Polaroid ST-7E, ST-8E, ST-9E manual Establishing a Communications Link, Focusing the CCD Camera

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Section 3 - At the Telescope with a CCD Camera

RA

DEC

*

Figure 3.1 Orientation of the Optical Head Viewed from Back.

(Pixel 1,1 is at the upper left in this view)

3.3.Establishing a Communications Link

When the CCDOPS program is initiated it will automatically attempt to establish a link to the camera. This involves identifying the type of CCD head. If the software is successful the "Link" field in the Status Window is updated to show the type of camera found. If the camera is not connected, powered up, or the LPT port setting has not yet been properly set, a message will be displayed indicating that the software failed to establish a link to the camera. If this happens, use the Communications Setup command in the Misc menu to configure the CCDOPS software for the LPT port you are using. Then use the Establish COM Link command in the Camera Menu to establish communications with the camera.

Note: It is not necessary to have a camera connected to your computer to run the software and display images already saved onto disk. It is only necessary to have a camera connected when you take new images.

Once the COM link has been established you may need to set the camera's setpoint temperature in the Camera Setup command. The ST-7E, ST-8E and ST-9E power up regulating to whatever temperature the CCD is at, which in this case will be the ambient temperature. Use the Camera Setup command and choose a setpoint temperature approximately 30°C below the ambient temperature. Type in the setpoint, set the temperature control to active, and hit

ENTER.

3.4.Focusing the CCD Camera

Focusing a CCD camera can be a tedious operation, so a few hints should be followed. Before using the software to focus the camera the first time you should place a diffuser (such as scotch tape or ground glass) at the approximate location of the CCD's sensitive surface behind the eyepiece tube and focus the telescope on the moon, a bright planet or a distant street lamp.

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Contents Operating Manual Page Table of Contents Technique Quick Tour IntroductionRoad Map of the Documentation Ccdops Software Ccdops for Windows or MacintoshCCD Camera Page How CCD Detectors Work Introduction to CCD CamerasCameras in General Full Frame and Frame Transfer CCDs Camera Hardware ArchitectureCCD System Block Diagram CCD Special Requirements CoolingDouble Correlated Sampling Readout Dark FramesFlat Field Images Pixels vs. Film GrainsGuiding Electronic Imaging Black and White vs. Color Page Attaching the Camera to the Telescope At the Telescope with a CCD CameraStep by Step with a CCD Camera Focusing the CCD Camera Establishing a Communications LinkCamera Back Focus Finding and Centering the Object Taking an ImageDisplaying the Image Processing the ImageSub-Frame Readout in Focus Crosshairs Mode Photometry and AstrometryAdvanced Capabilities Track and Accumulate Autoguiding and Self GuidingAuto Grab Color ImagingAt the Telescope with a CCD Camera Connecting the Power Connecting to the ComputerConnecting the Relay Port to the Telescope Camera HardwareUsing Mechanical Relays Push to Make Switch Modification Modular Family of CCD Cameras Joystick ModificationSystem Features 20.6x sizeum Focal length cm Camera Hardware Connecting the older model CFW-6 filter wheel to the Camera Battery Operation Page Advanced Imaging Techniques Lunar and Planetary ImagingDeep Sky Imaging Terrestrial ImagingBuilding a Library of Dark Frames Changing the Camera ResolutionTaking a Good Flat Field Flat Fielding Track and Accumulate Images Tracking Functions Advanced Imaging Techniques Page Accessories for your CCD Camera Cooling BoosterTri-color Imaging Camera Lens Adapters and Eyepiece ProjectionFocal Reducers AO-7 and Lucy-Richardson SoftwareThird Party Products and Services SGS Self-Guided SpectrographWindows Software Image Processing SoftwareSbig Technical Support Common Problems Common Problems Common Problems Page Glossary STV Glossary Glossary Sbig Tracking Interface Cable TIC-78 Appendix a Connector ad CablesAppendix a Connector Pinouts Figure A1 CCD Connector for TIC Mating Regenerating the Desiccant Appendix C MaintenanceCleaning the CCD and the Window Page Appendix C Capturing a Good Flat Field TechniquePage Index IBM PC Separations
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