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GSTAR
CAPTURE |
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GSTAR Capture V4
Our renowned video capture software
on CD with your camera.
Developed in Australia it also includes camera COM remote control for
use with GSTAR-PC COM cable along with a host of other features.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE
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Optional Accessory |
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Vixen C-mount 2.4X tele-extender
for increased magnification of the Moon, planets and planetary nebulae.
Screws directly into the camera and acts both as a barlow lens and
nosepiece in one.
GET IT NOW
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Optional Accessory |
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Designed in Australia
specifically for the
GSTAR-EX range.
ProStar 0.7 to 0.5X
C-thread focal reducer to effectively produce a wider
field of view and brighter images. Screws directly into the camera and
acts both as a reducer lens and nosepiece in one.
GET IT NOW
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Optional Accessory |
Use your GSTAR-EX2 camera as a highly
sensitive finderscope with this excellent non-vignetting 35mm c-mount
lens. Do star alignment for your mount before you can even see the
stars!
Gives a 9.5 degree wide field of view.
GET IT NOW
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M83 LRGB filters |
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M83 in Hydra with 12-inch Newtonian and
ProStar LRGB filter set.
The 1/2-inch CCD give dramatic close up views at the prime focus of this
telescope.
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Above: NGC253 - 12-inch Sky-Watcher L(400) RGB (200)
Amazing Live Views
Excellent Imaging Camera
X256 frame accumulation
Super Low Noise
Fast Accumulation ramp up time (<30s)
1/2" Sony monochrome micro-lens CCD
This LRGB image of the Trifid nebula was taken with a
small Sky-Watcher 130mm f/5 Newtonian. Using X256 frame
accumulation mode, just 150 stacked frames for each filter.
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No
Fuss set-up and Easy to Use
View faint galaxies and nebula on your TV or
computer
View the planets and Moon with amazing detail
See more detail than views at the eyepiece
Perfect for Observatories, Schools, Uni,
family and friends
Record to VCR, DVD, Memory Stick or disk drive
Excellent black & white portraits
Colour imaging with optional LRGB filters
Fast image rates beat distorting effects of the atmosphere
Internal frame accumulation for seeing faint objects
BNC Composite out
RS232 PC COM control
OSD Menu System
2X Zoom plus Mirror and Flip functions
Image Enhance Function
Manual & Auto Shutter Speeds
Gain Control and Gamma Presets
>>TOP
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THE GSTAR-EX2
VIDEO ASTRONOMY CCD CAMERA |
SIMPLE
AS 1. 2. 3.
Looking for a simple, no-fuss way to capture dramatic portraits of the night sky with a
telescope? Something that doesn't require absolutely perfect telescope tracking or polar
alignment and long exposure times?
Our GSTAR-EX series of cameras are the complete CCD
based video imaging tool
you've been seeking. Utilising a highly sensitive ExView HAD Sony CCD and leading-edge, on-board
frame accumulation and super noise reduction technology, this camera reveals
amazing real-time views of galaxies, nebula,
star clusters, comets, the planets and their moons and of course, our own Moon.
With suitable safety filtering, the Sun can also be imaged in
extraordinary detail.
This camera will show you far more detail than can be seen visually at the eyepiece. in near real-time. Simply place the camera in to
the focuser of your telescope like an eyepiece and connect it to your home TV monitor,
VCR, DVD recorder or PC.Set the
camera to integration mode and watch those faint deep sky wonders unfold before your
eye's! You don't even need to travel to dark country skies to achieve excellent celestial
portraits.
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| APPLICATIONS |
| Lunar Imaging -
Planetary Imaging - Deep Sky Imaging - Supernova Patrol - Comet Hunting - All Sky Camera -
Meteor & Asteroid Imaging - Occultation timing - Video Finderscope -
Auto-Guiding. PUBLIC EDUCATION
The GSTAR-EX2 is the perfect tool for
educational nights in public observatories, schools, clubs and universities particularly
when people are having difficulty viewing objects through the eyepiece.
CAMERA TO
COMPUTER OPTIONS
Capturing the video output from the
GSTAR-EX2 to a desktop PC or Laptop can be achieved by using a video capture device such as
a PCI card in the case of a desktop machine or a video to USB adapter for a Laptop.
CALL US on (07)4194 5502 for advice and
technical support
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GENERAL QUESTIONS |
| The GSTAR-EX2
is a highly affordable deep sky and planetary imaging camera that goes a
step deeper into the dark than the classic GSTAR-EX. So the obvious
first question we get is.. Q.
Is the GSTAR-EX2 better than the original GSTAR-EX camera?
A. Yes or no answer not possible as
each camera has its own unique features. For example the GSTAR-EX has 2
video signal outputs, and several more control features, such as
highlight (for artificial occulting disc effect), several more useful
SENSE UP steps plus manual override gain control to mention just a few.
If you are into solar imaging in Ha then the GSTAR-EX is the best camera
for you.
The GSTAR-EX2 on the other hand boasts far better signal noise control
and longer frame accumulation times. Essentially, the GSTAR-EX2 allows you to
go a step deeper when observing and imaging faint deep-sky objects and
without annoying hot pixels.
Q. Does the GSTAR-EX2 camera have more hot pixels?
A. While the GSTAR-EX2 is not a
thermally cooled camera, its revolutionary super digital noise reduction
circuit presents an image free of obvious hot
pixels (sometimes referred to as false stars). This coupled with its
longer exposure times makes it perfect for live viewing and educational
purposes. Even those dark
contrast rings often seen around bright stars are greatly minimised.
Its signal to noise performance is superior to other cameras in the same frame
accumulation class.
Q. For imaging... do I
still need to take dark frames?
A. While the cameras excellent SDNR
circuit makes it possible to capture images virtually hot pixel free,
one can capture an AVI for stacking and processing without the need for
capturing, stacking and applying a dark frame. However, because no CCD
is perfect, it is always a good idea to take dark frames for later use
when processing your video images in order to achieve the best results.
Furthermore, a dark frame will also remove the slight corner amplifier
glow found in most non cooled cameras.
Q. Does my mount need
to be tracking better to cope with X256 exposure?
A. Good polar alignment of an
equatorial mount is always preferable for protracted enjoyment at the
telescope. If your telescopes mount is badly off then longer exposure
settings X128 and X256 will show drift and you won't achieve nice round
stars. At X256, the camera picture refresh rate to the video display is
around 5.12 seconds so like any long exposure camera, if a strong wind
gust occurs during this time, the image will be smeared.
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| GSTAR-EX2 TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS |
| Image Sensor: |
SONY EX-view HAD
mono
1/2-inch (Hi res Low Dark Current) |
| Sensor Pixels |
8.6um(H) x (8.3um(V) |
| Resolution: |
Hi-res
600TVL (better than SVHS) |
| Capture Size: |
768 x 576 pixels (maximum
effective video
capture size |
| Standard: |
CCIR
(PAL) |
| Sensitivity: |
0.00002 LUX
at maximum gain and sense up |
| Shutter Speeds: |
1/50 to 1/10,000
second (8 steps) - Automatic and Manual control |
| Integration Mode: |
Deep Sky Mode - X2 to X256
(max integration) (8 steps) |
| Signal Gain AGC |
ON or OFF |
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Image Mirror and Flip function |
YES |
| Signal Processing |
A/D
converter 10 bit AGC/AD (14 bit internal) |
| Video Outputs |
1x Composite (BNC) 1Vp-p
into 75 Ohms |
| Gamma Adjust |
Two presets (1.0 and 0.45) |
| Digital Zoom |
2 x
internal image rescaling (useful where optical magnification is
limited) |
| Picture Enhance |
MID and HIGH settings |
| Operating Temp |
-20° to +50°C
- Humidity within 85% |
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Dimensions |
(L) 100mm (W) 50mm (H) 50mm |
| Interface |
5
control buttons for OSD control on
back panel plus RS232 AUX |
| Power |
12VDC regulated
160mA (centre
positive) |
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PROCESSED IMAGE RESULTS |
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The above images were taken using the camera
X256 frame accumulation and processed without taking and applying dark
frames in the stacking procedure. The barred spiral galaxy at bottom is
NGC 6872 and is comprised of only 50 frames.
Below: Later in the evening using colour
filters for M20 trifid nebula and M16, the images below were put
together. Dark frames were taken and applied in this instance to ensure
most accurate result.
M20 Trifid Nebula - the GSTAR-EX2 reveals lots more nebulosity
M16 Eagle Nebula - 300 (L) 100 (RGB)
M83 Galaxy - 300 (L) 100 (RGB) >>TOP |
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THE VIEW AS SEEN ON A COMPUTER MONITOR
LIVE |
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Above: A screen shot of the GSTAR V.4
capture software and the live view seen using
the GSTAR-EX2 video astronomy camera with luminance filter only. This is
the view seen after 30 seconds ramp up time to reach maximum
sensitivity. Although this view is balanced so as not to over-saturate
the centre of the nebula, adjusting the capture device brightness and
contrast controls will reveal more in the fainter regions.
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| GSTAR-EX
USER GROUP |
| A camera users support
group has been established with Yahoo as a general resource for camera owners to ask
questions and share ideas and tips etc. It is not a discussion forum as such but rather a
place to log any questions regarding set-up and use of the GSTAR-EX or imaging and image
processing tips. While many owners find the camera quite simple to operate with our online
application user manual covering most questions, if you'd like to share your results,
questions or tips with other camera owners this might be a useful resource for you.
Join the GSTAR-EX Users Group courtesy of
AstroHolic.com
>>TOP
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DOWNLOADS |
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GSTAR-CAPTURE
Video Capture Software
Included with your camera package the GSTAR Capture software on CD is a flexible video capture program with a diverse
range of features for real-time capture and time delay movie capture. It utilises your installed video or USB capture device drivers allowing
multiple standard capture rates and custom capture rates slower than the
standard 1 frame per second.
Thus, it is perfect for use with GSTAR-EX camera sense up modes X128 (GSTAR
Monochrome) or X256 (GSTAR Colour camera). It can even be used with USB
desktop webcams.
GSTAR 4 includes
a favourite object database, location and equipment
database editor. It creates a log database that records not only Universal
Time but all the RA, declination, filter used, telescope, focal length
etc information important for reviewing later when doing your image
processing. The program features single or multiple filter automated
scripted capture and manual modes plus dual positional and guiding crosshair reticles.
The program also includes image enhancement
functions, AVI frame selection for post processing, interlaced and
non-interlaced viewing and recording, unlimited time lapse animation capture, instant snapshot, live histogram, occultation
time stamping, dual night view modes, on screen zoom for checking focus
plus GSTAR-COM and COM2 for GSTAR-EX2 camera control with expanded help file among numerous other
very useful
tools. For anyone using image streaming cameras, GSTAR 4 is a complete
capture tool for astronomy.
Update: The program now
includes an CSD (capture, stack & display) enhancement function which
samples and combines two unique consecutive images to significantly
reduce background noise. This makes live views and images recorded to
the AVI smoother and more pleasing to the eye.
GSTAR Capture V4 is
compatible for use with Windows XP, Vista, WIN7 32 and 64 bit and WIN 8
32-bit operating
systems. We'd like to thank all those who gave us feedback and new
suggestions to help make GSTAR 4 an even more useful tool for Video
Astronomers.
Download GSTAR 4 capture
(Full install program)
>>TOP
EasyCap Video Capture interface
Download WIN7 64bit driver
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RECOMMENDED
READING |
Deep
Sky Video Astronomy
Get the book!
Reveals
all the tips and tricks for getting the most out of your deep sky
capable video camera.
GET IT NOW
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VIDEO
ASTRONOMY |
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Video Astronomy
(revised edition)
oldie but a goodie
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LRGB Imaging |
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ProStar dichroic LRGB
1.25-inch filter set. Excellent low cost parfocal filters with built-in
IR rejection for optimal
colour reproduction.
GET IT NOW
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Optional Accessory
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Use your GSTAR-EX2 with
our famous Polar EZ bracket to align your equatorial mount quickly &
accurately to the South or North Celestial Poles.
GET IT NOW
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M27 Dumbbell Nebula |
GSTAR 4 Capture snapshot function used to
take this live screen image of nebula M27 with 12-inch Newtonian &
GSTAR-EX2.
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Shapley 1 |
This tiny planetary nebula is seen easily
with the GSTAR-EX2 camera.
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Helix Nebula |
This image taken with LRGB filters using a
small affordable 130mm f/5 Newtonian telescope |
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