SBIG STF Series User Manual
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SBIG STF Series User Manual

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SBIG
STF Series
Imaging Cameras
User's Manual
Version 1.03 - November 4, 2021
SBIG STF SERIES - CAMERA USER'S MANUAL
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  • Page 1 ® SBIG STF Series Imaging Cameras User’s Manual Version 1.03 - November 4, 2021 SBIG STF SERIES - CAMERA USER’S MANUAL...
  • Page 2 Telephone: 613-225-2732 Fax: 225-225-9688 © 2019 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.

  • Page 3: Table Of Contents

    3.3 Flat-Field Frame Calibration ..............31 3.4 Understanding Calibration Groups ............33 3.5 Calibrating and Combining Images............34 4 – Accessories ................ 37 4.1 FW8-8300 Filter Wheel ................37 4.2 Other Accessories ..................38 SBIG STF SERIES - CAMERA USER’S MANUAL...
  • Page 4 ........IMPORTANT! Please read this guide thoroughly before installing and operating your new SBIG STF camera. It is important to fully understand and follow all installation, operation, and maintenance procedures as stated to ensure proper functionality. Failure to do so may affect your warranty!

  • Page 5: Sbig Stf Imaging Cameras

    SBIG STF Imaging Cameras The SBIG STF series of imaging cameras is an evolution of the previous ST series, where the “F” stands for “Fast”, signifying the substantial performance improvements of these cameras over their predecessors. Indeed, the STF series provides a superior cost versus performance ratio, with low noise and fast readout speeds.

  • Page 6: Camera Features

    Camera Features Our STF series cameras offer excellent performance, very low noise, and a rich set of features. All STF camera models include the MaxIm LT application for Windows for image acquisition and processing. The series features: Four different CCD imaging sensors by ON Semiconductor™...

  • Page 7: Installation

    Guider-to-telescope mount interface cable (TIC) RJ11-RJ11. NOTE: This cable has its pin connections flipped from one end to the other – they are not straight-through connections. • USB cable, 15 feet (4.6 meters) • Allen key, 9/64” SBIG STF SERIES - CAMERA USER’S MANUAL...
  • Page 8 You should find the following: • FW8-8300 - 8-position filter wheel with I C cable • 2” Nosepiece adapter with cap • O-rings, 2-027 (qty 8) (41006) • Allen key, 9/64” SBIG STF SERIES - CAMERA USER’S MANUAL...

  • Page 9: Installing The Software

    3. Insert the supplied flash drive into an available USB port. 4. Open Windows Explorer and navigate to the flash drive’s root folder. 5. Double-click Launcher.exe, then click Install SBIG to install the SBIG Driver Checker. When the installation is completed, launch the SBIG Driver Checker.

  • Page 10: Installing The Hardware

    The camera’s front plate is not used when a filter wheel is attached. Retain this plate for possible future use and set the camera aside. SBIG STF SERIES - CAMERA USER’S MANUAL...
  • Page 11 Place the filter wheel on a clean dry surface with the camera side facing down. Remove the four 4-40 cap screws (indicated) that secure the filter wheel’s front plate and lift it off the base plate. Set the front plate aside. SBIG STF SERIES - CAMERA USER’S MANUAL...
  • Page 12 Philips screws (circled) that attach the retainer to the carousel. Note that the filter retainer is the same size and shape as the carousel and simply attaches to the carousel over the filters to hold them in place. Set the filter retainer aside. SBIG STF SERIES - CAMERA USER’S MANUAL...
  • Page 13 13. Replace the filter wheel front plate being careful not to pinch any internal wires or the outgoing I C cable. 14. Fasten the front plate to the base plate using the four 4-40 cap screws that you removed in step 4. SBIG STF SERIES - CAMERA USER’S MANUAL...
  • Page 14 17. Attach the handles to the outer face of the rear cover plate using the four supplied 8-32 x 5/16" socket head cap screws inserted through the plate from the inner face, as indicated. SBIG STF SERIES - CAMERA USER’S MANUAL...
  • Page 15 DB-9 connector. If you are installing this filter wheel with your camera, plug the DB-9 connector into the I C port on the camera. This cable supplies power and control signals to the filter wheel. SBIG STF SERIES - CAMERA USER’S MANUAL...
  • Page 16 The camera is now ready to be powered up and tested. Refer to Section 1.4 Testing the Camera and Filter Wheel. SBIG STF SERIES - CAMERA USER’S MANUAL...

  • Page 17: Testing The Camera And Filter Wheel

    When attaching the STF camera to your operational equipment such as a telescope, consider looping the USB and power cables around one of the camera handles to provide strain relief. Cable tie wraps can also be used for this purpose. SBIG STF SERIES - CAMERA USER’S MANUAL...

  • Page 18: Operating Your Stf Camera With Maxim Lt

    2 - Operating your SBIG STF camera with MaxIm LT The MaxIm LT application allows full configuration and control of the SBIG STF cameras and filter wheel. Calibrating files, automating imaging sequences, logging, and various image processing tasks can all be performed. Please note however that since MaxIm LT and MaxIm DL both share the same Help file, not all features detailed in that file will be enabled in MaxIm LT.
  • Page 19 - reconfigure them if required. Full details on these parameters are available in the MaxIm DL Help file and at: https://diffractionlimited.com/help/maximdl/HIDD_SETUPST7.htm Click OK to accept the settings and close the SBIG Universal Settings form. SBIG STF SERIES - CAMERA USER’S MANUAL...
  • Page 20 Click OK to accept the settings and close the Setup SBIG Universal form to return to the Camera Control form. Click the Options button under Camera 1. The Options (Camera 1) form opens. Configure the optional camera parameters as shown. Full details on these parameters are available in the MaxIm DL Help file and at: https://diffractionlimited.com/help/maximdl/HIDD_SETUPST7.htm...
  • Page 21 23. Set the desired cooler temperature (in degrees Celsius) and click OK. The Set Autoguider Cooler form closes. The STF camera and FW8-8300 filter wheel are now connected and ready to begin imaging. SBIG STF SERIES - CAMERA USER’S MANUAL...

  • Page 22: Basic Imaging Procedure

    A Luminance filter allows full visible spectrum illumination of the sensor, but you can select another filter type if you wish. If one of your filter slots is empty, you can also use that instead. SBIG STF SERIES - CAMERA USER’S MANUAL...
  • Page 23 • Dither: Off • Delay First: Specify a delay time (in seconds) prior to taking the first exposure, if desired. • Delay Between: Specify a delay time (in seconds) between exposures, if desired. SBIG STF SERIES - CAMERA USER’S MANUAL...
  • Page 24 Click OK when you are finished configuring the sequence. To begin the custom sequence, ensure that the Autosave radio button is selected and click Start. You can end the Autosave sequence at any time prior to its completion by pressing Stop. SBIG STF SERIES - CAMERA USER’S MANUAL...

  • Page 25: Image Calibration

    These are detailed below. A general workflow is then provided for image calibration and the subsequent combining of multiple light frames, if required. Refer to the online Help file for further information and more detailed procedures, as required. SBIG STF SERIES - CAMERA USER’S MANUAL...

  • Page 26: Bias Frame Calibration

    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 STF SERIES - CAMERA USER’S MANUAL...
  • Page 27 5. Click the Start button to begin the sequence. When the sequence completes, you will have a set of bias frames that can subsequently be used to create a calibration group and apply a bias calibration to your light frames. SBIG STF SERIES - CAMERA USER’S MANUAL...

  • Page 28: Dark Frame Calibration

    You can then combine a number of images together using the Median, Sigma Clip, or SD Mask algorithm, which will reject the hot pixel contributions altogether. SBIG STF SERIES - CAMERA USER’S MANUAL...
  • Page 29 Subframe: Set to same as your Light frames 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 STF SERIES - CAMERA USER’S MANUAL...
  • Page 30 5. Click the Start button to begin the sequence. 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 STF SERIES - CAMERA USER’S MANUAL...

  • Page 31: Flat-Field Frame Calibration

    30% of full scale. The resulting images can be used to flat-field the camera, regardless of the optics used. Note that the camera’s window must be very clean (that is, no dust spots) for this to work properly. SBIG STF SERIES - CAMERA USER’S MANUAL...
  • Page 32 6. Click the Start button to begin the sequence. When the sequence completes, you will have a set of flat-field frames that can subsequently be used to create a calibration group and apply a flat-field calibration to your light frames. SBIG STF SERIES - CAMERA USER’S MANUAL...

  • Page 33: Understanding Calibration Groups

    If bias subtraction is enabled and suitable groups are available, the darks and flat masters will automatically be bias-subtracted. Similarly, the flat masters will be dark-subtracted if dark subtraction is enabled and suitable groups are available. SBIG STF SERIES - CAMERA USER’S MANUAL...

  • Page 34: Calibrating And Combining Images

    They are in effect a compromise between median and average, combining the noise reduction advantages of Average with the outlier pixel rejection of Median combine. You can also select renormalization options for these methods. SBIG STF SERIES - CAMERA USER’S MANUAL...
  • Page 35 Enable the Mark added images as Auto Calibrate checkbox. Each image will automatically be calibrated as it is needed, using the settings from the Set Calibration command. SBIG STF SERIES - CAMERA USER’S MANUAL...
  • Page 36 MaxIm LT software, 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 STF SERIES - CAMERA USER’S MANUAL...

  • Page 37: Accessories

    Canon and Nikon lens adapters to enable the use of such lenses with the STF camera. Refer to the Diffraction Limited website for details at: http://diffractionlimited.com/products/cameras-accessories/filter-wheels/ SBIG STF SERIES - CAMERA USER’S MANUAL...

  • Page 38: Other Accessories

    Filters • Mounting plates and nosepieces • Adapter plates and inserts • Desiccant plugs • Cables • Power supplies • and more … Refer to the Diffraction Limited website for details at: http://diffractionlimited.com/products/cameras-accessories/accessories/ SBIG STF SERIES - CAMERA USER’S MANUAL...

  • Page 39: Appendix A: Sbig Stf Camera Details

    A-1 Connector pinouts The STF-8300M camera connectors are shown above, but the pinout data provided below is applicable to all the STF series cameras. USB connector pinout is to the USB standard. GUIDE PORT (RJ-12), female connector. The diagram shows the pin number identification when looking into the camera’s connector.
  • Page 40 Note that Trigger Out is an open collector output, which means that it needs to be pulled up to between 3.3 to 12V maximum (or requires an external pull-up resistor) while the camera is inactive, and conversely, is active when low (at GND) only during an exposure. SBIG STF SERIES - CAMERA USER’S MANUAL...

  • Page 41: Specifications

    Computer interface USB 2.0 OS compatibility Windows 32 and 64 bit, Macintosh, Linux Supported options: Adaptive optics Filter wheel Self-guiding filter wheel 36 mm or 1.25” Filter size Off-axis guiding Remote guide head SBIG STF SERIES - CAMERA USER’S MANUAL...
  • Page 42 Computer interface USB 2.0 OS compatibility Windows 32 and 64 bit, Macintosh, Linux Supported options: Adaptive optics Filter wheel Self-guiding filter wheel 36 mm or 1.25” Filter size Off-axis guiding Remote guide head SBIG STF SERIES - CAMERA USER’S MANUAL...
  • Page 43 Computer interface USB 2.0 OS compatibility Windows 32 and 64 bit, Macintosh, Linux Supported options: Adaptive optics Filter wheel Self-guiding filter wheel 36 mm or 1.25” Filter size Off-axis guiding Remote guide head SBIG STF SERIES - CAMERA USER’S MANUAL...
  • Page 44 Computer interface USB 2.0 OS compatibility Windows 32 and 64 bit, Macintosh, Linux Supported options: Adaptive optics Filter wheel Self-guiding filter wheel 36 mm or 1.25” Filter size Off-axis guiding Remote guide head SBIG STF SERIES - CAMERA USER’S MANUAL...
  • Page 45 USB 2.0 OS compatibility Windows 32 and 64 bit, Macintosh, Linux Supported options: Adaptive optics Filter wheel Yes - internal Self-guiding filter wheel Filter size 22 mm (0.85”) Off-axis guiding Remote guide head SBIG STF SERIES - CAMERA USER’S MANUAL...
  • Page 46 Computer interface USB 2.0 OS compatibility Windows 32 and 64 bit, Macintosh, Linux Supported options: Adaptive optics Filter wheel Self-guiding filter wheel 36 mm or 1.25” Filter size Off-axis guiding Remote guide head SBIG STF SERIES - CAMERA USER’S MANUAL...

  • Page 47: 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 STF SERIES - CAMERA USER’S MANUAL...

  • Page 48: 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 STF SERIES - CAMERA USER’S MANUAL...

  • Page 49: 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 the SBIG 64-Bit Driver Checker Utility that will update both of these elements. The program can be freely downloaded from the Diffraction Limited website.
  • Page 50 Do not interrupt the firmware upgrade process or your camera may become unresponsive, which will require it to be returned to the factory for service. 13. Once the main firmware has been successfully updated, you can exit the utility. SBIG STF SERIES - CAMERA USER’S MANUAL...

  • Page 51: Appendix C: Troubleshooting

    Check the firmware and SBIG drivers: Use the SBIG 64-Bit Driver Checker Utility program to ensure the camera’s firmware is up to date and that the latest drivers are installed. Refer to Appendix B-3 Updating the camera drivers and firmware.

  • Page 52: Appendix D: Legacy Stf Camera Models

    Appendix D: Legacy SBIG STF camera models Certain SBIG STF camera models have been discontinued or superseded, including: • STF-402M is discontinued due to sensor obsolescence. The STF-402M lacked the user-rechargeable desiccant plug and the I C port. It was not compatible with the FW8-8300 filter wheel.

  • Page 53: Appendix E: Technical And Warranty Support

    Technical Support Technical Support: http://forum.diffractionlimited.com/ Technical Support Phone: (613) 225-2732 Authorized Repair Center Bill Lynch – SBIG Service & Repair Center 3769 Constellation Road, Unit D Lompoc, CA 93436 Bill Lynch – email via: http://diffractionlimited.com/about-us/contact-us/#contact-form NOTE: You must contact our authorized service & repair center for an RMA number prior to returning your equipment.

  • Page 54: Appendix F: 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 55: Appendix G: Concepts And Terminology

    The simplest method is to use three filters, one for Red, Green and Blue. Once the three images are captured, calibrated, aligned and stacked, it is very simple to create the color composite image. SBIG STF SERIES - CAMERA USER’S MANUAL...
  • Page 56 It consists of a lens mounted in a cell and is usually placed in front of an eyepiece or camera. Focal reducers are often used in electronic imaging. SBIG STF SERIES - CAMERA USER’S MANUAL...
  • Page 57 It also shortens the image download time. Maximum absolute resolution is determined by the size of an individual unbinned pixel and the characteristics of the optical system you are using. SBIG STF SERIES - CAMERA USER’S MANUAL...
  • Page 58 This can be compensated for by using flat-fielding calibration, but it is usually preferable to physically avoid vignetting if possible. SBIG STF SERIES - CAMERA USER’S MANUAL...
  • Page 59 SBIG STF SERIES - CAMERA USER’S MANUAL...

This manual is also suitable for:

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