Description

The Ultrastar cameras are advanced versions of our ‘Superstar’ guide camera and have a similar resolution of 1392 x 1040 pixels. However, the CCD chip has 70% more area and the QE is considerably greater, at around 75% peak. These characteristics give the Ultrastar an excellent performance as both a guide camera and an imaging camera, which is especially well suited to ‘Live Viewing’ mode. Some years ago, Paul Shears released a simple to use program called ‘Lodestar Live’, which uses the SX Lodestar in ‘Live Viewing’ mode. This has now been upgraded to ‘Starlight Live’ and is capable of controlling both the Lodestar and the Ultrastar in Live view. It can also colour convert and stack images from the single-shot colour versions of these cameras.

Specification

• CCD: Sony ICX825AQ ExView2 monochrome CCD
• Pixel count: 1392(H) x 1040(V)
• Pixel size: 6.45 x 6.45uM
• Optical size: 8.98 x 6.71 mm
• Read noise: Typically 5.0 electrons
• QE: Peak QE 75% (yellow light)
• Gain: 0.3 e/ADU
• Barrel size: 31.75mm dia. x 85mm long (1.25 inch eyepiece push fit size)
• Barrel thread: 25.4mm x 0.75mm ‘CS’ mount lens thread
• Input connection: ‘Mini B’ USB socket for USB2.0
• Output connection: Standard RJ12 autoguider socket
• Output type: Opto-isolated 4 lines (N,S,E & W) pull down with common return line
• Download rate: Approx. 2 frames per second in binned 1×1 mode