Orion STAR SHOOT 52175 - Manual (Page 2)

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Welcome to a new world
of adventure. Your new
StarShoot Solar System
Color Imaging Camera IV
(SSSSI-IV) is capable of
capturing detailed, full-
color images of astro-
nomical objects in our solar
system. The planets, Moon,
and Sun (with optional solar
filter) can all be imaged to
create spectacular views on
your computer which can be saved for emailing or print-
ing later. The SSSSI-IV can even be used during the day
to take images of terrestrial subjects. You’ll find that this
inexpensive, yet capable and easy to use, camera will
enhance all of your journeys with your telescope.
Please read this instruction manual before attempting to
use the camera or install the needed software.
Parts List
• StarShoot Solar System Color Imaging Camera IV (SSSSI-IV)
• USB Cable
• CD-ROM
• Dual Format Windows PC / Mac OS X CD-ROM
System Requirements
(refer to Figure 1)
Telescope
The SSSSI-IV can be used with virtually any telescope that is compatible
with 1.25" format eyepieces. The camera simply is inserted into a focuser in
the same way as a standard eyepiece (Figure 1). If you use a star diagonal,
you should remove it before installing the SSSSI-IV. If your telescope does
not have enough inward focus travel, you will need to use an optional 1.25"
Barlow lens to extend the telescope’s focal plane to the camera’s imaging
plane (Barlow sold separately).
For most types of astro-imaging with the SSSSI-IV, using a telescope with a
focal length of at least 1000mm is recommended. Otherwise, the image scale
may be too small. To increase the effective focal length of your system, use a
Barlow lens or other type of tele-extender lens.
Mount
While using an equatorial (EQ) mount is recommended to achieve the best
results, one is not absolutely required for imaging with the SSSSI-IV, as the
maximum exposure time is only a fraction of a second, astronomical objects
will not drift significantly through a telescope attached to an altazimuth
mount or Dobsonian base during single image captures. Use a sturdy mount
that is appropriately sized for the telescope tube being used.
For obtaining the best planetary images, however, we do recommend an
equatorial mount. Planetary imaging requires combining many individual
images, and having an equatorial mount will prevent the planet from
drifting out of the field of view of the camera during the time it takes to
acquire the large number of images necessary. A motor drive (single-axis)
is recommended too for convenient capture of sequential images without
manual re-adjustment of the telescope’s position.
Computer
A computer is required for normal use of the SSSSI-IV. For astro-imaging in
the field at night, a laptop computer is highly recommended.
For windows users the camera driver and Orion Capture software requires
Windows XP, Vista or 7.
For Mac users the camera driver and Webcam Monitor software requires OS
X and Quicktime 6.5.1 or later on Mac OSX 10.3.
The following hardware is required:
• Processor – Pentium III ™ or equivalent, or higher (Windows);
Power PC G3/G4/G5 or Intel-Based Macintosh computers (Mac OS X)
• Recommended minimum memory size is 256 MB.
• Disk Space – 100 MB minimum, 500 MB or more recommended for
saving images.
• Video Display – 800 X 600, 16-bit color or higher. 1024x768 or higher is
recommended.
• Mouse (external or built-in)
• Internet connection required to display on-line help and downloading
image processing software
• High Speed USB 2.0 port
Figure 1. To use the SSSSI-IV, a
telescope, mount and computer are
required.