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Subject: Re2: Pictor 416 vs. SBIG ST7
From: DK0179@AppleLink.Apple.COM
Reply To: mapug@shore.net
Date: Sun Jul 30 05:26:00 1995

---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Christian, <Have you ruled out the SBIG ST-6. From what I have read, on this net and <elsewhere, the pixel size of the ST-6 is much more appropriate for the LX200 <than is that of the Kodak chip. <Tom The pixel size is most critical to the camera sensitivity, as written in "CCD Astronomy", winter 1994-95. If you choose too small pixels, you'll get less light collecting area, and thus longer integration times. There is another issue, which is important when choosing a CCD camera. Any camera will sooner or later be affected by dust. Our first ccd camera, a spectra source, had a shutter which was painted black. Following frequent use, this painting was teared off, and landed on the CCD surface. So, following some time, we got huge, dark spots on all our images. As a result, the camera had to be reshipped to USA, implying additional costs and waiting time. An ST6 has only few mechanical parts, but these may also release dust. Here SBIG-s cameras have a great feature, all their brands from st4 to st8 may be opened, and cleaned by the user. A question is thus : Is it possible to open Meades CCD-s too, in order to clean their CCD surface ? Another few questions : Does the Meade CCD line have a track and accumulate feature, similar to SBIG-s? I may have missed some of the discussion during the recent weeks, but anyone knowing, if Meades CCD autofocus works ? Best greetings, Mogens Winther.