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Box 1815, Santa Cruz, CA 95061 Orion® StarShoot™ Deep Space Monochrome Imager II #52083INSTRUCTION MANUAL Providing Exceptional Consumer Optical Products Since 1975 Customer Support (800) 676-1343 E-mail: support@telescope.com Corporate Offices (831) 763-7000 P.O. Box 1815, Santa Cruz, CA 95061 IN 320 Rev. A 10/07 Welcome to a new world of adventure. Your new StarShoot Deep Space Monochrome Imaging camera II (SSDSMI-2) is capable of capturing detailed images of astronomical objects; galaxies, star clusters, and nebula, as well as the planets, Moon, and the Sun (with optional solar filter). These objects can be imaged to create spectacular views on your computer (laptop recommended, see “System Requirements”) which can be saved for emailing or printing later. You’ll find that this relatively inexpensive, yet powerful, camera will enhance your astronomical journeys with your telescope. Please read this instruction manual before attempting to use the camera or install the needed software. For the most detailed information on specific camera and software functions, consult the Maxim DL Essentials Help menu; the tutorials found there are especially useful for familiarizing yourself with how the software and camera are typically used. Parts List • StarShoot Deep Space Monochrome Imager II • USB cable • 3V Power supply for TEC (requires 2x D-cell batteries, not included) • CD-ROM System Requirements (refer to Figure 1) Telescope The SSDSMI-2 can be used with virtually any telescope that is compatible with 1.25" format eyepieces. The camera simply is inserted into a focuser in the same way as a standard eyepiece (Figure 2a). Important Note: Be sure to always firmly tighten the thumbscrew(s) that secures the SSDSMI-2 in the telescope focuser, or it could fall out and onto the ground! If your telescope is has T-threads for direct camera attachment, a more secure connection can be made. First, unthread the nosepiece from the SSDSMI-2. This exposes the camera’s T-threads. Now, simply thread the camera onto your telescope (Figure 2b). Figure 1. To use the SSDSMI-2, a telescope, mount, and computer are required. Securing thumbscrew Figure 2a. The SSDSMI-2 fits into 1.25" focuser, just like a standard 1.25" eyepiece. Firmly tighten the thumbscrew that secures the SSDSI in the focuser. T-threadsT-threads Figure 2b. If your telescope has T-threads, remove the nosepiece from the SSDSMI2 and thread the camera directly onto the telescope. This provides the most secure connection. In order to reach focus, the telescope must have approximately 0.6" (15mm) of inward focus travel relative to where a standard eyepiece focuses. If your telescope does not have enough inward focus travel, you will need to use and optional 1.25" barlow lens to extend the telescope’s focal plane to the camera’s imaging plane. For most types of astro-imaging with the SSDSMI-2 (except planetary imaging), using a telescope with a focal length of under 1000mm is recommended. Otherwise, the field of view may be too small to capture the entire deep sky object. To decrease the effective focal length of your telescope, use a focal reducer lens (available from Orion). If you are imaging planets, however, you will benefit from using a telescope with a long (over 1000mm) focal length. Or you can use a barlow lens to extend the effective focal length of your telescope to increase planetary image scale. Mount An equatorial mount with right ascension motor drive is required for deep sky imaging with the SSDSMI-2. Otherwise, objects will drift in the field of view as the image is being captured. It is also very important that the mount tracks very accurately with little periodic error. If not, stars will not appear round in the final image. Use a sturdy mount that is appropriately sized for the telescope tube being used. Accurate polar alignment will also be required. Computer A computer is needed. For astro-imaging in the field at night, a laptop computer is highly recommended. Maxim DL Essentials requires Windows 2000, Windows XP, or Windows Vista. The following hardware is also required: • Processor – Pentium™ or equivalent, or higher • Recommended minimum memory size is 64 MB. • Disk Space – 67 MB for program installation, 100 MB swap file recommended • Video Display – 800 X 600, 16-bit color or higher. 1024x768 or higher is recommended. • Mouse • Internet Explorer 4 or higher required to display on-line help • USB port (USB 2.0 recommended) Maxim DL Essentials benefits greatly from increased memory size. Note: Some computers have USB ports that are known to not meet the USB specification for the output voltage. These computers may not be able to run the SSDSMI-2 without the use of an external powered hub. The vast majority of computers, however, do meet the proper USB specification, and should have no problems running the SSDSMI-2 off of regular USB power. The SSDSMI-2 itself is fully USB compliant regarding its power requirements. Power and the TEC In order to p...