I use the 'one shot' Starlight Express MX5c color CCD. It has decent
resolution, sensitivity and can be used in either color or B&W, and can
also be used as an autoguider.

It has the unique advantage of very low noise and most of your images do
not require complicated dark frames, temperature monitoring, etc.
Amazingly, it is a decent price as well. It's made in England, and
depending on the value of the dollar/pound, you might get a really good
deal if you know someone over there. It is handled in the US by Adirondack.

The unit utilizes the parallel port, and leaves your serial free for scope
control. I'm still pretty new to CCDing, but have gotton some pretty decent
shots of the gas giants, and having color is a lot more pleasing and far
less hassle. Combined with an LX200, the MX5 lets you take a lot of images
in a pretty short time. Its the size of a long 2" eyepiece, and is pretty
solidly built.

It does not have the built in autoguider of the SBIG ST7 or ST8, but its
quite a bit lower in cost and is a great starter/intermediate CCD. In fact,
from some of the images I've seen with it online, its not a bad advanced
CCD either.

I'm happy with the choice. I started with the 12bit B&W but had it upgraded
to color. Now just need to spend time improving my technique.

Happy star hunting,
Chris Margaritis


At 09:37 PM 10/26/99 -0700, you wrote:
>To Paul (or any one else):
>
>I looked at the filter slider. Will this work with the 416 XT or 416XTE??
>
>Is there any camera that takes all the colors with one image so you do not
>need to do the same image three times?
>
>If I switch to the upgrade of my present 416 XT to a 416XTE will I have to
>change software?
>
>
>
>
>
>
>>ED REGISTRATO
>>writes
>><>
>>ED,
>> Have you considered OPTEC's filter slider?
>>http://www.optecinc.com/astronomy/products/maxfilter.html
>> I too am considering this or the color wheel.
>>Also, does anyone know if the Meade 3.3 Focal Reducer works with the Meade
>>color wheel?
>>The Optec focal reducer won't accept the color wheel.
>>BTW, I definitely will be upgrading from the 416 to the 416 XTE.
>>
>>Paul Gitto
>>
>

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