How do I power the Shelyak Spox Module for Lhires III?
The Spox Module requires a standard 12V DC power supply to operate. This power supply is not included with the module and must be sourced separately.
Can I use the Spox Module for Lhires III with my automated imaging software like N.I.N.A. or SGP?
Yes. The Spox Module includes an ASCOM driver, which allows it to be controlled by any ASCOM-compliant automation software. This enables you to program the activation of your flat and calibration lamps as part of a fully automated imaging sequence.
What do the buttons on the Spox Module do?
The push-buttons provide simple manual control without needing a computer. One button controls the Tungsten lamp for taking flat frames, and the other controls the Neon/Argon lamp for spectral calibration frames.
Does this Spox Module kit work with a Shelyak Alpy 600 or LISA?
No, not directly. While the Spox box itself is compatible with the Alpy 600 and LISA spectrographs, this specific kit includes a cable with a Tiny XLR connector designed only for the Lhires III. Using it with an Alpy 600 or LISA would require a different cable and adapter.
I'm capturing the spectrum of Vega (Alpha Lyrae) with my Lhires III. How does the Spox help?
After capturing the spectrum of Vega, you can use the Spox module to immediately take calibration frames without touching the telescope and risking a shift in the setup. You would remotely trigger the Neon/Argon lamp to record its emission lines, which you'll use to accurately calibrate the wavelength of your star's spectrum in software.
My Lhires III is on a 10" SCT in an observatory. Is the 0.8m cable long enough?
The 0.8m (2.6 ft) cable is designed for setups where the Spox module can be mounted very close to the spectrograph itself. For a larger observatory setup where you need more distance between the control box and the instrument, Shelyak also offers a 5m cable option, which can be ordered separately.