Starlight Xpress Trius SX-694 USB Hub Monochrome CCD Camera, Sony ICX694AL EXview CCD, Built-in USB 2.0

The Starlight Xpress Trius SX-694 USB Hub Monochrome CCD Camera provides multiple inputs and outputs. The main control connections to the camera are the USB2.0 socket that controls the camera from the computer and the +12v DC jack socket which provides power (approximately 1.25Amps at 12v DC). In addition, there is an RJ11 Guider Port output that is opto-isolated and will drive any standard active low guider input via the RJ11 'telephone' lead provided. The remaining sockets are three Mini-5pin USB2.0 sockets that can be used to power up to three different USB devices, such as a Lodestar Autoguider, an SX USB Filter Wheel and a focuser. Each USB port is capable of providing 5v DC at a maximum of 200mA.

Unlike less expensive cameras, Starlight Xpress fits a specially manufactured fused silica window, with a 7 layer anti-reflective coating, to all of their Trius cameras. This offers exceptional strength and heat transfer characteristics to ensure there is less chance of dewing of the front window during humid weather.

The cooling system is designed for the most efficient cooling possible in a small compact package. The Trius cameras are fitted with a new peltier cooler configuration to give approximately -40deg.C delta T. A built in fan at the rear of the camera draws air in through small holes in the front of the barrel (which increases the surface area to aid the convection), through the heatsink where all the heat is generated and expels it out of the rear of the camera. An additional fan is fitted to the side, just to help keep the external body at the ambient temperature during warmer weather. Set-Point Cooling as standard.

Argon filled CCD chambers are normally only associated with really high-end cameras; the new Trius cameras have dry argon injected into the CCD chamber to ensure there is no moisture to condense on the CCD during the cooling process. The low thermal conductivity of argon also helps with the cooling process, allowing a lower delta T to be achieved.

This unique approach to camera design allows the front plate of the camera to be orthogonally aligned to ensure that the CCD and the optics are parallel to each other. This enables the user to adjust for any collimation issues throughout the whole optical train, to ensure pinpoint stars across the entire field.