Related Manuals for Diffraction SBIG STC-428-OEM
Summary of Contents for Diffraction SBIG STC-428-OEM
- Page 1 ® SBIG STC-428-OEM Imaging Camera User’s Manual Version 1.04 - October 9, 2020 SBIG STC-428-OEM CAMERA USER’S MANUAL...
- Page 2 © 2020 Diffraction Limited. All rights reserved. Cyanogen Imaging® and SBIG® are registered trademarks of Diffraction Limited. ST-4, STF, MaxIm DL, MaxIm LT are trademarks of Diffraction Limited. ON Semiconductor, product, and service names profiled herein are trademarks of Semiconductor Components Industries, L.L.C.
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Page 3: Table Of Contents
3 – Image Calibration ..............21 3.1 Dark Frame Calibration ................22 3.2 Flat-Field Frame Calibration ..............24 3.3 Understanding Calibration Groups ............26 3.4 Calibrating and Combining Images ............27 4 – Accessories and Customization ........30 SBIG STC-428-OEM CAMERA USER’S MANUAL... - Page 4 Appendix A: SBIG STC-428-OEM Camera Details ....31 A-1 Connector pinouts ................... 31 A-2 STC-428-OEM Specifications ..............33 Appendix B: Maintenance ............34 B-1 Cleaning the sensor window ..............34 B-2 Regenerating the desiccant ..............35 B-3 Updating the camera drivers and firmware ..........36 Appendix C: Troubleshooting ..........
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Page 5: Sbig Stc-428-Oem Imaging Camera
SBIG STC-428-OEM Imaging Camera The SBIG STC-428-OEM is high performance imaging camera for demanding applications. It provides extremely high sensitivity, low noise 7 megapixel imaging in a compact, easily integrated package. The STC-428-OEM scientific CMOS camera represents a major improvement over CCD technology. Compared with previous CCD models, the STC-428-OEM features higher sensitivity (78% QE versus 56%), significantly lower read noise (2.5 e- versus 9.3 e-), and 20X faster... -
Page 6: Camera Features
• Centered optical axis for optimum instrument balance • Multiplatform software API and sample code availability The STC-428-EVAL evaluation kit also include the Windows-based MaxIm LT application for image acquisition and processing. Refer to Appendix A-2 STC-428-OEM Specifications for detailed camera specifications. SBIG STC-428-OEM CAMERA USER’S MANUAL... -
Page 7: Installation
If you require any customization or kit parts, your volume production model is given a designation, in the form STC-428-xxx. Customization can include modified mounting points or housing, customized firmware, internal mechanical shutter, integrated filter wheel, and so forth. SBIG STC-428-OEM CAMERA USER’S MANUAL... - Page 8 Any standard SBIG adapters and cables that are compatible with the camera can also be included. Custom adapters may also be available. Please contact Diffraction Limited with your requirements for quotation. SBIG STC-428-OEM CAMERA USER’S MANUAL...
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Page 9: Installing The Software
• Internet browser Windows installation 1. Go to the Registration page on the Diffraction Limited website at: https://diffractionlimited.com/maxim-lt-registration 2. Enter the requested information and serial number to register for the MaxIm LT application. Use your camera’s serial number for this. If your camera is authorized for a free license you will be automatically emailed a license key. -
Page 10: Installing The Hardware
2. Attach the cabling: CAUTION: Never “hot plug” the cables into or from the units. Always disconnect power before connecting or disconnecting any cables. • Attach the USB cable between the USB connector and your computer. SBIG STC-428-OEM CAMERA USER’S MANUAL... - Page 11 Pull on the shell to release the connector if required. Do not turn the power supply on yet. The camera is now ready to be powered up and tested. Refer to Section 1.4 Testing the Camera. SBIG STC-428-OEM CAMERA USER’S MANUAL...
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Page 12: Testing The Camera
1.4 Testing the Camera Once MaxIm LT is installed and the camera hardware is connected, Diffraction Limited recommends that you perform a simple bench test of the system. Do this before mounting your camera on your optics. You should read Chapter 2 to familiarize yourself with the basic software connection and operating instructions prior to performing this test. -
Page 13: Operating The Sbig Stc Camera With Maxim Lt
The following is the basic MaxIm LT procedure used to configure and connect to the STC camera. Launch the MaxIm LT application. Click the Camera Control icon or press Ctrl-W to open the Camera Control form and click the Setup tab. SBIG STC-428-OEM CAMERA USER’S MANUAL... - Page 14 Ensure that the AO selector parameter is set to Off. Click the Advanced button. The DL :: Config form opens. This form allows you to check camera parameters and also to perform firmware updates and additional camera configuration. SBIG STC-428-OEM CAMERA USER’S MANUAL...
- Page 15 Camera 1 and Camera 2 (if used). Click OK to accept the settings. The Options form closes and you are returned to the Camera Control form. 10. Leave Camera 2 set to No Camera. SBIG STC-428-OEM CAMERA USER’S MANUAL...
- Page 16 Set Camera Cooler form closes. 15. The STC-428-OEM camera is now connected and ready to begin imaging. Note that the next time you open MaxIm LT, your option selections will automatically appear in the Setup DL Imaging form. SBIG STC-428-OEM CAMERA USER’S MANUAL...
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Page 17: Basic Imaging Procedure
Auto Fan Speed • Enable Status LED (used to disable the LED on the camera) • Subexposure Duration (refer to 2.3 StackPro Subexposure Function for details) Configure the parameters as required and click OK to accept. SBIG STC-428-OEM CAMERA USER’S MANUAL... - Page 18 Stop. This mode is generally used for focusing and framing purposes, and the acquired images are not saved. To configure a custom sequence of exposures, click the Autosave button. The Autosave Setup form opens. SBIG STC-428-OEM CAMERA USER’S MANUAL...
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Page 19: Stackpro Tm Subexposure Function
16X, but the readout noise only increases 4X. The read noise is now 10 electrons, and the stacked exposure can record 160,000 electrons, corresponding to a readout value of 65,535 (16 bits). SBIG STC-428-OEM CAMERA USER’S MANUAL... - Page 20 As a general rule, the ideal Subexposure Duration target should be modestly below the level where you expect to see sensor saturation occur. That provides the maximum dynamic range with the minimum extra read noise. SBIG STC-428-OEM CAMERA USER’S MANUAL...
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Page 21: Image Calibration
Please note that calibration images must be taken using the same Readout Mode as the images you intend to calibrate. Otherwise the calibration will not be performed correctly. Refer to the online Help file for further information and more detailed procedures, as required. SBIG STC-428-OEM CAMERA USER’S MANUAL... -
Page 22: Dark Frame Calibration
Subframe: Set to Off. MaxIm LT will automatically extract a subframe from the full frame if required. 3. Click the Options arrow and set the following: • Click on No Calibration. • Click on Set Image Save Path and specify the desired file location. SBIG STC-428-OEM CAMERA USER’S MANUAL... - Page 23 When the sequence completes, you will have a set of dark frames that can subsequently be used to create a calibration group and apply a dark calibration to your light frames. SBIG STC-428-OEM CAMERA USER’S MANUAL...
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Page 24: Flat-Field Frame Calibration
The flat-field frames themselves must be calibrated. To do this you must use flat-darks, which are dark frames having the same exposure duration and settings as the flat-field frames. SBIG STC-428-OEM CAMERA USER’S MANUAL... - Page 25 In other words, you will usually need a set of "darks" and a set of "flat-darks". SBIG STC-428-OEM CAMERA USER’S MANUAL...
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Page 26: Understanding Calibration Groups
When the masters are saved to disk, they are tagged with image header keywords to indicate whether these subtractions have been done. In that way when they are loaded again later, MaxIm LT will know whether they need to have these subtractions performed or not. SBIG STC-428-OEM CAMERA USER’S MANUAL... -
Page 27: Calibrating And Combining Images
As such, consider it an overview. Numerous parameters not cited here are available to tailor the process to specific imaging types and requirements. Refer to the MaxIm DL Help file for full tutorials, further information, and more detailed procedures, as required. SBIG STC-428-OEM CAMERA USER’S MANUAL... - Page 28 Groups tree at left. You can also deselect individual files from the tree so that they will not be included in the stacking process. SBIG STC-428-OEM CAMERA USER’S MANUAL...
- Page 29 For other applications, we recommend using 16-bit TIFF images. The choice of TIFF or FITS can be set under: File menu > Settings > Files tab > Default File Extensions Setting. This determines the default file type created when MaxIm LT takes images. SBIG STC-428-OEM CAMERA USER’S MANUAL...
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Page 30: Accessories And Customization
Switchable 12V DC heater control • Internal I C connector (in parallel with external connector) • Bipolar stepper motor driver (12VDC) Please contact Diffraction Limited for engineering support if you wish to use any of these features. SBIG STC-428-OEM CAMERA USER’S MANUAL... -
Page 31: Appendix A: Sbig Stc-428-Oem Camera Details
Appendix A: SBIG STC-428-OEM Camera Details A-1 Connector pinouts USB connector pinout is to the USB standard. The connector works with both USB 2.0 and USB 3.0 cables. AUX connector (9-pin mini-DIN) The diagram shows the pin number identification when looking into the camera connector. - Page 32 100 pF, and should be connected to the cable shield. • Power ground is connected to the chassis of the camera through a low impedance. • For a positive retention power connection we recommend using locking connector Kycon 806-KMDLAX-6P. SBIG STC-428-OEM CAMERA USER’S MANUAL...
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Page 33: Stc-428-Oem Specifications
Windows 7, 8, 10 x86/x64, MacOS 10.14 “Mojave” x86 binaries, Ubuntu 18.04 LTS x64, Raspbian Buster armhf, Ubuntu MATE arm64 Supported options: Adaptive optics Filter wheel Yes. Contact Diffraction Limited for custom options. Self-guiding filter wheel SBIG STC-428-OEM CAMERA USER’S MANUAL... -
Page 34: Appendix B: Maintenance
Keep the can vertical to avoid expelling the propellant. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions, but also test it on another surface prior to using it on the camera. SBIG STC-428-OEM CAMERA USER’S MANUAL... -
Page 35: Regenerating The Desiccant
If you need to capture images prior to this time and it frosts again, reduce your cooling to the 0° C range - the dark current will still be quite low. Additional desiccant plugs are available from Diffraction Limited. SBIG STC-428-OEM CAMERA USER’S MANUAL... -
Page 36: Updating The Camera Drivers And Firmware
B-3 Updating the camera drivers and firmware You should periodically check for updates to your camera’s drivers and firmware to ensure the best possible performance. Diffraction Limited supplies a software utility program named DL Config that will update the firmware elements in the camera via USB. - Page 37 Use Factory File button in DL Config. This file is updated with every release of DL Config, and may not be the latest, depending on which version of DL Config you have installed. SBIG STC-428-OEM CAMERA USER’S MANUAL...
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Page 38: Appendix C: Troubleshooting
Avoid using front panel USB ports on desktop computers. They have internal wiring that will degrade USB signal quality. • Diffraction Limited suggests tie wrapping the USB cable and power cable together near the camera in order to minimize risk of the USB connector coming loose or being pulling out. -
Page 39: Appendix D: Technical And Warranty Support
Appendix D: Technical and Warranty Support Software Downloads Downloads are included on the Diffraction Limited website product pages: http://diffractionlimited.com/ Navigate to your product and click the Downloads tab. Software utilities, drivers, user documentation, and a Software Development Kit are available here. -
Page 40: Appendix E: Compatible Software Products
MaxIm DL MaxIm DL is a full-featured camera control and image processing program available from Diffraction Limited. It can control all SBIG camera models and a wide variety third-party cameras. For product details, refer to the Software page of the Diffraction Limited web site at: http://diffractionlimited.com/products/software-products/... -
Page 41: Appendix F: Concepts And Terminology
Dark Current –Dark Current is the result of thermally-generated electrons building up in the sensor’s pixels during an exposure. The number of electrons due to Dark Current is related to two parameters, namely the integration time SBIG STC-428-OEM CAMERA USER’S MANUAL... - Page 42 A typical histogram will have a peak that shows the most common brightness in the image. For astronomical images this is often the sky background. Light Frame - A Light Frame is the image of an object or scene before a Dark Frame has been subtracted. SBIG STC-428-OEM CAMERA USER’S MANUAL...
- Page 43 This can be compensated for by using flat-fielding calibration, but it is usually preferable to physically avoid vignetting if possible. SBIG STC-428-OEM CAMERA USER’S MANUAL...
- Page 44 SBIG STC-428-OEM CAMERA USER’S MANUAL...
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