WO GT81 and HX916 Mono CCD

[Cameron]

hi,

selling my current imaging scope and camera to upgrade my camera to an Atik and get a 130PDS most likely. 

The william optics really is an awesome scope and is in great condition, has CNC tube rings, heavy duty dovetail and dew strap. this is the model with the DDG focuser which is great when refocussing during an imaging session

the HX916 Mono is a great camera to start out with however im now looking to stretch to 15-20min subs and i want the higher QE of the Atik 414/383/460 cameras. The camera does however have a very good reputation and cooling to 20 below ambient i believe.

looking for £650 for the GT81 and £250 for the HX916 or £850 if bought together (£50 saving”

any questions email me on cam.watson98@hotmail.co.uk or text/call me at 07956031195

cheers

cam

[Peter Carson]

Hi Cameron,
I also used to have a Starlight HX916. I liked the camera and there are many features that are better than my current Sbig 8300, mainly the condensation control. The Starlight cameras use the body of the camera as the heat sink so providing gentle warmth to prevent condensation build up to the internal eletronics and the CCD optical window. My Sbig8300 has a heat exchanger and fan which expels the heat and leaves the electronics vunerable and worse the CCd window sometimes condensates.  Something to consider when choosing a new camera.

Peter

[Cameron]

hi peter,

thanks for that will bear it in mind, im looking at a S/H 460EXM as its a comprimise between chip size and filter size, i’d prefer the 1.25″ to be honest due to the cost of the 2″ filters!

Thanks

Cam

[Peter Carson]

Hi Cameron,

The 460EXM is a popular camera and uses the Sony EXview CCD which is very low noise and has an excellent spec. The pixel size is important and at 4.5um will be well matched to the 130PDS which I believe has a focal length of about 650mm. I wouldn’t get too hung up about a high QE, providing the camera has low noise then you just expose a bit longer if you’ve got a slightly lower QE camera.

Best of luck finding a second hand one. Before you purchase get the seller to send you an uncalibrated light image and a dark and check for any major CCD chip blemishes or dead pixel columns. Use your existing camera as a guide to what you find acceptable.

Peter

[Author]

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