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.

Highly Adjustable

The SC-4 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.

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.  When fully retracted, the center of the pick-off mirror is 1.1″ (28.3 mm) from the telescope optical axis.  It can be moved inwards by 0.3″ (7.6 mm).  To reduce off-axis aberrations, it 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).

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 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.

Since the AO-X is controlled directly by the StarChaser SC-4, it is fully independent of the main camera.  An SC-4 and AO-X can be used to provide tip/tilt AO to both SBIG and third-party cameras.

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 your package:

• 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

Download Product Data Sheet