Specifications

1
SECTION 1.0
INTRODUCTION
The rapid expansion of robotic telescope and observatories has created a need for many devices
that enhance the operation of these facilities with regards to remote and unattended operation. In
recent years, robotic telescope mounts, PC controlled focusers, filter wheels, dome controls, CCD
camera with elaborate scripting functions and internet access has made possible, to the small
observatory, sophisticated automated functions at low cost. Optec Incorporated supplies many of
these devices and has now designed the Pyxis camera field rotator.
Many of the SBIG line of CCD cameras feature an off-axis guide chip. These guide chips are
usually small and it is sometimes difficult to acquire a sufficiently bright guide star for some
objects. Having the ability to rotate the camera allows another degree of freedom and increases
the probability to find a suitable guide star. Many of the camera control programs with star atlas
have overlay reticules for both the imaging chip and guide chip. The position angle of these
reticule overlays can be read out and used as an input value to the Pyxis. The Pyxis will
immediately rotate to the desired position angle. It is hoped for and expected that many of the
camera control programs will incorporate the Pyxis control codes into their programs making the
job of rotation that much more convenient.
For alt-azimuth mounts, it is impossible to take long exposures without the ability to compensate
for the rotation of the camera field. This rotational rate is very non-linear and is a function of the
altitude and azimuth of the star, and the latitude of the observer. The Pyxis offers the ability to
correct for this field rotation by rotating the camera in the opposite direction for as long as the
exposure is in process. When starting an exposure, the observer only has to input to the Pyxis
control software the right ascension and declination of the observed object.
The Pyxis is compatible with the Optec Next Generation Telecompressors including the
MAXfield 0.33X and the WideField 0.5X. It will fit the Model TCF-S Temperature Compensated
Focuser or any other high quality 2-inch mount as standard. Adapters are available to fit a wide
variety of telescopes and cameras.
In 2006, the Pyxis 3-inch was introduced with a clear aperture of 3 inches and much greater load
bearing capacity. This model supplements the new TCF-S3 which also has a clear aperture of 3
inches. Similar in concept and operating protocol, the Pyxis 3-inch can be substituted in place of
the Pyxis when the need for larger cameras or instrument packages are required. This model is
intended for large observatory mounted telescopes.