The SXVF-M25

Large format

6 Megapixels

Single-shot colour

A view of the APS film-sized CCD installed in a prototype camera

M42 by Alan Chen, using a 10" Newtonian + Paracorr (F4.58 equivalent). Processed from 45 x 2min frames

This frame is 33% of actual size - please have a look at the wonderful detail in the full size image!

Link to full size jpg file

M33 by Alan Chen, using a 10" Newtonian + Paracorr (F4.58 equivalent). Processed from 39 x 4min frames

This frame is 35% of actual size - please follow the link to the full size image!

Link to full size jpg file

Major features:

Very large, high resolution 'SuperHAD' CCD chip, with 6,000,000 x 7.8uM square pixels in a 23.4 x 15.6mm array. Size equivalent to APS film.
Single-shot colour, using a Bayer matrix of R, G and B on-chip filters. No filter wheel required.
High sensitivity, equivalent to 60% QE at peak of green filters.
Exceptionally low dark signal - No dark frames necessary for most deep sky objects
Exceptionally effective anti-blooming with minimal effect on linearity and no lost active area
NEW! Built-in super high speed USB 2.0 interface (USB 1.1 compatible) for approx. 3.5 second downloads
Built-in autoguider interface and output - compatible with the optional dedicated external guide camera
Built-in dual serial ports for accessory control - directly drive filter wheels, GOTO 'scopes etc.
Single USB cable control for all features - get rid of that dangerous cable tangle!
Only ONE computer needed to control all of the devices and functions
Very low power consumption. Less than 1 amp at 12v DC
Compact and lightweight - only 75mm in diameter x 100mm long - less than 500 grams load on the 'scope!

Dr Dietmar Hager has tested and reviewed the SXVF-M25C. His conclusions can be found at http://www.stargazer-observatory.com/reportsCCD-M25C-engl.htm

Specifications:

CCD type: Sony ICX453AQ SuperHAD CCD with ultra low dark current, Bayer RGB matrix and vertical anti-blooming.

CCD Full resolution Pixel data: Pixel size: 7.8uM x 7.8uM, Image format: 3024 x 2016 pixels

CCD Image area: 23.4mm (Horizontal) x 15.6mm (Vertical).

CCD quality: Grade 1 or better - No bad columns, no dead pixels, no more than 50 'hot' pixels (saturated in <10 seconds).

Spectral Response: QE max at 540nM (~60%), 50% roll-off at 400nM and 650nM.

Readout Noise: Less than 12 electrons RMS - typically ONLY 7 electrons!

Full-well capacity: Greater than 25,000 e- (unbinned)

Anti-blooming: Overload margin greater than 800x.

Dark current: Dark frame saturation time greater than 100 hours. Less than 0.02 electrons/second @ + 10C ambient.

Data format: 16 bits.

System gain: 0.4 electrons per ADU

Computer Interface: Built-in USB 2.0 compatible interface. Also works with USB 1.1.

Image download time: Typically 3.5 seconds full resolution using USB 2.0, approximately 8 seconds with USB 1.1.

Power requirements: 115VAC / 240VAC @ 12VA, or 12VDC @ 750mA max.

Cooling system: Regulated constant current cooling supply with single stage thermoelectric cooler to give a CCD temperature of approximately -30C below ambient.

Size: 75 x 100mm black anodised aluminium barrel with 42mm 'T2' thread at the CCD window end & input/output plugs at rear. CCD alignment screws are provided for setting the chip parallel to the focal plane.

Weight: approx. 400g.

Some more sample images

These images were all taken through a Takahashi FSQ106 with a Hutech light pollution filter and did not have any dark frames subtracted. Imaging conditions were quite poor, with considerable light pollution at my South of England site.

M31 in Andromeda - A single 40 minute exposure shown at one third of full size.

Link to full size jpg file

The 'Rosette' in Monoceros - a single 40 minute exposure shown at 33% of full size

Link to full size version (820K)

The 'Flaming Star' around AE Aurigae - a single 40 minute exposure shown at 33% of full size

The region around M52 and the 'Bubble' nebula' - a single 40 minute exposure shown at half size

IC1396 in Cepheus - a single 40 minute exposure shown at 50% of full size

Part of IC1318 and the 'Crescent' in Cygnus - a single 40 minute exposure shown at 50% of full size

NGC6992 - the Eastern Veil nebula in Cygnus - a single 40 minute exposure shown at 50% of full size

Would you like a single-shot colour imager, but also need to capture H-alpha images with it? The excellent red light sensitivity of the SXV-M25, combined with our special narrow-band processing software, can give you the best of both worlds! Here is an image of the 'PacMan' in Cassiopeia, taken with a 25nM wide H-alpha filter and a 30 minute exposure time on the FSQ106.

Please contact our distributors for availability and if placing an order.