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.

Section 1 - Introduction
Page 9
Custom Filters –50mm LRGBC, UBVRI and narrow band filters are available. SBIG’s LRGBC
filter set contains both a Luminance and a Clear filter in addition to the RGB filters. The
Luminance filter is both UV and IR blocked. The clear filter is not blocked. The RGB
passbands have been specifically designed for use with the CCDs used in the Research Series
cameras. All filters in the set are AR coated. Our photometric UBVRI filters are also AR
coated.
12V Water Pump – A submersible pump is available for water cooling. It is only necessary to
provide a constant flow of water through the heat exchanger to achieve maximum cooling.
Cooling the water supply is not necessary or advised. If you do not have a ready source of
water this pump will work in the field from 12VDC.
Extra Filter Carousel – If you have more than one set of filters that you change often, it might
be easier to keep more than one carousel handy, each with its own set of filters. Then,
changing the set requires only swapping the filter carousel.
Nikon Lens Adapter – This adapter allows the use of Nikon 35mm camera lenses on Research
Series cameras for wide field imaging.
Relay Adapter Box – The camera’s internal relays used for self-guiding are electronic (TTL)
type relays. These work with the vast majority of telescope drive systems today. However,
some telescopes, particularly older models, may require mechanical relays to isolate the
telescope from the camera. The mechanical relays also provide both normally open and
normally closed contacts for custom applications.
12VDC power cord with cigarette lighter adapter – A 12VDC power cord is available for field
operation directly from a battery.
1.1.3. Parts and Assembly
To help you get familiar with the camera and its various
parts please refer to the following diagrams and pictures.
The large central portion of the camera body contains the
CCD chamber, electronics, desiccant plug, shutter, heat
exchanger, fan and a power supply allowing 12VDC
operation in the field. A separate AC to 12VDC desktop
adapter is also provided. The front cover contains the
internal filter wheel. A self-aligning connector allows
electric signals to pass from the main body to the filter
wheel when the front cover is attached to the main body.
This allows the user to easily remove the front cover to gain
access to the filters and desiccant plug when necessary.
The filter wheel will not operate when the front cover is
removed from the main body. The front cover also holds
the accessory mounting plate on the outside of the aperture over the CCD. The accessory plate is

Section 1 - Introduction
Page 10
shimmed at the factory to provide a flat mounting surface that is parallel to the CCD. Under
normal use, it should not be removed. The rear cover has ventilation slots for air circulation and
also holds the water inlet and outlet connectors. Two clear plastic tubes connect the water inlet
and outlet fittings on the rear cover to the heat exchanger inside the back of the main body. There
is sufficient tubing to allow the rear cover to be opened to attach the camera handles or to change
the fuse located inside the rear of the main body.
1.1.4. Connections
For convenience in routing the various cables and connections to the camera, all of the connectors
required for power, communication, accessories and water circulation are located together on one
side of the camera body.
Each of the connections on the bottom of the camera is shown below with a brief explanation of its
function.

Section 1 - Introduction
Page 11
POWER from either the universal AC supply or 12VDC cable is plugged
into the round 6 pin DIN connector. If you wish to make a custom
power cable, the pin outs for the connector may be found in the
appendix of this manual. We recommend 16 gauge conductor for 10’ to
15’ of cable or 18 gauge conductor for less than 10’ of cable. Smaller
gauge wire will cause a voltage drop across the cable and the camera
may not work properly.
USB connection to your computer uses a standard 15’ USB cable. If
your computer must be more than 15’ from the camera we recommend
an active extension for short distances (15’ additional) or a powered USB
extended such as the Icron Ranger for longer distances. The Icron
Ranger allows USB devices to operate up to 100 meters from the host
computer.
AO/SCOPE This port supplies the relay outputs for controlling your
telescope during a guiding session. Connect the telephone style cable to
this connector by using the supplied STL-RC adapter plug. This
connector will also allow control of a future Adaptive Optics device
similar to the AO-7. The current AO-7, designed for the ST series of
cameras cannot be used on the large format cameras.
REMOTE HEAD. This miniature 15 pin connector is for attaching the
optional remote guiding head. The remote guiding head contains a
cooled TC-237H guiding CCD identical to the guiding CCD built-in the
camera. It draws its power from the main camera and is controlled by
the same software that controls the internal guider. This option allows
the use of either the internal or the remote guiding CCD for self-guiding
during long exposures. It has its own shutter for dark frames.
WATER. The camera can be operated with our without water
circulation. Simply by attaching water circulation you can maintain a
lower operating temperature in warm environments. The water
circulation helps lower the temperature of the heat exchanger located in
the back of the camera and this, in turn, makes it easier for the TE cooler
to reach lower temperatures. The water does not need to be cooled. A
water pump is optional.
I2C-AUX
This port (covered in the photos) is not currently used. It is for future expansion of accessories.

Section 1 - Introduction
Page 12
1.1.5. Attaching the camera to a telescope using the 2” nosepiece
There are several ways to attach the camera to a telescope. The easiest and most practical way is to
simply use the supplied custom 2” nosepiece. This
nosepiece is designed to cause
minimum vignetting with the
largest (35mm format) CCD.
The nosepiece is attached to the
accessory plate on the front of
the camera with four screws.
This method eliminates the need
for a threaded nosepiece that
could restrict the light path. The
custom nosepiece is easily attached and removed for
transporting the camera in its hard case with the camera handles attached to the camera body.
Caution: Use only a very solid 2” drawtube, preferably with
two or more setscrews holding the camera in place. The
camera is large and heavy. Even if it is securely attached at
the beginning of an evening, movement and temperature
changes could cause the setscrew to come loose and the
camera could fall. The best protection is to attach a safety
line to the ¼-20 threaded tripod hole or through one of the
camera handles so that even if the camera slips from the
telescope or your hands in the cold, it will not fall to the
ground or swing into your mount.
1.1.6. Attaching the camera to a telescope using a
custom adapter
For optical systems that do not offer a 2”
drawtube, a custom adapter will have to be
provided by the user. The accessory plate on
the front cover of the camera has four tapped
holes for screw in adapters and the 2.158”
aperture is also threaded. In addition to the
drawing at left, mechanical drawings in PDF
format may be found at the SBIG web site in the
Application Notes section.

Section 1 - Introduction
Page 13
1.1.7. Attaching the optional camera lens adapter
The optional camera lens adapter may be used instead of the 2” nosepiece if you wish to use any
Nikon 35mm camera lens to take wide field images with
one of the large format cameras. For example, using the
popular Nikon 300mm F/2.8 lens
on an STL-11000M camera will
give a field of view of nearly 5 x 7
degrees. A standard 50mm lens
will give a field of view of 28 x 41
degrees! The camera lens adapter
is attached to the camera by
screwing the threaded barrel of the
lens adapter into the large threaded aperture of the
accessory mounting plate. A locking ring is provided on
the threaded barrel to hold the adapter in place after
adjusting it for best focus at infinity.
Caution: In order to achieve the low profile needed for
the Nikon adapter, the small locking pin and release
lever have not been used in this adapter design. We
have found that the lens fit is snug enough that it will
not move by itself once it is screwed into the adapter
ring. However, care should be taken that you do not
inadvertently rotate the lens in the adapter while
adjusting the focus. This will cause a shift in focus and
may leave the lens loose in the adapter.
1.1.8. Connecting the STL-RC Adapter and Relay Cable
The camera contains internal electronic (TTL) relays used to control a telescope during self-guiding
or when auto guiding. Most modern telescope drive controllers have a 6 pin modular phone style
jack on their front panel or hand paddle for plugging in an
autoguider. The relay outputs from the camera are brought out via a
DB9 connector labeled “AO/SCOPE.” The
same connector will also be used to control
an Adaptive Optics device similar to the
AO-7 (Note: The AO-7 cannot be used
with the Research Series Cameras). To
connect the telephone style Relay Cable to
the camera, use the STL-RC adapter
(shown above) to make the connection between the 6-pin RJ11 plug
on the cable and the 9 pin plug on the camera. Plug the other end of the Relay Cable into the CCD
or Autoguider port on your telescope’s drive corrector.

Section 1 - Introduction
Page 14
1.1.9. Optional Relay Adapter Box
Some older telescope drive correctors require electronic isolation between the camera and the
telescope. Other older correctors may require both normally open
and normally closed relays. For these and other events, an optional
Relay Adapter Box is available that will convert the
TTL relay output from the camera to mechanical
relays contained in a separate box that is inserted in-
line between the camera and the telescope. You
must use the 9 pin to RJ11 cable supplied with the
Relay Adapter Box to connect the box to the camera.
This cable adds a pin that will supply the 12V
needed by the relay adapter box. DO NOT USE THIS 9 PIN TO RJ11 CABLE TO
CONNECT DIRECTLY TO A TELESCOPE. The telescope may be damaged by the
12 volts on the extra pin. For direct connection to the telescope without the Relay
Adapter Box, use the STL-RC adapter plug and RJ11 to RJ11 relay cable as shown
in section 1.1.8, above.
1.1.10. Attaching the Remote Head
The Remote Guiding Head is an optional accessory for all models of the Research Series cameras.
When attached to the main camera body using the 3 foot
head cable, or the optional 6 foot replacement cable, the
Remote Guiding Head can perform all of the functions of
the guiding CCD that is built
into the camera. You control
the Remote Guider using the
same menu commands as you
would for the internal guider.
You can select which guider to
use for a self-guided image.
The Remote Guiding Head
makes it possible to self-guide using a separate guide scope, or through an off-axis guider assembly
that is placed in front of the filters. This can be useful when imaging through narrow band filters
where stars are difficult to see. It is important to
remember that you should not connect or disconnect the
Remote Head to the camera while the power in on. It is a
good idea, therefore, to plan
your observing session in
advance and connect the Remote
Head at the beginning of the
evening if there is any chance
that you expect to use it that
night. If you decide that you
need the Remote Head in the middle of an observing
session, it may be inconvenient to shut down the main

Section 1 - Introduction
Page 15
camera and power back up again. The Remote Guiding Head contains a shutter and TE cooler. It
is therefore capable of taking dark frames without manual intervention by the user. The 1.25”
nosepiece is screwed into female t-threads on the face plate of the head. The nosepiece may be
removed and the head attached to an optical system using t-threads instead. An optional T-to-C
adapter is also available that allows the use of c-thread lenses or a C-to-Camera lens adapter such
as the CLA5 for attaching 35mm camera lenses.
1.1.11. Connecting water hoses
Research Series cameras are equipped with a heat exchanger inside the back cover that allows
water circulation if conditions require additional cooling of the CCD. The cameras may be
operated with or without water circulation. No special steps are
necessary to use water circulation other than connection of a water
supply. The camera comes with two water hose fittings (pictured in
the inset at left) that snap on and off of the water inlet and outlet
fixtures on the bottom of the camera. These fittings accept a hose
with an inside diameter of 1/8th inch (0.125”/3.2mm). Very little
pressure is needed. Only enough
pressure to maintain a constant
flow is required to get maximum
benefit from the water
circulation. Also, it is not necessary to cool the water below
ambient temperature with ice or refrigeration. Water at
ambient temperature is an effective heat conductor and a
constant flow of water will carry away enough heat from the
heat exchanger that further cooling of the water supply will
result in little gain. In fact, cooling the water supply too much may cool the camera well below the
dew point so that moisture forms on the inside surface of the case or the outside surface of the CCD
chamber window. If you do not have a way to supply water to the camera, the 12VDC water
pump and tubing shown above right is an optional accessory available from SBIG.
1.1.12. Extending the USB cable
The camera is supplied a standard 15’ (~4.6 meter) USB cable. If you wish to operate the camera
remotely, there are several ways to extend this distance between your computer and the camera:
Active USB Extension Cable. These accessories are commonly available at computer stores and
Radio Shack. They are 15 foot extension cables that get their power from the USB output port of
your computer. These are good if your computer is located no more then about 30 feet (~9 meters)
from the camera.
Powered USB extenders. Powered extenders such as the Icron Ranger (www.icron.com) are also
commonly available in computer stores and by mail order over the Internet. These extenders
require power at one end of the cable (either end) and will let you operate the camera (or any USB
device) up to 100 meters from the computer.
Ethernet (LAN). SBIG provides server software that allows our USB cameras to be connected to a
computer near the camera and operated remotely over a local network (wired or wireless) by
another computer on the local network.

Section 1 - Introduction
Page 16
1.1.13. Opening the Front Cover - Changing Filters
The filter wheel is contained inside the front cover plate. To access the filter wheel remove the
eight socket head screws located in recessed slots around the perimeter of the front cover. With the
camera lying on its back plate (or on the camera handles if attached), remove the front cover by
lifting straight up away from the main body. You will notice resistance as the front cover is still
connected to the main body through a self-aligning electrical plug.
This plug will separate and the front cover will come free with a firm
but gentle pull. It may be easiest to
hold the main body with your hands
and push up on the corners of the
front cover nearest the connectors
with your thumbs. Filters may be
inserted and removed with the filter
carousel in place. The filter carousel
accepts both 48mm threaded filter
cells (below right) and 50mm round unmounted filters (below
left). Thick unmounted filters may be held in place by turning
the shouldered retaining washers (arrows)
upside down to capture the filter. We
recommend the 50mm filters for minimum
vignetting, particularly with the KAI-11000M
CCD. If you have more than one set of filters
you may find it easier to purchase one or more
additional carousels and
populate them with your
filter sets. In this case, you
can change sets by swapping carousels. The filter carousel is held in place by a
single screw in its center. Remove this screw and carefully remove the carousel
by sliding it up and away from the motor. Be careful not to lose the small flat
washers that go between the carousel and the front cover. These must be
replaced when reassembling the filter wheel to the cover or the carousel will
not work properly. After installing or changing filters, replace the
carousel taking care to replace the small washer between the
carousel and the inside of the front cover. The small steel washer
fits into a recessed cutout in the cover, then the larger white
Teflon washer goes on top of the steel washer. The carousel is put
in place next and the assembly is secured with a screw and Teflon
bearing through the center of the filter carousel. DO NOT OVER-
TIGHTEN THE CENTRAL SCREW. It is only necessary to tighten
the central screw until it is snug. Over-tightening the screw may
impair the operation of the filter wheel. When reassembled,
replace the front cover assembly containing the filter carousel on
the camera. Orient the front cover so that the self-aligning connector plugs are together and gently
push straight towards the main body to seat the front cover. Replace the 8 retaining socket head
screws to hold the front cover in place.

Section 1 - Introduction
Page 17
1.1.14. Regenerating the Desiccant Plug
The CCD is housed in a sealed chamber located inside the front of the main body. The chamber is
separate from the large front and rear cover plates, so that opening the front or rear cover plates to
gain access the filter wheel or to attach/remove
the camera handles will not expose the CCD
chamber to the environment. The CCD
chamber has a desiccant plug located on one
side to help remove moisture from the air
inside the chamber. If it should become
necessary to recharge the desiccant due to
excess moisture or frosting in the chamber, it is
a simple matter to remove the desiccant plug,
bake it in a conventional oven at 350 degrees F
(175 degrees C) for 4 hours and replace the
plug in the camera. To gain access to the
desiccant plug, remove the front cover per the
instructions for accessing the filter wheel. Note
the location of the desiccant plug in the picture. If the shutter is in the way when you open the
camera, gently rotate it out of the way by nudging one edge until you have easy access to the
desiccant plug. The shutter is thin and flat. Care should be taken not to press directly down on it
or bend it in any way. Remove the plug by unscrewing it from the chamber. You should be able to
unscrew it using your fingers. If time and temperature have made it too tight, use soft grip pliers
to remove it. Be sure to take off the o-ring from around the threads before baking the plug. You
may wish to place a small piece of electrical tape over the hole in the side of the CCD chamber
while you are baking the desiccant plug to keep unwanted dust and moisture out of the chamber.
When you replace the desiccant plug after baking it, do not over-tighten it when you screw it back
into the chamber. It should be tightened as much as you can with your fingers only. Don’t forget
to replace the o-ring on the plug before re-installing it after baking.
1.1.15. Indicator Lights
There are five LED indicator lights located on the side of the main camera body that provide
information about the camera’s communication link, exposure status, internal temperature and
input voltage. The green status LED labeled STAT will flicker when the
camera is initializing after being connected to the computer. It will then
either glow continuously when the camera is idle or blink when the camera
is taking an exposure. The red LED labeled HOT will light if the
temperature of the camera’s heat exchanger exceeds 50 degrees C. In this
case the camera will automatically reduce the power to the TE cooler. The
first yellow LED labeled 11V will light if the input voltage at the camera
drops to 11V or less. The second yellow LED labeled 10V will light if the
input voltage at the camera drops to 10V or less. The final red LED labeled
9V will light if the input voltage at the camera drops to 9V or less. If the voltage drops to 11V or
10V the camera will continue to operate normally. However, once the input voltage drops to 9

Section 1 - Introduction
Page 18
volts or less the camera will shut down the cooling and continue to attempt to operate until the
voltage drops to a point (about 7 - 8 volts) where the camera is no longer able to function normally.
1.1.16. Opening the Back Cover - Changing the Fuse
Research Series cameras have a built-in regulated 12VDC power
supply which lets you run the camera directly from any 12VDC
source such as a car battery. The input to this supply is protected
with a fuse located inside the rear of the camera. To access the
fuse, remove the back cover plate of the camera by removing the
four socket head screws located in recessed slots at the four corners
of the rear of the camera. Carefully lift the rear cover and stand it
near the heat exchanger as shown in the picture below. There are
two flexible tubes running from the water inlet and outlet fixtures
on the back cover to the heat exchanger that prevent the rear cover
from being completely separated from the main body. However, the cover can be opened for
routine access to the fuse and camera handles
without removing these tubes.
WARNING: It is recommended that you do
not detach the water circulation tubes inside
the camera. It is not easy to tell if they are
connected once the back cover is replaced. If
they are accidentally left detached inside the
camera when a water source is connected to
the fixtures on the outside of the camera
body, the water will leak into the camera
body and damage or destroy the electronics.
1.1.17. Attaching the Camera Handles
Two handles are supplied with each Research Series
camera to make it easier to handle in the field. These
handles may be attached or left
off as you see fit. If you wish to
attach the handles, open the
back cover of the camera and
pass the screws with washers
for the handles through the
holes in the back cover. Once
the handles are secured, re-attach the back cover.
Note that the camera will fit in its carrying case with either the camera handles or the 2”
nosepiece attached, but not both. However, the 2” nosepiece is easily attached and detached
from the accessory plate for transportation with four external screws.