Getting Started, Parts List, Telescope

Figure 1. To use the StarShoot Pro, a telescope, mount, and computer are required. An autoguiding system is recommended.

1. Getting Started

Parts List

•StarShoot Pro V2.0 Deep Space Color Imager

•10' USB cable

•12' DC power cable with lighter plug

•CD-ROM

•Hard carrying case

System Requirements (refer to Figure 1)

Telescope

The StarShoot Pro can be used with most telescopes compatible with 2" for- mat eyepieces. The camera is simply inserted into a focuser in the same way as a standard eyepiece (Figure 2a). The camera is also compatible with 1.25" focusers that include camera T-threads.

Caution: Be sure to always firmly tighten the thumbscrew(s) that secure the StarShoot Pro in the telescope focuser, or it could fall out and onto the ground!

Securing

thumbscrewTelescope

T-threads

Figure 2a. The StarShoot Pro fits into a 2" focuser, just like a standard 2" eyepiece.

Firmly tighten the thumbscrew that secures the StarShoot Pro in the focuser. Figure 2b. If your telescope has T-threads, remove the nosepiece from the

StarShoot Pro and thread the camera directly onto the telescope. This provides the most secure connection.

If your telescope has T-threads for direct camera attachment, a more secure connection can be made. First, unthread the nosepiece from the SS Pro. This exposes the camera’s T-threads. Then, simply thread the camera onto your telescope (Figure 2b).

The camera requires approximately 0.7" (18mm) of inward focus travel relative to where a standard eyepiece focuses with your telescope. If your telescope does not have enough inward focus travel, you will need to use an optional 2" barlow lens to extend the telescope’s focal plane to the camera’s imaging plane. Some telescopes (such as refractors) may require the use of an extension tube (avail- able from Orion) to provide enough outward focus for the StarShoot Pro.

The large 1.8" format imaging chip gives the StarShoot Pro an ample field of view through most telescopes. See “Appendix B. Field of View Quick Reference Guide” for a list of the field of view provided by several common telescopes. The camera’s pixel size and sensitivity make the StarShoot Pro suitable for most telescopes.

Because the StarShoot Pro uses a larger format CCD chip, a telescope with a 2" focuser is recommended to for full field illumination. You can still use the camera with a 1.25” focuser if it has optional T-threads; however, some vignetting (edge-darkening) may occur in the images.