Operating Manual CCD Camera Models ST-7E, ST-8E, ST-9E, ST-10E, ST-1001E

Section 3 - At the Telescope with a CCD Camera

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Figure 3.1 Orientation of the Optical Head Viewed from Back.

(Pixel 1,1 is at the upper left in this view)

3.3. Establishing a Communications Link

When the CCDOPS program is initiated it will automatically attempt to establish a link to the

camera. This involves identifying the type of CCD head. If the software is successful the

"Link" field in the Status Window is updated to show the type of camera found. If the camera

is not connected, powered up, or the LPT port setting has not yet been properly set, a message

will be displayed indicating that the software failed to establish a link to the camera. If this

happens, use the Communications Setup command in the Misc menu to configure the

CCDOPS software for the LPT port you are using. Then use the Establish COM Link

command in the Camera Menu to establish communications with the camera.

Note: It is not necessary to have a camera connected to your computer to run the software and

display images already saved onto disk. It is only necessary to have a camera connected

when you take new images.

Once the COM link has been established you may need to set the camera's setpoint

temperature in the Camera Setup command. The ST-7E, ST-8E, ST-9E, ST-10E and ST-1001E

power up regulating to whatever temperature the CCD is at, which in this case will be the

ambient temperature. Use the Camera Setup command and choose a setpoint temperature

approximately 30°C below the ambient temperature. Type in the setpoint, set the temperature

control to active, and hit ENTER.

3.4. Focusing the CCD Camera

Focusing a CCD camera can be a tedious operation, so a few hints should be followed. Before

using the software to focus the camera the first time you should place a diffuser (such as scotch

tape or ground glass) at the approximate location of the CCD's sensitive surface behind the

eyepiece tube and focus the telescope on the moon, a bright planet or a distant street lamp.