CCD Photometry - Need Equipment Suggestions

I am currently looking into getting into Stellar Photometry. I was wondering
if anyone can suggest a CCD system that I can use to do stellar photometry.
I was going to purchase a SSP3 from Optec, but with my 8" Celestron, I would
only get down to 10th magnitude. I hear that I could go less than 10th
magnitude with a CCD for about the same price I would have paid for the
SSP3.

I really need some advice he CCD system, software, and anything else you
think I should think about. I live near Palm Springs in California where it
can be pretty hot or cold. Also....is there such a thing for a "cooling
system" for the CCD? All help is very welcomed....thank you!!!

Vic

On Fri, 23 Jun 2006 13:36:46 -0700, "Vic Sandoval"
wrote:

I am currently looking into getting into Stellar Photometry. I was wondering
if anyone can suggest a CCD system that I can use to do stellar photometry.
I was going to purchase a SSP3 from Optec, but with my 8" Celestron, I would
only get down to 10th magnitude. I hear that I could go less than 10th
magnitude with a CCD for about the same price I would have paid for the
SSP3.

I really need some advice he CCD system, software, and anything else you
think I should think about. I live near Palm Springs in California where it
can be pretty hot or cold. Also....is there such a thing for a "cooling
system" for the CCD? All help is very welcomed....thank you!!!

I'd be looking at cooled astronomical CCD cameras that use full frame
sensors, have regulated cooling, and have shutters. Examples would be
the SBIG ST10, ST8, ST7, ST402. You'll also want one or more photometric
filters. Unless your needs are very specialized, and you have a specific
reason to use one, I wouldn't recommend a single channel photometer like
those from Optec.

_________________________________________________

Chris L Peterson
Cloudbait Observatory
http://www.cloudbait.com

Originally Posted by Vic Sandoval

I am currently looking into getting into Stellar Photometry. I was wondering
if anyone can suggest a CCD system that I can use to do stellar photometry.
I was going to purchase a SSP3 from Optec, but with my 8" Celestron, I would
only get down to 10th magnitude. I hear that I could go less than 10th
magnitude with a CCD for about the same price I would have paid for the
SSP3.

I really need some advice he CCD system, software, and anything else you
think I should think about. I live near Palm Springs in California where it
can be pretty hot or cold. Also....is there such a thing for a "cooling
system" for the CCD? All help is very welcomed....thank you!!!

Vic

The BAA Variable Star Section has a number of members doing quality stellar photometry with SBIG and Starlight Xpress cameras on 'scopes less than 12" aperture.

Nytecam