Product Catalog

The ST-3200ME is essentially the same camera as the ST-402ME except that the imaging CCD is over 4X larger and it has more than 8X the number of pixels. The ST-3200ME uses the KAF-3200ME CCD, the same sensor we use in the ST-10XME. This CCD is 2184 x 1472 pixels at 6.8 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-3200ME, like the ST-1603ME, 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-10XMEI single sensor camera, and ST-10XME dual sensor, self-guiding camera, with the KAF-3200ME imaging CCD and USB 1.1 electronics.

The ST-3200ME 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.

ST-3200ME vs. ST-10XMEI Comparison Chart
Click here for curret prices	ST-3200ME	ST-10XMEI
High QE (>80% Peak) "ME" CCD	KAF-3200ME	KAF-3200ME
Class of CCD in standard camera	Class 2	Class 2
Column Defects Allowed	None	None
High Speed USB Interface	USB 2.0	USB 1.1
Full Frame Download Rate	1130kps	425kps
Full Frame Download Time	~4 sec	~8 sec
Internal shutter for automatic dark frames	Yes	Yes
Internal ROM for CFW8A control	No	Yes
I2C Port for CFW10	No	Yes
Upgradeable to self-guiding model	No	Yes
Read Noise	10e-	10e-
Cooling	-20 C	-35 C
Water Cooling Heat Exchanger	No	Optional
Power requirements	12VDC Unregulated	12VDC and 5VDC Regulated
Current requirements	~ 2A	~3A
Power supply included	Yes	Yes
Size	5 x 4 x 1.8" (12.7x10.2x4.6 cm)	5 x 5 x 3" (12.7x12.7x7.6cm)
Weight	20 oz. (0.6kg)	32oz. (0.9kg)

Since both the ST-3200ME and the ST-10XMEI cameras are single sensor models using the KAF-3200ME 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 an additional charge. The ST-3200ME will download a full frame image in approximately 4 seconds. The ST-10XMEI takes just under 8 seconds. However, the ST-10XMEI 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-3200ME 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-3200ME and USB 1.1 for the ST-10XMEI. The ST-3200ME camera can be used on USB 1.1 at a slower download rate. The USB 2.0 transfer rate is approximately 1130kps (kilopixels/second)

A regulated power supply is built into the ST-3200ME camera so it can be operated from any 12VDC source. The ST-10XMEI requires our desktop supply or our 12VDC supply.

The ST-10XMEI is capable of controlling either the matching CFW8A or replacement CFW10. The ST-3200ME 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-10XMEI is a better choice albeit at a slightly higher price. The ST-3200ME is a good choice for industrial and life science applications where the light can be controlled and download rate is a more significant factor.

Beginning in March 2006 we made the enhanced cooling package standard on the ST-402ME cameras.
Earlier cameras may be upgraded. Click here for more information.

CCD
CCD	Kodak KAF-3200ME
Pixel Array	2184 x 1472 pixels
CCD Size	14.9 x 10 mm
Total Pixels	3.21 million
Pixel Size	6.8 x 6.8 microns
Full Well Capacity	~ 50,000 e- unbinned ~ 75,000 e- binned 2x2, 3x3
Dark Current	< 1e�/pixel/sec at 0� C
Antiblooming	NABG Only

Readout Specifications
Shutter	Electromechanical
Exposure	0.09 to 3600 seconds, 10ms resolution
Correlated Double Sampling	Yes
A/D Converter	16 bits
A/D Gain	0.8e- unbinned 1.2e- binned 2x2, 3x3
Read Noise	10e� RMS
Binning Modes	1 x 1, 2 x 2, 3 x 3
Pixel Digitization Rate	Up to 1,130,000 pixels per second with USB 2.0
Full Frame Download	~4 seconds with USB 2.0

System Specifications
Cooling - standard	Single Stage Thermoelectric, Active Fan, -30 C from Ambient Typical
Temperature Regulation	�0.1�C
Power	12VDC Power supply included
Computer Interface	USB 2.0 (USB 1.1 compatible)
Computer Compatibility	Windows 98/2000/Me/XP

All Specifications are typical

The ST-3200ME 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.

Price and specifications are subject to change without notice.
Please refer to our price list for current pricing information