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Starlight Xpress SXVR-H18 User Manual

Page 24

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Handbook for the SXVR-H18

Issue 1 March 2010

24

Aligning the CCD to the optical axis

The large area of the KAF 8300 CCD can lead to problems of alignment between the
CCD plane and the focal plane of the telescope. If you can detect uneven star image
distortions towards the edge of the CCD field, this may indicate that the CCD plane
needs to be adjusted. The front plate of the SXVR-H18 incorporates three sets of
antagonistic screws that allow the plate to be tilted by up to about +/- 1 degree relative
to the CCD surface. To make an adjustment, slacken the appropriate set screw and
then turn the adjacent cap head screw in the required direction. Complete the
adjustment by re-tightening the set screw.

Avoid raising the plate by more than is necessary to level it, as a slight light leak may
occur between the disk and camera body if the gap is large.

Some details of the camera and CCD characteristics

CCD type:

Kodak KAF 8300M ‘Blue Plus’ full-frame CCD imager.

CCD size:

Active area

17.96 x 13.52mm

Pixel size:

5.4 x 5.4uM

Number of pixels:

8,328,304

QE peak:

approx. 56% at 550nM

Spectral response:

Dark signal:

Typically 0.01 e per sec at -10C CCD temperature

Power consumption:

220v / 110v AC @ 12 watts max., 12v DC @ 750mA