Orion instruction manual Introduction, StarShoot G3, Feature Highlights

DC power cable with lighter plug

StarShoot G3

Deep Space

Imaging Camera

USB cable
Dust cap	1.25"
	nosepiece	Software CD
	(removeable)

2" Mounting base

1.25" Nosepiece

T-threads

Figure 2.1. The G3 can be connected to your telescope in three different ways, 1.25", 2", or T-thread.

Standard 1.25"	T-threads
filter threads	(M42x0.75)
(M28x0.6)

Figure 2.2. Standard 1.25" filter threads add versatility to allow additional accessories to be used.

Figure 1. StarShoot G3 Imaging Camera and included items.

Contents			1. Introduction
1. Introduction		2	Welcome to the exciting world
	1.1. The StarShoot G3	3
	1.2. Feature Highlights	3	of astro-imaging. Your new
2.	Getting Started	4	StarShoot G3 Deep Space
	2.1. Parts List	.4	Imaging camera is capable of
	2.2. System Requirements	4	capturing impressive celestial
	2.3. Software and Driver Installation .	5	objects like galaxies, star clus-
3.	Software Walk‑Through	.6	ters, and nebulae, as well as

3.1Camera Control . . . . . . . . 6 the planets, Moon, and the Sun

	3.2 Capture		7	(with an optional solar filter).
	3.3 Histogram		9	Additionally, the StarShoot G3
	3.4 Analysis	.	. 10	can be used as a dedicated
4.	Astronomical Imaging		11	autogudier for any other astro-
	4.1. Focusing	.	11	imaging camera you might use
	4.2. Using the Thermoelectric Cooler			like a DSLR camera or large
	(TEC)	.	. 12
				array CCD camera. This man-
	4.3. Imaging Deep Sky Objects. .	.	14	ual will show you how to install
5.	Image Processing	.	. 17
	5.1 Save and Export	.	. 19	and use your new StarShoot
6.	Using the StarShoot G3 as an			G3. In a short time, you will
				be capturing astrophotos and
	Autoguider		20
7. Optional Accessories			21	sharing them with friends, fam-
8.	Specifications	.	22	ily, and the world!

1.1. The StarShoot G3

The StarShoot G3 is an astronomical imaging CCD camera with a 16-bit image output and a regulated thermoelectric cooler to enable maximum imaging perfor- mance. Both the G3 Color and G3 Monochrome are very sensitive and capable of detecting faint deep sky objects in a short exposure; and longer exposures can reveal extremely deep fields with subtle nebulosity and galaxies in the background.

You may also choose to use the G3 as a dedicated autoguider. The highly sensi- tive, low noise, 16-bit camera allows faint guide stars to be detected. The on- board autoguiding output allows you to connect the autoguide cable directly from the camera to your ST-4 compatible mount.

1.2. Feature Highlights

•Simple interface: A USB port is all that’s needed to connect the G3 to your computer (Figure 3). The power port is used to power the thermoelectric cooler, which is recommended for the best imaging performance.

•Regulated cooling: Enables you to set the exact temperature within the cooling range of the camera. This allows you to take calibration images like dark frames at the exact same temperature as your light frames, making for the cleanest images possible. Additionally, since you can match the CCD temperature at any time (within the range of the cooler), you have the freedom to take dark frames when it’s most convenient for you, so you don’t have to use up valuable imaging time to take dark frames.

•Vibration-free MagLev Cooling Fan: This essential component of the cooling system vents out the head generated by the TEC.

•Autoguider output: (Figure 3) When used as an autoguider, the G3 can connect the autoguider relays directly from the camera body to your equatorial mount. This eliminates the need to relay an additional adapter from your PC.

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