Exview CCD with 752 x 580 pixels, USB powered, Opto-Isolated control outputs
The Lodestar is as small as a 1.25" eyepiece and weighs much less!
A close-up view of the ICX429AL CCD in its 1.25" barrel
A rear view of the Lodestar, showing the USB and Guider ports
Detailed
specifications:
CCD type: ICX429AL Sony Exview interline CCD with low dark current and vertical anti-blooming.
CCD Full resolution Pixel data: Pixel size: 8.2uM x 8.4uM, Image format: 752 x 580 pixels
CCD Image area: 6.4mm (Horizontal) x 4.75mm (Vertical).
CCD quality: Grade 1
Spectral Response: QE max at 620nM (~65%), 35% at 400nM and 770nM.
Readout Noise: Less than 15 electrons RMS - typically only 10 electrons.
Full-well capacity: Greater than 50,000 e- (unbinned)
Anti-blooming: Overload margin greater than 1000x.
Dark current: Dark frame saturation time greater than 1 hour. Less than 0.1 electrons/second @ + 10C ambient.
Data format: 16 bits.
System gain: 0.9 electrons per ADU
Computer Interface: Built-in USB 2.0 compatible interface.
Image download time: Typically 0.2 seconds at full resolution using USB 2.0.
Power requirements: USB powered.
Cooling system: Ambient air cooling.
Size: 32 x 72mm black anodised aluminium barrel with 25 x 0.75mm 'C mount' thread at the CCD window end & input/output plugs at rear.
Weight: approx. 50g.
Spectral response
Although the Lodestar is primarily intended as a high performance guider, it makes a superb electronic finder and planetary imaging camera! Here are some sample images from Maurice Gavin:
Centaur Eris at mag. 18.75 - a remarkable achievement!
The Lodestar is a new product that is now available. Please contact us or our local distributors for availability and pricing.
