OK, I have the STX 16803 and want to know what would the optimal temp the camera should be. I know that the specs say it has a delta of 60 degrees, but some of these COLD nights in Kansas, should I just go to -40 or -35?? Some nights will be down below zero. I understand that there is a threshold for how low the chip should be and I don't want to ruin it!! My serial number is 18040001. Thanks for the advice!! Mike
The camera will limit you to -35C, since lower temperatures can start to cause minor problems such as light frosting (despite the extremely low chamber humidity). I normally run at -20C; that's about the optimum compromise IMHO. That's plenty cold enough to get the dark current down. Colder than that will increase residual bulk image, which can cause bright stars to leave a mark on the next frame - best to be avoided. I do sometimes run at -30C, but I only do that when the ambient temperature goes below -20C (which it does here on some winter nights). It does need to be colder than ambient to regulate effectively.
