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| en:ost:ccds:grunddaten [2024/03/27 13:09] – rhainich | en:ost:ccds:grunddaten [2026/04/01 10:54] (current) – [Technical Data] rhainich |
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| ====== Specialized astro cameras ====== | ====== Specialised Astro Cameras ====== |
| |
| [{{ :ost:ccds:qhy600m_1.png?300| Our QHY 600M with the filter wheel }}] | <WRAP group> |
| | <WRAP twothirds column> |
| | ===== CMOS Cameras ===== |
| |
| ==== CMOS cameras ==== | Our main cameras are CMOS cameras developed specifically for astrophotography. For deep-sky imaging we use two QHY 600Ms, which offer, among other things, a full-frame sensor, very high quantum efficiency, very low readout noise, and a very low dark current. For these cameras we also have an off-axis guider, one filter wheel with 9 positions, and one filter wheel with 7 positions. |
| |
| Our newcomer, the QHY 600M is a CMOS camera that was developed especially for astrophotography. It is our new deep-sky camera and offers among other things a full format sensor, a very high quantum efficiency, a very low readout noise and a very low dark current. For this camera we also have an off-axis-guide and a filter wheel with 9 positions. | A QHY 268M serves as the main camera for our two [[en:ost:spektrograph:grunddaten|spectrographs]]. We also have a veTEC 533C from Omegon and a range of guiding and planetary cameras. These are used primarily for solar observations or as guiding cameras (see e.g. [[en:ost:ccds:maximdl#Guide Tab|here]]) in combination with the QHY 600M and the spectrographs. |
| |
| As main camera for our two [[en:ost:spektrograph:grunddaten| spectrographs]] serves a QHY 268M. Furthermore we have a QHY 485C and a ZWO ASI174. | We have dedicated a separate article to the [[en:ost:ccds:setup|assembly]] of some of the cameras. |
| | </WRAP> |
| | <WRAP third column> |
| | [{{ :ost:ccds:qhy600m_1.png?300 | Our QHY 600M including filter wheel}}] |
| | </WRAP> |
| | </WRAP> |
| |
| ==== CCD Cameras ==== | === Main Cameras === |
| |
| Furthermore, four older CCD cameras (ST-7, ST-8, STF-8300M, ST-i) from SBIG (//Santa Barbara Instrument Group//) and one CCD camera (Skyris 445C) from //Celestron// are available. | |< 100% 21% 28% 28% 28%>| |
| | | | **QHY 600M** | **QHY 268M** | **veTEC 533C** | |
| | | **Model number** | QHY 600M PRO-L | QHY 268M-PH | Omegon Pro veTEC 533C | |
| | | **Pixel size** | 3.76 $\mu \text{m}$ x 3.76 $\mu \text{m}$ | 3.76 $\mu \text{m}$ x 3.76 $\mu \text{m}$ | 3.76 $\mu \text{m}$ x 3.76 $\mu \text{m}$ | |
| | | **Number of pixels** | 9576 x 6388 (9600 x 6422 with overscan) | 6252 x 4176 (6280 x 4210 with overscan) | 3008 x 3008 | |
| | | **Total chip size** | 36 mm x 24 mm | 23.45 mm x 15.7 mm | 11.3 mm x 11.3 mm | |
| | | **High Conversion Gain (HCG)** | Photographic DSO Mode (#0): 26, High Gain Mode (#1): 56 || 101? (not published) | |
| | | **Max. ADC bit depth** | 16 bit | 16 bit | 14 bit | |
| | | **Field of view with CDK20** | 35.8' x 23.4' | 23.3' x 15.6' | 11.2' x 11.2' | |
| | | **Sampling** | 4.5 pixels per arcsec | 4.5 pixels per arcsec | 4.5 pixels per arcsec | |
| |
| The ST-7, ST-8, and STF-8300M are deep-sky cameras, but due to their relatively small field of view they are rarely used currently. | <WRAP group> |
| | <WRAP half column> |
| | [{{ :ost:ccds:qhy268m.jpg?400 | Our QHY 268 }}] |
| | </WRAP> |
| | <WRAP half column> |
| | [{{ :ost:ccds:qhy485c.jpg?400 | Our QHY 485 }}] |
| | </WRAP> |
| | </WRAP> |
| |
| \\ | |
| The ST-i, the QHY 485C, and the Skyris 445C are "planetary cameras" which allow very short exposure times. They are mainly used for solar observations or as guiding cameras (see e.g. [[de:ost:ccds:ccdops#Guiding|here]] or [[de:ost:ccds:maximdl#Guiding|here]]) in connection with the QHY 600M and the spectrographs. | |
| |
| All cameras can be controlled via [[de:ost:ccds:maximdl| Maxim DL]]. For the SBIG cameras [[de:ost:ccds:ccdops| CCDOPS]] is also available as control software. We have dedicated a separate article to the [[en:ost:ccds:setup|assembly]] of some cameras. | === Planetary/Guiding Cameras === |
| | /* |
| | |< 100% >| |
| | | | **QHY 485C** | **SBIG ST-i** | **ZWO ASI174** | **ZWO ASI220** | **ZWO ASI678** | |
| | | **Model number** | QHY-5-III-485C | ST-i Monochrome | ZWO ASI174MM Mini Mono | ZWO ASI220MM Mini Mono | ZWO ASI678MM | |
| | | **Number of pixels** | 3864 x 2180 | 648 x 486 | 1936 x 1216 | 1920 x 1080 | 3840 x 2160 | |
| | | **Pixel size** [$\mu \text{m}$] | 2.9 x 2.9 | 7.4 x 7.4 | 5.86 x 5.86 | 4 x 4 | 2 x 2 | |
| | | **Total chip size** [mm] | 11.2 x 6.3 | 4.8 x 3.6 | 11.3 x 7.1 | 7.68 x 4.32 | 7.7 x 4.3 | |
| | | **CDK20 field of view** ['] | 11.2 x 6.3 | 4.8 x 3.6 | 11.2 x 7.1 | | | |
| | | **CDK20 sampling** [pixels per arcsec] | 5.8 | 2.3 | 2.9 | | | |
| | */ |
| |
| ==== Basic data ==== | /* |
| | |< 100% 9% 16% 13% 13% 19% 4& 15% 12%>| |
| | | **Model** | **Model number** | **Number of pixels** | **Pixel size** [$\mu \text{m}$] | **Total chip size** [mm] | **HCG** | **CDK20 field of view** ['] | **CDK20 sampling** [pixels per arcsec] | |
| | | **QHY 485C** | QHY-5-III-485C | 3864 x 2180 | 2.9 x 2.9 | 11.2 x 6.3 | - | 11.2 x 6.3 | 5.8 | |
| | | **QHY 462C** | QHY-5-III-462C | 1920 x 1080 | 2.9 x 2.9 | 5.6 x 3.2 | 100 | 5.6 x 3.2 | 5.8 | |
| | | **ZWO ASI174** | ZWO ASI174MM Mini Mono | 1936 x 1216 | 5.86 x 5.86 | 11.3 x 7.1 | - | 11.2 x 7.1 | 2.9 | |
| | | **ZWO ASI220** | ZWO ASI220MM Mini Mono | 1920 x 1080 | 4 x 4 | 7.68 x 4.32 | 106 | 7.6 x 4.3 | 4.2 | |
| | | **ZWO ASI678** | ZWO ASI678MM | 3840 x 2160 | 2 x 2 | 7.7 x 4.3 | 182 | 7.7 x 4.3 | 8.3 | |
| |
| === Main cameras === | |< 100% 9% 17% 11% 12% 12% 5% 10% >| |
| | ^ **Model** ^ **Model number** ^ **Number of pixels** ^ **Pixel size** [$\mu \text{m}$] ^ **Chip size** [mm] ^ **HCG** ^ Bit depth (native) ^ Readout noise [$\text{e}^-$] ^ FPS | |
| | ^ **QHY 485C** | QHY-5-III-485C | 3864 x 2180 | 2.9 | 11.2 x 6.3 | - | 8 & 16 (12) bit | 0.77 - 2.4 | 44 @ 8 bit | |
| | ^ **QHY 462C** | QHY-5-III-462C | 1920 x 1080 | 2.9 | 5.6 x 3.2 | 100 | 8 & 16 (12) bit | 0.5 - 2.6 | 135 @ 8 bit | |
| | ^ **ZWO ASI174** | ZWO ASI174MM Mini Mono | 1936 x 1216 | 5.86 | 11.3 x 7.1 | - | 10 & 12 (12) bit | 3.5 - 6.0 | 128 - 164 @ 12 or 10 bit | |
| | ^ **ZWO ASI220** | ZWO ASI220MM Mini Mono | 1920 x 1080 | 4 | 7.68 x 4.32 | 106 | 8 & 16 (12) bit | 0.6 - 3.2 | 7 - 14 @ 16 or 8 bit | |
| | ^ **ZWO ASI678** | ZWO ASI678MM | 3840 x 2160 | 2 | 7.7 x 4.3 | 182 | 12 bit | 0.6 - 3.5 | 47.5 @ 12 bit? | |
| | */ |
| |
| [{{ :ost:ccds:qhy268m.jpg?300| Our QHY 268 }}] | |< 100% 9% >| |
| |< 100% 27%>| | ^ **Model** ^ **Model number** ^ **Number of pixels** ^ **Pixel size** [µm] ^ **Chip size** [mm] ^ **HCG** ^ Bit depth (native) ^ Readout noise \\ [$\text{e}^-$] ^ FPS ^ Peak QE [%] | |
| | | **QHY 600M (2x)** | **QHY 268M** | | ^ **QHY 485C** | QHY-5-III-485C | 3864 x 2180 | 2.9 | 11.2 x 6.3 | - | 8 & 16 (12) bit | 0.77 - 2.4 | 44 @ 8 bit | > 90 | |
| | **Model number** | QHY 600M PRO-L & QHY 600M PH | QHY 268M-PH | | ^ **QHY 462C** | QHY-5-III-462C | 1920 x 1080 | 2.9 | 5.6 x 3.2 | 100 | 8 & 16 (12) bit | 0.5 - 2.6 | 135 @ 8 bit | > 90 | |
| | **pixel size** | 3.76 $\mu \text{m}$ x 3.76 $\mu \text{m}$ | 3.76 $\mu \text{m}$ x 3.76 $\mu \text{m}$ | | ^ **ZWO ASI174** | ZWO ASI174MM Mini Mono | 1936 x 1216 | 5.86 | 11.3 x 7.1 | - | 10 & 12 (12) bit | 3.5 - 6.0 | 128 - 164 @ 12 or 10 bit | 77 | |
| | **Number of pixels** | 9576 x 6388 | 6280 x 4210 | | ^ **ZWO ASI220** | ZWO ASI220MM Mini Mono | 1920 x 1080 | 4 | 7.68 x 4.32 | 106 | 8 & 16 (12) bit | 0.6 - 3.2 | 7 - 14 @ 16 or 8 bit | 92 | |
| | **Total size of the chip** | 36 mm x 24 mm | 23.45 mm x 15.7 mm | | ^ **ZWO ASI678** | ZWO ASI678MM | 3840 x 2160 | 2 | 7.7 x 4.3 | 182 | 12 bit | 0.6 - 3.5 | 47.5 @ 12 bit? | 83 | |
| | **Field of view with the CDK20** | 35.8’ x 23.4’ | 23.3’ x 15.6’ | | |
| | **Sampling** | 4.5 Pixel per arcsec | 4.5 Pixel per arcsec | | |
| |
| === Planetary/Guiding cameras === | **Note:** The QHY 462C has a [[https://www.qhyccd.com/uploadfile/2020/0620/20200620044746606.png|high quantum efficiency in the red to near-infrared range]], making it particularly interesting for planetary observations. In addition to the usual UV/IR filters, we have for this camera an IR850 filter that transmits only near-infrared light, as well as a relatively narrow-band methane filter around 880 nm. |
| |
| [{{ :ost:ccds:qhy485c.jpg?300| Our QHY 485C }}] | ==== Filter Wheels ==== |
| |< 100% 27%>| | |
| | | **Skyris 445** | **QHY 485C** | **ST-i** | **ZWO ASI174** | | |
| | **Model number** | Skyris 445C | QHY-5-III-485C | ST-i monochrome | ZWO ASI174MM Mini | | |
| | **pixel size** | 3.75 $\mu \text{m}$ x 3.75 $\mu \text{m}$ | 2.9 $\mu \text{m}$ x 2.9 $\mu \text{m}$ | 7.4 $\mu \text{m}$ x 7.4 $\mu \text{m}$ | 5.86 $\mu \text{m}$ x 5.86 $\mu \text{m}$ | | |
| | **Number of pixels** | 1280 x 960 | 3864 x 2180 | 648 x 486 | 1936 x 1216 | | |
| | **Total size of the chip** | 6.26 mm x 5.01 mm | 11.2 mm x 6.3 mm | 4.8 mm x 3.6 mm | 11.3 mm x 7.1 mm | | |
| | **Field of view with the CDK20** | 6.2’ x 5.0’ | 11.2’ x 6.3’ | 4.8’ x 3.6’ | 11.2’ x 7.1’ | | |
| | **Sampling** | 3.4 Pixel per arcsec | 5.8 Pixel per arcsec | 2.3 Pixel per arcsec | 2.9 Pixel per arcsec | | |
| |
| === Cameras that are no longer in daily use === | === QHY 600M === |
| | For the QHY 600Ms we have two filter wheels. The first is a QHY CFW3-XL with the following Bessel filters: |
| | ^ Filter position | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | |
| | ^ Filter | H_alpha | OIII | SII | U | B | V | R | I | Clear | |
| | ^ Comment | Narrowband | Narrowband | Narrowband | Broadband | Broadband | Broadband | Broadband | Broadband | | |
| | The transmission curves of the UBVRI filters can be found on the //Baader Planetarium// website: [[https://assets.baader-planetarium.com/media/extendware/ewimageopt/media/inline/63/5/ubvri-bessel-filtersatz-photometrisch-1f1.jpg|Filter transmission]]. The filter curves of the narrowband filters are similar to those of the STF-8300. |
| |
| [{{ :ost:ccds:ccd_klein.jpg?300| Our SBIG ST-8 }}] | The second is a QHY CFW3-L with the following SLOAN/SDSS filters: |
| |< 100% 27%>| | ^ Filter position | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | |
| | | **ST-7** | **ST-8** | **STF-8300** | | ^ Filter | u' | g' | r' | i' | z-s' | y' | Clear | |
| | **Model number** | ST-7XME-D | ST-8XME | STF-8300M | | ^ Comment | Broadband | Broadband | Broadband | Broadband | Broadband | Broadband | | |
| | **pixel size** | 9 $\mu \text{m}$ x 9 $\mu \text{m}$ | 9 $\mu \text{m}$ x 9 $\mu \text{m}$ | 5.4 $\mu \text{m}$ x 5.4 $\mu \text{m}$ | | The transmission curves of the ugriz' filters can be found on the //Baader Planetarium// website: [[https://assets.baader-planetarium.com/media/extendware/ewimageopt/media/inline/68/6/sloan-sdss-ugriz-filtersatz-photometrisch-09b.jpg|Filter transmission]]. |
| | **Number of pixels** | 765 x 510 | 1530 x 1020 | 3326 x 2504 | | |
| | **Total size of the chip** | 6.9 mm x 4.6 mm | 13.8 mm x 9.2 mm | 17.96 mm x 13.52 mm | | |
| | **Field of view with the CDK20** | 6.9’ x 4.6’ | 13.7’ x 9.2’ | 17.9’ x 13.5’ | | |
| | **Sampling** | 1.9 Pixel per arcsec | 1.9 Pixel per arcsec | 3.1 Pixel per arcsec | | |
| |
| | We also have a [[https://www.baader-planetarium.com/de/baader-ufc-(universal-filter-changer).html | UFC filter changer system]] for our RASA 11 V2, which can be fitted with 50 mm x 50 mm square filters. We currently have a complete set of SLOAN/SDSS filters (see above) and H-alpha, O-III, S-II [[https://assets.baader-planetarium.com/media/extendware/ewimageopt/media/inline/4a/b/35-4nm-f-3-ultra-highspeed-filtersatz-cmos-optimiert-h-alpha-o-iii-s-ii-383.jpg | Ultra Highspeed filters]]. |
| |
| /* | |
| | **Spectral sensitivity** \\ (SBIG web page) | [[http://www.sbig.de/sbig-history/bilder/qe_st7xme_klein.gif|ST-7]] | [[http://www.sbig.de/universitaet/bilder/qe-st8e-stle.gif?iact=rc&dur=608&page=1&start=0&ndsp=53&ved=0CFUQrQMwAA#ActualImage|ST-8]] | [[http://diffractionlimited.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/st8300_qe.gif|SFT-8300M]] | - | | |
| */ | |
| |
| \\ | <WRAP group> |
| | <WRAP half column> |
| | ===== CCD Cameras ===== |
| | In addition, four older CCD cameras (ST-7, ST-8, STF-8300M, ST-i) from SBIG (//Santa Barbara Instrument Group//) and one CCD camera (Skyris 445C) from //Celestron// are available. |
| |
| /* | The ST-7, ST-8, and STF-8300M are deep-sky cameras, although they are now rarely used due to their relatively small field of view. The ST-i and the Skyris 445C are "planetary cameras" that allow very short exposure times. |
| The spectral sensitivity of the ST-8 (blue curve) can be taken from this graph: [[http://www.sbig.de/universitaet/bilder/qe-st8e-stle.gif?iact=rc&dur=608&page=1&start=0&ndsp=53&ved=0CFUQrQMwAA#ActualImage|Quantum Efficiency]] | |
| */ | |
| |
| ==== Filter wheels ==== | All cameras can be controlled via [[en:ost:ccds:maximdl| Maxim DL]]. |
| | </WRAP> |
| | <WRAP half column> |
| | [{{ :ost:ccds:ccd_klein.jpg?300 | Our SBIG ST-8 }}] |
| | </WRAP> |
| | </WRAP> |
| |
| === QHY 600M === | === Technical Data === |
| For the new QHY 600M we have installed the following filters in the filter wheel: | |
| |
| | **Filter position** | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | | |< 100% 19%>| |
| | **Filter** | H_alpha | OIII | SII | U | B | V | R | I | Clear | | | ^ **ST-7** ^ **ST-8** ^ **STF-8300** ^ **Skyris 445** ^ **SBIG ST-i** | |
| | **Comment** | narrow band | narrow band | narrow band | broad band | broad band | broad band | broad band | broad band | | ^ **Model number** | ST-7XME-D | ST-8XME | STF-8300M | Skyris 445C | ST-i Monochrome | |
| The transmission curves of the UBVRI filters can be found at the web page of //Baader Planetarium//: [[https://assets.baader-planetarium.com/media/extendware/ewimageopt/media/inline/63/5/ubvri-bessel-filtersatz-photometrisch-1f1.jpg|Filter transmission]]. The transmission curves of the narrow band filter are similar to those of the STF8300. | ^ **Pixel size [µm]** | 9 | 9 | 5.4 | 3.75 | 7.4 | |
| | ^ **Number of pixels** | 765 x 510 | 1530 x 1020 | 3326 x 2504 | 1280 x 960 | 648 x 486 | |
| | ^ **Total chip size [mm]** | 6.9 x 4.6 | 13.8 x 9.2 | 17.96 x 13.52 | 6.26 x 5.01 | 4.8 x 3.6 | |
| | ^ **Field of view with CDK20 [']** | 6.9 x 4.6 | 13.7 x 9.2 | 17.9 x 13.5 | 6.2 x 5.0 | 4.8 x 3.6 | |
| | ^ **Sampling [pixels/'']** | 1.9 | 1.9 | 3.1 | 3.4 | 2.3 | |
| | |
| | |
| | ==== Filter Wheels ==== |
| |
| === ST-7 & ST-8 === | === ST-7 & ST-8 === |
| A filter wheel with the following filters can be attached to the ST-7 and ST-8: | A filter wheel with the following filters can be attached to the ST-7 and ST-8: |
| /*|< 100% 10% 10% 10% 10% 10% 10% 10% 10% 10% 10% - >|*/ | |
| | **Filter position** | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | | |
| | **Filter** | U | B | V | R | I | H_beta | H_alpha | SII | OIII | EMPTY | | |
| | **Comment** | broad band | broad band | broad band | broad band | broad band | narrow band | narrow band | narrow band | narrow band | | |
| The transmission curves of the UBVRI filters can be found at the web page of //Baader Planetarium//: [[https://assets.baader-planetarium.com/media/extendware/ewimageopt/media/inline/f2/8/ubvri-r-filter-photometrisch-nach-bessel-50x50mm-4mm-glas-24b.jpg|Filter transmission]]. The transmission curves of the narrow band filter are similar to those of the STF8300. | |
| |
| === STF-8300=== | /*|< 100% 10% 9% 9% 9% 9% 9% 9% 9% 9% 9% 9% >|*/ |
| For the STF-8300 a filter wheel with the following filters is available: | ^ Filter position | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | |
| /*|< 80% 10% 10% 10% 10% 10% 10% 10% 10% - >|*/ | ^ Filter | U | B | V | R | I | H_beta | H_alpha | UHC-S | OIII | EMPTY | |
| | **Filter position** | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | | ^ Comment | Broadband | Broadband | Broadband | Broadband | Broadband | Narrowband | Narrowband | Narrowband | Narrowband | | |
| | **Filter** | Block-UV/IR (L) | Blue | Green | Red | H_alpha | OIII | V | B | | |
| | **Comment** | luminance | broad band | broad band | broad band | narrow band | narrow band | broad band | broad band | | |
| The transmission curves of the new filters can be found at the web page of //Baader Planetarium//: [[https://www.baader-planetarium.com/blogs/english/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2016/03/EN_l-rgb-c_filterkurve.jpg|Filter transmission]]. | |
| |
| The transmission curves of the V and B filters are identical with the V and B filters used in the ST-7. | The transmission curves of the UBVRI filters can be found on the //Baader Planetarium// website: [[https://assets.baader-planetarium.com/media/extendware/ewimageopt/media/inline/f2/8/ubvri-r-filter-photometrisch-nach-bessel-50x50mm-4mm-glas-24b.jpg|Filter transmission]]. The filter curves of the narrowband filters are similar to those of the STF-8300. |
| |
| ==== Features ==== | === STF-8300 === |
| * For the ST-7 and ST-8 we have an adaptive optics module, the AO-7, which can be used for guiding and to optimize the exposure quality (see e.g. [[en:ost:ccds:ccdops#Self-Guiding with the AO-7|here]]). | A filter wheel with the following filters is available for the STF-8300: |
| * The ST-7 and ST-8 contain an additional guiding chip in addition to the normal CCD chip, which can be used to automatically track an object (see e.g. [[en:ost:ccds:ccdops#Guiding|here]]), while the main CCD can be used to take the actual image. | |
| * The Off Axis Guides of the STF-8300 and the QHY 600M have the advantage that they are placed in front of the respective filter wheel and therefore the guiding is independent of the brightness of the guide star in the respective filter. For this reason, these cameras can make use of fainter guide stars/objects in comparison to the ST-7 and ST-8. | |
| |
| ==== Maintenance ==== | /*|< 82% 10% 9% 9% 9% 9% 9% 9% 9% 9% >|*/ |
| | ^ Filter position | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | |
| | ^ Filter | Block UV/IR (L) | Blue | Green | Red | H_alpha | OIII | V | B | |
| | ^ Comment | Luminance | Broadband | Broadband | Broadband | Narrowband | Narrowband | Broadband | Broadband | |
| |
| Every 12 months (or before) the desiccant cartouches of the cameras need to be regenerated (baked), otherwise there's the possibility that the cooled CCD sensors can suffer from icing due to moisture in the cameras. The desiccant cartouches of the ST-7 and ST-8 can be found at the bottom of the camera and can easily be released from the camera case with a screw driver. This procedure is even easier for the STF-8300, where the desiccant cartouche (located at one side of the camera) can be unscrew with two fingers. Attention! The connection between the camera cases and desiccant cartouches are secured by sealing rings that can easily fall off the cartouches and vanish inside the camera cases. To prevent water (vapor) from getting into the camera during the regeneration of its desiccant cartouche, remove the desiccant cartouche in a dry environment and replace it with one of the dummies, which can be found in the room 2.009. It takes about four hours at 170°C in a common oven (without the sealing ring!) to regenerate the desiccant in the cartouche, so that the camera can work for another year without icing. | The transmission curves of the filters can also be found on the //Baader Planetarium// website: [[https://www.baader-planetarium.com/blogs/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/DE_l-rgb-c_filterkurve.jpg|Filter transmission]] |
| ====== DSLR ====== | |
| |
| For short time exposures and lucky imaging there is the digital (single) reflex camera (DSLR): Canon EOS 700D. It has been optimized for amateur astronomers by //Baader Planetarium// by changing the used filters. The transmission properties of the original Canon filters in comparison to the optimized ones can be found at the Baader web page [[http://www.baader-planetarium.de/sektion/s45/bilder/vergleich_400d_baader_bcf_gross.jpg|click to view the image]]. | The transmission curves of the V and B filters are identical to those in the ST-7 and ST-8 respectively. |
| |
| ==== Basic data ==== | ===== Special Features ===== |
| | * An adaptive optics unit, the AO-7, can be placed in front of the ST-7 and ST-8, which can be used for guiding and optimising image quality (see e.g. [[en:ost:ccds:ccdops#Self-Guiding with the AO-7|here]]). |
| | * In addition to the main imaging chip, the ST-7 and ST-8 contain a secondary guiding chip that allows the telescope to automatically track an object (see e.g. [[en:ost:ccds:ccdops#Guiding|here]]) while the main CCD captures the actual images. |
| | * The off-axis guiders of the STF-8300 and the QHY 600M have the advantage of being mounted in front of the respective filter wheel, meaning that guiding is independent of the guide star's brightness in the selected filter. As a result, fainter objects can be used as guide stars with these two cameras than is possible with the ST-7 or ST-8. |
| | |
| | |
| | ===== Maintenance ===== |
| | |
| | The desiccant cartridges of the cameras must be regenerated (baked out) at least every 12 months, otherwise there is a risk of ice forming on the cooled CCD sensors during winter. The desiccant cartridges of the ST-7 and ST-8 are located on the underside of the cameras and can be easily removed from the camera body with a screwdriver. This process is even simpler with the STF-8300, as the desiccant cartridge (mounted on the side) can simply be unscrewed by hand. The connection between the camera body and the desiccant cartridge is sealed with an O-ring, which unfortunately tends to slip off the cartridge and disappear into the camera's electronics. Care should therefore be taken here! To prevent unnecessary moisture accumulating inside the camera, the removed desiccant cartridge should be replaced with the dummy stored in the lab room. After four hours at 170 °C in a conventional oven (without the O-ring), the desiccant material inside the cartridges should be regenerated and ready to keep the cameras operational for another year. |
| | |
| | ===== DSLR ===== |
| | A Canon EOS 700D digital SLR camera is also available for short-exposure imaging and lucky imaging. This camera has been optimised for astrophotography by Baader through a replacement of the built-in filters. The transmission properties of the original Canon filter compared to the Baader filter can be seen in this image [[https://www.baader-planetarium.com/media/wysiwyg/product_info/filter_astroconversion/vergleich_350d_baader_acf_gross.jpg|click]] (Baader Planetarium). |
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| | ==== Technical Data ==== |
| |
| [{{ ost:ccds:dslr.jpg?300|Our DSLR (Canon EOS 700D)}}] | [{{ ost:ccds:dslr.jpg?300|Our DSLR (Canon EOS 700D)}}] |
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| /*|< 65% 20% 15% 15% 15% - >|*/ | /*|< 40% 25% 15% >|*/ |
| | | **EOS 700D** | | | | **EOS 700D** | |
| | **Image sensor** | CMOS sensor | | | **Image sensor** | CMOS sensor | |
| | **Size of the pixels** | 4.3 $\mu \text{m}$ x 4.3 $\mu \text{m}$ | | | **Pixel size** | 4.3 $\mu \text{m}$ x 4.3 $\mu \text{m}$ | |
| | **Number of pixels** | 5,184 x 3,456 | | | **Number of pixels** | 5184 x 3456 | |
| | **Total size of the chip** | APS-C 22.3 $\text{mm}$ x 14.9 $\text{mm}$ | | | **Total chip size** | APS-C 22.3 $\text{mm}$ x 14.9 $\text{mm}$ | |
| | **Format factor and Axe ratio** | 1.6 and 3:2| | | **Crop factor and aspect ratio** | 1.6 and 3:2 | |
| | **Field of view with the Celestron C14** | 19.6’ x 13.1’ | | | **Field of view with Celestron C14** | 19.6' x 13.1' | |
| | **Field of view with the Celestron C11** | 27.4' x 18.3' | | | **Field of view with Celestron C11** | 27.4' x 18.3' | |
| | **Field of view with the Celestron C11 + F/6.3 focal reducer** | 43.5' x 29.0' | | | **Field of view with Celestron C11 + F/6.3 focal reducer** | 43.5' x 29.0' | |
| | **Field of view with the Celestron C8** | 37.7' x 25.2' | | | **Field of view with Celestron C8** | 37.7' x 25.2' | |
| | **Field of view with the Celestron C8 + F/6.3 focal reducer** | 59.9' x 40.0' | | | **Field of view with Celestron C8 + F/6.3 focal reducer** | 59.9' x 40.0' | |
| | **Exposure times** | 30-1/4,000 $\text{s}$ (halves or thirds of steps) | | | **Exposure times** | 30–1/4,000 $\text{s}$ (half or third stops) | |
| | **ISO-Sensitivity** | 100–12,800 (can be expanded up to 25,600) | | | **ISO sensitivity** | 100–12,800 (expandable to 25,600) | |
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| | Full HD video recording is also possible at a maximum ISO sensitivity of 6,400 (expandable to 12,800). The camera can be controlled via the tiltable and swivelling 7.7 cm LCD touchscreen or via a laptop. The continuous shooting speed is up to approximately 5 frames/s, maintained for approximately 22 shots (JPEG) or 6 shots (RAW). |
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| Furthermore, one can take full-HD videos with an ISO sensitivity of max. 6,400 (can be expanded up to 12,800). The camera can be controlled by a rotatable and slewable 7,7 cm LCD touchscreen or by a computer interface. Exposure series can be taken at a maximum speed of approx. 5 images per second, which can be maintained for about 22 exposures (JPEG format) or 6 exposures (RAW format). | It is also possible to [[en:dslr:tethered_shooting|control the camera remotely via computer]]. |
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| It is also possible to remotely control the camera [[en:dslr:tethered_shooting|by a computer]]. | |