Lodestar X2 handbook Issue 2, August 2014
Optical size
-
6.47 x 4.81 mm
Read noise
-
Typically 5.5 electrons
Gain
-
0.4 e/ADU
Barrel size
-
31.75mm dia. x 85mm long (1.25 inch eyepiece push fit size)
Barrel thread
-
25.4mm x 0.75mm ‘CS’ mount lens thread
Input connection -
‘Mini B’ USB socket for USB2.0
Output connection -
Standard RJ12 autoguider socket
Output type
-
Opto-isolated 4 lines (N,S,E & W) pull down with common return line
Download rate
-
Approx. 10 frames per second in binned 2x2 mode (recommended)
Installing the Lodestar X2:
In most cases, the supplied CD will install the drivers and software for you. Just run the appropriate
‘Setup’ file for your operating system. If you encounter any problems, you can download the latest
drivers from our web page at http://www.sxccd.com/support .
The Lodestar X2 control software is Lodestar.exe and will be installed from the CD setup program. An
icon will appear on your desktop and may be clicked on to start the program. Please note that this
requests an ‘ini’ file when first started, but just click ‘OK’ until you reach the main program window
and then open ‘Set Program Defaults’. Now just click ‘Save’ and the ini file will be created.
Alternatively, PHD, ‘AstroArt’ and ‘MaximDL’ all support the Lodestar X2 and may be preferred.
Using the Lodestar X2:
The Lodestar X2 is generally used with a separate guide telescope, or via an off-axis guider. It is
designed to be inserted into a standard 1.25” focuser assembly, but also has a 25mm ‘C’ type camera
lens thread in the front to allow standard CCTV lenses or adaptors to be attached. Please note that the
chip to lens distance is only 12.5mm and so a ‘CS’ to ‘C’ extension will be needed to permit a standard
C lens to reach focus. Lenses designed for ‘CS’ mount cameras will focus without an extension tube,
but many of these lenses cannot fully illuminate a half-inch format CCD, so take care when selecting a
lens for this purpose.
