The Starlight Xpress Lodestar Pro is a compact guider powered and operated by a single USB2 computer connection. The Lodestar Pro also provides an opto-isolated output connection for direct control of most mounts via their Autoguider sockets. This output is compatible with the ST4 style of RJ12 connection and supplies 4 pull down direction lines and a common return. Alternatively, you may send the mount control signals via a serial connection from the guider control computer. The LodeStar Pro includes a USB cable and an ST4 cable.
This LodeStar Pro monochrome autoguider comes equipped with extremely low read noise and a fast readout!
The SX Lodestar Pro utilizes a very sensitive Sony ‘ExView’ CCD (the ICX829) with an array of 752 x 580 pixels in a ‘half-inch’ format. Because of the high sensitivity and high dynamic range characteristics of the Sony ICX829, the Starlight Xpress Lodestar Pro makes a superb electronic finder and planetary imaging camera as well as a splendid autoguider!
Starlight Xpress Lodestar Pro Specifications
Sensor: ICX829AL Sony ExView II Interline CCD
Pixel size: 8.6um x 8.3um
Image format: 752 x 580 pixels
CCD Image area: 6.4mm x 4.75mm
CCD quality: Grade 1
Spectral Response: QE max ~77%)
Readout Noise: Typically only 5.5 electrons
Full-well capacity: Typically 45,000 e- (unbinned)
Anti-blooming: Overload margin greater than 1000x
Dark current: Dark frame saturation time greater than 1 hour; <0.1 electrons/second @ + 10C ambient
Data format: 16 bits
System gain: 0.75 electrons per ADU
Computer Interface: Built-in USB 2.0 compatible interface
Image download time: Typically 180ms at full resolution
