Seeing Monitors
Antique TelescopeST-237
ST-237 is similar to the ST-5C but with a larger CCD and smaller pixels resulting in higher resolution at similar focal lengths. The camera uses a parallel interface to the PC, so you must have a computer with a standard parallel port to operate this camera. The ST-237 system consists of the camera head, CPU box, power supply, parallel cable and tracking cable. It is packed in a Doskocil case with cubbed cut foam. Note: The stock pictures at left and below show the camera head with an optional tripod block attached. The tripod block is not included with this used camera. Price for this item is $295.
Condition: Used, Excellent condition
ST-237 Camera
In 1996 Celestron and SBIG announced their first joint effort: the "Pixcel 255" CCD Imaging Camera system. For 1998 Celestron and the California based "Santa Barbara Instruments Group" (SBIG) company announced another evolutionary joint effort: the "Pixcel 237" CCD Imaging Camera system. This camera was conceived and then put together with the novice in mind - from the ease of set up and operation, the average beginner can be set up and taking their first image in less than 30 minutes! The camera was later distributed as the SBIG Model ST-237. It continues to be compatible with the innovative Celestron "Fastar" telescopes.
The ST-237 camera is also designed for the experienced CCD user who seeks a broad spectral response and high resolution well suited to imaging the Moon, planets, Sun, and deep sky wonders. The primary improvements over the prior Model (marketed as the Celestron Pixcel 255) are the fact that the ST-237 has a detector area 2.17X larger than the 255, and its pixels are 55% smaller (by area) thereby permitting higher resolution imaging of fine detail.
The ST-237 is a multi-purpose instrument which features a Texas Instruments made TC-237 detector; this features excellent quantum efficiency and a broad spectral response. The TC-237 is mounted onto a pedestal on top of a thermoelectric cooler within the camera head housing. The head also houses an Analog to Digital converter, cooling electronics and fan, and other readout electronics. With double correlated sampling the images provided by the ST-237 cameras reveal very good detail and dynamic range (shades of gray, or colors when used with an optional filter wheel/magazine).
The ST-237 camera even when operating with the optional internal filter wheel is compatible with systems as fast as f2. It will reveal spiral structure in hundreds of galaxies with 1 to 5 minute exposures at the prime focus of an 8" f10 telescope. With such a telescope, stellar photometry down to 18th magnitude is attainable. Planetary Nebulae, Comets, asteroids, become easy targets. Many of these images can be obtained from the comfort of a suburban back yard. A collection of one user's ST-237 images (unrelated to this sale) can be seen here:
SPECIFICATIONS OF MODEL ST-237 CCD SYSTEM DETECTOR
Imaging Resolution: 640 x 480 Pixels, TI 255 CCD
Imaging Pixel Dimensions: 7.4 x 7.4 microns
Imaging Array Dimensions: 4.7mm x 3.6mm
Anti-Blooming Yes
SPECIFICATIONS OF ST-237 ELECTRONICS
Binning Variable/Software Selectable
Binning Variability 1x1, 2x2, or 3x3
Readout Noise (in e-): 15 RMS Double Correlated Sampling
Dark Current <1e-/pixel/sec @-5 degrees C
SPECIFICATIONS OF ST-237 HARDWARE
Desiccant: Yes, internal
Standard Control Software: PC DOS, Windows (all versions supporting parallel port)
Communications Port: Fast Parallel
Download Time, Full Frame: Less than 12 sec.
Shutter: Electro-Mechanical
Fastest Shutter Speed: 0.01 Sec.
Longest Shutter Speed: 1 Hour
Cooling From Ambient: -35 Degrees C
Power Requirements: 115 V.A.C. Provided (12 v.d.c. possible)
PENDING CERTIFICATION
