SBIG REMOTE GUIDE HEAD

The Remote Guide Head is an optional accessory for the STL and newer ST series cameras that allows the convenience of self-guiding with the guider external to the camera and filter wheel if necessary. The same Remote Guide head will work with any STL or ST model camera with a Remote Guide Head port. The Remote Guide head contains a cooled TC-237H guiding CCD identical to the guiding CCD built-in the camera. It draws its power from the main camera and is controlled by the same software that controls the internal guider. When the Remote Guide head is attached to the camera, you can use your camera control software to select either the built-in (“internal”) tracking CCD or the Remote Head (“external”) CCD for self-guiding during long exposures. It has its own shutter for dark frames.

The Remote Guide Head can be used in a variety of configurations just as any other CCD autoguider. It can be used with a separate guide scope using the supplied 1.25” nosepiece, or it can be used with optional camera lens adapters or an optional off-axis guider. The benefit of the latter configuration is that it can also control the AO-L or AO-8 adaptive optics accessories because it will be looking through the same optical system as the imaging CCD. The backfocus distance is compatible with the eFinder, C-mount lenses, and the CLA-5 camera lens adapter for Nikon and Canon FD lenses.

To use the Remote Guide Head simply attach the supplied head cable between the Remote Head and the main camera. Make sure that the power to the main camera is off before attaching or detaching the remote guide head from the main camera.

The Remote Head port is labeled on STL cameras (left). The port is not labeled on ST cameras (right) but there is only one miniature connector that matches the plug on the Remote Head cable so there is no chance of incorrectly attaching the head cable. All Remote Guide Heads now have a black finish.

There is a desiccant plug in the back of the Remote Head that can be removed without tools. If the CCD should exhibit signs of frost, unscrew the desiccant plug, remove the small o-ring and bake the plug in a conventional oven for about 4 hours at 350 – 400 degrees Farenheit (200 degrees C).

Once it is attached to the camera, to select the Remote Guide Head using CCDOPS, go to Camera -> Setup -> Tracking CCD and then select “External.” Please refer to your particular camera control software documentation for selecting the Remote Head using other software.

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The threaded holes in the sides of body of the Remote Guide Head are standard tripod threads (¼-20) for mounting the Remote Head on a piggy-back bracket.