SBIG StarChaser SC-4 Off-Axis Guider Camera

Product Description

SBIG StarChaser SC-4 Off-Axis Guider Camera

The SBIG StarChaser SC-4 is an all-in-one Off-Axis Guide Camera, with Adaptive Optics support.  The SC-4 is an improved version of our venerable SC-3 camera, and features:

• Built-in 1.3 megapixel guide camera
• Externally-adjustable pick-off mirror position
• Improved focus adjustment
• Integrated 0.7X focal reducer for a larger field of view and a better match to long focal length telescopes
• Dark frame shutter
• “ST-4” style guide port
• Built-in Adaptive Optics control
• Only 0.875″ (22.23) mm thick
• Uses advanced 3D additive manufacturing technology to be even lighter than previous models
• Highly accurate stainless steel spacers ensure zero flexure
• Includes both MaxIm LT software and ASCOM driver

Both guide camera focus and pick-off mirror position can be easily adjusted using external knobs, without removing the SC-4 from the telescope or camera.

The integrated 0.7X focal reducer increases the field-of-view of the SC-4 and improves sensitivity.  This makes it much easier to locate guide stars.

Versions for Large Format and Compact Format Cameras

The SC-4 is intended for our large format cameras, and can accommodate a variety of cameras and filter wheels, using our standard SBIG large format bolt pattern.  Normally it is directly mounted to an SBIG AFW Filter Wheel, but is also compatible with the older FW7-STX.  It is also possible to bolt it directly to an Aluma AC series camera. It is also compatible with the AO-X Adaptive Optics unit.

The SC-4C is intended for our compact format cameras, such as the Aluma CCD series and the AFW-8-36R Compact Format filter wheel.   It is also compatible with the AO-8A Adaptive Optics unit.

For users of the legacy FW8S-Aluma, a special version called the SC-4C-A is available.  It includes a cutout for the filter wheel motor.

Please note that an AFW Large Format filter wheel can also be attached to the Aluma CCD series using an adapter; for that combination you will need the large format SC-4.

Highly Adjustable

The pick-off mirror is adjusted by simply loosening the lock knob, sliding the knob inwards or outwards as required, and then retightening to lock it in place.  Focus is adjusted via a single easily-accessible knob.

For the large format SC-4, the center of the pick-off mirror when fully retracted will be 1.1″ (28.3 mm) from the optical axis.  It can be moved inwards by up to 0.3″ (7.6 mm) using an externally accessible knob. To reduce off-axis aberrations, the pick-off mirror should be set as close as possible to the optical axis without infringing on the main camera image.   With the pick-off mirror retracted, the SC-4 accommodates a back-focus distance from 0.80″ to 1.80″ (20.3 mm to 45.7 mm).  Moving the mirror inwards increases the back-focus distance by the same amount.  With the mirror moved fully inwards, the range of back-focus distance changes to 1.10″ to 2.10″ (27.9 mm to 53.34 mm).

For the compact format SC-4C, the center of the pick-off mirror when fully retracted will be 0.75″ (19.1 mm) from the optical axis.  It can be moved inwards by up to 0.3″ (7.6 mm) using an externally accessible knob. To reduce off-axis aberrations, the pick-off mirror should be set as close as possible to the optical axis without infringing on the main camera image.   With the pick-off mirror retracted, the SC-4C accommodates a back-focus distance from 0.86″ to 1.86″ (21.8 mm to 47.2 mm).  Moving the mirror inwards increases the back-focus distance by the same amount.  With the mirror moved fully inwards, the range of back-focus distance changes to 1.16″ to 2.16″ (29.5 mm to 54.9 mm).

To verify compatibility with your SBIG camera and filter wheel, you can use our handy Back Focus Calculator spreadsheet.

Adaptive Optics Support

The StarChaser SC-4 is directly compatible with the SBIG AO-X Adaptive Optics unit.  The AO-X bolts directly to the front of the SC-4.  A single 11066 adapter cable between the SC-4 and AO-X provides all necessary power and control signals.

The StarChaser SC-4C is directly compatible with the SBIG AO-8A Adaptive Optics unit.  The AO-8A bolts directly to the front of the SC-4C.  The AO-8A plugs directly into the SC-4C.

Since the AO unit is controlled directly by the StarChaser, it is fully independent of the main camera.

Complete Package

Our renowned MaxIm LT software is included, providing integrated control of your StarChaser and SBIG main camera.  We also provide API interfaces for third-party software running under Windows, MacOS, or Linux.  An ASCOM standard camera interface is included. (ASCOM currently does not support Adaptive Optics.)

The following parts are included with the StarChaser SC-4 for Large Format Cameras:

• StarChaser SC-4 off-axis guide camera
• Universal AC power supply with choice of power cord (US/EU/AU)
• DC power extension cable
• Tracking Interface Cable (“ST-4” style)
• USB 2.0 A to Mini-B cable, 6 feet (2 meters)
• 7/64-inch hex key wrench
• Four 6-32 x 1-1/8″ socket head cap screws
• USB flash drive with MaxIm LT software, DL Imaging drivers, and ASCOM driver

The following parts are included with the StarChaser SC-4C for Compat Format Cameras:

• StarChaser SC-4C off-axis guide camera
• Universal AC power supply with choice of power cord (US/EU/AU)
• DC power extension cable
• Tracking Interface Cable (“ST-4” style)
• USB 2.0 A to Mini-B cable, 6 feet (2 meters)
• 7/64-inch hex key wrench
• Flat adapter plate 2.156 x 24 (40-12053-00)
• 2” Nosepiece adapter with cap (40-12121-00)
• Four 4-40x 1-1/8″ socket head cap screws
• ACC13 adapter plate (spacer is required when not using a filter wheel)

Download Product Data Sheet