Testing The Camera And Filter Wheel - SBIG STF Series User Manual

1.4 Testing the Camera and Filter Wheel

Once MaxIm LT is installed and the camera hardware has been assembled,
Diffraction Limited recommends that you perform a simple bench test of the
system. This should be done prior to 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.
Proceed with the bench test as follows:
1. Verify that all cabling is properly connected.
2. Apply power to the camera.
NOTE:
The STF cameras come with a power supply capable of operating from
90 to 264 VAC. Actual power requirements are +12 VDC at 3A
maximum for the STF-3200W or STF-8300M models and 6A maximum
for the STF-4070 or STF-8050 models.
The camera may also be powered directly from a capable +12 VDC
source using an appropriate cable. The optional CA-ST402BATTERY
cable is available for this purpose. You can also refer to the power jack
pinout diagram in
cable.
3. Open MaxIm LT and connect to the camera by following the procedure
in Section 2.1 Connecting the STF Camera to MaxIm
4. Take a set of exposures including both dark and light frames. Set your
exposure length to a very short duration to avoid saturation if you are
conducting this bench test under bright lighting conditions.
Alternatively, you can limit the amount of light entering the camera by
covering the sensor opening using a piece of cardboard with only a small
hole in it.
5. If you are using a filter wheel, also take a set of light exposures using
each of the available filters to ensure proper operation of the wheel.
6. If your testing is successful, you are now ready to mount the camera to
your telescope or other optical device. You can use the supplied 2"
nosepiece or other proprietary adapter for this, as required.
NOTE:
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
Appendix A-1 Connector pinouts to create such a
LT.
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