1.0. CAMERA HARDWARE
Congratulations and thank you for buying one of Santa Barbara Instrument Group's STXL
Series CCD cameras. These large format cameras are SBIG's ninth generation CCD cameras and
represent the state of the art in CCD camera systems with their low noise and advanced
capabilities. The STXL Series cameras include several exciting new features: self-guiding in
front of the filters, enhanced cooling capabilities, both high speed USB 2.0 interface and Ethernet
interface, plus other innovative features found nowhere else.
1.1. Introduction and Overview
These cameras can control two CCDs: The imaging CCD inside the sealed chamber, and
an external tracking CCD located either in the self-guiding filter wheel or remote guide head.
The new cooling design is capable of exceptional performance even in warm climates. The relay
output plugs directly into most recent commercial telescope drives and is easily adaptable to
virtually any drive system. As a result, you can take hour long guided exposures with ease, using
either the built-in guiding CCD or the remote guiding head. Using the self-guiding filter wheel
eliminates differential deflection of a guide scope relative to the main telescope and requires no
radial guider setup. The remote guiding head allows for a convenient alternative if using camera
lenses or when less backfocus is required. This dual tracking mode capability, coupled with the
phenomenal sensitivity of the CCD, will allow the user to acquire observatory class images of
deep sky images with modest apertures!
1.2. Unpacking the Camera
It is always a good idea to check over your new camera to make sure that you have
received all necessary parts and standard accessories. Each STXLL Series camera is packed in a
deluxe custom carrying case. This case contains all the items necessary to operate your camera.
The case is sealed at the factory with a “plastic padlock” that cannot be removed without leaving
evidence that the case was opened. If you received your camera without one of these plastic
security locks sealing the case, please immediately take inventory of the contents and contact
your dealer or SBIG to report the condition of the camera and accessories.
5
