Isolated Cable for SBig Camera

[an error occurred while processing this directive]

Picture of Guide adapter with cable

PARTS IN STOCK, PLEASE CONTACT TOM HILTON BELOW!

The Opto-Isolator Guider Cable For SBIG Camera's. Can be used with any Telescope/Mount that conforms to the 6 Pin ST4 Style guider input specifications See picture below. (Except Gemini controlled mounts that have RJ style (telephone Style motor connectors on the Gemini controller.)

Direct quote from SBIG web Site:
"We recommend the relay box be used with all Losmandy mounts, even the newer mounts with the Gemini GOTO electronics."
This Opto-Isolator does the same thing at a lower cost and smaller size.
Why does SBIG recommend Isolation" These might be 2 reasons:
1. Help eliminate ground loops. Ground loops have been known to cause chip failure in the Gemini's. See FAQ about Ground Loops
2. Eliminate the annoying guider error message when the Gemini boots. This message is generated when one of the guider inputs is detected as active (low) during boot. L4V1.02 and before would hang the Gemini up during boot. L4V1.04 will give the error message, then go ahead and boot. A relay box or Opto-isolated guider eliminates this error condition. This is caused if the SBIG camera's are powered down when booting the Gemini, because the camera outputs have too much leakage to ground when unpowered, there by pulling the inputs of the Gemini low.

See the Wiring Pin Outs in the Detailed pictures below.
Benefits of this Cable:
1. Completely Isolates the Camera and mount, eliminating Ground Loops. See Ground Loops Article
2. Replaces the SBIG relay box with more reliable Opto-Isolators (no mechnical contacts/Relay bounce), and provides better Isolation at about 1/2 the price.
3. If using with SBIG's Telescope Splitter, all the functions of this Splitter are still available including the directional LED's.
This Opto-Isolator is composed of 2 parts:
1. A DB9 connector to RJ-12 connector with a small 0.70"x.50" printed circuit board inside that contains a small surface mount Opto-Isolator IC and some other parts(See detailed Image below for picture of top side of internal PCB).
2. A 6 connector telephone cable with a RJ-12 connector at each end.

This adapter is for the following SBIG camera's according to the connector pinouts in the manuals for each of these cameras:
ST-7E, ST-8E, ST-9Em,
ST-10E, ST-1001E, ST-7XE/XME,
ST-8XE, ST-9XE, ST-10XE/XME,
ST-2000XM/XCM, STL-1001E, STL-1301E,
STL-4020M, STL-6303E, STL-11000M.

This adapter is for the DB9 AO7/CFW8/Scope Output connector on the above camera's. Please insure that your camera uses the DB-9 Scope output connector with the following pinout:
1 Not Used in this Adapter
2 Not Used in this Adapter
3 Plus X (Active Low Open Drain)
4 Plus Y (Active Low Open Drain)
5 Signal Ground
6 Minus X (Active Low Open Drain)
7 Minus Y (Active LowOpen Drain)
8 +12 Volts Out
9 Not Used in this Adapter

This Opto-Isolator was designed to replace SBIG's Relay box and cable.
If you are already using that port to control for example a filter wheel, then you will need either a SBIG Telescope Port Splitter that SBIG sells for ~$149.00 or a SBig Dual Relay Cable that SBIG sells for ~$18.00,
It is RoSH compliant, and the IC's are rated to -20 degrees Centigrade.
Pictures are for reference only. Parts might appear different upon arrival.

Contact (Click on name)

Price is $70.00 US Funds including USPS Priority Mail within USA ($74 if using PayPal).
I can provide a custom version of this adapter for the Older style Gemini (RJ45 motor cables) for $85.00 ($90.00 if using PayPal)
Please Send Check or Money Order to Tom Hilton
PO Box 2175
Peoria AZ 85380-2175
Please Call 623-910-9155 or Email before sending money to insure I have this item in stock
These units are custom made at time of order. It takes about 30 days to make them. You can also click on the link below to contact me.

$65.00 US Funds to other countries, Shipping cost extra. PayPal extra.
If paying with PayPal please use tom at arizonaskys dot com as the email address for making the payment.

I also have a users group about the part I am making or will make.

Click to join geminiparts

[an error occurred while processing this directive]