SBIG ST7XME Deluxe CCD Camera Information
The Kodak KAF-0402ME sensor, used in all of the SBIG ST-7XME cameras, sports increased quantum efficiency due to the addition of a microlens array over the pixels and the use of MAR coated cover glass.
The peak quantum efficiency for the KAF-0402ME is almost 85%. It is the most sensitive CCD camera in its class. The QE for the blue wavelength of 400 nm is 50% higher than that of the previous KAF-0401E CCD (increased from 30% to 45% absolute QE) and 15% higher in the red spectrum near H-alpha (increased from 72% to nearly 85% absolute peak QE). The resulting high QE from UV to IR makes the SBIG ST-7XME Deluxe camera perfect for imaging deep space objects such as dim galaxies and emission nebula. By fortunate circumstance, the peak QE occurs very near the H-alpha emission line at 656 nm, making this camera extraordinarily sensitive at this important wavelength. It could be said that this camera was "made for" capturing H-alpha! Previously, this level of QE was achievable only through the process of thinning the wafer and illuminating the image sensor from the backside. However, thinned, back-illuminated CCDs are very expensive. With the KAF-0402ME, similar performance to a back-illuminated CCD is achieved with lower dark current and superior cosmetic specifications in a full frame front illuminated detector.
Except for the increased QE, the CCD specifications remain the same as the ST-7XE. The cosmetic grades also remain the same: The ST-7XME Deluxe model is supplied with a Class 1 CCD. The KAF-0402ME is available in NABG only. With SBIG's high speed electronics and USB interface, a full frame image will download in 1 second. Partial frame modes and focus mode will update faster than once per second. Kodak full frame CCDs are well known for their low dark current and low noise characteristics. Additionally, the new camera design has superior cooling and is water assist ready. Thermoelectric cooling to -40 degrees C below ambient is possible. Imagine focusing in full frame mode!
The TC-211 tracking CCD has been replaced with the larger TC-237H. The TC-237 (657 X 495 pixels) is 2.7X larger than the TC-211 CCD (192 X 164) which means there is a more than double the chance you will find suitable guide stars anywhere you happen to be looking without having to hunt.
In the tracking configuration, the TC-237 CCD will normally be binned 2x2 for increased sensitivity. When binned 2x2 the field of view remains 2.7X that of the TC-211, however, as the pixel size is increased to14.8 microns. The user may also image with the TC-237 CCD in high resolution (unbinned) mode if desired.
Previously, the camera had to be oriented so that the X and Y dimensions of the tracking CCD were aligned with the RA and DEC of the telescope, limiting the possible rotation of the camera to four possible positions around a target at 90 degree steps. With CCDSoftV5 (included with cameras at no extra charge) the autoguiding capability of the TC-237 is improved so that the camera may be placed in any orientation relative to the telescope's RA and DEC, allowing a full 360 degrees of rotation around a target for easier guide star acquisition.
Of course, guiding with the TC237 tracking CCD means that the imaging CCD spends 100% of its time and quantum efficiency gathering the image. You are not required to compromise for half the quantum efficiency or twice exposure time as you might with other self-guiding designs.
The ST-7XME Deluxe is a complete camera system. There is no need to add in the additional cost of an interface or an autoguider or a nosepiece to make these cameras actually operate as they should. Everything that is needed to make the camera operational is included in the base price. We even include some non-essential, but desirable, items such as a custom hard carrying case and a Remote Guide Head port, which means the camera is ready to accept the SBIG Remote Guide Head.
Please Note: SBIG drivers are compatible with 32 bit Vista, but they are not compatible with 64 bit Vista.
Save $400 on the CFW9 with Baader LRGB Filters when you buy a qualifying SBIG ST-series camera at the same time! See more info and instructions in the Sales tab to your left.
