Is your STF camera jealous of bigger SBIG cameras? Get Adaptive Optics for your STF Camera
Is your STF camera jealous of bigger SBIG cameras like the STX and STXL because they enjoy the benefits of Adaptive Optics (AO)?
Do you wish you could get AO for your mid-sized camera to sharpen your stars and get past limitations of your mount and poor seeing?
Now you can. Just use an SBIG StarChaser SC-2 and AO-8A adaptive optics unit.
The SBIG StarChaser Solution
As STF cameras do not have an internal guide sensor, there’s no way to control an AO unit. But now, all you have to do is order an SBIG StarChaser SC-2 off-axis guiding camera and an AO-8A to fit your camera.
You probably already know the StarChaser SC-2 is a slim autoguiding camera with a pick-off mirror, a 1280×1024 CMOS guide camera, and is fully independent with its own USB2.0 interface and power input. And, because it has power and the necessary hardware, it can run an AO-8A Adaptive Optics too.
The StarChaser SC-2 comes with MaxIm LT software included. MaxIm LT can operate your STF camera, the StarChaser, and an optional AO-8A adaptive optics unit. ASCOM and DL Imaging drivers are included, so the StarChaser will work with most software.
The StarChaser is an off-axis guider, sharing starlight that is diverted 90 degrees from the telescope’s main light path. This is different from using a guide scope on top of your main instrument. It is more like the classic OAG-8300 + ST-I combination, except it is all in one thin unit and can run the AO-8A.
The SC-2 works with an STF-8300, ST-8300, STF-8050, STF-3200, STF-1603 or STF-4070 camera, and attaches to the front of the FW8-8300 filter wheel or via an available Filter Wheel Spacer (CA-FWSPACER) adapter. We can provide a variety of adapter plates to connect to the telescope focuser.
If you wish to add the AO-8A, it attaches directly to the StarChaser and has a T-thread (M42x0.75) focuser interface. You may need a T-thread to 2-inch nosepiece adapter if you do not have one already.
Stellar Results
What are the results of this upgrade?
- Bigger guide sensor – More pixels, modern sensor means it may be easier to find a guide star.
- Pinpoint stars – With the AO-8A, imperfections in your mount and slow seeing disappear.
- You can start with better guiding and add the AO-8A later.
Give your STF the upgrade it has yearned for.
Order an SBIG StarChaser SC-2 and AO-8A bundle today. They are available now.
