{"title":"Diffraction Limited Off-Axis Guiders","description":"\u003cp\u003eDiffraction Limited off-axis guiders and adapters. Part of \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/off-axis-guiders\"\u003eOff-Axis Guiders\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"oag-8300-off-axis-guider","title":"OAG-8300 Off-Axis Guider","description":"\u003cp\u003eOff-axis guide adapter for ST-I guide cameras, for use with STF series cameras.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe innovative OAG-8300 turns any STF-8300 into a self-guiding camera system. The OAG-8300 is designed to work with either the 5-position or 8-position filter wheel, but can also be used without a filter wheel by utilizing a Filter Wheel Spacer.  The OAG-8300 is backward compatible with all ST-8300 models.  What is unique about the OAG-8300 is the 7-element internal optical design. The OAG contains relay optics that move the guide camera to the side of the imaging camera, and at the same time, a 0.7X reducer effectively doubles the field of view of the guider. This design allows for a low profile between the camera and the telescope, reducing backfocus requirements, and at the same time, gives a wide field of view that offers more guide stars for the guide camera.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNote: If you are not planning to use a filter wheel with the OAG-8300, then you must use the Filter Wheel Spacer accessory. The spacer takes the place of the filter wheel and is required for mechanical compatibility with the camera.  If you are using a filter wheel then the spacer is not required.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Diffraction Limited","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44013937033327,"sku":"OAG-8300","price":1073.25,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0686\/0049\/6239\/files\/OAG-8300_IMG_0581a-e1477457073683-600x463__26134.jpg?v=1766567165"},{"product_id":"sbig-starchaser-sc-4-off-axis-guider-camera","title":"SBIG StarChaser SC-4 Off-Axis Guider Camera","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe SBIG StarChaser SC-4 is your all-in-one solution for off-axis guiding. It is the world’s best off-axis guiding camera, measuring only 0.875″ (22.23 mm) thick. It includes an easy-to-adjust pick-off mirror, 0.7x focal reducer for wider field of view, quick-turn manual focus mechanism, mechanical dark frame shutter, and 1.3 megapixel CMOS camera with large 4.5um pixels. It directly supports the SBIG AO-X and AO-8A adaptive optics, and includes an upgradeable license of our renowned MaxIm LT software.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eProduct Description\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eSBIG StarChaser SC-4 Off-Axis Guider Camera\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe SBIG StarChaser SC-4 is an all-in-one Off-Axis Guide Camera, with Adaptive Optics support.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBuilt-in 1.3 megapixel guide camera\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eExternally-adjustable pick-off mirror position\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eImproved focus adjustment\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIntegrated 0.7X focal reducer for a larger field of view and a better match to long focal length telescopes\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDark frame shutter\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e“ST-4” style guide port\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBuilt-in Adaptive Optics control\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOnly 0.875″ (22.23) mm thick\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUses advanced 3D additive manufacturing technology to be even lighter than previous models\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHighly accurate stainless steel spacers ensure zero flexure\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIncludes both MaxIm LT software and ASCOM driver\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBoth guide camera focus and pick-off mirror position can be easily adjusted using external knobs, without removing the SC-4 from the telescope or camera.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe integrated 0.7X focal reducer increases the field-of-view of the SC-4 and improves sensitivity.  This makes it much easier to locate guide stars.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eVersions for Large, Ultra Large, and Compact Format Cameras\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe SC-4 is intended for our Large Format cameras, and can accommodate a variety of cameras and filter wheels, using our standard SBIG large format bolt pattern.  Normally it is directly mounted to an SBIG\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/diffractionlimited.com\/mp-files\/afw-filter-wheels.zip\/\"\u003eAFW Filter Wheel\u003c\/a\u003e, but is also compatible with the older FW7-STX.  It is also possible to bolt it directly to an Aluma AC series camera. It is also compatible with the\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/diffractionlimited.com\/product\/ao-x\/\"\u003eAO-X Adaptive Optics\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eunit.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe SC-4U is intended for our Ultra Large format cameras, and can accommodate a variety of cameras and filter wheels, using our standard SBIG large format bolt pattern.  It directly mounts to an SBIG\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/diffractionlimited.com\/mp-files\/afw-filter-wheels.zip\/\"\u003eAFW-12-65SQ Filter Wheel\u003c\/a\u003e.  It is also compatible with the\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/diffractionlimited.com\/product\/ao-x\/\"\u003eAO-X Adaptive Optics\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eunit.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe SC-4C is intended for our compact format cameras, such as the\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/diffractionlimited.com\/product\/sbig-aluma-47-ccd10\/\"\u003eAluma CCD\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eseries and the\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/diffractionlimited.com\/product\/sbig-afw-filter-wheels\/\"\u003eAFW-8-36R\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eCompact Format filter wheel.   It is also compatible with the\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/diffractionlimited.com\/product\/ao-8a\/\"\u003eAO-8A Adaptive Optics\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eunit.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor users of the legacy FW8S-Aluma filter wheel, a special version called the SC-4C-A is available.  It includes a cutout for the filter wheel motor.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePlease note that an AFW Large Format filter wheel can also be attached to the Aluma CCD series using an adapter. This allows for more flexibility in filter size, or alternatively to use up to sixteen 36mm round filters. For this combination you will need the large format SC-4.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eHighly Adjustable\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe pick-off mirror is adjusted by simply loosening the lock knob, sliding the knob inwards or outwards as required, and then retightening to lock it in place.  Focus is adjusted via a single easily-accessible knob.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor the large format SC-4, the center of the pick-off mirror when fully retracted will be 1.1″ (28.3 mm) from the optical axis.  It can be moved inwards by up to 0.3″ (7.6 mm) using an externally accessible knob. To reduce off-axis aberrations, the pick-off mirror should be set as close as possible to the optical axis without infringing on the main camera image.   With the pick-off mirror retracted, the SC-4 accommodates a back-focus distance from 0.80″ to 1.80″ (20.3 mm to 45.7 mm).  Moving the mirror inwards increases the back-focus distance by the same amount.  With the mirror moved fully inwards, the range of back-focus distance changes to 1.10″ to 2.10″ (27.9 mm to 53.34 mm).  (Back focus distance is measured from the rear surface of the StarChaser to the sensor plane.)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor the ultra large format SC-4U, the center of the pick-off mirror when fully retracted will be 1.48″ (37.6 mm) from the optical axis.  It can be moved inwards by up to 0.3″ (7.6 mm) using an externally accessible knob. To reduce off-axis aberrations, the pick-off mirror should be set as close as possible to the optical axis without infringing on the main camera image.   With the pick-off mirror retracted, the SC-4U accommodates a back-focus distance from 0.87″ to 1.87″ (22.1 mm to 47.5 mm).  Moving the mirror inwards increases the back-focus distance by the same amount.  With the mirror moved fully inwards, the range of back-focus distance changes to 1.17″ to 2.17″ (29.7 mm to 63.0 mm).  (Back focus distance is measured from the rear surface of the StarChaser to the sensor plane.)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor the compact format SC-4C, the center of the pick-off mirror when fully retracted will be 0.75″ (19.1 mm) from the optical axis.  It can be moved inwards by up to 0.3″ (7.6 mm) using an externally accessible knob. To reduce off-axis aberrations, the pick-off mirror should be set as close as possible to the optical axis without infringing on the main camera image.   With the pick-off mirror retracted, the SC-4C accommodates a back-focus distance from 0.86″ to 1.86″ (21.8 mm to 47.2 mm).  Moving the mirror inwards increases the back-focus distance by the same amount.  With the mirror moved fully inwards, the range of back-focus distance changes to 1.16″ to 2.16″ (29.5 mm to 54.9 mm).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTo verify compatibility with your SBIG camera and filter wheel, you can use our handy\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/diffractionlimited.com\/downloads\/BackfocusCalculator.xlsx\"\u003eBack Focus Calculator\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003espreadsheet.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eAdaptive Optics Support\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe StarChaser SC-4 is directly compatible with the\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/diffractionlimited.com\/product\/ao-x\/\"\u003eSBIG AO-X Adaptive Optics\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eunit.  The AO-X bolts directly to the front of the SC-4.  A single\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/diffractionlimited.com\/product\/starchaser-ao-xao-8t-adapter-cable\/\"\u003e11066 adapter cable\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003ebetween the SC-4 and AO-X provides all necessary power and control signals.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe StarChaser SC-4C is directly compatible with the \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/diffractionlimited.com\/product\/ao-8a\/\"\u003eSBIG AO-8A Adaptive Optics\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eunit.  The AO-8A bolts directly to the front of the SC-4C.  The AO-8A plugs directly into the SC-4C.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSince the AO unit is controlled directly by the StarChaser, it is fully independent of the main camera.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eOperating System Compatibility\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOur standard DL Imaging drivers support Ubuntu 22.4 LTS (x64) and Windows 11 (x64).  Additional operating systems can be accommodated; engineering charges may apply.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eComplete Package\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOur renowned MaxIm LT software is included, providing integrated control of your StarChaser and SBIG main camera.  We also provide API interfaces for third-party software running under Windows, MacOS, or Linux.  An ASCOM standard camera interface is included. (ASCOM currently does not support Adaptive Optics.)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe following parts are included with the StarChaser SC-4 for Large Format Cameras:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eStarChaser SC-4 off-axis guide camera\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUniversal AC power supply with choice of power cord (US\/EU\/AU)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDC power extension cable\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTracking Interface Cable (“ST-4” style)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUSB 2.0 A to Mini-B cable, 6 feet (2 meters)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e7\/64-inch hex key wrench\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFour 6-32 x 1-1\/8″ socket head cap screws\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUSB flash drive with MaxIm LT software, DL Imaging drivers, and ASCOM driver\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe following parts are included with the StarChaser SC-4U for Ultra Large Format Cameras:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eStarChaser SC-4U off-axis guide camera\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUniversal AC power supply with choice of power cord (US\/EU\/AU)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDC power extension cable\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTracking Interface Cable (“ST-4” style)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUSB 2.0 A to Mini-B cable, 6 feet (2 meters)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e7\/64-inch hex key wrench\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFour 6-32 x 1-1\/8″ socket head cap screws\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUSB flash drive with MaxIm LT software, DL Imaging drivers, and ASCOM driver\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe following parts are included with the StarChaser SC-4C for Compat Format Cameras:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eStarChaser SC-4C off-axis guide camera\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUniversal AC power supply with choice of power cord (US\/EU\/AU)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDC power extension cable\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTracking Interface Cable (“ST-4” style)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUSB 2.0 A to Mini-B cable, 6 feet (2 meters)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e7\/64-inch hex key wrench\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFlat adapter plate 2.156 x 24 (40-12053-00)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e2” Nosepiece adapter with cap (40-12121-00)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFour 4-40x 1-1\/8″ socket head cap screws\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eACC13 adapter plate (spacer is required when not using a filter wheel)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/diffractionlimited.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Diffraction-Data-Sheet-Starchaser-SC4.pdf\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDownload Product Data Sheet\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Diffraction Limited","offers":[{"title":"StarChaser SC-4 for Large Format Cameras","offer_id":44504866259055,"sku":"SC-4C","price":2150.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"StarChaser SC-4C for Compact Format Cameras","offer_id":44504866291823,"sku":"SC-4C","price":2150.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"StarChaser SC-4C for FW8S-Aluma","offer_id":44504866324591,"sku":"SC-4C-A","price":2150.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"StarChaser SC-4CU for Ultra Large Format Cameras","offer_id":44504866357359,"sku":"SC-4C-U","price":2150.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0686\/0049\/6239\/files\/Img_0597_404e43c6-89f0-4973-a42d-23ab2134717b.webp?v=1770311812"}],"url":"https:\/\/ontariotelescope.com\/collections\/oag-diffraction-limited.oembed","provider":"Ontario Telescope and Accessories","version":"1.0","type":"link"}