The telescope at the University of Athens Observatory is equipped with a variety of imaging CCD cameras, as well as other optical instruments. A brief description of the imaging cameras is given below, while the operating manual can be found here.

SBIG ST10 XME CCD camera

The SBIG ST10 XME CCD camera is the highest resolution CCD cameras in the "ST" series from SBIG and it contains an enhanced Kodak KAF-3200ME imaging detector. It has a Full Frame Resolution of 2184×1472 pixels at 6.8 μm making it the ultimate cameras for wide field apochromatic refractors. The Kodak Digital Science TM KAF-3200E Image Sensor is a high density, 3.2 million pixel, full-frame Blue Plus image sensor. It joins the family of Kodak Blue Plus sensors with improved quantum efficiency across the visible spectrum. Ultra-low dark current of less than 1e-/pixel/second at 0°C (typical) allows moderate cooling for applications involving extended exposures. With an improved liquid cooling design, the ST10 XME cameras will reach approximately 45°C below ambient temperature for best performance even in hot climates. The full frame download rate for the ST10 XME is approximately 8.7 seconds. The imaging camera includes an electro-mechanical shutter, 16 bit analog to digital (A/D) converter, regulated temperature control, and built-in TC-237H, guiding CCD with all of the electronics integrated into the CCD head. Communication to the PC is through the USB port at up to 425.000 pixels per second.

Specifications

• CCD Kodak KAF-3200ME + TI TC-237
• Pixel Array 2184×1472 pixels
• CCD Size 14.9×10 mm
• Total Pixels 3.2 million
• Pixel Size 6.8×6.8 μm square
• Full Well Capacity 77.000 e-
• Dark Current 0.5e-/pixel/sec at 0°C.
• Antiblooming N/a
• Shutter Electromechanical
• Exposure 0.12 to 3600 sec, 10 ms resolution
• A/D Converter 16 bits
• A/D Gain 1.3e-/ADU
• Read Noise 8.8e- RMS
• Binning Modes 1×1, 2×2, 3×3
• Full Frame Download 8.7 seconds
• Single Stage Thermoelectric Cooling, Water Assist -45°C from Ambient Typical with water, -35°C w/air only
• Temperature Regulation 0.1°C
• Power 5VDC at 1.5 amps, ±12VDC at 0.5 amps, power supply included
• Computer Interface USB 1.1
• Guiding Dual CCD Self-Guiding with built-in TC-237 CC
• Optical Head 12.5 cm diameter s 7.5 cm deep
• Mounting T-Thread, 2" nosepieces included
• Backfocus 0.92 inches / 2.3 cm
• Weight Approx. 2 pounds/0.9kg

SBIG ST8 XMEI CCD camera

The SBIG ST8 XMEI CCD camera is a single sensor camera with no internal guiding CCD. The imaging CCD is a Class 2 KAF-1603ME with a QE of nearly 85% and an imaging area of 1530×1020 pixels. An optional TC-237H tracking CCD, water cooling and custom case may also be added at any time. This CCD features a peak QE of nearly 85%, 1530×1020 pixels at 9 μm, and multiple AR coatings on the CCD window. It is also an excellent Time Delay Integration (TDI) imager.

Specifications

• CCD Kodak KAF-1603ME
• Pixel Array 1530×1020 pixels
• CCD Size 13.8×9.2 mm
• Total Pixels 1.6 million
• Pixel Size 9×9 μm square
• Full Well Capacity 100.000 e-
• Dark Current 1e-/pixel/sec at 0°C.
• Antiblooming Optional (KAF-1601LE)
• Shutter Electromechanical
• Exposure 0.12 to 3600 sec, 10 ms resolution
• A/D Converter 16 bits
• A/D Gain 2.3e-/ADU
• Read Noise 15e- RMS
• Binning Modes 1×1, 2×2, 3×3
• Full Frame Download 3.7 seconds
• Single Stage Thermoelectric Cooling, Water Assist -45°C from Ambient Typical with water, -35°C w/air only
• Temperature Regulation 0.1°C
• Power 5VDC at 1.5 amps, ±12VDC at 0.5 amps, power supply included
• Computer Interface USB 1.1
• Optical Head 12.5 cm diameter × 7.5 cm deep
• Mounting T-Thread, 2" nosepieces included
• Backfocus 0.92 inches / 2.3 cm
• Weight Approx. 2 pounds/0.9kg

SBIG ST8 XME CCD camera

The SBIG ST8 XME CCD camera is a dual sensor camera with a Class 2 KAF-1603ME sensor (QE of nearly 85%) and an imaging area of 1530×1020 pixels at 9 μm. Multiple AR coatings on the CCD window allow increased light transmission and significantly reduced reflections. The ST8 XME camera also includes a TC-237H CCD with 657×495 pixels at 7.4 μm for self-guiding and a Remote Guiding Head Port. It also includes water cooling heat exchanger, relay adapter plug, relay cables for self-guiding, and universal power supply. The ST8 XME is well suited to Time Delay Integration (TDI) imaging.

Specifications

• CCD Kodak KAF-1603ME + TI TC-237
• Pixel Array 1530×1020 pixels
• CCD Size 13.8×9.2 mm
• Total Pixels 1.6 million
• Pixel Size 9×9 μm square
• Full Well Capacity 100.000 e-
• Dark Current 1e-/pixel/sec at 0°C.
• Antiblooming Optional (KAF-1601LE)
• Shutter Electromechanical
• Exposure 0.12 to 3600 sec, 10 ms resolution
• A/D Converter 16 bits
• A/D Gain 2.3e-/ADU
• Read Noise 15e- RMS
• Binning Modes 1×1, 2×2, 3×3
• Full Frame Download 3.7 seconds
• Single Stage Thermoelectric Cooling, Water Assist -45°C from Ambient Typical with water, -35°C w/air only
• Temperature Regulation 0.1°C
• Power 5VDC at 1.5 amps, ±12VDC at 0.5 amps, power supply included
• Computer Interface USB 1.1
• Guiding Dual CCD Self-Guiding with built-in TC-237 CC
• Optical Head 12.5 cm diameter × 7.5 cm deep
• Mounting T-Thread, 2" nosepieces included
• Backfocus 0.92 inches / 2.3 cm
• Weight Approx. 2 pounds/0.9kg

Additional cameras

A few more cameras do also exist at UOAO for guiding and imaging purposes.

These are:

• Camera 1. Pixel Array 640×480 pixels. Weight Approx. 0.1 kg
• Camera 2. Pixel Array 640×480 pixels. Weight Approx. 0.1 kg