Starlight Xpress SXVR-H18 User Manual
Page 23
Handbook for the SXVR-H18
Issue 1 March 2010
23
3) Withdraw the body cylinder and unscrew the two top spacer pillars from the PCB.
Now gently lift the PCB off the 20 way connector NOTING THE ORIENTATION
OF THE BOARD for correct replacement later. Now remove the lower two spacers
from the heat sink plate assembly.
4) The camera heat sink assembly can now be lifted away from the camera front
barrel and the CCD will be exposed. Note that a layer of white heat-sink compound is
applied to the periphery of the heat sink disc and this should be left undisturbed by
subsequent operations.
5) You can now closely examine the CCD faceplate under the spotlight using the
watchmaker's glass when any dust motes will show clearly. If there is only an odd
particle or two and the CCD is otherwise clean, carefully brush away the dust with a
corner of your lens cloth. A smeared or very dusty CCD will need a few drops of
alcohol to clean thoroughly and you may have to make several attempts before the
surface is free of contamination. One gentle wipe from one end to the other, with no
return stroke, will be found to be the most effective action. DO NOT rub vigorously
and be very careful to avoid scratching the window.
6) Before re-assembly, make certain that the inside surface of the front window is also
clean, and then carefully replace the camera front barrel and screw it into place. (If the
heat sink seal is disturbed, renew it with fresh compound before reassembling).
7) Replace all the camera parts in reverse order and the job is done.
Dealing with condensation:
The SXVR-H18 is designed to avoid condensation by minimising the volume of air
trapped within the CCD cavity. This normally works well, but storage of the camera
in a humid location can lead to the trapped air becoming moist by diffusion through
the optical window mounting thread etc. and result in condensation on the CCD
window. If this becomes a problem, try to store the camera in a warm, dry place, or in
a plastic lunch box containing a sachet of silica gel desiccant.
N.B. DO NOT leave the camera switched on for long periods between uses. The
cold CCD will collect ice by slow diffusion through any small leaks and this will
become corrosive water on the cooler and CCD pins when the power is removed. If
substantial amounts of moisture are seen on the CCD, dismantle the camera and
dry it thoroughly.
*********************************************************************
Alternative Software
Although we hope that you will be satisfied with ‘SXV_H18_usb’, other companies
are offering alternative software. The most active and successful of these is ‘AstroArt’
by MSB software. You can purchase AstroArt from many dealers Worldwide and
more information may be obtained from their web site at
Maxim DL is also a very popular option and may be purchased from many
astronomical equipment dealers. Their web site is at
Please note that any ‘Download progress’ indicators in third party software are best
disabled so as to avoid disturbing the process of reading the camera data.
*********************************************************************