SBIG AllSky-340 Monochrome All Sky Camera with Kodak KAI-340 CCD Sensor, without Lens

The SBIG AllSky-340 is a monochrome All Sky camera that uses a Kodak KAI-340 CCD sensor, with 640x480 pixels, 7.4 microns square and a high gain output stage for excellent sensitivity. The All Sky camera incorporates the SBIG Smart Guider Camera inside an aluminum enclosure with an acrylic dome to protect the optional fisheye lens. The image shown above was a 60 second exposure, taken from a light polluted backyard - the first quarter moon had just set behind the roof.

The SBIG AllSky-340 All Sky Camera has some very interesting features that make it much more versatile than other All Sky cameras that SBIG manufactured in the past. It has a RS-232 link to the PC for control and image download. While this interface is very slow in comparison to USB, it will tolerate 100 ft (30 meter) cable runs. Or, you can throw away the cable and use a Bluetooth wireless link with an optional inexpensive adapter. The unit is low power and can be powered by a solar array (also optional) so you don't need any wires at all running from your PC to the camera. The beauty of this set-up is the fact that the unit can be located where it has a good view of the sky, instead of good access to a power plug or PC.