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SBIG StarChaser SC-4/ AO-X Bundle

by SBIG
SKU DL-SC4-AOX-PACK
CA$4,738.00 - CA$4,738.00
CA$4,738.00
CA$4,738.00 - CA$4,738.00
CA$4,738.00
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  • Complete adaptive optics and off-axis guider solution
  • Total optical length of 48.9 mm
  • Integrated 1.3 MP guide camera with 4.8 µm pixels
  • Supports large-format sensors with a light path up to 90 mm
  • High-speed tip/tilt corrections up to 10Hz
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  • Description
  • FAQ
  • Specifications
  • In the Box
  • Downloads
  • Warranty

  • SBIG StarChaser SC-4/ AO-X Bundle

    The SBIG StarChaser SC-4/ AO-X Bundle combines a high-precision off-axis guider with a high-speed adaptive optics unit into a single, integrated system that consumes just 48.9 mm of optical length. The StarChaser SC-4's built-in 1.3 MP guide camera uses 4.8 µm pixels to detect minute guide star deviations, feeding correction data to the AO-X unit. The AO-X then makes sub-second tip/tilt adjustments, sharpening stars across large-format sensors with light paths up to 90 mm.

    StarChaser SC-4 Guider: A 1.3 MP Off-Axis Foundation

    The system begins with the StarChaser SC-4, an all-in-one off-axis guider that adds only 22.23 mm of back focus. Its internal 1.3 MP CMOS sensor (1280 x 1024) provides the high-resolution data needed for precise tracking, while an integrated 0.7x focal reducer widens the field of view, making it easier to locate suitable guide stars even in long focal-length systems. An externally-adjustable pick-off mirror and simple focus knob allow you to position the guide field without disassembling your imaging train.

    AO-X Adaptive Optics: Tip/Tilt Corrections at 10Hz

    The AO-X unit is the corrective element, using electromagnetic voice-coil actuators to tip and tilt a 10mm-thick BK-7 glass plate at speeds up to 10Hz. This mechanism physically re-centers the incoming light path, compensating for atmospheric seeing and rapid mount jitter that are too fast for the main telescope mount to correct. By actively stabilizing the star image before it reaches the main sensor, the AO-X significantly improves stellar FWHM and reveals finer detail in long exposures, supporting a clear aperture for light paths up to 90 mm.

    An Integrated Guiding Solution for SBIG Large-Format Cameras

    The AO-X bolts directly to the front of the SC-4, and the two connect via a single included 11066 adapter cable for power and data. The entire assembly attaches to your imaging train using the standard SBIG large-format bolt pattern, ensuring a rigid, flexure-free connection. This bundle is engineered specifically for large-format SBIG cameras, including the Aluma AC4040 and STX/STXL series (such as the STX-16803 and STXL-16200), providing a complete guiding and image-sharpening solution.

    AO-X vs. Mount Guiding: Why Sub-Second Corrections Matter

    A telescope mount's autoguiding corrects for slow mechanical drift and periodic error, and telescope mounts cannot correct faster than about once per second. The AO-X operates on a different timescale. Its correction rate of up to 10Hz reduces the faster image wander (jitter) caused by atmospheric seeing.

    • Mount Guiding: Corrects slow gear errors and polar misalignment, keeping the target centered over minutes. A mount cannot correct faster than about once per second.
    • Adaptive Optics: Corrects rapid image wander from seeing, in real time. Diffraction Limited's test data show a significant improvement in star FWHM over non-AO guiding, and improved resolution under the right conditions.

  • What is the advantage of the SBIG SC-4/AO-X bundle over just autoguiding?

    Standard autoguiding corrects slow mechanical errors in your telescope mount, and mounts cannot correct faster than about once per second. The AO-X unit in this bundle corrects at up to 10Hz, fast enough to reduce the rapid image wander caused by atmospheric seeing. This results in improved resolution under the right conditions.

    Will the SC-4/AO-X bundle work with my SBIG Aluma AC4040 camera?

    Yes. This bundle is specifically designed for large-format SBIG cameras and is fully compatible with the Aluma AC4040. It connects via the standard SBIG large-format bolt pattern for a secure, flexure-free fit and supports the camera's large sensor with a clear light path of up to 90 mm.

    How does the 10Hz correction rate of the AO-X help in poor seeing?

    Diffraction Limited's test data on poor seeing show that corrections at 1 Hz reduce the larger, slower component of image wander, but the amplitude of the faster jitter remains about the same. At 5 Hz the faster jitter is reduced, and at 10 Hz significant improvement is seen, including a smaller star FWHM than non-AO guiding.

    What is the total back focus of the SBIG SC-4/AO-X bundle?

    The combined optical length of the bundle is 48.9 mm. This is composed of the StarChaser SC-4 (22.23 mm) and the AO-X adaptive optics unit (26.7 mm).

    How are the StarChaser SC-4 and AO-X powered and controlled?

    The system is designed for simplicity. The SC-4 is powered by the included universal AC power supply and connects to your computer via USB 2.0. The AO-X unit then connects directly to the SC-4 with the single included 11066 adapter cable, which handles both power and control signals. The SC-4 directly controls the AO-X, independent of the main imaging camera.

    Can I use the StarChaser SC-4 by itself without the AO-X?

    Yes. The StarChaser SC-4 is a fully functional off-axis guider on its own. It has a standard ST-4 style guide port that can send corrections directly to your telescope mount for conventional autoguiding. This allows you to start with high-quality off-axis guiding and add the AO-X later for adaptive optics capability.

  • Optical Length 48.9 mm (SC-4 22.23 mm + AO-X 26.7 mm)
    Length at Minimum Travel 48.9 mm
    Length 52.2 mm
    Camera-side Connection SBIG large-format bolt pattern (four 6-32 holes on 4 in diameter)
    Guide Camera Port Built-in 1.3 MP guide camera (1280 x 1024, 4.8 µm) with ST-4 style guide port
    Max Recommended Main Sensor Large-format SBIG sensors (AC4040); light path up to 3.5 in / 90 mm
    Warranty 1 year

    • StarChaser SC-4 off-axis guide camera

      × 1

    • AO-X adaptive optics unit

      × 1

    • 11066 StarChaser to AO-X adapter cable

      × 1

    • Universal AC power supply with choice of power cord (US/EU/AU)

      × 1

    • DC power extension cable

      × 1

    • Tracking interface cable (ST-4 style)

      × 1

    • USB 2.0 A to Mini-B cable, 6 ft (2 m)

      × 1

    • 7/64 in hex key wrench

      × 1

    • Four 6-32 x 1-1/8 in socket head cap screws

      × 1

    • USB flash drive with MaxIm LT, DL Imaging drivers and ASCOM driver

      × 1

  • Diffraction Limited 1-Year Warranty