Product Improvements 2006

Announcement
ST Series Cameras
Special Package Offer
Over $600 in Accessories for Free!
July 15, 2008

Summer and Fall bring us many planetary and diffuse nebula. This special will help you capture them with the best equipment available. Load your CFW9 filter wheel with the new Baader LRGB filters and a parfocal Baader 7nm H-alpha filter, or if you are interested in tri-color or quad-color narrowband imaging then select the CFW10 filter wheel and add the H-beta, OIII and SII filters and have it all. In either case, the Baader Red, Green and Blue filters, Luminance filter, AND a premium parfocal Baader H-alpha filter are included with the camera and filter wheel purchase at no additional cost to you! Normally these premium filters would cost over $517. In addition, you get a large 12VDC water pump kit made for STL cameras and adapted to the ST sized tubing. The pump is attached to a heavy anodized aluminum plate for easy placement at the bottom of any suitable reservoir of water and tubing matching the ST series water fixtures is included. The 12VDC power cord has a cigarette lighter plug for use with many portable power supplies. This kit normally sells for $129 (an optional 110/220VAC power supply is also available for this pump). The LRGB filters, H-alpha filter and water pump kit are yours for free during the period of this special offer. The details of the offer are below:

Special Offer: For a limited time, beginning July 15, 2008, and continuing until this special offer is revoked, customers who purchase one of the dual sensor ST series cameras listed below together with a CFW9 or CFW10 filter wheel at the regular price will be entitled to receive a certificate redeemable at SBIG for a special Baader Planetarium LRGB Filter Set and a parfocal Baader 7nm H-alpha filter together worth $517 and a 12VDC water pump kit worth $129 at no additional charge. The total value of the accessories is $646 if purchased separately. The ST cameras qualifying for special offer are: ST-7XME Deluxe, ST-8XME, ST-9XE, ST-10XME, and ST-2000XM. These are the latest versions of the cameras with the new laser etched logo and graphics on the body, the Remote Guide Head port, the most recent version of the imaging CCD from Kodak, a built-in, cooled, 16-bit TC-237 tracking CCD, universal 110 - 220VAC power supply (an optional 12VDC power supply is available for operation direct from a battery), USB and tracking cables, 2" nosepiece with adjustable t-thread block, rack handles and water cooling fixtures on the rear plate. The camera comes in a professional waterproof, dustproof, crushproof Pelican carrying and storage case with custom cut foam. These cameras are fully compatible with the new AO-8 adaptive optics accessory using either the internal guider or the Remote Guide Head (with off-axis guider). The Remote Guide Head can also be used in a separate guide scope if AO control is not needed. Also included is an incredible library of software: CCDDOPS version 5, CCDSharp, CCDSoftV5, TheSky version 5, CCDOPS Lite for the Mac, and more. The LRGB and parfocal H-alpha filters are the most recent products from Baader Planetarium. The 12VDC water pump can be used with either ST or STL models using the appropriate tubing. Please see the Note at the bottom of this page for additional terms and conditions of the special offer.

Model ST-8XME
1.5 Megapixel, High QE, Self-Guiding
Imaging System built-in TC-237 tracking CCD, Remote Guide Head Port, Water Cooling Heat Exchanger and Pelican Case.

The ST-8XME has a sensor that is essentially 4X the size of the one used in the ST-7XME camera. The CCD architecture, quantum efficiency, read noise and dark current are virtually the same as the smaller KAF-0402ME except that the KAF-1603ME has 4 times as many pixels. This translates into a larger field of view with twice the diagonal measurement, and 4X the image area of the smaller camera. The ST-8XME also has a built-in TC-237 tracking CCD with 657 x 495 pixels for self-guiding, and a Remote Guide Head port for attaching an optional remote guider containing a second TC-237. The remote guider has its own TE cooler and uses a 16-bit A/D.

The ST-8XME also has the water cooling heat exchanger for additional cooling when needed, complete software for image acquisition, photometry, image processing and more. The camera comes in a dust proof, waterproof, crushproof Pelican carrying case.

Options include a larger CFW-10 filter wheel with 10 positions, remote guide head, and the new AO-8 Adaptive Optics unit. Software support includes Windows XP, Windows Vista (32 bit), Mac and Linux. For more information on the ST-8XME and other ST cameras please see the Product Descriptions and Specifications in our On-Line Catalog.

Model ST-9XE
Self-Guiding, Large Pixel
Imaging System with Class 1 CCD,
built-in TC-237 tracking CCD,
Remote Guide Head Port and Pelican Case.

The ST-9XE is an excellent value if you do not need the smaller pixels of the other ST series cameras. The ST-9XE uses the latest KAF-0261E CCD with 512 x 512 pixels at 20 microns square. The relatively large pixels make this sensor larger than the CCD used in the ST-7XME, and almost as large as the ST-8XME. Because the array is 512 x 512 it is normally passed up in favor of a sensor with more pixels for making pretty pictures. However, it has been a workhorse in the amateur community when it comes to supernova and asteroid searches. It is also an excellent photometric camera when used with a long focal length telescope.

As with the other self-guiding ST cameras, standard features include a built-in TC-237 657 x 495 pixel tracking CCD, water cooling heat exchanger, and Remote Guide Head port for the optional external guider.

Options include a larger CFW-10 filter wheel with 10 positions, remote guide head, and the new AO-8 Adaptive Optics unit. Software support includes Windows XP, Windows Vista (32 bit), Mac and Linux. For more information on the ST-9XE and other ST cameras please see the Product Descriptions and Specifications in our On-Line Catalog.

Model ST-10XME
High Resolution, 3.2 Megapixel, High QE,
Self-Guiding Imaging System with built-in
TC-237 tracking CCD, Remote Guide Head
Port, and Pelican Case

The ST-10XME is the flagship of the ST series cameras. It has the largest CCD with the largest number of pixels, the smallest pixel size, and the highest QE of any other camera in the ST line. Its relatively small 6.8 micron pixel size makes it ideal for high resolution imaging, or it can be binned 2x2 to yield 13.6 micron pixels for use on nights of poor seeing or for use with long focal lengths. It also has low read noise and low dark current.

The ST-10XME has a built-in TC-237 tracking CCD with 657 x 495 pixels for self-guiding, and a Remote Guide Head port for attaching an optional remote guider containing a second TC-237. The remote guider has its own TE cooler and uses a bit A/D.

The ST-10XME also has the water cooling heat exchanger for additional cooling when needed, complete software for image acquisition, photometry, image processing and more. The camera comes in a dust proof, waterproof, crushproof Pelican carrying case.

Options include a larger CFW-10 filter wheel with 10 positions, remote guide head, and the new AO-8 Adaptive Optics unit. Software support includes Windows XP, Windows Vista (32 bit), Mac and Linux. For more information on the ST-10XME and other ST cameras please see the Product Descriptions and Specifications in our On-Line Catalog.

Model ST-2000XM
2 Megapixel, Self-Guiding Imaging System
with antiblooming CCD, built-in TC-237
tracking CCD, Remote Guide Head Port,
and Pelican Case.

The ST-2000XM has become one of the most popular cameras made by SBIG. Its relatively large CCD and small pixel size, plus its excellent ABG characteristics make it a great introductory camera, and an excellent choice for short fast optical systems such as low focal ration refractors and camera lenses. It has more pixels than the ST-8XME, but because the pixels are smaller, the image area is slightly less. The peak QE of the ST-2000XM is a respectable 55% and the read noise of the KAI-2020M CCD is generally below 8e- rms. Overall, it offers "a lot of bang for the buck." The monochrome and single-shot color ST-2000 cameras are the only interline CCDs in the ST series. The interline parts have what is commonly referred to as an "electronic shutter" in addition to the mechanical shutter found on all ST series cameras. The mechanical shutter times the exposures for the full frame CCDs. It also allows automatic dark frames to be taken by all CCDs, including the interline parts. One benefit of the interline's electronic shutter however is its ability to take very short (0.001 sec.) exposures without smear, whereas the other ST cameras with full frame CCDs have a minimum exposure time of 0.12 seconds. This makes the ST-2000XM and ST-2000XCM an excellent camera for bright as well as dim objects. The moon, sun and planets are easier targets for the ST-2000 cameras on account of this feature.

The ST-2000XM also has a built-in TC-237 tracking CCD with 657 x 495 pixels for self-guiding, and a Remote Guide Head port for attaching an optional remote guider containing a second TC-237. The remote guider has its own TE cooler and uses a bit A/D.

The ST-2000XM comes in a single class without column defects. The ST-2000XM also has the water cooling heat exchanger for additional cooling when needed, complete software for image acquisition, photometry, image processing and more. The camera comes in a dust proof, waterproof, crushproof Pelican carrying case. The camera can be upgraded to an ST-8XME at any time in the future.

Options include a larger CFW-10 filter wheel with 10 positions, remote guide head, and the new AO-8 Adaptive Optics unit. Software support includes Windows XP, Windows Vista (32 bit), Mac and Linux. For more information on the ST-2000XM and other ST cameras please see the Product Descriptions and Specifications in our On-Line Catalog.

Model ST-7XME Deluxe
765 x 510 Pixels, High QE, Self-Guiding
Imaging System with Class 1 Imaging CCD,
built-in TC-237 tracking CCD, Remote Guide Head Port, and Pelican Case.

The ST-7XME Deluxe Model is an incredibly sensitive beginner's camera. It has the same high QE (~85% peak) as the ST-8XME and ST-10XME but with a smaller CCD. The extraordinary sensitivity of these CCDs, particularly in the red, make these sensors excellent choices for color imaging using RGB filters, or narrowband imaging using custom emission line filters. The ST-7XME image of the "tadpoles" at right is a fine example of the performance of this camera using such narrowband filters.

The ST-7XME Deluxe model includes a Class 1 CCD and Remote Guide Head Port for self-guiding using a separate guide scope or off-axis guider. This eliminates any problems one might encounter trying to find suitable guide stars when using dark or narrow passband filters.

The ST-7XME also has the build-in internal TC-237 CCD for self-guiding, a water cooling heat exchanger for additional cooling when needed, complete software for image acquisition, photometry, image processing and more. The unit also includes a dust proof, waterproof, crushproof Pelican carrying case. The camera may be upgraded to an ST-8XME or ST-2000XM at any time in the future.

Options include a larger CFW-10 filter wheel with 10 positions, remote guide head, and the new AO-8 Adaptive Optics unit. Software support includes Windows XP, Windows Vista (32 bit), Mac and Linux. For more information on the ST-7XME and other ST cameras please see the Product Descriptions and Specifications in our On-Line Catalog.

NOTE: This special free offer cannot be combined with any other discounts or special offers such as our educational discount, filter wheel combo discount or remote head combo discount. If you purchased one of the cameras, above, with a filter wheel and without any other discounts within 30 days prior to this announcement, SBIG will provide a free filter set and water pump kit upon receipt of proof of purchase of a camera and filter wheel at the regular price. If, within 30 days prior to this special offer, you have already taken advantage of the special discount of $200 off the price of the filter wheel or remote guide head , then this special cannot be added to the discount you have already received. In this case, you may buy the filter set and water pump kit for $200 upon proof of purchase of your particular system. The ST-7XME Deluxe model is the only version of ST-7 camera included in the special. The ST-7XME standard model is not included, nor are the single sensor "I" versions of any of the above cameras included in the offer. These special offers may be revoked in whole or in part at any time without prior notice.

To receive the free filters, return the gift certificate with proof of purchase of a new model ST-7XME Deluxe, ST-8XME, ST-9XE, ST-10XME or ST-2000XM camera and CFW9 or CFW10 filter wheel at full list price (as posted on the SBIG web site at http://www.sbig.com/sbwhtmls/Pricelist.htm at the time of purchase) to SBIG within 90 days of the date of purchase of the camera and filter wheel, and include a copy of the original invoice for the camera showing the purchase price, the date and place of purchase, and the camera serial number. For purchasers in Japan, Germany, Austria and Switzerland, only cameras sold through authorized dealers for these countries are eligible for this promotional gift. SBIG (or SBIG�s authorized dealer outside the U.S.) will send the free accessories to the purchaser as stock is available from the suppliers. Delivery may take several weeks if the filters are not in stock at the time of redemption.

CCD	Array	Pixel	CCD Size	Diagonal	Area
KAF-1603ME	1530 x 1020	9u	13.8 x 9.2mm	16.6mm	127mm2

CCD	Array	Pixel	CCD Size	Diagonal	Area
KAF-0261E	512 x 512	20 u	10.2x10.2mm	14.5mm	104mm2

CCD	Array	Pixel	CCD Size	Diagonal	Area
KAF-3200ME	2184 x 1472	6.8 u	14.9 x10mm	17.9mm	149mm2

CCD	Array	Pixel	CCD Size	Diagonal	Area
KAI-2020M	1600 x 1200	7.4u	11.8 x 8.9mm	14.8mm	105mm2

CCD	Array	Pixel	CCD Size	Diagonal	Area
KAF-0402ME	765 x 510	9u	6.9 x 4.6mm	8.3mm	32mm2


Click an image to enlarge a view of the ST series camera