SBIG StarChaser SC-4 Off-Axis Guider Camera

The SBIG StarChaser SC-4 is your all-in-one solution for off-axis guiding. It is the world’s best off-axis guiding camera, measuring only 0.875″ (22.23 mm) thick. It includes an easy-to-adjust pick-off mirror, 0.7x focal reducer for wider field of view, quick-turn manual focus mechanism, mechanical dark frame shutter, and 1.3 megapixel CMOS camera with large 4.5um pixels. It directly supports the SBIG AO-X and AO-8A adaptive optics, and includes an upgradeable license of our renowned MaxIm LT software. Product Description SBIG StarChaser SC-4 Off-Axis Guider Camera The SBIG StarChaser SC-4 is an all-in-one Off-Axis Guide Camera, with Adaptive Optics support. Built-in 1.3 megapixel guide camera Externally-adjustable pick-off mirror position Improved focus adjustment Integrated 0.7X focal reducer for a larger field of view and a better match to long focal length telescopes Dark frame shutter “ST-4” style guide port Built-in Adaptive Optics control Only 0.875″ (22.23) mm thick Uses advanced 3D additive manufacturing technology to be even lighter than previous models Highly accurate stainless steel spacers ensure zero flexure Includes both MaxIm LT software and ASCOM driver Both guide camera focus and pick-off mirror position can be easily adjusted using external knobs, without removing the SC-4 from the telescope or camera. The integrated 0.7X focal reducer increases the field-of-view of the SC-4 and improves sensitivity.  This makes it much easier to locate guide stars. Versions for Large, Ultra Large, and Compact Format Cameras The SC-4 is intended for our Large Format cameras, and can accommodate a variety of cameras and filter wheels, using our standard SBIG large format bolt pattern.  Normally it is directly mounted to an SBIG AFW Filter Wheel, but is also compatible with the older FW7-STX.  It is also possible to bolt it directly to an Aluma AC series camera. It is also compatible with the AO-X Adaptive Optics unit. The SC-4U is intended for our Ultra Large format cameras, and can accommodate a variety of cameras and filter wheels, using our standard SBIG large format bolt pattern.  It directly mounts to an SBIG AFW-12-65SQ Filter Wheel.  It is also compatible with the AO-X Adaptive Optics unit. The SC-4C is intended for our compact format cameras, such as the Aluma CCD series and the AFW-8-36R Compact Format filter wheel.   It is also compatible with the AO-8A Adaptive Optics unit. For users of the legacy FW8S-Aluma filter wheel, a special version called the SC-4C-A is available.  It includes a cutout for the filter wheel motor. Please note that an AFW Large Format filter wheel can also be attached to the Aluma CCD series using an adapter. This allows for more flexibility in filter size, or alternatively to use up to sixteen 36mm round filters. For this combination you will need the large format SC-4. Highly Adjustable The pick-off mirror is adjusted by simply loosening the lock knob, sliding the knob inwards or outwards as required, and then retightening to lock it in place.  Focus is adjusted via a single easily-accessible knob. For the large format SC-4, the center of the pick-off mirror when fully retracted will be 1.1″ (28.3 mm) from the optical axis.  It can be moved inwards by up to 0.3″ (7.6 mm) using an externally accessible knob. To reduce off-axis aberrations, the pick-off mirror should be set as close as possible to the optical axis without infringing on the main camera image.   With the pick-off mirror retracted, the SC-4 accommodates a back-focus distance from 0.80″ to 1.80″ (20.3 mm to 45.7 mm).  Moving the mirror inwards increases the back-focus distance by the same amount.  With the mirror moved fully inwards, the range of back-focus distance changes to 1.10″ to 2.10″ (27.9 mm to 53.34 mm).  (Back focus distance is measured from the rear surface of the StarChaser to the sensor plane.) For the ultra large format SC-4U, the center of the pick-off mirror when fully retracted will be 1.48″ (37.6 mm) from the optical axis.  It can be moved inwards by up to 0.3″ (7.6 mm) using an externally accessible knob. To reduce off-axis aberrations, the pick-off mirror should be set as close as possible to the optical axis without infringing on the main camera image.   With the pick-off mirror retracted, the SC-4U accommodates a back-focus distance from 0.87″ to 1.87″ (22.1 mm to 47.5 mm).  Moving the mirror inwards increases the back-focus distance by the same amount.  With the mirror moved fully inwards, the range of back-focus distance changes to 1.17″ to 2.17″ (29.7 mm to 63.0 mm).  (Back focus distance is measured from the rear surface of the StarChaser to the sensor plane.) For the compact format SC-4C, the center of the pick-off mirror when fully retracted will be 0.75″ (19.1 mm) from the optical axis.  It can be moved inwards by up to 0.3″ (7.6 mm) using an externally accessible knob. To reduce off-axis aberrations, the pick-off mirror should be set as close as possible to the optical axis without infringing on the main camera image.   With the pick-off mirror retracted, the SC-4C accommodates a back-focus distance from 0.86″ to 1.86″ (21.8 mm to 47.2 mm).  Moving the mirror inwards increases the back-focus distance by the same amount.  With the mirror moved fully inwards, the range of back-focus distance changes to 1.16″ to 2.16″ (29.5 mm to 54.9 mm). To verify compatibility with your SBIG camera and filter wheel, you can use our handy Back Focus Calculator spreadsheet. Adaptive Optics Support The StarChaser SC-4 is directly compatible with the SBIG AO-X Adaptive Optics unit.  The AO-X bolts directly to the front of the SC-4.  A single 11066 adapter cable between the SC-4 and AO-X provides all necessary power and control signals. The StarChaser SC-4C is directly compatible with the SBIG AO-8A Adaptive Optics unit.  The AO-8A bolts directly to the front of the SC-4C.  The AO-8A plugs directly into the SC-4C. Since the AO unit is controlled directly by the StarChaser, it is fully independent of the main camera. Complete Package Our renowned MaxIm LT software is included, providing integrated control of your StarChaser and SBIG main camera.  We also provide API interfaces for third-party software running under Windows, MacOS, or Linux.  An ASCOM standard camera interface is included. (ASCOM currently does not support Adaptive Optics.) The following parts are included with the StarChaser SC-4 for Large Format Cameras: StarChaser SC-4 off-axis guide camera Universal AC power supply with choice of power cord (US/EU/AU) DC power extension cable Tracking Interface Cable (“ST-4” style) USB 2.0 A to Mini-B cable, 6 feet (2 meters) 7/64-inch hex key wrench Four 6-32 x 1-1/8″ socket head cap screws USB flash drive with MaxIm LT software, DL Imaging drivers, and ASCOM driver The following parts are included with the StarChaser SC-4U for Ultra Large Format Cameras: StarChaser SC-4U off-axis guide camera Universal AC power supply with choice of power cord (US/EU/AU) DC power extension cable Tracking Interface Cable (“ST-4” style) USB 2.0 A to Mini-B cable, 6 feet (2 meters) 7/64-inch hex key wrench Four 6-32 x 1-1/8″ socket head cap screws USB flash drive with MaxIm LT software, DL Imaging drivers, and ASCOM driver   The following parts are included with the StarChaser SC-4C for Compat Format Cameras: StarChaser SC-4C off-axis guide camera Universal AC power supply with choice of power cord (US/EU/AU) DC power extension cable Tracking Interface Cable (“ST-4” style) USB 2.0 A to Mini-B cable, 6 feet (2 meters) 7/64-inch hex key wrench Flat adapter plate 2.156 x 24 (40-12053-00) 2” Nosepiece adapter with cap (40-12121-00) Four 4-40x 1-1/8″ socket head cap screws ACC13 adapter plate (spacer is required when not using a filter wheel)