Santa Barbara Instrument Group STL-1001E User manual

Operating Manual
Research Camera Models:
STL-1001E, STL-1301E, STL-4020M,
STL-6303E and STL-11000M
Santa Barbara Instrument Group
147A Castilian Drive
Santa Barbara, CA 93117
Phone [phone] •Fax [phone]
Web:<www.sbig.com> •Email:<[email protected]>
SBIG
ASTRONOMICAL
INSTRUMENTS

Note: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital
device pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable
protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates,
uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and if not installed and used in accordance with
the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is
no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does
cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning
the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or
more of the following measures:
• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
• Increase the separation between the receiver and the equipment.
• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the
receiver is connected.
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
Shielded I/O cables must be used when operating this equipment.
You are also warned, that any changes to this certified device will void your legal right to
operate it.
OPERATION Manual for STL-1001E/1301E/4020M/6303E/11000M
Revision 1.0
October 2003

Section 1 - Introduction
Page 1
1. Introduction ..................................................................................................................... 4
1.1. Getting Started .................................................................................................................5
1.1.1. Quick Start Guide – Summary.................................................................... 6
1.1.2. Unpacking the Camera................................................................................ 6
1.1.3. Parts and Assembly ..................................................................................... 9
1.1.4. Connections................................................................................................. 10
1.1.5. Attaching the camera to a telescope using the 2” nosepiece ............... 12
1.1.6. Attaching the camera to a telescope using a custom adapter.............. 12
1.1.7. Attaching the optional camera lens adapter .......................................... 13
1.1.8. Connecting the STL-RC Adapter and Relay Cable ...............................13
1.1.9. Optional Relay Adapter Box.....................................................................14
1.1.10. Attaching the Remote Head ..................................................................... 14
1.1.11. Connecting water hoses ............................................................................15
1.1.12. Extending the USB cable ........................................................................... 15
1.1.13. Opening the Front Cover - Changing Filters.......................................... 16
1.1.14. Regenerating the Desiccant Plug ............................................................. 17
1.1.15. Indicator Lights........................................................................................... 17
1.1.16. Opening the Back Cover - Changing the Fuse....................................... 18
1.1.17. Attaching the Camera Handles................................................................ 18
1.1.18. Camera Resolution..................................................................................... 19
1.1.19. Camera Field of View ................................................................................ 20
1.1.20. Focal Length, Resolution and Field of View .......................................... 21
1.2. Installing the USB Drivers for the First Time ............................................................ 22
1.2.1. Establish Communications with CCDOPS............................................. 22
1.2.2. Capturing Images with the CCD Camera................................................. 23
2. Introduction to CCD Cameras.................................................................................... 25
2.1. Cameras in General ....................................................................................................... 25
2.2. How CCD Detectors Work ........................................................................................... 25
2.2.1. Full Frame and Frame Transfer / Interline CCDs................................. 26
2.3. Camera Hardware Architecture .................................................................................. 26
2.4. CCD Special Requirements .......................................................................................... 29
2.4.1. Cooling......................................................................................................... 29
2.4.2. Double Correlated Sampling Readout .................................................... 29
2.4.3. Dark Frames ................................................................................................ 30
2.4.4. Flat Field Images......................................................................................... 30
2.4.5. Pixels vs. Film Grains................................................................................. 30
2.4.6. Guiding........................................................................................................ 32
2.5. Electronic Imaging......................................................................................................... 32
2.6. Black and White vs. Color ............................................................................................ 33
3. At the Telescope with a CCD Camera ...................................................................... 35
3.1. Step by Step with a CCD Camera................................................................................ 35
3.2. Attaching the Camera to the Telescope...................................................................... 35
3.3. Establishing a Communications Link......................................................................... 35
3.4. Focusing the CCD Camera ........................................................................................... 36
3.5. Finding and Centering the Object ............................................................................... 37
3.6. Taking an Image............................................................................................................. 37

Section 1 - Introduction
Page 2
3.7. Displaying the Image .................................................................................................... 38
3.8. Processing the Image..................................................................................................... 38
3.9. Advanced Capabilities .................................................................................................. 38
3.9.1. Crosshairs Mode (Photometry and Astrometry)................................... 38
3.9.2. Sub-Frame Readout in Focus.................................................................... 39
3.9.3. Track and Accumulate............................................................................... 39
3.9.4. Autoguiding and Self Guiding................................................................. 40
3.9.5. Auto Grab.................................................................................................... 41
3.9.6. Color Imaging ............................................................................................. 41
4. Camera Hardware ......................................................................................................... 43
4.1. System Components...................................................................................................... 43
4.2. Connecting the Power................................................................................................... 43
4.3. Connecting to the Computer........................................................................................ 43
4.4. Connecting the Relay Port to the Telescope............................................................... 43
4.4.1 Using Mechanical Relays .............................................................................. 44
4.5. Modular Family of CCD Cameras............................................................................... 46
4.6. Connecting accessories to the Camera........................................................................ 50
4.7. Battery Operation........................................................................................................... 50
5. Advanced Imaging Techniques ................................................................................. 51
5.1. Lunar and Planetary Imaging...................................................................................... 51
5.2. Deep Sky Imaging.......................................................................................................... 51
5.3. Terrestrial Imaging ........................................................................................................ 51
5.4. Taking a Good Flat Field............................................................................................... 52
5.5. Building a Library of Dark Frames.............................................................................. 52
5.6. Changing the Camera Resolution................................................................................ 52
5.7. Flat Fielding Track and Accumulate Images ............................................................. 53
5.8. Tracking Functions ........................................................................................................ 54
6. Accessories for your CCD Camera ............................................................................ 57
6.1. Water Cooling................................................................................................................. 57
6.2. Tri-color Imaging ........................................................................................................... 57
6.3. Camera Lens Adapter ................................................................................................... 58
6.4. Focal Reducers................................................................................................................ 58
6.5. Flat Field Correctors ...................................................................................................... 58
6.6. Third Party Products and Services.............................................................................. 58
6.6.1. Windows Software..................................................................................... 58
6.6.2. Image Processing Software ....................................................................... 58
6.6.3. Getting Hardcopy....................................................................................... 58
6.7. SBIG Technical Support ................................................................................................ 59
7. Common Problems ....................................................................................................... 61
8. Glossary .......................................................................................................................... 62
A. Appendix A - Connector and Cables......................................................................... 67
A.1. Connector Pinouts for the AO/SCOPE port:............................................................. 67
A.2. Connector Pinouts for the power jack: .......................................................................67

Section 1 - Introduction
Page 3
A.4. SBIG Tracking Interface Cable (TIC-78) .....................................................................68
B. Appendix B - Maintenance ......................................................................................... 69
B.1. Cleaning the CCD and the Window ........................................................................... 69
B.2. Regenerating the Desiccant .......................................................................................... 69
C. Appendix C - Capturing a Good Flat Field.............................................................. 70
C.1. Technique........................................................................................................................ 70
D. Appendix D – Camera Specifications....................................................................... 71
Model STL-4020M Typical Specificaitons......................................................................... 71
Model STL-11000M Typical Specificaitons ....................................................................... 72
Model STL-6303E Typical Specificaitons .......................................................................... 73
Model STL-1301E Typical Specificaitons .......................................................................... 74
Model STL-1001E Typical Specificaitons .......................................................................... 75
E. Appendix E – Third Party Vendors Supporting SBIG Products ......................... 76
Index 79

Section 1 - Introduction
Page 4
1. Introduction
Congratulations and thank you for buying one of Santa Barbara Instrument Group's Research
Model CCD cameras. These large format cameras are SBIG's sixth generation CCD cameras and
represent the state of the art in CCD camera systems with their low noise and advanced
capabilities, including Kodak's new Blue Enhanced E series of CCDs, high speed USB interface,
internal filter wheel and dual self-guiding modes. We feel that these cameras will expand your
astronomy experience by being able to easily take images like the ones you've seen in books and
magazines, of structure never seen through the eyepiece. SBIG CCD cameras offer convenience,
high sensitivity, and advanced image processing techniques that film just can't match. And now,
with these large format cameras, digital imaging is directly comparable to 35mm film with its wide
field of view. In addition, CCDs allow a wide range of scientific measurements and have
established a whole new field of amateur astronomy that is growing by leaps and bounds.
The Research Series cameras include several exciting new features: internal self-guiding (US
Patent 5,525,793), optional remote self-guiding, internal filter wheel, two-stage cooling, high speed
USB interface and more. These cameras have two CCDs inside, one for guiding and a large one for
imaging. An optional remote guiding head may be added for guiding through an external optical
system or through an off-axis guider placed before the camera. The low noise of the read out
electronics virtually guarantees that a usable guide star will be within the field of the guiding CCD
for telescopes with F/numbers F/6.3 or faster. The two-stage new cooling design is capable of
exceptional performance even in warm climates. The relay output plugs directly into most recent
commercial telescope drives and is easily modifiable to virtually any drive system. As a result, you
can take hour long guided exposures with ease, using either the built-in guiding CCD or the
remote guiding head. The internal guiding CCD eliminates differential deflection of guide scope
relative to the main telescope and requires no radial guider setup hassles. The remote guiding
head allows for a convenient alternative when imaging through narrow band filters where suitable
guide stars may be difficult to find. This dual tracking mode capability, coupled with the
phenomenal sensitivity of the CCD, will allow the user to acquire observatory class images of deep
sky images with modest apertures! The technology also makes image stabilization possible
through our AO-7.
The new Research Series of cameras incorporate the following design features and
improvements over predecessors:
 Uses high speed USB for faster downloads with rates up to 425,000 pixels / second.
 Adds a new I2C bi-directional AUX port for future use.
 LEDs on the digital board show relay activations (helpful for troubleshooting).
 New two-stage cooling with water circulation capability built-in.
 No firmware ROM to update, software uploads to camera at boot-up.
 New capabilities can be added to the camera by replacing the loader driver.
 New Boot sequence, LED flashes and fan comes on when firmware upload is complete.
 LED flashes when initializing shutter.
 Mechanical/electronic design work to reduce shutter errors and stray light.
 Larger TC237 autoguider CCD (656 x 495 at 7.4u).
 Premier software, CCDSoftV5 and TheSky included with each camera.
 CCDOPS version 5 camera control software included with major improvements

Section 1 - Introduction
Page 5
o Support for USB cameras
o Support for Ethernet (Ethernet to Parallel) for our older parallel cameras
o Read FITS files
o Save in several formats (including ASCII format that imports to Excel).
o Multiple images open at once
o New universal drivers
o Works with all 32-bit Windows OS (95/98/Me/NT/2000/XP).
o Version 5 (Gold Icon) can co-exist with Version 4 (Black Icon).
o Focus Mode Dialog has big numbers for peak brightness to aid focusing.
o Added 1xN, 2xN and 3N readout modes to ST-7/8/9/10/1001
o Magnified preview in crosshairs window
o Sharpen preview in contrast dialog.
o Dockable Icon bar.
1.1. Getting Started
NOTE: The USB driver installation process described in the CCDOPS Manual must be
completed by anyone installing an SBIG USB camera for the first time on a particular computer.
The USB drivers must be installed on the computer before connecting the camera for the first
time. If you wish to run your SBIG USB camera from more than one computer, you must go
through the USB driver installation process for each computer you intend to use.
This manual describes the STL-1001E, STL-1301E, STL-4020M, STL-6303E and STL-11000M
CCD Camera Systems from Santa Barbara Instrument Group. This Section contains a one page
Quick Start Guide followed by detailed instructions on handling, connecting and maintaining the
camera.
For users new to the field of CCD Astronomy, Sections 2, 3 and 4 offer introductory material
about CCD Cameras and their applications in Astronomy. Users who are familiar with CCD
cameras may wish to skip sections 2 – 4 and go directly to the software manual.
The CCDOPS version 5 manual gives detailed and specific information about the SBIG
software. Sections 5 and 6 of this manual offer some basic hints and information about advanced
imaging techniques and accessories for CCD imaging that you may wish to read after your initial
telescope use of the CCD camera. Finally, section 7 may be helpful if you experience problems
with your camera, and the Appendices provide a wealth of technical information about these
systems.

Section 1 - Introduction
Page 6
1.1.1. Quick Start Guide – Summary
Before First Light:
1. Attach the 2” nosepiece or other adapter to secure the camera to your telescope, or the
camera lens adapter if you intend to use a lens rather than a telescope.
2. Attach the handles if desired.
3. Install filters if needed.
4. Install software on the computer(s) that you will use to control the camera.
Before each imaging session, with your computer on and software ready:
5. Attach the remote guiding head to the camera if you intend to use remote guiding. Do not
connect or disconnect the remote head with the power on. If you are unsure it is a good
idea to attach it anyway because if you decide to use it in the middle of an observing session
you will have to shut down the main camera before connecting the remote head. This could
be inconvenient. You can always select the internal guider when the remote head is
connected.
6. Attach the STL-RC adapter and relay cable to the camera.
7. Attach the water supply and return tubes and have the water supply and/or pump ready if
you intend to use water-cooling.
8. Attach the power to the camera.
9. Attach the USB cable to the camera last. With the camera powered up and the USB cable
attached you should see the STAT LED flicker as the camera downloads the drivers from
your computer (this is automatic). After a couple of seconds the fan should come on and
the STAT LED should glow steady.
10. Referring to your software instructions, use your camera control software to Establish a
Communications link between your computer and the camera.
Your camera is now ready to be controlled by your computer. You should refer to your software
manual or instructions for details on focusing, capturing images, taking dark frames, self-
guiding, etc.
1.1.2. Unpacking the Camera
It is always a good idea to check over your new camera to make sure that you have received all
necessary parts and standard accessories. Each Research Series camera is packed in a deluxe
custom carrying case. This case should contain all the items necessary to operate your camera.,
except for optional color, photometric or narrow band filters which are shipped separately.

Section 1 - Introduction
Page 7
Standard Equipment for Research Series Cameras:
Main Camera Body
Custom 2” Nosepiece
Camera Handles
Internal 2” Filter Carousel
Universal Power Supply Regional AC Cord and Plug 15’ USB Cable
Tracking Cable / Adapter
Water Tube Connectors
Software and Manuals
Custom Pelican Case
Optional Equipment for Research Series Cameras:
Remote Guiding Head
6’ Remote Head Cable Custom Filters 12V Water Pump
Extra Filter Carousel
Nikon Lens Adapter
Relay Adapter Box
12VDC Power Cable

Section 1 - Introduction
Page 8
Standard Items:
Main Camera Body - Research Series Camera Body with imaging CCD and built-in and
guiding CCD, two-stage cooling, internal filter carousel and high speed USB interface. An
accessory plate is fixed to the front of the camera body for attaching nosepiece, camera lens
adapter and custom adapters.
Custom 2” Nosepiece – Bolt on nosepiece design for minimum vignetting with the largest
35mm format CCD.
Camera Handles – Two handles are included for easier handling of the camera in the field.
Internal 2” Filter Carousel – An internal 2” filter carousel is built-in to the front cover.
Universal Power Supply – This AC supply enables operation of the camera from 90 – 240VAC,
50-60 Hz.
Regional AC Cord and Plug – AC cords with either European or North American style plugs
are provided.
15’ USB Cable – A standard 15’ USB 1.1 cable is supplied
Relay Cable and STL-RC Adapter – The tracking cable is a 6 conductor flat cable with 6 pin
modular telephone style plugs at both ends. The STL-RC adapter plug is used to connect the
Tracking Cable to the 9 pin port on the camera labeled “AO/SCOPE” for self-guiding.
Water Tube Connectors – Two easy snap on/off connectors are provided for connecting water
circulation tubes to the camera’s water inlet and outlets.
Software and Manuals – A complete package of camera control software and manuals are
included.
Custom Pelican Case – The Pelican brand carrying case provided for the Research Series
Cameras are high quality, waterproof, dustproof, crushproof cases that carry a lifetime
guarantee from the manufacturer.
Optional Items:
Remote guiding head with 3 foot (0.9 meter) head cable – The optional Remote Guiding Head
contains a TC237H CCD identical to the built-in guiding CCD. This head allows you to use a
separate guide scope or off-axis guider to place the guiding CCD outside the filter wheel for
convenience when imaging through narrow band filters or anytime you wish to use an
external guider.
6 foot (1.8 meter) replacement remote head cable – Long replacement cable for the 3 foot head
cable that is supplied with the Remote Guiding Head.