STX-16803 -- howto remove CCD window

Discussion in 'STX and STXL Series Cameras' started by Mischa Schirmer, Jan 7, 2019.

  1. Mischa Schirmer

    Mischa Schirmer Standard User

    Joined:
    Dec 7, 2018
    Messages:
    2
    Hello,

    we are using a STX-16803 in a lab experiment (clean room, anti-static setup) to measure the illumination profile of a calibration lamp (that will go into a satellite). The calibration lamp is a point source and illuminates the detector of the STX-16803 directly without any optics. Our aim is to verify the uniformity of the lamp profile on small scales with high accuracy (0.1%).

    Due to the direct illumination with a point source, the detector is very susceptible to any contamination of the entrance window of the CCD chamber. We cleaned the window on both sides, but there are persistent structures in the images that cannot be removed with cleaning (possibly interference within the glass, persistent residuals on the surface, or manufacturing tolerances). We know they originate from the window because we can translate the camera wrt the lamp, and the shadows move accordingly.

    We therefore need to remove the window. There is a (temperature?) sensor cable attached to it (see yellow circle, image "stx_1.jpg") which we would need to disconnect. Our two questions are

    (1) Can we disconnect the sensor cable without affecting camera operations (using CCDSoft)

    (2) How exactly can the cable be disconnected? The plug seems to be split in two (red and cyan arrows, image "stx_2.jpg"), and it is not clear what belongs to the cable and what to the main board. There also seems to be some glue attached to the top of the plug.

    Thank you,

    Mischa Schirmer
    Max-Planck-Institute for Astronomy, Germany
     

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  2. Doug

    Doug Staff Member

    Joined:
    Sep 25, 2014
    Messages:
    9,932
    That device is a window heater for preventing fogging glass. You can safely remove it. Just unplug it from the board - it comes apart at the split. The epoxy is only on top of the connector.

    With the window removed you cannot cool the sensor. It will turn into a block of ice and may be permanently damaged.

    If you later return the camera to normal operation we strongly recommend returning the camera for service. It will need cleaning, a fresh o-ring, and desiccant recharge.
     
  3. Mischa Schirmer

    Mischa Schirmer Standard User

    Joined:
    Dec 7, 2018
    Messages:
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    Many thanks, Doug, for the quick reply! That's been very helpful.

    Best regards,

    Mischa Schirmer
     

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