Hello, I might have the possibility to get a SBIG STT8300M + FW5 filter wheel camera. I wonder if it is possible to add the AO-8 (I own one already used on my ST-10XME) and e.g. a Starchaser SC-4 ? Would that combination work ? Thanks and best regards Juergen
Are you sure you're getting an STT-8300M and an FW5-8300? Those two are not mechanically compatible. I would assume you're getting an STF-8300M and FW5-8300. The other possibility is an STT-8300 and an FW8S-STT - we never had a 5 position wheel for the STT. I believe the ST-4C will be compatible with the STF-8300 and FW5-8300. The AO-8 may need an adapter plate. If you can confirm the actual hardware in question, I can look into it further.
Dear Doug, thanks for your answer which is quite helpful already. The camera offerred is definitely a STT-8300, please see photo of name plate attached. I could clarify now it is offered with FW8-STT filter wheel, see 2nd attachment. So this seems a good fit. What I am really looking for is now how I can attach a guider and AO. I already have an AO-8 (used on my ST10-XME which is still working, what a great machine) and my idea was if I could purchase something like a SC-4 or SC4-C if this would work with the camera and FW offered. Thanks for your help with the options.
Could you post a photo of the entire filter wheel? There are two versions of the wheel and I want to be sure which one you have.
Hello Doug, requested the photo, as long as I wait for the photo I want to come back to your doubt. It is definitely the one without the self guiding chip. Posting the photo as soon as I have it.
If you can come across the self guiding filter wheel for the STT series cameras that makes a really nice setup with the AO-8, that is what I use.
Hello Doug and Joshua, Still do not have a photo of the Filter Wheel. Meanwhile I found a product "SBIG FW8G-STT Self-Guiding Cover for the STT Filter Wheel", see article description below, found it at Adorama. This seems to replace the FW8-STT frontplate and converts it into the self guiding version. @Doug: Do you still offer this article ? Best regards, Juergen About SBIG Self-Guiding Cover Take your photography to the next level with the FW8G-STT Self-Guiding Cover for the STT Filter Wheel. This advanced accessory is specifically designed to replace the standard front cover of your STT filter wheel, offering self-guiding capabilities for enhanced precision and control. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, the FW8G-STT Self-Guiding Cover ensures seamless integration with your existing STT filter wheel, providing a significant upgrade to your photography equipment. Whether you're a professional photographer or an enthusiastic hobbyist, this self-guiding cover is an essential tool for capturing the perfect shot every time. Enhance your photography experience with the FW8G-STT Self-Guiding Cover for the STT Filter Wheel, a must-have for any serious photography kit.
Adorama never seems to update their site! That product has not been available for years. ON Semiconductor discontinued all of the Kodak CCD sensors in early 2020. The reason I asked for the photo was to make sure you don't already have the FW8G version. The current replacement for the self-guiding filter wheels is the StarChaser.
Thank you Doug. Ok, which Starchaser, would it be the SC-4 or SC-4C or another model ? And I assume assembly would be direction telescope to camera: AO-8 --> Starchaser --> FW8-STT --> STT 8300M ? Thanks again! The guy who sells the camera still did not send the photo but he is definitely stated it is not the guiding version as this fact makes it hard for him to sell the camera...
It would be the SC-4C, and yes, you have the correct stack-up. If you have an older AO-8 it may be necessary to change the adapter plate on it. If you decide to go ahead I'll look into that for you.
Thank you Doug. I have a AO-8 from 2008 which is currently connected to my ST-10XME. I believe this was the first version of AO-8's. Would be great to let me know which adapter plate I would need. The SC-4C can be mounted to the FW8-STT directly or do I also need adapter(s) ? Would be great if you have order links from diffraction limited site. Thanks a lot.
There are two things you would need to use an AO-8 on a modern camera. You would need an adapter cable as the connector on the StarChaser is different from that on the ST-10XME. https://diffractionlimited.com/product/starchaser-ao-xao-8t-adapter-cable/ There is also a different mechanical connection to the camera. The original AO-8, for ST-7 series cameras, had cover # 51816. The cover changed to # 51808 for the STT and Aluma cameras. The cost of the part is $99 plus shipping. Unfortunately, right now we don't have any stock on 51808, except for some built into AO-8A's that are on the shelf. We don't have plans to order more at the moment. That said... looking at the design of the part, it is robust enough that we could probably 3D print a workable part.
Hi Doug, thank you very much. I might order an AO-8A as I want to still use my other "image train" on the ST-10XME and do not want to disassemble and assemble the AO8. So just to be sure finally: When I buy an AO-8A (I see they are in stock SBIG AO-8A Adaptive Optics - Astronomy & Scientific Imaging Solutions) and SC-4C I am fine and do not need additional parts for the STT8300-FW8-STT combination ? Shipping to Germany is quite cumbersome and expensive, want to avod any back and forth . Thank you very much for all your help! And finally a picture of the filter wheel attached.
Okay that is in fact an FW8S-STT. You would remove the adapter plate and bolt the SC-4C and AO-8A directly on top of it. We do have AO-8A in stock - and they are on sale. Also of note - we have some significant upgrades coming for both the StarChaser firmware and MaxIm LT's AO control software, to improve the AO experience.
Hi Doug, one more question: What would be the right AO-8 if I would have a FW8G-STT, the guided version of the filter wheel ? Would the AO8-A also work or would I need an adapter ? Thank you very much, might have the possibility to aquire the filter wheel version with guiding option.
Okay I put together this simple table to explain the differences - it's the exact same device with different adapter plates and cables: You would need an AO-8T, which is the same as the AO-8A except for the cable.
Hello Doug, thank you. Meanwhile I have the camera SBIG STT8300M and the self guiding filter wheel FW8G-STT and wanted to check with you, if the AO8-A (SBIG AO-8A Adaptive Optics - Astronomy & Scientific Imaging Solutions) from your webpage has the right adapter plate to install it on the FW8G-STT. You mentioned this above "Unfortunately, right now we don't have any stock on 51808, except for some built into AO-8A's that are on the shelf. We don't have plans to order more at the moment. That said... looking at the design of the part, it is robust enough that we could probably 3D print a workable part." If this is the right AO-8A version ? And how is it mounted to the FW8G-STT, is there a documentation available ? Thank you!
Yes we have six units on the shelf. We'll have to swap the cable to make it an AO-8T, so if you order please leave a note to that effect. The user manual is in the Downloads section of the products page. https://diffractionlimited.com/product/ao-8a/
