The SBIG StarChaser SC-4 is your all-in-one solution for off-axis guiding. It is the world’s best off-axis guiding camera, measuring only 0.875″ (22.23 mm) thick. It includes an easy-to-adjust pick-off mirror, 0.7x focal reducer for wider field of view, quick-turn manual focus mechanism, mechanical dark frame shutter, and 1.3 megapixel CMOS camera with large 4.5um pixels. It directly supports the SBIG AO-X adaptive optics, and includes an upgradeable license of our renowned MaxIm LT software.
The SBIG StarChaser SC-4 is an all-in-one Off-Axis Guide Camera, with Adaptive Optics support. The SC-4 is an improved version of our venerable SC-3 camera, and features:
- Built-in 1.3 megapixel guide camera
- Externally-adjustable pick-off mirror position
- Improved focus adjustment
- Integrated 0.7X focal reducer for a larger field of view and a better match to long focal length telescopes
- Dark frame shutter
- “ST-4” style guide port
- Built-in Adaptive Optics control
- Only 0.875″ (22.23) mm thick
- Uses advanced 3D additive manufacturing technology to be even lighter than previous models
- Highly accurate stainless steel spacers ensure zero flexure
- Includes both MaxIm LT software and ASCOM driver
Both guide camera focus and pick-off mirror position can be easily adjusted using external knobs, without removing the SC-4 from the telescope or camera.
The integrated 0.7X focal reducer increases the field-of-view of the SC-4 and improves sensitivity. This makes it much easier to locate guide stars.
Highly Adjustable
The SC-4 can accommodate a variety of cameras and filter wheels, using our standard SBIG large format bolt pattern. Normally it is directly mounted to an SBIG AFW Filter Wheels, but is also compatible with the older FW7-STX. It is also possible to bolt it directly to an Aluma AC series camera.
The pick-off mirror is adjusted by simply loosening the lock knob, sliding the knob inwards or outwards as required, and then retightening to lock it in place. When fully retracted, the center of the pick-off mirror is 1.1″ (28.3 mm) from the telescope optical axis. It can be moved inwards by 0.3″ (7.6 mm). To reduce off-axis aberrations, it should be set as close as possible to the optical axis without infringing on the main camera image.
With the pick-off mirror retracted, the SC-4 accommodates a back-focus distance from 0.80″ to 1.80″ (20.3 mm to 45.7 mm). Moving the mirror inwards increases the back-focus distance by the same amount. With the mirror moved fully inwards, the range of back-focus distance changes to 1.10″ to 2.10″ (27.9 mm to 53.34 mm).
To verify compatibility with your SBIG camera and filter wheel, you can use our handy Back Focus Calculator (Excel Download) spreadsheet.
Adaptive Optics Support
The StarChaser SC-4 is directly compatible with the SBIG SBIG AO-X Adaptive Optics unit. The AO-X bolts directly to the front of the SC-4. A single 11066 adapter cable between the SC-4 and AO-X provides all necessary power and control signals.
Since the AO-X is controlled directly by the StarChaser SC-4, it is fully independent of the main camera. An SC-4 and AO-X can be used to provide tip/tilt AO to both SBIG and third-party cameras.
Complete Package
Our renowned MaxIm LT software is included, providing integrated control of your StarChaser and SBIG main camera. We also provide API interfaces for third-party software running under Windows, MacOS, or Linux. An ASCOM standard camera interface is included. (ASCOM currently does not support Adaptive Optics.)
The following parts are included with your package:
- StarChaser SC-4 off-axis guide camera
- Universal AC power supply with choice of power cord (US/EU/AU)
- DC power extension cable
- Tracking Interface Cable (“ST-4” style)
- USB 2.0 A to Mini-B cable, 6 feet (2 meters)
- 7/64-inch hex key wrench
- Four 6-32 x 1-1/8″ socket head cap screws
- USB flash drive with MaxIm LT software, DL Imaging drivers, and ASCOM driver
Additional Information
| Adaptive Optics Option |
Works with AO-X (cable required) |
| Backfocus |
Adds 0.875" (22.23 mm) |
| Computer Interface |
USB 2.0 Mini |
| Exposure |
13.5 ns to 59.26 s |
| Filter Wheel Option |
Attaches to AFW series and FW7-STX filter wheels |
| Full Frame Download |
0.2 sec |
| Full Well Capacity |
10,000 e- |
| Imaging / Pixel Array |
1280 x 1024 pixels |
| OS Compatibility |
Windows 7, 8, 10 x86/x64. Contact us for Linux support. |
| Pixel Digitization Rate |
72 megapixels / second |
| Pixel Size |
4.8 μm |
| Power |
12V, 300 mA |
| Shutter |
Electronic Global Shutter plus Mechanical Dark Frame Shutter |
| Temperature Regulation |
No |
| Total Pixels |
1,310,720 pixels |
| Weight |
0.9 lb / 400 g |
| SBIG AO-X Adaptive Optics |
StarChaser/Aluma CCD/STC to DB9 Adapter Cables |
Aluma AC Adapter Plate | StarChaser Spacers |
Documentation
Product data sheet
Product datasheet for StarChaser guide cameras.
User Manual
User’s manual for installing and operating the StarChaser SC-4
Software
Drivers and Camera Configuration Utility
StarChaser uses the DL Imaging driver package. Download the latest drivers and camera configuration utility.
ASCOM Driver
Provides compatibility with many third party control applications. Please install the main driver package (above) first.
MaxIm LT Software
Camera owners can request a MaxIm LT license here (camera serial number required):
To get started immediately, request the full MaxIm DL Pro demo version here (click Demo tab):
Once you receive your MaxIm LT license, simply replace your demo license using Help menu Enter License.
MacOS and Linux Drivers
Available by request. Please post in our support forum, Aluma section:
Software Development Kit
Available by request. Please post in our support forum, Aluma section:
Firmware Updates
Visit our Firmware Archive here:
