Optec has been making the SSP-5 and 5a high-precision stellar photoelectric
photometer for nearly 20 years. Recently, the SSP-5 has had a major upgrade
to bring the technology up to current standards. The current model is considered
Generation 2. The use of a photomultiplier tube (PMT) allows fainter stars to
be measured accurately and the enhanced response time of 1 ms allows fast events
such as lunar occultation to be recorded with greater time resolution.
With the PMT option, the SSP-5 can exhibit an S-5 response similar to the original
1P21 photomultiplier tube. For researchers interested in greater low light sensitivity
and extended red response to 830 nm, the
R6358 PMT option is available. Each PMT is a 9-stage side-on low-noise photomultiplier
housed in a small -inch diameter enclosure. The system is powered by a small
12 VDC universal power supply.
In spite of the fact that a PMT based photometer is more sensitive to damage
from bright lights or rough handling, a great deal of effort has been expended
to make the SSP-5 nearly as survivable as the SSP-3. The SSP-5 will allow the
researcher to measure both bright and faint stars in the UBVRI spectral region
with the degree of precision and reliability associated with the venerable SSP-3.
The SSP-5 Photometer is the central part of a complete stellar magnitude
measurement system as shown in the system diagram below. This latest version
of the SSP-5 features a serial output port for connection to a PC or laptop
computer. An interface program called
SSPDataq (freeware) is available with updated version found on the Optec web site. This
program allows for data capture in any color and reduction of B and V magnitudes.
The SSP-5 is intended for serious observers and it is recommended that the prospective
user consult the SSP-5 manual fully before deciding to purchase.
