CCD IMAGING
Fastar Lens Assembly Option – Using your CM-1400 telescope at f/2.1 with optional PixCel CCD Camera
Only the CM-1400 is equipped with a removable secondary mirror that allows you to convert your f/11 telescope into an f/2.1 imaging system capable of exposure times 25 times shorter than those needed with a f/11 system! Used with Celestron’s PixCel CCD System, objects will be easily found due to the wide .36° by .27° field of view provided. With the optional Fastar lens assembly you can easily convert your Fastar compatible telescope to f/2.1 prime focus use in a matter of seconds. Your telescope can now be used in many different f-number’s for CCD imaging. It can be used at f/2.1 (with optional Fastar Lens Assembly), f/7 (with the optional Reducer/Corrector), f/11, and f/22 (with the optional 2x barlow) making it the most versatile imaging system available today. This makes the system ideal for imaging deep-sky objects as well as planetary detail. The key to the Fastar’s versatility is the variety of different F-numbers in which it can be used. Described below is the significance of each F-number and the type of object best suited to that kind of imaging.
Secondary
Mirror
Secondary
Mirror
Retaining Ring
Corrector Plate
Secondary
Mirror Mount
Handle
Figure 7-1
The above figure shows how the secondary mirror is removed when using the optional PixCel CCD camera at f/2.1 and the Fastar Lens Assembly (#94181).
Warning: The secondary mirror should never be removed unless installing the optional Fastar Lens Assembly. Adjustments to collimation can easily be made by turning the screws on the top of the secondary mirror mount without ever having to remove the secondary mirror (see Telescope Maintenance section of this manual).
Celestial Photography • 59