is white on the screen,
it’s overexposed. Adjust the expo-
sure and gain as needed to reduce
the brightness. For terrestrial imag-
ing click the auto exposure (AE)
checkbox. Uncheck to manually
adjust.
8. Focus telescope until you get a
sharp image on your computer
screen.
9. To automatically select the white
balance (WB) for color correc-
tion Windows users press “One
Push WB” (Figure 9), Mac users
press the “White Balance” button
(Figure 10).
10. Experiment with the different cam-
era settings. The exposure and
gain will be the most frequently used set-
tings.
GAIN: This is represented as a percentage of
the total gain. Move the slider back and forth to
adjust gain (Figure 7).
Figure 7. The camera Control interface
(Windows).
Figure 9. The Color interface (Windows).
Figure 10. The Color interface
(Mac).
Figure 8. The camera Control
interface (Mac).

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To capture dark frames select the
number of images to take (Dark Frame
Quantity) and press the Calculate but-
ton (Figure 11 & 13). The user will now
be prompted to cover their telescope
and recording will begin.
When all dark frames have been
recorded according to the value in
Dark Frame Quantity, the user will
be prompted to remove the lens cap.
Before removing the lens cap select
the dark frame removal checkbox.
Notice how the image is much darker
and cleaner. Remove the lens cap and
see the difference. Higher gain and
exposure values will benefit most from
dark frame removal.
Note: Dark frames must match the
live image resolution, exposure and
gain values in order to work cor-
rectly. If you change any of these
settings be sure to also retake the
dark frames.
Image Capture
Select file format and press capture
button (Figure 7 & 13).
Multiple images can be captured sequentially by entering the number of images
to capture in the box (Figure 11 & 13).
Movies can also be captured in AVI format (Windows) or MOV format (Mac).
Note: Mac users can adjust the frame speed between low, normal and high
(Figure 8) in order to reduce USB download speed problems. Switch to Low
or normal if taking movie in full resolution to eliminate graphical glitches.
Planetary Imaging
Planetary imaging is also referred to as Solar System imaging, and includes the
Moon, the Sun (with a proper full aperture solar filter!), the planets, and miscel-
laneous objects in Earth’s orbit such as the International Space Station (ISS).
The 5 MP is capable of capturing all these objects in real time.
Just about any telescope is suitable for the 5 MP when imaging the planets.
The longer the focal length of the telescope, the larger and more detailed the
images will appear. Unlike deep space astro-imaging, you actually want to have
a long focal length and focal ratio for planetary
imaging. Adding a 2x, 3x or higher Barlow to
the telescope to increase magnification is not
uncommon for planetary imaging (Figure 14).
The planets and other solar system objects
are relatively bright and can be imaged with a
darker or “slower” focal ratio.
To help capture those brief moments of good
seeing, planetary imagers can select a smaller
resolution to increase frame rates.
Select binning modes such as 640x480 4x4
for increased sensitivity (Figure 5 & 6). This
mode gives great performance and sensitivity
which is highly suitable for planetary imaging.
Smaller resolutions are generally better for
short exposure, high magnification images.
High power planetary imaging often leaves the
best focus up to your eyes when monitoring the
live image. Use the zoom tool to aid in focus.
Select the fastest exposure time possible so
that images appear less blurred and set the
gain as high as possible without introducing
too much graininess. Experiment with your
telescope and camera to find the optimum set-
tings for your particular setup.
The best planetary images will be obtained by
aligning and stacking (combining) many indi-
vidual images in order to improve image contrast, brightness, and detail.
A great way to obtain images for stacking is to take several seconds of video of
the planet, then import the video into post processing software. Since the 5 MP
has a maximum frame rate of 50+ frames per second at 640x480 resolution, you
can literally obtain hundreds of images for stacking in seconds! You save time by
taking one video instead of dozens of individual pictures!
It is recommended to capture hundreds (or even thousands) of frames when
planetary imaging. The large amount of frames (either still images or movie file)
can then be processed using stacking and aligning software such as RegiStax
to give the best results.
Since you will be taking multiple images over a period of time, it is important you
have a decent polar alignment in order to keep the planet within the field of view
of the camera. To this end, having a motor drive (at least single-axis) will also be
helpful. Otherwise, you will periodically need to rotate the R.A. slow-motion knob
to keep the planet within the camera’s field.
Figure 11. Dark Frame Removal
(Windows).
Figure 13. Saving files, Zoom
and Dark Frame Removal (Mac).
Figure 12. Saving files and Zoom
(Windows).

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We recommend a telescope mounted
on a motorized altitude-azimuth or
German Equatorial mount. You can
potentially capture the Moon or a
planetary image with a telescope that
does not track, however you may not
get optimum results. The sky moves
15 arcseconds per second! If you are
imaging through a long focal length
telescope, you essentially need to
track the object or unwanted blurring
could occur.
Setup the Camera and
Telescope
• Locate and center the object
you wish to image in your
telescope using an eyepiece.
• Plug the 5 MP into your computer’s USB port.
• Remove the eyepiece from your telescope and insert the 5 MP.
• Open Orion EZPlanCap and select a resolution.
• Connect to the camera.
• Gradually adjust the telescope focus until you get a sharp image on your
computer screen.
• Increase gain and exposure if image too dim.
• Use the zoom feature as a focus aid.
• Select white balance (Figure 9 & 10).
Your frame rate will depend on such factors as your exposure time, computer pro-
cessor speed and hard drive speed. Fainter objects will require longer exposures
whereas bright objects like Jupiter or the Moon will require very short exposures.
Start with 100ms and 50% gain, and then adjust the exposure as needed for the
object you are imaging.
Imaging Tip: To speed up the frame rate, and to acquire a rough focus a lit-
tle quicker, select resolution 640x480 4x4 binning mode. This will increase
the frame rate and operate at 1/16th the resolution of the camera. Binning is
also useful when using very long focal length telescopes.
Setup Capture
Once you have achieved focus and good color, you are ready to capture and save
images to your computer.
View and Stack
After you have captured your images, you can review them in RegiStax, a free-
ware program downloadable from the provided web link in the CD Launcher. Mac
users can use the Lynkeos tool to align and stack their images.
We recommend stacking a minimum of 50 images or more. The individual
images have low bit depth (255 brightness level counts), and background noise.
Additionally, the individual images may be very soft since if you’re imaging at
high power, with or without the use of a Barlow. Stacking will improve the poten-
tial sharpness when processing in RegiStax. Stacking several hundred or more
images is sometimes appropriate to get the most possible detail.
Binning
The 5 MP can bin 4x4 to achieve 640 x 480 resolution in color. Binning in color
is a unique feature can provides great versatility to your planetary imaging. If you
are using a telescope system with very long focal length, or if the local seeing
conditions are poor, you may benefit from binning 4x4 to improve sharpness,
sensitivity, and frame rate.
Select resolution 640x480 4x4 binning mode (Figure 5 & 6).
Figure 14. Top: 5x Barlow, Middle: 3X
Barlow, Bottom: No Barlow.
Figure 15. Lunar imaging.

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Lunar Imaging
Lunar imaging requires fast exposure times due to the high brightness of the
moon. Similar techniques used to align and stack planetary images can also be
used for lunar image processing. Full resolution Live Lunar images can be stun-
ning when imaged under favorable conditions (Figure 15).
The current phase of the moon will dictate the exposure setting due to the vast
difference in brightness during each phase.
Solar Imaging
Warning: Always use a full aperture Solar Filter when observing the Sun.
With a properly fitting full-aperture solar filter attached to your telescope, you can
use the 5 MP to take images of the Sun and the sunspots on its surface.
(Filters available through Orion. Check the catalog or OrionTelescopes.com for
more information).
Much like Planetary and Lunar imaging, solar imaging requires fast frame rates
and exposure times.
Terrestrial Imaging
Nature and scenic imaging is possible with 5 MP when used with a telescope.
Use the X and Y flip when image is reversed or upside down.
When using with a telescope the aperture may need to be stopped down (reduced
in size) in order to reduce the brightness during daytime.
Tips
Focusing
One of the hardest things to do in planetary imaging is achieving good focus.
You can make this process easier by simply watching the Live Video window to
focus. Depending upon the viewing conditions you may notice that the image
goes in and out of focus, this is due to viewing conditions. This is to be expected
and one of the reasons why post processing software can bring out the best in
your captured images. Focus as best as possible with the average frame being
at best focus to ensure more in focus frames than out of focus. Image processing
software can then be used to select the best frames to combine for best results
and can also reject the poorest frames.
Use the zoom feature to aid in focusing.
First zoom in on the target, focus, then zoom back out.
Refocus often throughout your imaging session. This ensures at least some of
your images will have an excellent focus. It is also not uncommon for telescope
movements to alter the focus slightly, so be sure to refocus for any new astro-
imaging targets.
Choosing a Site for Astro-imaging
Once you have a focused image, you may find your image shifting and washed
out. This can be caused by many environmental factors. Poor seeing (movement
of molecules in the air, such as heat rising) and poor transparency (moisture,
smoke, or other sky contaminants) will all serve to reduce image quality. That is
why most major astronomical telescopes are on high mountains in thin air, to get
above much of the seeing and transparency problems. Also, wind will move your
telescope and affect images. Your eyes viewing through an eyepiece can change
slightly to compensate for disturbances like these, but the camera cannot. Keep
these factors in mind when choosing an observing site for astronomical imaging.
For the best astro-images, we recommend finding a location with dry air, some
altitude, and away from city or streetlights. Even a nearby hilltop in the coun-
tryside can provide better viewing conditions than many convenient backyard
locations.
Loss of Camera Connection
If the computer connection to the camera is interrupted, you will need to re-estab-
lish connection. This can happen due to several reasons; if a cable becomes
unplugged, the computer “freezes”, or the software/hardware otherwise tempo-
rarily loses the data coming from the camera.
To re-establish camera connection, first close the Orion EZPlanCap program on
your computer. Then, unplug and re-plug the camera into the computer’s USB
port. Now, open Orion EZPlanCap, select camera resolution and press ‘Start
Camera” button (Windows) or “Live” button (Mac), The Live Video Window should
now appear indicating re-established connection between camera and computer.
Using Focal Reducers and Barlow Lenses
Focal reducers serve to decrease the focal length of your telescope. This increas-
es the field of view seen by the camera (decreases camera magnification). This
can be useful for obtaining images of wider objects, such as the full Moon or a
landscape vista.
Barlow lenses, or other tele-extenders, increase the focal length of your tele-
scope, which makes the camera field of view narrower (increases camera mag-
nification). This is useful for high-power planetary images (Figure 14). Keep in
mind that when the focal length is doubled, the image will become four times
dimmer, so a longer exposure may be necessary.
For best planetary imaging, you should shoot with an effective focal ratio (tele-
scope focal length ÷ telescope aperture) of F/20 or greater. This will give you a
good combination of image brightness and image scale for planets. For most
telescopes, a Barlow lens will be required to obtain this focal ratio. For example,
Schmidt-Cassegrain telescopes usually have a focal ratio of F/10. A 2x Barlow
lens doubles the effective focal length of the telescope, which makes the focal
ratio f/20. Similarly, a 3x Barlow lens will yield of focal ratio of F/30. You can also
try using multiple Barlows to obtain even greater effective focal ratios. There is a

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limit to how large a focal ratio your telescope and seeing conditions can handle,
however. Experimentation will be needed to see what your telescope is capable
of in the seeing conditions on a given night. If the image appears somewhat
dim and fuzzy on the computer screen, you may want to consider removing the
Barlow lens.
(Focal Reducers and Barlow lenses available through Orion, check the catalog
or OrionTelescopes.com for more information).
Solar Filter
Warning: Always use a full aperture solar filter when viewing the sun.
With a properly fitting full-aperture solar filter attached to your telescope, you can
use the SSAIO to take images of the Sun and the sunspots on its surface.
(Solar filters available through Orion, check the catalog or OrionTelescopes.com
for more information).
Flip Mirror
As easy as flipping a switch, the Imaging Flip Mirror enables the astro-photogra-
pher to find, center and focus a target visually with a 1.25” telescope eyepiece,
then photograph it with a CCD camera. All without swapping out any equipment.
It’s a real timer saver, making the normally tedious task of focusing with the CCD
camera alone easier and quicker.
(Available through Orion, check the catalog or OrionTelescopes.com for more
information).
USB Extension Cable
In many instances, it is likely a longer cable for the 5 MP will be needed in order
to comfortably setup the telescope, camera, and computer.
(USB extension cable available through Orion, check the catalog or
OrionTelescopes.com for more information).
Care and Maintenance
When the 5 MP is not in use, remove the nosepiece then attach the dust cap.
This prevents dust from accumulating on the 5 MP’s optical window. The optical
window should only be cleaned if significant dust builds up or if the window is
touched. Any quality optical lens cleaning tissue and optical lens cleaning fluid
specifically designed for multi-coated optics can be used to clean the glass sur-
face of the 5 MP’s optical window. Never use regular glass cleaner or cleaning
fluid designed for eyeglasses. Before cleaning with fluid and tissue, blow any
loose particle off the surface with a blower bulb or compressed air. Then apply
some cleaning fluid to a tissue, never directly on the optics. Wipe the optical sur-
face gently in a circular motion, then remove any excess fluid with a fresh lens
tissue. Use caution, rubbing too hard may cause scratches.
(Cleaning products available through Orion, check the catalog or OrionTelescopes.
com for more information).
Specifications
Camera Sensor: Micron color CMOS Sensor
Sensor format: 1/2.5”
Pixel array: 2592 x 1944 (5 MP)
Pixel Size: 2.2µm x 2.2µm
Exposure Range: 1 ms to 5 s 999 ms
Max Frame Rate: Up to 50 FPS @ 640 x 480
Up to 6 FPS @ 2592 x 1944
A/D Conversion: 8 bit
Thermoelectric cooling: No
IR Cut filter: Yes
Mounting: 1.25” nose piece

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One-Year Limited
Warranty
This Orion product is warranted against defects in materials or
workmanship for a period of one year from the date of purchase.
This warranty is for the benefit of the original retail purchaser only.
During this warranty period Orion Telescopes & Binoculars will
repair or replace, at Orion’s option, any warranted instrument that
proves to be defective, provided it is returned postage paid. Proof
of purchase (such as a copy of the original receipt) is required.
This warranty is only valid in the country of purchase.
This warranty does not apply if, in Orion’s judgment, the instru-
ment has been abused, mishandled, or modified, nor does it
apply to normal wear and tear. This warranty gives you specific
legal rights. It is not intended to remove or restrict your other legal
rights under applicable local consumer law; your state or national
statutory consumer rights governing the sale of consumer goods
remain fully applicable.
For further warranty information, please visit
www.OrionTelescopes.com/warranty.
Orion Telescopes & Binoculars
Corporate Offices: 89 Hangar Way, Watsonville CA 95076 - USA
Customer Support: www.OrionTelescopes.com/contactus
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