ST-7XE CCD IMAGING CAMERA

The Model ST-7XE is a self-guided imaging camera and contains two CCD detectors; one for guiding and the other for collecting the image. They are mounted in close proximity, both focused at the same plane, allowing the imaging CCD to integrate while the PC uses the guiding CCD to correct the telescope. Using a separate CCD for guiding allows 100% of the primary CCD to be used to collect the image. The telescope correction rate and limiting guide star magnitude can be independently selected. Tests at SBIG indicate that 95% of the time a star bright enough for guiding will be found on the guiding CCD without moving the telescope, using an f/6.3 telescope. The imaging CCD is the New Enhanced KAF-0401E CCD from Kodak.  This CCD is available with or without antiblooming protection (ABG).  The non-ABG part has approximately twice the quantum efficiency of the antiblooming part.  The Full Frame Resolution is 765 x 510 pixels at 9 microns square.

April 1, 2003:  Kodak has released a new version of the CCD we use in the ST-7XE camera.  The new KAF-0402ME CCD has improved quantum efficiency with a peak of nearly 85% QE near 650 nm.  The blue sensitivity is further increased by 50% over the KAF-0401E..  This new detector gives the performance of the ST-10XME in a smaller less expensive package.  See our New Product Announcement for further details.

Carefully guided exposures up to one hour are possible, enabling a standard Celestron C-8 to capture images showing 19th magnitude stars from typical background observing sites. The imaging camera includes an electro-mechanical shutter, 16 bit analog to digital (A/D) converter, regulated temperature control, and has all of the electronics integrated into the CCD head. Communication to the PC is through the USB port.  Click here for more information on recent improvements the new High Speed USB Interface.

For a review of the ST-7E see the article in Sky & Telescope Magazine by Dennis DiCicco from August, 1999.

M82.  ST-7E image using AO-7 adaptive optics device and 8" f/12.4 cassegrain telescope. Primary image by Stan Moore with deconvolution by Benoit Schillings and color data supplied by by Al Kelly.

Each imaging camera is furnished with both MS-DOS and Windows 95/98/NT operating software. The CCDOPS software includes camera control and image processing plus photometric and astrometric measurement functions. The CCDOPS Windows software is unsurpassed in performance and ease of operation.  Optional operating software can be expanded to include remote telescope control, a large stellar data base from the SAO catalog and Hubble Guide Star Catalog, plus a non-stellar data base from NCC, IC, PCC (Principle Galaxies Catalog), PK planetary nebulae, WDS (double star catalog), and GCVS (variable star catalog).

M1.  ST-7E LRGB image taken with an AO-7 adaptive optics device through a 16" f/10 telescope.  Corrections were make at 4Hz. Courtesy Marko Moilanen

The Model ST-7XE is widely used in astronomy for both high quality images and scientific applications. The pixel binning modes allow the user to match the pixel size to various focal lengths ranging from long focal length refractors and SCT's to short focal length camera lenses. The dual CCD structure allowed SBIG to design an Adaptive Optics system to work in conjunction with the ST-7XE and other SBIG self-guiding cameras in the ST line.   This unique system is described under the Accessory Products section of this catalog.

Model ST-7XE
Typical Specifications

CCD Specifications

Readout Specifications

Optical Specifications (8" f/10)

System Specifications

Physical Dimensions

Price

Price and specifications subject to change without notice

Revised: April 16, 2003 11:21:23 AM.
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