SBIG ST-7-XME Dual Sensor, USB Camera with KAF-0402ME Class 1 CCD, Remote Guide Head Port, Water Cooling Ready.

The ST-7XME is a self-guided imaging camera and contains two CCD detectors; one for guiding and the other for collecting the image. They are mounted in close proximity, both focused at the same plane, allowing the imaging CCD to integrate while the PC uses the guiding CCD to correct the telescope. In addition, a Remote Guiding Head port is now included for attachment of an external guiding head for those occasions when an external guider is desired.

Using a separate CCD for guiding allows 100% of the primary CCD to be used to collect the image. The telescope correction rate and limiting guide star magnitude can be independently selected. The Full Frame Resolution is 765 x 510 pixels at 9 microns square. Carefully guided exposures up to one hour are possible, enabling a standard 8" SCT to capture images showing 19th magnitude stars from typical background observing sites.

The imaging camera includes an electro-mechanical shutter, 16 bit analog to digital (A/D) converter, regulated temperature control, and has all of the electronics integrated into the CCD head. Communication to the PC is through the USB port. The KAF-0402ME CCD used in this camera has the same array architecture as the KAF-0401E NABG with some improvements.