Starlight Xpress SXVF-H16 - Manual (Page 25)

Handbook for the SXVF-H16 Issue 1 August 2006
25
Dealing with condensation:
The SXVF-H16 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.
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Alternative Software
Although we hope that you will be satisfied with ‘SXV_H16_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
http://www.msb-astroart.com
Maxim DL is also a very popular option and may be purchased from many
astronomical equipment dealers. Their web site is at
http://www.cyanogen.com
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.
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Aligning the CCD to the optical axis
The large area of the KAI 4021 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 SXVF-H16 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.