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SSP Photometer Series: For several decades amateur astronomers have been providing valuable scientific data in collaboration with professional astronomers using Optec's SSP Single-Channel Stellar Photometers. The technology is proven to be capable of millimag accuracies with amateur level telescopes and mounts. An SSP photometer will allow you to contribute collaborative astronomical data to the greater scientific community through groups such as the AAVSO, IOTA, ALPO and others.
The SSP-3 solid-state photometer is an entry level instrument for the accurate measurement of stellar magnitude. Durable and well constructed, the SSP-3 and SSP-3A automated model have been used by amateurs, students, and professional astronomers worldwide since 1983. With a spectral response from the UV to the near-infrared. Now in it's second generation, the SSP-3 Gen2 has been upgraded with PIC microcontroller technology and direct computer serial interface and is now referred to as Generation 2.
The SSP-3 Photometer is the central part of a complete stellar magnitude measurement system. A complete set of precision filters, data acquisition interfaces, detector size and adapter options are available to fit any need. Light enters the photometer through the 1.25"-telescope adapter and is directed either to the focusing eyepiece or the detector by means of a flip-mirror. The 1" focusing eyepiece comes with diopter adjustment and illuminated reticule that precisely defines the detector field of view. After a star is centered in the reticle ring, the flip-mirror is rotated to expose the detector. It is important to note that, unlike a photomultiplier system, the image of the star falls on the detector plane; therefore, a Fabry lens is not used and the photometer can be used with any focal length telescope.
A two position filter slider is mounted between the flip-mirror and the detector. Any pair of Johnson standard UBVRI or Clear filters can be factory mounted in a slider. Since the slider is easily pulled out of the photometer, sliders with other combinations of filters can be inserted. For most variable star observations, a single slider with B and V filters is recommended to begin with.
Powered by a 9-volt rechargeable battery, the SSP-3 offers unencumbered use at the telescope without annoying power cords. A single night's charge gives approximately 5 hours of operation, and if the observing session demands it, the battery charger can be used to give continuous power during use. The signal from the detector is converted to a frequency for counting and read on 4-character LED display. The integration times of 1, 5 or 10 seconds and voltage-to-frequency converter gains of 1, 10 and 100 are easily set by the two button menu on the front panel.
The SSP-3 has a serial output for connection to a PC serial (COM) port. The SSPDataq control and data acquisition program that comes with every unit operates all aspects of the photometer. It can record data for both fast and slow events and even perform a complete data reduction for B and V magnitudes based on the methods of Hendon and Kaitchuck for differential photometry. U, R and I data is not reduced by this program but are treated with the SSPData2.
SSP3-A: To fill the needs of APT (Automatic Photoelectric Telescope) users, a motorized 6-position slider is added to the SSP-3.
