Optec :: SSP-4

After nearly 20 years and several attempts, Optec has developed a new Near-IR photometer for medium to large size telescopes. Relatively new InGaAs PIN photodiodes designed for the fiber optics communication market have reached very high performance levels compared to the IR detectors of earlier times. It is now possible to design and build an IR photometer, which allows a great many stars to be observed accurately in the J (1250nm) and H (1650nm) photometric bands. Using custom J-band and H-band filters the SSP-4 allows amateur astronomers with 10-inch and larger telescopes to perform a level of scientific measurement unheard of just a few years ago.

The InGaAs PIN photodiode is the heart of the SSP-4 and is manufactured by Hamamatsu Corp. The series G5851-13 with a 1mm detector diameter is mounted in the instrument. The 1mm detector is the recomended choice by the SSP-4 users group affiliated with the AAVSO. The complete specifications for thi detectors can be found in the manual or by clicking here to visit the Hamamatsu web site.

This level of instrumentation requires a large telescope with excellent tracking ability to fully appreciate the performance of the SSP-4. The SSP-4 can be used manually with input control via the two button interface or with the supplied control program, SSP4Dataq. The SSP4Dataq program can operate the instrument and record the data to a PC but it has no provisions for data reduction. This may change so check the Optec software update area often.

The AAVSO has assisted Optec in the development of this instrument and they have an active users group and much information concerning data reduction and program stars. Click here to go to the AAVSO SSP-4 web site.