SBIG ST-1603ME Series CCD Cameras

ST-1603ME - Simple, Powerful and 1.56 megapixels

The ST-1603ME is essentially the same camera as the ST-402ME except that the imaging CCD is 4X larger and it has 4X the number of pixels. The ST-1603ME uses the KAF-1603ME CCD, the same sensor we use in the ST-8XME. This CCD is 1530 x 1020 pixels at 9 microns. However, due to the size of the array, the internal filter wheel cannot be used. For color or photometric applications the CFW10-SA can be used insted with standard 1.25" filters.

The ST-1603ME, like the ST-3200ME, is intended primarily for industrial and life science applications where a faster download rate is more important than maximum cooling or self-guiding. Of course it will also perform very well for astronomical applications, particularly where an external guider is already available. For astronomical applications where greater cooling and lower read noise performance is more important than the somewhat faster download rate, we also offer the ST-8XMEI single sensor camera, and ST-8XME dual sensor, self-guiding camera, with the KAF-1603ME imaging CCD and USB 1.1 electronics.

Full Complement of Software for the PC or Mac:

The ST-1603ME camera comes with the same complete complement of software as the other ST cameras.

CCDOPS Version 5: SBIG's own complete camera control software, with image analysis, processing functions, autoguiding, automated image acquisition, filter wheel control, and much more.

CCDSoftV5, Software Bisque's professional astrometric and image processing program including SBIG camera control and image link capability with TheSky and RealSky Palomar Sky Survey data.

TheSky Version 5, Level II, also from Software Bisque. TheSky version 5 is a premier planetarium and star-charting program that includes telescope control for many popular commercial GOTO systems.

Equinox by Microprojects is for Mac users. It is a planetarium program that includes SBIG Camera control. This will control all SBIG cameras, including older parallel cameras with our E2P adapter. For Mac OS-X only. Send SBIG a copy of your invoice and camera serial number and we will send you a CD at no charge.

Comparison of ST-1603ME and ST-8XMEI:

Since both the ST-1603ME and the ST-8XMEI cameras are single sensor models using the KAF-1603ME CCD, a brief comparison is in order to distinguish the features of each:

Both cameras use the same Class of CCD in the standard price. A Class 1 is available in both models for the same additional charge. The ST-1603ME will download a full frame image in approximately 2 seconds. The ST-8XMEI takes just under 4 seconds. However, the ST-8XMEI has lower read noise and better cooling performance, and it is upgradeable to a self-guiding model by adding an internal TC-237H guiding CCD. The ST-1603ME has no provision for a second CCD, so it cannot be upgraded to a self-guiding camera.

In both cases, all new electronics are contained entirely in the camera head. There is no separate CPU box. The computer interface is USB 2.0 for the ST-1603ME and USB 1.1 for the ST-8XMEI. the ST-1603ME camera can be used on USB 1.1 at a slower download rate. The USB 2.0 transfer rate is approximately 1150kps (kilopixels/second).

A regulated power supply is built into the ST-1603ME camera so it can be operated from any 12VDC source. The ST-8XMEI requires our desktop supply or our 12VDC supply.

The ST-8XMEI is capable of controlling either the matching CFW8A or replacement CFW10. The ST-1603ME must use an external filter wheel that it cannot control directly like the CFW10-SA (Stand Alone) version.

The bottom line is that for astronomy the ST-8XMEI is a better choice albeit at a slightly higher price. The ST-1603ME is a good choice for industrial and life science applications where the light can be controlled and download rate is a more significant factor.

The ST-1603ME includes camera body with female t-threads on front cover, 1.25" t-thread nosepiece, internal shutter, 12V power supply, USB cable, relay cable, and operating software.

The internal filter wheel cannot be used with this model. See CFW10-SA.