Orion 52083 User Manual

Orion® StarShoot™Deep Space Monochrome Imager II#52083INSTRUCTION MANUALProviding Exceptional Consumer Optical Products Since 1975Customer Support (80

10Getting Started During DaylightWe recommend using the SSDSMI-2 for the first time during the day. This way, you can become familiar with the camera a

11Obtaining First ImagesTo obtain first images (in daylight) with the SSDSMI-2, follow these step-by-step instructions:1. With an eyepiece ins

12Note: The camera’s field of view is fairly small. It is approximately equivalent to the field of view through the telescope when looking through a typ

13When an image is displayed, you will notice a graph in the Screen Stretch Window. This is called the “histogram” of the currently displ

14Stretch Window. The red slider arrow corresponds to the Minimum value and the green arrow corresponds to the Maximum value. Simply left-click and th

15Figure 12. The Moon’s surface detail looks the best along the terminator.barlow lens between the SSDSMI-2 and telescope to extend the effective foca

165. Now, in the box beneath the Mode box, choose Autosave. Set the number of images you would like the camera to take under Autosave (start with 10

Figure 13. The Combine Images window allows “stacking” of individual images into one high-quality resultant image.17Imaging Deep Sky ObjectsTo capture

183. Precisely focus the camera by using the telescope’s focus knob and the Focus setting in the Camera Control Window. Set the Mode to Light 1x1

19Note: In addition to Average mentioned above, 3 other different combining methods can be chosen: Sum, Median, and Sigma-Clip. To learn mor

2Welcome to a new world of adventure. Your new StarShoot Deep Space Monochrome Imaging camera II (SSDSMI-2) is capable of capturing detailed i

20To take dark frames for subtraction from “light” images:1. In the Camera Control Window, set the Mode to Dark 1x1.2. Set the exposure time to whate

21To automatically subtract the averaged dark frame from “light” images as they are captured: 1. Setup the averaged dark frame as outlined previousl

22Light and Dark 2x2 ModesFor added convenience and versatility, the SSDSMI-2’s individual pixels (light-detecting sites) can be “binned” into

23for Blue. The number of saved files will add up quickly, since four images are needed for one single color image. It is important to clearly label yo

24Narrowband ImagingThe extra-high sensitivity of the SSDSMI-2 is also capable of capturing images through specialized narrow band filters. Filers that

25Oxygen-III and Sulfur-II wavelengths are used individually, or in combination (similar to RGB) to deliver astounding detail and definition of ce

264. Sigma-Clip combines the best features of Average and Median. Sigma-Clip is the best choice for removing unwanted noise, hot pixels and sa

27Note: Before any color balance adjustment can be made, you must first Combine Color to each individual LRGB or RGB images. Refer to “

28than 1 will emphasize faint details, while a value greater than 1 will emphasize bright details.The Input Range can be set to Screen Stretch,

293. Combine4. Filter5. Combine Color6. Color Balance7. StretchFor convenience, you can Make Pixels Square after the combine, unless align-ment r

Securing thumbscrew3Figure 1. To use the SSDSMI-2, a telescope, mount, and computer are required.Figure 2a. The SSDSMI-2 fits into 1.25" focuser,

30Batch ProcessBatch Process can be used to process multiple images simultaneously using the various commands available in MaxIm DL Essentials Edition

31Using The SSDSMI-2 As An AutoguiderA great feature of the SSDSMI-2 is its ability to be used as an autoguider for telescope mounts. You can use

32Computer to Mount ConnectionIn order for autoguiding with the SSDSMI-2 to work, you need a way to send commands from the computer to the telescope m

33Other telescope mounts accept commands in the “LX200 Protocol”. For these mounts, it is not necessary to install the ASCOM platform to have

344. In the window that pops-up, select LX200 Protocol for the Autoguider Output Control Via. Select the COM Port of the computer you would

354. Maxim DL Essentials needs to know how fast the telescope moves in right ascension (R.A.) and declination (Dec.) when the autoguider comm

36You are now ready to take a long-exposure image through the main telescope and imaging camera. The SSDSMI-2 will continuously send small co

37Other Features Of Maxim DL EssentialsEdit MenuFlip - Flips image orientation. “Folds” image about vertical center.Mirror – Creates mirror image of c

38Window MenuNew Window – This creates a second view of the currently selected image. The new view can be independently panned and zoomed

39an extremely accurate polar alignment. Unfortunately it is very time consum-ing, since the drift of a star over time must be observed. The basic ide

Figure 2b. If your telescope has T-threads, remove the nosepiece from the SSDSMI-2 and thread the camera directly onto the telescope. This provides th

401. In the Camera Control Window, select Light 1x1 mode. 2. Set the exposure time to 1 to 5 Seconds, depending on how bright the star is. 3. Turn o

41Loss of Camera ConnectionIf the computer connection to the camera is interrupted, you will need to re-establish connection. This can

42USB Extension CableIn many instances, it is likely a longer cable for the SSDSMI-2 will be needed in order to comfortably setup telescope, camera, a

43This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device nay not cause harmful inte

44One-Year Limited WarrantyThis Orion StarShoot Deep Space Monochrome Imager II is warranted against defects in materials or workmanship for a

5ComputerA computer is needed. For astro-imaging in the field at night, a laptop com-puter is highly recommended. Maxim DL Essentials requires Wi

6When the 3VDC power supply is plugged into the SSDSMI-2, the TEC is on (Figure 3). It takes about a minute for the TEC to provide maximum

7Software InstallationTo install Maxim DL Essentials Edition:1. Insert the CD-ROM into the drive. The Launcher will appear. For Windows Vis

87. Windows will note that the driver has not passed Windows Logo testing. This is normal. Click the Continue Anyway button.8. When the Wizard has

97. When the window appears telling you “The software for this device has been successfully installed”, click Close. This completes the dr