Astrophysics : SBIG CCDOps
This page last changed on Dec 02, 2012 by rp7772.
Useful Features
CCDOps is available on the Sony Vaio Laptop to control the ST-7E CCD. The features that were used frequently were:
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| CCDOps displaying a dark frame and the associated histogram for it. (click to expand) |
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Setup. Initially setting up the CCD (cooling, fan settings, resolution etc). |
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Focus. A low resolution image is continuously downloaded to aid focussing and the peak intensity is displayed. |
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Grab. Taking a frame with the option of keeping the shutter open, or closed (for taking dark frames). The exposure length is specified and can take any value from 0.25s to (as far as we can tell) indefinite length. Another useful setting here is the ability to enter an exposure delay; the CCD waits a specified length of time before taking the exposure thus allowing any vibrations to calm down. |
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Display Menu Tools. The crosshairs allow the value of specific pixels to be displayed which is useful for checking for saturation. Also, a histogram of the fame can be shown for quickly monitoring the distribution of intensities of the whole frame after an observation. |
Notes on Focus Mode
The focus mode is hindered a little by the speed restrictions of the parallel connection. A full res image repeatedly downloaded does not update quickly enough to perform effective focussing of the telescope, therefore a lower resolution must be used. The disadvantage of lower resolutions is the decreased accuracy in resolving the point-like image when in focus. It is now that the peak pixel value indicator helps. When this value is at its maximum, the Gaussian spread of the star's image is at its smallest.
CCDOFocus.jpg (image/jpeg)
CCDOGrab.jpg (image/jpeg)
CCDOSetup.jpg (image/jpeg)
CCDOHist.jpg (image/jpeg)
CCDOps.jpg (image/jpeg)
