Monitor the Seeing Quality of the Sky Like a Pro:
Santa Barbara Scientific
SM-4 and SM-4 EX Seeing Monitor
Get the edge in astrophotography with the SBS SM-4 and SM-4 EX Seeing Monitors—powerful tools engineered to measure atmospheric seeing with professional-level precision, right from your observatory or backyard.
🔭 High-Performance Imaging Sensor
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Equipped with the QHY5III462M camera featuring ultra-high 90% quantum efficiency and ultra-low read noise (1–3e-)
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Paired with a premium Japanese Kowa 100mm f/2.8 lens for exceptional sub-pixel centroid accuracy
💡 Smart Seeing Measurement, No Tracking Required
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Uses the SIMM technique (Single-aperture Image Motion Monitor), eliminating mount tracking and wind vibration issues
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Focuses on Polaris to continuously monitor seeing conditions without a moving mount
🧠 Dr. Alan Holmes' Custom Software
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Captures 256 ultra-short exposures (0.01s) every minute to “freeze” seeing
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Automatically logs zenith Full Width Half Maximum (FWHM) data in arcseconds
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View real-time seeing charts and historical logs via text files or graphs
📈 Actionable Data, Instantly
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12-hour graphs update every 5 minutes with seeing and brightness readings
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Helps identify the best time windows for high-res imaging or wide-field alternatives
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Perfect for both permanent observatories and mobile setups
🌦️ Weather-Resistant Housing
🧰 Plug-and-Play Simplicity
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USB 3.0 connectivity (standard SM-4) for fast data transfer
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Easy-to-use interface for immediate or scheduled data logging
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Compact, low-maintenance, and simple to deploy
📡 SM-4 EX: Ultimate Remote Setup
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Adds a powered USB 3.0 extender over Ethernet for long-distance operation (tested up to 200 feet*)
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Includes power adapter, transmitter/receiver, and USB cables—just add your own Cat 6/7/8 cable
📊 Professional Insights for Serious Imagers
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Ideal for determining when to attempt long-exposure imaging
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Reveals patterns of poor/good seeing not predictable by weather alone
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Used data can be integrated into observatory control software or displayed on a website
🔌 Bonus Tech Specs
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Real-time zenith conversion via atmospheric refraction formula
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Software compensates for Polaris drift over the night
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Minimum seeing error floor of 0.6 arcseconds FWHM
Whether you're running a remote robotic observatory or fine-tuning your imaging sessions from home, the SBS SM-4 and SM-4 EX Seeing Monitors are must-haves for knowing when to shoot—or when to just enjoy the stars.
