User`s guide

MOUNTING KIT FOR SBIG ST-5C AND CELESTRON PIXCEL 237/255 CAMERAS

The Celestron PixCel 237 and 255 cameras use a three piece mounting kit for attaching to

the PFE-1. SBIG sells the PixCel 237 camera directly as the Model ST-5C. The purpose of

the three piece mount is to allow easy disconnect of the PFE-1 and attachment of either the

MAXfield 0.33X or WideField 0.5X telecompressors to the CCD camera. Optec part

number 3486 is required.

To install the mounting plate to the PixCel or ST-5C camera, assemble the three pieces by

first placing the PixCel adapter into the PFE-1 and tighten the four setscrews in the PFE-1.

Second, lay the PixCel T-adapter onto the piece just attached to the PFE-1 with the

alignment pin engaging the hole in the T-adapter. Third, screw the PixCel retainer onto the

assembly and tighten gently.

Now, screw the PixCel camera (or ST-5C) onto the T-adapter and tighten so that the camera

is secure and not easy to rotate. DO NOT OVERTIGHTEN OR USE ANY LOCTITE

COMPOUND. The camera can now be rotated to the proper position by loosening the four

setscrews holding the adapter and rotate the entire camera and adapter assembly. Tighten the

four setscrews again.

Refer to Section 3.3 for reticle alignment procedures.

Once the reticle is aligned and the proper rotation is obtained the CCD camera can be

removed by loosening the PixCel retainer until the CCD camera is free. Be careful not to

drop it. The camera can now be removed and installed at will without losing the camera

alignment to the reticle.

Keep the retainer threads clean and lubricated with contact cleaner for best operation.

For older PixCel cameras using the SBIG color wheel a separate IR blocking filter may have

been provided. (Current SBIG ST-5C models use RGB fitlers with IR cut coatings on each

filter). The separate 1¼" IR blocking filter can be screwed into the T-adapter before the

CCD camera is attached. To maintain parfocality with the reticle, either the IR blocking filter

or the Clear 1¼" window (Optec stock no. 17619) must be used for these older cameras.

MOUNTING KITS FOR MEADE CAMERAS

The Meade Pictor 416XT and 216XT cameras are shipped from the manufacturer with a

1¼" barrel (telescope coupler) with a T-thread. This piece can be removed from the camera

by simply unscrewing it. Replace it with one of the mounting kits provided by Optec. The

Pictor 416XT mount is a single piece adapter (Optec stock no. 17616) while the Pictor

216XT mount is a three-piece design (Optec stock no. 17617). Thread the T-thread side of

the adapter into the camera head and tighten snugly.