The SXVF-H35 and H36 cameras are the largest in the SX line of Kodak CCD based imagers. To reduce the negative effects of the greater Kodak dark signal, we have used a two stage Peltier cooler for an extra 10 degree reduction in the CCD temperature, and a new high-speed USB2 interface circuit to greatly reduce the download time. The fast download minimises the visibility of bias frame artefacts, such as hot columns and the top to bottom gradient that is commonly seen on such chips. The camera shown on this page is the H36, as both versions have a closely similar appearance.
The Front View shows the 36 x 24mm CCD installed in a prototype H36 camera. The Back View shows the image plane alignment screws for setting the CCD accurately orthogonal to the focal plane of the telescope. The Side View shows the camera fitted with a Takahashi 72mm thread adaptor.
Only the SXVF-H36 is shown on this page, but the SXVF-H35 is very similar in appearance.
| Specifications: | SXVF-H35 | SXVF-H36 |
| CCD Type: | Kodak interline CCD with low dark current and vertical anti-blooming. | |
| KAI11002M | KAI16000M | |
| CCD Pixel Data (full res): |
Pixel size: 9µm x 9µm, Image format: 4032 x 2688 pixels |
Pixel size: 7.4µm x 7.4µm, Image format: 4904 x 3280 pixels |
| CCD Size: | Image area: 36.3mm (Horizontal) x 24.2mm (Vertical). | |
| CCD quality: | Grade 2 or Engineering grade. | Grade 2 (at this time). |
| Spectral Response: | QEmax at 540nm (~52%), 30% at 400nm and 660nm. | |
| Readout Noise: |
<15 electrons RMS, typically only 12 electrons. |
<12 electrons RMS, typically only 9 electrons. |
| Anti-blooming: | Overload margin >1000x. | |
| Full-well capacity: | >50,000 e- (unbinned) | >30,000 e- (unbinned) |
| Dark current: (+10C ambient) |
Dark frame saturation time greater than 10 hours. | |
| <0.08 electrons/second | <0.05 electrons/second | |
| System gain: | 0.9 electrons per ADU | 0.4 electrons per ADU |
| Data format: | 16 bits. | |
| Computer Interface: | Built-in USB 2.0 compatible interface. | |
| Image download time: |
Typically 7 seconds at full resolution using USB 2.0. |
Typically 10 seconds at full resolution using USB 2.0. |
| Power requirements: | 115VAC / 240VAC @ 12VA, or 12VDC @ 750mA max. | |
| Cooling system: | Regulated constant current cooling supply with two stage thermoelectric cooler to give a CCD temperature of approximately -40C below ambient. | |
| Size: | Black anodised aluminium barrel with 72 x 1mm thread at the CCD window end & input/output plugs at rear. CCD alignment screws are provided for setting the chip parallel to the focal plane. | |
| 98 x 100mm barrel | 118 x 102mm barrel | |
| Weight: | Approx. 1100g. | |
A 100 second test shot by Terry Platt of M42 through an FSQ106 and H-alpha filter.
This is from an H36 camera fitted with an engineering grade CCD - no dark frame was used.
(Image is 16% of full size!)
