Starlight Xpress SXVF-H9 - Manual (Page 27)

Handbook for the SXVF-H9 Issue 1 May 2007
27
Dealing with condensation:
The SXVF-H9 is designed to avoid condensation by minimising the volume of air
trapped within the CCD cavity and by preventing moisture ingress. This normally
works very 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
can result in condensation on the CCD window. If this becomes a problem, try storing
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, dismantle the camera and dry it
thoroughly.
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Alternative Software
Although we hope that you will be satisfied with our ‘SXV_H9_USB’ software, other
companies are offering alternative programs with more powerful processing
functions. 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
http://www.msb-astroart.com
‘Maxim DL’ is another popular choice and you can find out more by visiting
http://www.cyanogen.com
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Some details of the camera and CCD characteristics
CCD type:
Sony ICX285AL Exview interline imager.
CCD size:
Active area 8.95mm x 6.7mm
CCD pixels: 1392 x 1040 pixel array. Each pixel is 6.45 x 6.45uM (or 12.9 x
12.9uM in binned 2x2 mode).
Well depth: Full res. mode 27,000e. Binned 2x2 mode 108,000e
Mean visual QE: 60%, 65% at peak (540nM)
Useful spectral response: 360nM – 1100nM
Readout noise: Approx. 7e RMS typical, 12e max.
Back focal distance: The CCD is approximately 17.5mm from the barrel front.
Camera size: 63mm diameter x 100mm long