The original Lodestar used the ICX429 Exview chip from Sony and offered excellent sensitivity. However, the Lodestar X2 and the Lodestar PRO utilise Sony’s upgraded version of the CCD, the ICX829, with considerably improved QE and read noise. This new ‘Exview 2’ chip approximately doubles the Lodestar sensitivity and adds nearly a full star magnitude to the minimum guide star brightness.
It also features redesigned the boards so that a standard RJ12 guide socket can be used. This will please many users who have found the small ‘ZH’ cable socket to be too delicate.
Specifications:
- CCD – Sony ICX829AL ExView2 monochrome CCD
- Pixel count – 752(H) x 580(V)
- Pixel size – 8.6 x 8.3uM
- Optical size – 6.47 x 4.81 mm
- Read noise – Typically 5.5 electrons
- Gain – 0.4 e/ADU
- Barrel size – 31.75mm dia. x 85mm long (1.25 inch eyepiece push fit size)
- Barrel thread – 25.4mm x 0.75mm ‘CS’ mount lens thread
- Computer connection – ‘Mini B’ USB socket for USB2.0
- Output connection – Standard RJ12 autoguider socket
- Output type – Opto-isolated 4 lines (N,S,E & W) pull down with common return line
- Download rate – Approx. 10 frames per second in binned 2×2 mode (recommended)