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Old cameras - worth using?

arimsiqueira
Affiliation
American Association of Variable Star Observers (AAVSO)
Mon, 01/29/2024 - 01:33

This is a thread for experienced veterans.

I just found these old cameras forgotten in some drawers when moving an astronomy club to a new address: Celestron PIXCEL 255, SBIG CCDH-1, SBIG ST-7, and StarLight MX7c.

So I ask: would it be feasible to use these cameras for teaching astro imaging to a group of newcomers to Astronomy? Not for critical imaging, precise photometry, or high-resolution spectroscopy, but for initial astrophotography and differential photometry practice? I know that I will need to attach some of these cameras to a computer with a parallel port and find adequate software for these oldies but I suppose that wouldn't be a problem. I also realize that the SBIG cameras are quite heavy.

Is anyone in this group - who used any of these cameras - willing to share views on this issue? Any comments, please, will be welcome.

Thank you.

Ari

MZK
Affiliation
American Association of Variable Star Observers (AAVSO)
Mon, 01/29/2024 - 02:09
ST-7 CCD

Ari:

The ST-7 was my first ccd camera used on my 8" f/4 SN. It was a workhorse for 10+ years until it failed. My FOV was a reasonable 20x30 arcmin at the FL of 800 mm. With 9 um pixels, the image scale was 2.3 "/pix. It used 1.25" mounted filters in my sbig filter wheel. I loved it for both precise photometry and some astrophotography.

Ken

SVD
Affiliation
American Association of Variable Star Observers (AAVSO)
Mon, 01/29/2024 - 02:29
I have a ST-8XE and a ST-7XE…

I have a ST-8XE and a ST-7XE that I use with a 8in f4 newt and a Meade SCT.

They work great.  I bought the 8 for $500 used. The 7 I bought new in the late 1990's.

The ONLY disadvantage I can see is the weight and the power draw.

You do want the USB ports for quicker downloads.

arimsiqueira
Affiliation
American Association of Variable Star Observers (AAVSO)
Mon, 01/29/2024 - 13:21
That is nice to know, Ken…

That is nice to know, Ken and Vladimir.

I appreciate your comments and tips.

Thanks!

Ari

Ed Wiley_WEY
Affiliation
American Association of Variable Star Observers (AAVSO)
Wed, 01/31/2024 - 01:53
Old Cameras and CCD cameras in general

Nothing wrong with them if they work. Not much sense in trying to sell one. I have had a very nice Moravian G-1600 with BVRI filters on CN for over a month. I had hoped that some budding photometer might snap up the combo, but no takers after the CMOS revolution. The only reason that the Moravian is redundant is FOV in my larger (14") scope. So if they work, keep them for backup or use them. I suspect that the ST-7 and the Starlight would still be good for photometry. 

Ed