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Bintel Glebe
Usually ready for pickup in 24 hours
Bintel 84 Wentworth park road, Glebe, 2073, NSW
Phone:(02) 9518 7255
Hours:
Monday9:30 am–5:30 pm
Tuesday9:30 am–5:30 pm
Wednesday9:30 am–5:30 pm
Thursday9:30 am–5:30 pm
Friday9:30 am–5:30 pm
Saturday9:30 am–4 pm
SundayClosed
Astronomy Cameras
93 products
93 products
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$5,899.00
The One 9.0 mono is Atik's latest and greatest Sony based camera. It features a 9MP ICX814AL with the incredibly sensitive EXview HAD II technology, ultra-low read noise, a mechanically indexed 5 position filter wheel, and boosted cooling performance.
It also features a new CCD chamber design, purged with high purity Argon, and an integral USB 2.0 hub and a power port for accessories. You can now use just two cables to operate your entire system!
$5,699.00
- Sensor Type: CCD - Sony ICX814
- Horizontal Resolution: 3380 pixels
- Vertical Resolution: 2704 pixels
- Pixel Size: 3.69 µM x 3.69 µM
- ADC: 16 bit
- Readout Noise: 5e- typical value
- Interface: USB 2.0 High Speed, with embedded hub
- Power: 12v DC 2A
- Maximum Exposure Length: Unlimited
- Minimum Exposure Length: 1/1000 s
- Cooling: Termoelectric set point with max ΔT=-38°C
- Weight: approx. 900 gr
- Backfocus: ~27mm
- Exclusively as mono
Convenience of use has been key during the design. The Atik One also features an internal USB hub and accessory power port, so that you can keep the cable clutter under control. Only 2 cables for your imaging gear! In addition to this, two 1/4” tripod mounting holes are available, to give you more options for mounting the camera, other accessories, or for managing the cables.
The 5 position integrated 1.25″ filter wheel features a mechanical roller for filter location ensuring the highest levels of reproducibility image after image. The filter wheel is natively controlled from our software or has an Ascom driver for 3rd party programs. To make filter changing less of a chore the camera comes with a tool to allow filters to be loaded without opening the camera.
Atiks own capture software (Artemis) is included for camera control and data acquisition, and plug-ins are included to allow use with Astroart and Maxim DL.
Dawn image processing software is also included.
System Requirements:
- Pentium IV PC with 512MB RAM
- Windows XP/Vista/Win7/Win8/Win8 (not RT)
- CD-ROM drive
- USB 2.0 port
A universal (110-230V) power adapter is optional.
$2,299.00
Atik Infinity Mono
Technical Specification
- Sensor Type: CCD - Sony ICX825
- Horizontal Resolution: 1392 pixels
- Vertical Resolution: 1040 pixels
- Pixel Size: 6.45 µm x 6.45 µm
- ADC: 16 bit
- Readout Noise: 6e- typical value
- Gain Factor: 0.37e-/ADU
- Full Well: ~24,000e-
- Speed: 2-3 frames per second
- Interface: USB 2.0 High Speed and ST4 compatible guide port
- Power: 12v DC 1A
- Maximum Exposure Length: 120 s
- Minimum Exposure Length: 1/1000 s
- Cooling: Passive
- Weight: approx. 340 gr
- Backfocus: 13mm
Link to Video from the Atik You tube channel below:
$4,999.00
The 12 megapixel sensor of the Atik 4120EX is the ideal solution for capturing stunning high resolution images. Exclusively available as one-shot colour (OSC), this is an ideal match for Hyperstar systems and short focal length telescopes. The small 3,1 µm pixels are able to faithfully record the colour of stars and nebulae, even in the fastest imaging systems. The high resolution means you can print your images to A3 and beyond, while the famed sensitivity of the Sony EXview sensor ensures those images are brimming with detail.
Features of the 4-Series
Our 4-Series is designed in such way as to combine power and control with flexibility and ease of use. The narrow body makes them ideal for use on Hyperstar and Fastar systems whilst maintaining suitability with a huge range of other telescopes. They feature fully regulated set-point cooling which makes for easy and consistent image calibration, though they feature such low noise that dark frames are no longer even a requirement, meaning you can spend more time imaging the things that matter.
The slim, ergonomic design of these cameras naturally comes in at a low weight to help minimize stress on the corrector plate. The desiccant port is readily accessible from outside the camera for easy maintenance , and a simple 12V power requirement is complimented by low power use to help you get the most out of your imaging sessions, whether in the observatory or out in the field.
EXview
All of our 4-EX series cameras use sensors embedded with Sony EXview HAD CCD II™ technology which results in outstanding Quantum Efficiency, incredibly low read noise and excellent thermal management. These high Quantum Efficiencies make for impressive sensitivity across a vast range of wavelengths, but become particularly outstanding when imaging in narrowband, capturing stunning levels of detail in even the faintest of objects.
What's in the box?
- Camera body with 1.25'' adapter
- 3-metre USB cable
- 1.8-metre battery power connector
- CD-ROM with drivers, software and user's manual (PDF)
- Quickstart guide (paper)
Our highly-acclaimed Capture software is included for camera control and data acquisition, and plug-ins are included to allow use with Astroart and Maxim DL.
A universal (110-230V) power adapter is optional.
$5,599.00
Specifications
| Sensor Type: | CCD - Sony ICX814 |
| Horizontal Resolution: | 3380 pixels |
| Vertical Resolution: | 2704 pixels |
| Pixel Size: | 3.69 µM x 3.69 µM |
| ADC: | 16 bit |
| Readout Noise: | 5e- typical value |
| Interface: | Mini-USB 2.0 High Speed |
| Power: | 12v DC 1A |
| Maximum Exposure Length: | Unlimited |
| Minimum Exposure Length: | 1/1000 s |
| Cooling: | Thermoelectric set point with max ΔT=-25°C |
| Weight: | approx. 400 grams |
| Backfocus: | 13mm |
The Atik 490EX fully supports 1.25" filters down to f/2, so you won't need to replace any of your current investment in wheel or filters. This is an added advantage when looking to invest in a CCD camera that may go through multiple telescopes.
The Atik-4 Series cameras are a development of the renowned 3-Series cameras, featuring better cooling and narrower body. They benefit from setpoint cooling to make taking matching dark frames a snap, and simple 12V power requirement to facilitate field operation. The impressive sensitivity, great cooling and narrow profile, make the Atik Series 4 outstanding CCD cameras to use on modern telescopes, including Hyperstar/Fastar systems.
$5,699.00
Atik One 6.0 + Atik GP + OAG Kit (Atik One Integrated Kit)
Atik One Integrated Kit
Looking for great value? For a limited time, you get three in one, the Atik One with the Atik GP, plus an M42 off-axis guider for an unbelievable price. Perfect for intermediate to experienced astrophotographer’s looking for a cooled CCD camera that takes stunningly detailed deep sky images.
The off-axis guider is a smaller version of our OAG, with the renowned smooth focusing system and moveable prism. Please note: The Kit is designed to be used as a single unit with the Atik One 6.0 or the Atik One 9.0. Its parts aren’t for independent use.
Atik One 6.0
The Atik One 6.0 features the same incredible 6 megapixel Sony ICX694 EXview sensor as our highly renowned Atik 460EX camera for outstanding sensitivity at a fantastic resolution purposely engineered for deep sky imaging. Housed in an advanced body with internal filter wheel, the One 6.0 provides an all-in-one solution for mono imaging.
Features of the One
Integrated and powerful, the Atik One series embodies Atik’s principles to bring you a high performance, simple to use platform, with internal filter wheel, all in a very compact and light package. It features an improved cooler, capable of reaching a stable -38C below ambient, and a CCD chamber design, filled with high purity Argon for a dry, condensation free environment and optimal thermal insulation.
The Atik One also features an internal USB hub and accessory power port, so that you can keep the cable clutter under control. In addition, two 1/4” tripod mounting holes are available to give you more options for mounting the camera and other accessories.
The 5 position integrated 1.25″ filter wheel features a mechanical roller for filter location ensuring the highest levels of reproducibility image after image. The filter wheel is natively controlled from our software or has an ASCOM driver for third party programs. Also included is a tool that allows filters to be loaded without opening the camera.
What's in the box?
- Atik One camera body
- Atik GP camera body
- M42 Off-axis guider body
- 2" adapter
- 0.5m mini-USB cable
- 3m USB cable
- 1.8m battery power connector
- CD-ROM with drivers, software and user's manual (PDF)
- Quickstart guide (paper)
Our highly acclaimed Artemis Capture software is included for camera control and data acquisition, along with a full ASCOM driver. These are also available from our Downloads page.
A universal (110-230V) power adapter is optional.
$5,599.00
The Atik 490EX is the highest resolution Atik to date and one of the most flexible ones. Featuring the latest generation Sony™ EXview HAD CCD II™ technology in an area over twice as large as before, this camera has outstanding Quantum Efficiency, very low noise, and excellent thermal management.
This model is an ideal match not only for Hyperstar systems but also for most small to midsize telescopes used by astrophotographers.
The Atik 490EX fully supports 1.25" filters down to f/2, so you won't need to replace any of your current investments in wheels or filters. This is an added advantage when looking to invest in a CCD camera that may go through multiple telescopes.
The Atik-4 Series cameras are a development of the renowned 3-Series cameras, featuring better cooling and a narrower body. They benefit from setpoint cooling to make taking matching dark frames a snap, and simple 12V power requirement to facilitate field operation. The impressive sensitivity, great cooling, and narrow profile make the Atik Series 4 outstanding CCD cameras to use on modern telescopes, including Hyperstar/Fastar systems.
Specifications
| Sensor Type: | CCD - Sony ICX814 |
| Horizontal Resolution: | 3380 pixels |
| Vertical Resolution: | 2704 pixels |
| Pixel Size: | 3.69 µM x 3.69 µM |
| ADC: | 16 bit |
| Readout Noise: | 5e- typical value |
| Interface: | Mini-USB 2.0 High Speed |
| Power: | 12v DC 1A |
| Maximum Exposure Length: | Unlimited |
| Minimum Exposure Length: | 1/1000 s |
| Cooling: | Thermoelectric set point with max ΔT=-25°C |
| Weight: | approx. 400 grams |
| Backfocus: | 13mm |
$5,199.00
Specifications
| Sensor Type: | CCD - Sony ICX694 |
| Horizontal Resolution: | 2750 pixels |
| Vertical Resolution: | 2200 pixels |
| Pixel Size: | 4.54 µM x 4.54 µM |
| ADC: | 16 bit |
| Readout Noise: | 5e- typical value |
| Interface: | Mini-USB 2.0 High Speed |
| Power: | 12v DC 1A |
| Maximum Exposure Length: | Unlimited |
| Minimum Exposure Length: | 1/1000 s |
| Cooling: | Thermoelectric set point with max ΔT=-25°C |
| Weight: | approx. 400 grams |
| Backfocus: | 13mm |
The Atik 460EX fully supports 1.25" filters down to f/2, so you won't need to replace any of your current investment in wheel or filters. This is an added advantage when looking to invest in a CCD camera that may go through multiple telescopes.
The Atik-4 Series cameras are a development of the renowned 3-Series cameras, featuring better cooling and narrower body. They benefit from setpoint cooling to make taking matching dark frames a snap, and simple 12V power requirement to facilitate field operation. The impressive sensitivity, great cooling and narrow profile, make the Atik Series 4 outstanding CCD cameras to use on modern telescopes, including Hyperstar/Fastar systems.
$2,049.00
There's lots of advantages of using a CCD chip for deep-sky imaging compared to CMOS cameras.
Please note this camera uses a "Grade 1" CCD chip.
Specifications
- CCD type: Sony ICX825AQ EXview II HAD CCD with ultra low dark current, extended IR response and vertical anti-blooming.
- CCD quality: Grade 1 or better – No bad columns, no dead pixels, no more than 6 ‘hot’ pixels (saturated in <10 seconds).
- CCD Full resolution Pixel data: Pixel size: 6.45uM x 6.45uM, Image format: 1392 x 1040 pixels
- CCD Image area: 8.98mm (Horizontal) x 6.7mm (Vertical).
- Spectral Response: QE max at 540nM (~65%), 50% roll-off at 400nM and 750nM.
- Readout Noise: Typically ONLY 3.5 electrons.
- Full-well capacity: Greater than 23,000 e- (unbinned)
- Anti-blooming: Overload margin greater than 800x.
- Dark current: Dark frame saturation time greater than 100 hours. Less than 0.002 electrons/second @ -10C.
- Data format: 16 bits.
- System gain: 0.3 electrons per ADU
- Computer Interface: Built-in USB 2.0 compatible interface with 3 port USB 2 hub for peripheral devices.
- Image download time: Typically 0.6 seconds full resolution using USB 2.0, approximately 2 seconds with USB 1.1.
- Power requirements: 115VAC / 240VAC @ 12VA, or 12VDC @ 1.5 A max.
- Cooling system: Regulated set-point cooling supply with two stage thermoelectric cooler to give a CCD temperature of better than -40C below ambient. Dry Argon fill.
- Size: 75 x 70mm black anodised aluminium barrel with 42mm ‘T2’ thread at the CCD window end & input/output plugs at rear.
- Weight: approx. 450g
PRODUCT MANUAL Trius-PRO-825C-handbook
PRODUCT DATASHEET 2022-SX-TRIUS-PRO-Blue-Camera-Specification
$3,499.00
There's lots of advantages of using a CCD chip for deep-sky imaging compared to CMOS cameras.
Please note this camera uses a "Grade 1" CCD chip.
Specifications
- CCD type: ICX694AQ (colour) Exview CCD with ultra low dark current and vertical anti-blooming.
- CCD Full resolution pixel data: Pixel size: 4.54uM x 4.54uM, Image format: 2750 x 2200 pixels
- CCD Image area: 12.49mm (Horizontal) x 9.99mm (Vertical).
- CCD quality: Grade 1 or better – No bad columns, no dead pixels, no more than 50 ‘hot’ pixels (saturated in <10 seconds).
- Spectral Response: QE max at 580nM (~77%), 50% roll-off at 360nM and 770nM.
- Readout Noise: Typically only 3. 5 electrons RMS
- Full-well capacity: Greater than 17,000 e- (unbinned)
- Anti-blooming: Overload margin greater than 800x.
- Dark current: Less than 0.002 electrons/second @ – 10C CCD temperature.
- Data format: 16 bits.
- System gain: 0.3 electrons per ADU
- Computer Interface: Built-in USB 2.0 compatible interface.
- Image download time: Typically 5 seconds at full resolution.
- Power requirements: 115VAC / 240VAC @ 12VA, or 12VDC @ 900mA max.
- Cooling system: Regulated set-point cooling supply with thermoelectric cooler to give a minimum CCD temperature of approximately -40C below ambient.
- Size: 75 x 70mm black anodised aluminium barrel with 42mm ‘T2’ thread at the CCD window end & input/output plugs at rear. CCD alignment screws are provided for setting the chip parallel to the focal plane.
- Weight: approx. 450g
- High speed USB 2.0 interface for approx. 5 second downloads.
- Built-in triple powered USB hub for guider and filter wheel control.
- Single USB cable control for all features – get rid of that dangerous cable tangle!
- Very low power consumption. Less than 1.5 amps at 12v DC.
- Compact and lightweight – only 75mm in diameter x 70mm long – less than 500 grams load on the telescope.
PRODUCT MANUAL Trius-PRO-694C-handbook
PRODUCT DATASHEET 2022-SX-TRIUS-PRO-Blue-Camera-Specification
$2,799.00
There's lots of advantages of using a CCD chip for deep-sky imaging compared to CMOS cameras.
Please note this camera uses a "Grade 1" CCD chip.
Specifications
- Built-in autoguider output – compatible with most mounts.
- Built-in triple USB hub ports for accessory control – directly drive filter wheels, GOTO ‘scopes etc.
- Single USB cable control for all features – get rid of that dangerous cable tangle!
- Two stage cooler with dry Argon filled CCD chamber.
- Very low power consumption. Less than 1.5 amps at 12v DC.
- Compact and lightweight – only 75mm in diameter x 70mm long – less than 500 grams load on the telescope.
- CCD type: Sony ICX674ALQ (colour) EXview CCD with ultra low dark current and vertical anti-blooming.
- CCD Full resolution pixel data: Pixel size: 4.54uM x 4.54uM, Image format: 1940 x 1460 pixels
- CCD Image area: 8.81mm (Horizontal) x 6.63mm (Vertical).
- CCD quality: Grade 1 or better – No bad columns, no dead pixels, no more than 50 ‘hot’ pixels (saturated in <10 seconds).
- Spectral Response: QE max at 580nM (~77%), 50% roll-off at 360nM and 770nM.
- Readout Noise: Typically only 3.5 electrons RMS
- Full-well capacity: Greater than 17,000 e- (unbinned)
- Anti-blooming: Overload margin greater than 800x.
- Dark current: Less than 0.003 electrons/second @ – 10C CCD temperature.
- Data format: 16 bits.
- System gain: 0.3 electrons per ADU
- Computer Interface: Built-in USB 2.0 compatible interface.
- Image download time: Typically 2 seconds at full resolution.
- Power requirements: 240VAC @ 12VA, or 12VDC @ 900mA max.
- Cooling system: Regulated set-point cooling supply with thermoelectric cooler to give a minimum CCD temperature of approximately -40C below ambient.
- Size: 75 x 70mm black anodised aluminium barrel with 42mm ‘T2’ thread at the CCD window end & input/output plugs at rear. CCD alignment screws are provided for setting the chip parallel to the focal plane.
- Weight: approx. 450g.
PRODUCT MANUAL Trius-PRO-674C-handbook
PRODUCT DATASHEET 2022-SX-TRIUS-PRO-Blue-Camera-Specification
$3,799.00
The Trius PRO-814 is a higher resolution version of the very popular PRO-694 camera. It has a similarly high QE and low thermal noise, but offers 9.19 megapixels of resolution.
Each pixel is 3.69 x 3.69 uM in size. This camera features a triple USB hub and Argon fill, along with 3 stage Peltier cooling.
The very high resolution makes the 814 particularly well suited to the super-fast short focus ‘scopes and ‘Hyperstar’ systems that are now widely in use. The new ‘PRO’ version reduces the read noise and download time of the original Trius 814 design.
Specifications:
- CCD type: ICX814AL (mono) Exview CCD with ultra low dark current and vertical anti-blooming.
- CCD Full resolution pixel data: Pixel size: 3.69uM x 3.69uM, Image format: 3388 x 2712 pixels
- CCD Image area: 12.49mm (Horizontal) x 9.99mm (Vertical).
- CCD quality: Grade 1 or better – No bad columns, no dead pixels, no more than 50 ‘hot’ pixels (saturated in <10 seconds).
- Spectral Response: QE max at 580nM (~77%), 50% roll-off at 360nM and 770nM.
- Readout Noise: Typically only 3 electrons RMS.
- Well depth – 15,000e
- System gain – 0.25e / ADU
- Image download time – 5 seconds in 1 x 1 binning mode
- Anti-blooming: Overload margin greater than 800x.
- Dark current: Less than 0.002 electrons/second @ – 10C CCD temperature.
- Data format: 16 bits.
- System gain: 0.25 electrons per ADU
- Computer Interface: Built-in USB 2.0 compatible interface.
- Power requirements: 115VAC / 240VAC @ 12VA, or 12VDC @ 900mA max.
- Cooling system: Regulated set-point cooling supply with thermoelectric cooler to give a minimum CCD temperature of approximately -40C below ambient.
- Size: 75 x 70mm black anodised aluminium barrel with 42mm ‘T2’ thread at the CCD window end & input/output plugs at rear. CCD alignment screws are provided for setting the chip parallel to the focal plane.
- Weight: approx. 450g.
$2,049.00
There's lots of advantages of using a CCD chip for deep-sky imaging compared to CMOS cameras.
Please note this camera uses a "Grade 1" CCD chip.
Specifications
- CCD type: ICX825AL EXview II CCD with ultra low dark current and vertical anti-blooming.
- CCD Full resolution pixel data: Pixel size: 6.45uM x 6.45uM, Image format: 1392 x 1040 pixels
- CCD Image area: 8.98mm (Horizontal) x 6.7mm (Vertical).
- CCD quality: Grade 1 or better – No bad columns, no dead pixels, no more than 50 ‘hot’ pixels (saturated in <10 seconds).
- Spectral Response: QE max at 580nM (~75%), 50% roll-off at 360nM and 770nM.
- Readout Noise: Typically ONLY 3.5 electrons.
- Full-well capacity: Greater than 23,000 e- (unbinned)
- Anti-blooming: Overload margin greater than 800x.
- Dark current: Less than 0.002 electrons/second @ – 10C CCD temperature.
- Data format: 16 bits.
- System gain: 0.3 electrons per ADU
- Computer Interface: Built-in USB 2.0 compatible interface.
- Image download time: Typically 0.6 seconds at full resolution.
- Power requirements: 115VAC / 240VAC @ 12VA, or 12VDC @ 900mA max.
- Cooling system: Regulated set-point cooling supply with thermoelectric cooler to give a minimum CCD temperature of >-40C below ambient.
- Size: 75 x 70mm black anodised aluminium barrel with 42mm ‘T2’ thread at the CCD window end & input/output plugs at rear. CCD alignment screws are provided for setting the chip parallel to the focal plane.
- Weight: approx. 450g
PRODUCT MANUAL Trius-PRO-825-handbook
PRODUCT DATASHEET 2022-SX-TRIUS-PRO-Blue-Camera-Specification
$4,349.00
Introducing the Starlight Xpress TRIUS PRO Series of cooled CCD cameras to our product portfolio.
The TRIUS range of cameras was introduced in 2014. These were the first cameras on the market to incorporate a powered USB 2.0 hub in the rear of the camera to enable the user to connect their USB filter wheel and guide camera directly to the camera rather than multiple cables back to the computer - simplicity and convenience.
The new TRIUS PRO Blue series follows on from that success. We have redesigned the electronics to give even lower read-noise figures and faster downloads. With the Sony CCD cameras, we are now getting read-noise figures that are better than most CMOS cameras (when used at unity gain), along with 16bit data and significantly better dark-noise figure thanks to the impressive cooling. Dark frames really are a thing of the past, making calibration frames optional rather than compulsory, giving you more time to capture data and process your images.
$3,499.00
There's lots of advantages of using a CCD chip for deep-sky imaging compared to CMOS cameras.
Please note this camera uses a "Grade 1" CCD chip.
Specifications
- High speed USB 2.0 interface for approx. 2.5 second downloads.
- Built-in triple powered USB hub for guider and filter wheel control.
- Single USB cable control for all features – get rid of that dangerous cable tangle!
- Very low power consumption. Less than 1.5 amps at 12v DC.
- Compact and lightweight – only 75mm in diameter x 70mm long – less than 500 grams load on the telescope.
- CCD type: ICX694AL Exview CCD with ultra-low dark current and vertical anti-blooming.
- CCD Full resolution pixel data: Pixel size: 4.54uM x 4.54uM, Image format: 2750 x 2200 pixels
- CCD Image area: 12.49mm (Horizontal) x 9.99mm (Vertical).
- CCD quality: Grade 1 or better – No bad columns, no dead pixels, no more than 50 ‘hot’ pixels (saturated in <10 seconds).
- Spectral Response: QE max at 580nM (~77%), 50% roll-off at 360nM and 770nM.
- Readout Noise: Typically, only 3.5 electrons RMS.
- Full-well capacity: Greater than 17,000 e- (unbinned)
- Anti-blooming: Overload margin greater than 800x.
- Dark current: Less than 0.002 electrons/second @ – 10C CCD temperature.
- Data format: 16 bits.
- System gain: 0.27 electrons per ADU
- Computer Interface: Built-in USB 2.0 compatible interface.
- Image download time: Typically 2.5 seconds at full resolution.
- Power requirements: 115VAC / 240VAC @ 12VA, or 12VDC @ 900mA max.
- Cooling system: Regulated set-point cooling supply with thermoelectric cooler to give a minimum CCD temperature of approximately -40C below ambient.
- Size: 75 x 70mm black anodised aluminium barrel with 42mm ‘T2’ thread at the CCD window end & input/output plugs at rear. CCD alignment screws are provided for setting the chip parallel to the focal plane.
- Weight: approx. 450g.
PRODUCT MANUAL Trius-PRO-694-handbook
PRODUCT DATASHEET TRIUS-PRO-694-Blue-Datasheet
$3,799.00
Specifications:
- CCD type: ICX814AQ (colour) Exview CCD with ultra low dark current and vertical anti-blooming.
- CCD Full resolution pixel data: Pixel size: 3.69uM x 3.69uM, Image format: 3388 x 2712 pixels
- CCD Image area: 12.49mm (Horizontal) x 9.99mm (Vertical).
- CCD quality: Grade 1 or better – No bad columns, no dead pixels, no more than 50 ‘hot’ pixels (saturated in <10 seconds).
- Spectral Response: QE max at 580nM (~77%), 50% roll-off at 360nM and 770nM.
- Readout Noise: Typically only 3 electrons RMS.
- Well depth – 15,000e
- System gain – 0.25e / ADU
- Image download time – 5 seconds in 1 x 1 binning mode
- Anti-blooming: Overload margin greater than 800x.
- Dark current: Less than 0.002 electrons/second @ – 10C CCD temperature.
- Data format: 16 bits.
- System gain: 0.25 electrons per ADU
- Computer Interface: Built-in USB 2.0 compatible interface.
- Power requirements: 115VAC / 240VAC @ 12VA, or 12VDC @ 900mA max.
- Cooling system: Regulated set-point cooling supply with thermoelectric cooler to give a minimum CCD temperature of approximately -40C below ambient.
- Size: 75 x 70mm black anodised aluminium barrel with 42mm ‘T2’ thread at the CCD window end & input/output plugs at rear. CCD alignment screws are provided for setting the chip parallel to the focal plane.
- Weight: approx. 450g
$899.00
The original Lodestar used the ICX429 Exview chip from Sony and offered excellent sensitivity. However, the Lodestar X2 and the Lodestar PRO utilise Sony’s upgraded version of the CCD, the ICX829, with considerably improved QE and read noise. This new ‘Exview 2’ chip approximately doubles the Lodestar sensitivity and adds nearly a full star magnitude to the minimum guide star brightness.
It also features redesigned the boards so that a standard RJ12 guide socket can be used. This will please many users who have found the small ‘ZH’ cable socket to be too delicate.
Specifications:
- CCD – Sony ICX829AL ExView2 monochrome CCD
- Pixel count – 752(H) x 580(V)
- Pixel size – 8.6 x 8.3uM
- Optical size – 6.47 x 4.81 mm
- Read noise – Typically 5.5 electrons
- Gain – 0.4 e/ADU
- Barrel size – 31.75mm dia. x 85mm long (1.25 inch eyepiece push fit size)
- Barrel thread – 25.4mm x 0.75mm ‘CS’ mount lens thread
- Computer connection – ‘Mini B’ USB socket for USB2.0
- Output connection – Standard RJ12 autoguider socket
- Output type – Opto-isolated 4 lines (N,S,E & W) pull down with common return line
- Download rate – Approx. 10 frames per second in binned 2×2 mode (recommended)
$2,799.00
There's lots of advantages of using a CCD chip for deep-sky imaging compared to CMOS cameras. If you'd like to know more, read BINTEL's tech article here.
Please note this camera uses a "Grade 1" CCD chip.
Specifications
- CCD type: Sony ICX674ALG (mono) EXview CCD with ultra low dark current and vertical anti-blooming.
- CCD Full resolution pixel data: Pixel size: 4.54uM x 4.54uM, Image format: 1940 x 1460 pixels
- CCD Image area: 8.81mm (Horizontal) x 6.63mm (Vertical).
- CCD quality: Grade 1 or better – No bad columns, no dead pixels, no more than 50 ‘hot’ pixels (saturated in <10 seconds).
- Spectral Response: QE max at 580nM (~77%), 50% roll-off at 360nM and 770nM.
- Readout Noise: Typically only 3.5 electrons RMS
- Full-well capacity: Greater than 17,000 e- (unbinned)
- Anti-blooming: Overload margin greater than 800x.
- Dark current: Less than 0.003 electrons/second @ – 10C CCD temperature.
- Data format: 16 bits.
- System gain: 0.3 electrons per ADU
- Computer Interface: Built-in USB 2.0 compatible interface.
- Image download time: Typically 2 seconds at full resolution.
- Power requirements: 115VAC / 240VAC @ 12VA, or 12VDC @ 900mA max.
- Cooling system: Regulated set-point cooling supply with thermoelectric cooler to give a minimum CCD temperature of approximately -40C below ambient.
- Size: 75 x 70mm black anodised aluminium barrel with 42mm ‘T2’ thread at the CCD window end & input/output plugs at rear. CCD alignment screws are provided for setting the chip parallel to the focal plane.
- Weight: approx. 450g.
PRODUCT MANUAL Trius-PRO-674-handbook
PRODUCT DATASHEET 2022-SX-TRIUS-PRO-Blue-Camera-Specification
$4,899.00
Overview
- Very large, high resolution ‘SuperHAD’ CCD chip, with 6,000,000 x 7.8uM square pixels in a 23.4 x 15.6mm array. Size equivalent to APS film.
- Single-shot colour, using a Bayer matrix of R, G and B on-chip filters. No filter wheel required.
- Triple USB hub for accessories, built-in.
- High performance two stage cooler for better than -35 C chip temperature reduction.
- Dry Argon chamber fill for improved cooling performance.
- Exceptionally low dark signal – No dark frames necessary for most deep sky objects.
- Exceptionally effective anti-blooming with minimal effect on linearity and no lost active area.
- High sensitivity, equivalent to 60% QE at peak of green filters.
- Back focal length 17mm +/-1mm.
- NEW! Built-in super high speed USB 2.0 interface (USB 1.1 compatible) for approx. 3.5 second downloads.
- Built-in autoguider output.
- Single USB cable control for all features – get rid of that dangerous cable tangle!
- Only ONE computer needed to control all of the devices and functions.
- Very low power consumption. Less than 1.5 amps at 12v DC.
- Compact and lightweight – only 75mm in diameter x 100mm long – less than 500 grams load on the ‘scope.
Specifications:
- CCD type: Sony ICX453AQ SuperHAD CCD with ultra low dark current, Bayer RGB matrix and vertical anti-blooming.
- CCD Full resolution Pixel data: Pixel size: 7.8uM x 7.8uM, Image format: 3024 x 2016 pixels
- CCD Image area: 23.4mm (Horizontal) x 15.6mm (Vertical).
- CCD quality: Grade 1 or better – No bad columns, no dead pixels, no more than 50 ‘hot’ pixels (saturated in <10 seconds).
- Spectral Response: QE max at 540nM (~60%), 50% roll-off at 400nM and 650nM.
- Readout Noise: Less than 12 electrons RMS – typically ONLY 7 electrons!
- Full-well capacity: Greater than 25,000 e- (unbinned)
- Anti-blooming: Overload margin greater than 800x.
- Dark current: Dark frame saturation time greater than 100 hours. Less than 0.02 electrons/second @ + 10C ambient.
- Data format: 16 bits.
- System gain: 0.4 electrons per ADU
- Computer Interface: Built-in USB 2.0 compatible interface. Also works with USB 1.1.
- Image download time: Typically 3.5 seconds full resolution using USB 2.0, approximately 8 seconds with USB 1.1.
- Power requirements: 115VAC / 240VAC @ 12VA, or 12VDC @ 1.5 A max.
- Cooling system: Regulated constant current cooling supply with two stage thermoelectric cooler to give a CCD temperature of approximately -35C below ambient.
- Size: 75 x 70mm black anodised aluminium barrel with 42mm ‘T2’ thread at the CCD window end & input/output plugs at rear. CCD alignment screws are provided for setting the chip parallel to the focal plane.
- Weight: approx. 400g
$1,549.00
Specifications
- CCD: Sony ICX825AL ExView2 monochrome CCD
- Pixel count: 1392(H) x 1040(V)
- Pixel size: 6.45 x 6.45uM
- Optical size: 8.98 x 6.71 mm
- Read noise: Typically 5.0 electrons
- QE: Peak QE 75% (yellow light)
- Gain: 0.3 e/ADU
- Barrel size: 31.75mm dia. x 85mm long (1.25 inch eyepiece push fit size)
- Barrel thread: 25.4mm x 0.75mm ‘CS’ mount lens thread
- Input connection: ‘Mini B’ USB socket for USB2.0
- Output connection: Standard RJ12 autoguider socket
- Output type: Opto-isolated 4 lines (N,S,E & W) pull down with common return line
- Download rate: Approx. 2 frames per second in binned 1×1 mode
$899.00
The Lodestar utilises a very sensitive Sony ‘ExView’ CCD (the ICX829AK) with an array of 752 x 580 pixels in a ‘half-inch’ format. Although the chip is not cooled, it has a very low dark signal and very little readout noise, so it can be used to guide on faint stars that are beyond the reach of webcams and CMOS chip based guide cameras.
Specification
-
- CCD type: ICX829AK Sony Exview interline CCD with low dark current and vertical anti-blooming.
- CCD Full resolution Pixel data: Pixel size: 8.6uM x 8.3uM, Image format: 752 x 580 pixels
- CCD Image area: 6.4mm (Horizontal) x 4.75mm (Vertical).
- Colour filter grid array: YMCG secondary colour filters.
- CCD quality: Grade 1
- Spectral Response: QE max at 620nM (~65%), 35% at 400nM and 770nM.
- Readout Noise: Less than 15 electrons RMS – typically only 10 electrons.
- Full-well capacity: Greater than 50,000 e- (unbinned)
- Anti-blooming: Overload margin greater than 1000x.
- Dark current: Dark frame saturation time greater than 1 hour. Less than 0.1 electrons/second @ + 10C ambient.
- Data format: 16 bits.
- System gain: 0.9 electrons per ADU
- Computer Interface: Built-in USB 2.0 compatible interface.
- Image download time: Typically 0.2 seconds at full resolution using USB 2.0.
- Power requirements: USB powered.
- Cooling system: Ambient air cooling.
- Size: 32 x 72mm black anodised aluminium barrel with 25 x 0.75mm ‘C mount’ thread at the CCD window end & input/output plugs at rear.
- Weight: approx. 50g.
Here is a rear view of the guider:
BSI
One benefit of the back-illuminated CMOS structure is improved full well capacity. This is particularly helpful for sensors with small pixels like the QHY533 Colour. In a typical front-illuminated sensor, photons from the target entering the photosensitive layer of the sensor must first pass through the metal wiring that is embedded just above the photosensitive layer. The wiring structure reflects some of the photons and reduces the efficiency of the sensor.
In the back- illuminated sensor the light is allowed to enter the photosensitive surface from the reverse side. In this case the sensor’s embedded wiring structure is below the photosensitive layer. As a result, more incoming photons strike the photosensitive layer and more electrons are generated and captured in the pixel well. This ratio of photon to electron production is called quantum efficiency. The higher the quantum efficiency the more efficient the sensor is at converting photons to electrons and hence the more sensitive the sensor is to capturing an image of something dim.
TRUE RAW Data
In the DSLR implementation there is a RAW image output, but typically it is not completely RAW. Some evidence of noise reduction and hot pixel removal is still visible on close inspection. This can have a negative effect on the image for astronomy such as the “star eater” effect. However, QHY Cameras offer TRUE RAW IMAGE OUTPUT and produces an image comprised of the original signal only, thereby maintaining the maximum flexibility for post-acquisition astronomical image processing programs and other scientific imaging applications.
Based on almost 20-year cooled camera design experience, The QHY cooled camera has implemented the fully dew control solutions. The optic window has built-in dew heater and the chamber is protected from internal humidity condensation. An electric heating board for the chamber window can prevent the formation of dew and the sensor itself is kept dry with our silicon gel tube socket design for control of humidity within the sensor chamber.
In addition to dual stage TE cooling, QHYCCD implements proprietary technology in hardware to control the dark current noise.
Amplify Control
Compare last generation’s astrocam for beginners, like QHY183 or QHY 163, QHY533M has much better amplify control.
QHY533M Dark Frame, 300s
QHY183M Dark Frame, 300s
QHY533M Dark frame
600s, with highest gain (170) and strech–only very slight amplify can be detected at the corner.
| Model | QHY533M | QHY533C |
| COMS Sensor | SONY IMX533 M | SONY IMX533 C |
| Mono/Color | Mono | Color |
| FSI/BSI | BSI | |
| Pixel Size | 3.76um x 3.76um | |
| Effective Pixel Area | 3008*3028 (includes the optically black area and overscan area) | |
| Effective Pixels | 9MP | |
| Sensor Size | 1 inch | |
| A/D Sample Depth
|
Native 14-bit A/D | |
| Full Well Capacity (1×1, 2×2, 3×3) | 58ke- | |
| Full Frame Rate | USB3.0 Port: Full Resolution 26.5FPS @8BIT 20FPS @16BIT2160Lines 37FPS @8BIT 28.5FPS@16BIT1080Lines 71.5FPS @8BIT 55FPS @16BIT768Lines 97FPS @8BIT 76FPS @16BIT480Lines 152FPS @8BIT 117FPS @16BIT240Lines 280FPS @8BIT 215FPS@16BIT |
|
| Readout Noise | 1.3 to 3.4e- | |
| Dark Current | -20C,0.0005e- /pixel/sec | |
| Exposure Time Range | 30us-3600sec | |
| Unity Gain | 68 | |
| Shutter Type | Electronic Shutter | |
| Computer Interface | USB3.0 | |
| Built-in Image Buffer | 1Gbyte DDR3 Memory | |
| Cooling System | Two-stage TEC cooler
Less than 1S lower than ambient temperature -30C in continuous mode More than 1S continuous mode or lower than ambient temperature -35C in single frame mode (Test temperature +20°) |
|
| Optic Window Type | AR+AR High Quality Multi-Layer Anti-Reflection Coating | |
| Anti-Dew Heater | Yes | |
| Telescope Interface | – | Support M48 (with adapter) |
| Back Focal Length | Actual Back Focal Consumed: 14 mm (Combined with CFW)
Standard BFL: 17.5mm(±0.5) |
17mm |
| Weight | 845g | 845g |
$3,190.00
The QHY268M/C is a new generation of back-illuminated CMOS cameras with true 16-bit A/D and 3.76um pixels. This new Sony sensor is an ideal CMOS sensor exhibiting no amplifer glow. 16-bit A/D gives high resolution sampling of the whole full well range. Digitizing 0-65535 levels yields a smooth image with continuous gradation of greyscale levels. The QHY268M/C is a cooled, back-illuminated, CMOS camera based on the Sony IMX571 sensor with native 16-bit A/D and 3.76um pixels.
1GB DDR3 image buffer
In order to provide smooth uninterrupted data transfer of the entire 26MP sensor at high speed, the QHY268 has 1GB DDR3 image buffer. The pixel count of the latest generation of CMOS sensors is very high resulting in greater memory requirements for temporary and permanent storage. The QHY268 has adopted a large-capacity memory of up to 1GB. Data throughput is doubled. This large image buffer meets the needs of high-speed image acquisition and transmission of the new generation of CMOS, making shooting of multiple frames smoother and less stuttered, further reducing the pressure on the computer CPU.
QHY268M has a unique internal humidity sensor (while QHY268C doesn’t). The Blue curve shown below represents humidity.
Multiple Readout Modes are special for QHY 16-bit Cameras (QHY600/268/461/411). Different readout modes have different driver timing, etc., and result in different performance. See details at “Multiple Readout Modes and Curves” Part.
You may find some types of thermal noise can change with time in some back-illuminated CMOS cameras. This thermal noises has the characteristic of the fixed position of typical thermal noise, but the value is not related to the exposure time. Instead, each frame appears to have its own characteristics. The QHY600/268/461/411 use an innovative suppression technology that can significantly reduce the apparent level of such noise.
UVLO(Under Voltage Locking) is to protect the electronic device from damage caused by abnormally low voltages.
Our daily life experience tells us that the actual operational voltage of an electrical device must not significantly exceed the rated voltage, otherwise it will be damaged. For such precision equipment as cameras, long-term work at too low input voltage can also be detrimental to the working life of the camera, and may even make some devices, such as power manager, burn up due to long-term overload. In the all-in-one driver and SDK after 2021.10.23 stable version, the camera will give a warning when the input voltage of the camera is below 11V.
It is common behavior for a CMOS sensor to contain some horizontal banding. Normally, random horizontal banding can be removed with multiple frame stacking so it does not affect the final image. However, periodic horizontal banding is not removed with stacking so it may appear in the final image. By adjust the USB traffic in Single Frame mode or Live Frame mode, you can adjust the frequency of the CMOS sensor driver and it can optimize the horizontal banding appeared on the image. This optimized is very effective to remove the periodic banding in some conditions.
A typical Periodic Horizontal Noise under certain USB_TRAFFIC values.
Reboot the camera by power off and on
The camera is designed to use the +12V to reboot the camera without disconnecting and reconnecting the USB interface. This means that you can reboot the camera simply by shutting down the +12V and then powering it back on. This feature is very handy for remote controlling the camera in an observatory. You can use a remotely controlled power supply to reboot the camera. There is no need to consider how to reconnect the USB in the case of remote control.
| Model | QHY268M | QHY268C |
| CMOS Sensor | SONY IMX571 M | SONY IMX571 C |
| Mono/Color | Mono | Color |
| FSI/BSI | BSI | |
| Pixel Size | 3.76um x 3.76um | |
| Effective Pixel Area | 6280*4210 (includes the optically black area and overscan area) | |
| Effective Pixels | 26MP | |
| Sensor Size | APS-C | |
| A/D Sample Depth
|
Native 16-bit (0-65535 greyscale) A/D | |
| Full Well Capacity (1×1, 2×2, 3×3) | 51ke- 75ke- or above in extended full well mode |
|
| Full Frame Rate | USB3.0 Port: Full Resolution 6.8FPS @8BIT 6FPS @16BIT 2048lines 13.6FPS @8BIT 11.5FPS@16BIT 1080lines 25.4FPS @8BIT 19.5FPS@16BIT 768lines 35FPS @8BIT 25FPS@16BIT 480lines 50FPS @8BIT 34FPS@16BIT |
|
| Readout Noise | 1.1e- High Gain,
3.5e- Low Gain (5.3e- to 7.4e- in extended full well mode) |
|
| Dark Current | -20C,0.0005e /pixel/sec
-10C,0.001e /pixel/sec |
|
| Exposure Time Range | 30us-3600sec | |
| Recommend Gain* | 30 (PH Mode,or Extended Full Well Mode)
56 (High Gain Mode) *With the improvement of the CMOS technology, For these 16bit CMOS cameras, even in lowest gain it has beyond the requirement of unit gain (less than 1e/ADU due to sufficient samples). Learn more at the “Readout Modes” part of this page. |
|
| Amp Control | Zero Amplifer Glow | |
| Firmware/FPGA remote Upgrade | Fully support via Camera USB port | |
| Shutter Type | Electronic Shutter | |
| Computer Interface | USB3.0 | |
| Built-in Image Buffer | 1GByte DDR3 Memory | |
| Cooling System | Two-stage TEC cooler
Less than 1S lower than ambient temperature -30C in continuous mode More than 1S continuous mode or lower than ambient temperature -35C in single frame mode (Test temperature +20°) |
|
| Optic Window Type | AR+AR High Quality Multi-Layer Anti-Reflection Coating | |
| Anti-Dew Heater | Yes | |
| Humidity Sensor* | Yes | No |
| Telescope Interface | Support M54 or M48 (Combined with adapters ) | Support M54 or M48 (Combined with adapters ) |
| Back Focal Length | QHY268M: 12.5mm* *If companied with the QHY filter wheel, the BFL consumed is counted as 12.5mm. The actual BFL (the intercept from the CMOS chip to the top of the camera) is 14.3mm (±0.3). Since most users will match CFW with monochrome cams, please take 12.5mm as major reference. |
QHY268C: 14.3mm(±0.3)*
*Since 2023, the top part of QHY268C is the same as 268M. |
| Weigth | About 810g | About 810g |
Camera Curves
With the advantage of low readout noise and high-speed readout, CMOS technology has revolutionized astronomical imaging. A monochrome, back-illuminated, high-sensitivity, astronomical imaging camera is the ideal choice for astro-imagers. The QHY600M-L uses the latest SONY back-illuminated sensor, the IMX455, a full frame (35mm format) sensor with 3.76um pixels and native 16-bit A/D. This sensor is available in both monochrome and color versions. The QHY600C-PH ends the days of non-16bit CMOS cameras and it ends the days non-full frame (and larger) monochrome CMOS cameras.
The QHY600C-PH has extremely low dark current (0.002e/p/s@-20C) using SONY’s Exmor BSI CMOS technology. QHY600C-PH is also a zero amplifer glow camera. The QHY600C-PH has only one electron of read noise at high gain and full resolution and 4FPS readout speed. One electron of read noise means the camera can achieve a SNR>3 at only 4 to 6 photons. This is perfect performance when conditions are photon limited, i.e., short exposures, narrow band imaging, etc., making this large area sensor ideal for sky surveys, time domain astronomy, fluorescence imaging, DNA sequencing and microscopy.
Models
QHY600 Series have mutiple models which covers both photographic and scientific using. Below list different types of QHY600 PH (photographic) series:
QHY600PH : Standard version for amateur astrographers;
2GB DDR3 image buffer
In order to provide smooth uninterrupted data transfer of the entire 60MP sensor at high speed, the QHY600 has 2GB DDR3 image buffer. The pixel count of the latest generation of CMOS sensors is very high resulting in greater memory requirements for temporary and permanent storage. For example, the QHY600 sensor produces about 120MB of data per frame. The data band-width is also increased from the original 16-bits to the current 32-bits. Transferring such a large file sizes necessarily requires the camera to have sufficient memory. The QHY600 has adopted a large-capacity memory of up to 2GB. Data throughput is doubled. This large image buffer meets the needs of high-speed image acquisition and transmission of the new generation of CMOS, making shooting of multiple frames smoother and less stuttered, further reducing the pressure on the computer CPU.
Another advantage is that when using some computers that do not have fast processors or have poor support for USB 3.0, the computer can’t transfer high-speed data well, and the data is often lost. The DDR can buffer a lot of image data and send it to the computer. Even if the USB 3.0 transmission frequently gets suspended, it will ensure that data is not lost. There are options in SharpCap to turn DDR buffering on or off. The current version of the ASCOM driver works in DDR mode.
Native 16 bit A/D: The new Sony sensor has native 16-bit A/D on-chip. The output is real 16-bits with 65536 levels. Compared to 12-bit and 14-bit A/D, a 16-bit A/D yields higher sample resolution and the system gain will be less than 1e-/ADU with no sample error noise and very low read noise.
BSI: One benefit of the back-illuminated CMOS structure is improved full well capacity. This is particularly helpful for sensors with small pixels. In a typical front-illuminated sensor, photons from the target entering the photosensitive layer of the sensor must first pass through the metal wiring that is embedded just above the photosensitive layer. The wiring structure reflects some of the photons and reduces the efficiency of the sensor. In the back- illuminated sensor the light is allowed to enter the photosensitive surface from the reverse side. In this case the sensor’s embedded wiring structure is below the photosensitive layer. As a result, more incoming photons strike the photosensitive layer and more electrons are generated and captured in the pixel well. This ratio of photon to electron production is called quantum efficiency. The higher the quantum efficiency the more efficient the sensor is at converting photons to electrons and hence the more sensitive the sensor is to capturing an image of something dim.
Zero Amplify Glow: This is also a zero amplifer glow camera.
TRUE RAW Data: In the DSLR implementation there is a RAW image output, but typically it is not completely RAW. Some evidence of noise reduction and hot pixel removal is still visible on close inspection. This can have a negative effect on the image for astronomy such as the “star eater” effect. However, QHY Cameras offer TRUE RAW IMAGE OUTPUT and produces an image comprised of the original signal only, thereby maintaining the maximum flexibility for post-acquisition astronomical image processing programs and other scientific imaging applications.
Anti-Dew Technology: Based on almost 20-year cooled camera design experience, The QHY cooled camera has implemented the fully dew control solutions. The optic window has built-in dew heater and the chamber is protected from internal humidity condensation. An electric heating board for the chamber window can prevent the formation of dew and the sensor itself is kept dry with our silicon gel tube socket design for control of humidity within the sensor chamber.
Cooling: In addition to dual stage TE cooling, QHYCCD implements proprietary technology in hardware to control the dark current noise.
Multiple Readout Modes are special for QHY 16-bit Cameras (QHY600/268/461/411). Different readout modes have different driver timing, etc., and result in different performance. See details at “Multiple Readout Modes and Curves” Part.
You may find some types of thermal noise can change with time in some back-illuminated CMOS cameras. This thermal noises has the characteristic of the fixed position of typical thermal noise, but the value is not related to the exposure time. Instead, each frame appears to have its own characteristics. The QHY600/268/461/411 use an innovative suppression technology that can significantly reduce the apparent level of such noise.
UVLO(Under Voltage Locking) is to protect the electronic device from damage caused by abnormally low voltages.
Our daily life experience tells us that the actual operational voltage of an electrical device must not significantly exceed the rated voltage, otherwise it will be damaged. For such precision equipment as cameras, long-term work at too low input voltage can also be detrimental to the working life of the camera, and may even make some devices, such as power manager, burn up due to long-term overload. In the all-in-one driver and SDK after 2021.10.23 stable version, the camera will give a warning when the input voltage of the camera is below 11V.
It is common behavior for a CMOS sensor to contain some horizontal banding. Normally, random horizontal banding can be removed with multiple frame stacking so it does not affect the final image. However, periodic horizontal banding is not removed with stacking so it may appear in the final image. By adjust the USB traffic in Single Frame mode or Live Frame mode, you can adjust the frequency of the CMOS sensor driver and it can optimize the horizontal banding appeared on the image. This optimized is very effective to remove the periodic banding in some conditions.
A typical Periodic Horizontal Noise under certain USB_TRAFFIC values.
The camera is designed to use the +12V to reboot the camera without disconnecting and reconnecting the USB interface. This means that you can reboot the camera simply by shutting down the +12V and then powering it back on. This feature is very handy for remote controlling the camera in an observatory. You can use a remotely controlled power supply to reboot the camera. There is no need to consider how to reconnect the USB in the case of remote control.
Specifications
| Model |
QHY600PH (Photographic Version)
QHY600PH SBFL (Short Back Focal Length Version) QHY600PH L (Lite Version) |
| CMOS Sensor | SONY IMX455 |
| Mono/Color | Both Available (while Mono only with QHY600PH-L) |
| FSI/BSI | BSI |
| Pixel Size | 3.76um x 3.76um |
| Effective Pixel Area | 9576*6388
(9600*6422 with overscan and optically black area) |
| Effective Pixels | 61.17 Megapixels (effective area. |
| Sensor Size | Full Frame 36mm x 24mm |
| A/D Sample Depth
|
16-bit (0-65535 levels) at 1X1 binning
18-bit at 2X2, 19-bit at 3X3, 20-bit at 4X4 software binning *QHY600 uses the software digital binning for 2*2binning. With digital sum, 2*2binning will be four 16-bit summed then it is 18-bit. |
| Full Well Capacity (1×1, 2×2, 3×3) | Standard Mode >51ke- / >204ke- / >408ke- Super Full Well Mode >80ke- / >320ke- / >720ke- |
| Full Frame Rate | USB3.0 Port Image Transfer Speed
Full Frame Size: 4.0FPS (8-bit output) Full Frame Size: 2.5FPS (16-bit output) 7.2FPS at 9600×3194, 22.5FPS at 9600×1080, 28FPS at 9600×768, 47FPS at 9600×480, 160FPS at 9600×100, Fiber Port Image Transfer Speed (QHY600Pro only) Full Frame Size: 4.0FPS (16-bit output) |
| Readout Noise | 1.0e- to 3.7e- (Standard Mode) |
| Dark Current | 0.0022e-/p/s @ -20C 0.0046e-/p/s @ -10C |
| Exposure Time Range | 40us – 3600sec |
| Unity Gain* | 25 (Extended Full Well Mode) *
*With the improvement of the CMOS technology, the 16bit CMOS camera has been released, like QHY600/268/411/461. For these cameras, even in lowest gain it has beyond the requirement of unit gain (less than 1e/ADU due to sufficient samples) So you can directly set gain 0 as start. Please note QHY600/268C/411/461 has extend full well mode. In this mode you still need to find out the unit gain position. |
| Amp Control | Zero Amplifer Glow |
| Firmware/FPGA remote Upgrade | Supported. Via Camera USB Port |
| Shutter Type | Electric Rolling Shutter |
| Computer Interface | USB3.0 |
| Built-in Image Buffer | DDR3 memory
PH & PH SBFL ver.: 2GBytes |
| Hardware Frame Sequence Number | Supported |
| Cooling System | Dual Stage TEC cooler: – Long exposures (> 1 second) typically -35C below ambient – Short exposure (< 1second) high FPS, typically -30C below ambient(Test temperature +20°) |
| Optic Window Type | AR+AR High Quality Multi-Layer Anti-Reflection Coating |
| Anti-Dew Heater | Yes |
| Telescope Interface | M54/0.75 |
| Back Focal Length | QHY600PH&QHYPH-L: 17.5mm+6mm (±0.2)
QHY600SBFL: 14.5mm* *The BFL Consumed equals 12.5mm when connecting QHYCFW. About the defination of “BFL Comsumed” and our adapter system please view: https://www.qhyccd.com/adapters/ |
| Weigth | PH Version: 850g Lite Version: 790g |
| Power | 40W/100% 20W/50% 13.8W/0% |
Camera Curves
The curve shows absolute QE
With the advantage of low readout noise and high-speed readout, CMOS technology has revolutionized astronomical imaging. A monochrome, back-illuminated, high-sensitivity, astronomical imaging camera is the ideal choice for astro-imagers. The QHY600M-L uses the latest SONY back-illuminated sensor, the IMX455, a full frame (35mm format) sensor with 3.76um pixels and native 16-bit A/D. This sensor is available in both monochrome and color versions. The QHY600M-PH ends the days of non-16bit CMOS cameras and it ends the days non-full frame (and larger) monochrome CMOS cameras.
The QHY600M-L has extremely low dark current (0.002e/p/s@-20C) using SONY’s Exmor BSI CMOS technology. QHY600M-PH is also a zero amplifer glow camera. The QHY600M-PH has only one electron of read noise at high gain and full resolution and 4FPS readout speed. One electron of read noise means the camera can achieve a SNR>3 at only 4 to 6 photons. This is perfect performance when conditions are photon limited, i.e., short exposures, narrow band imaging, etc., making this large area sensor ideal for sky surveys, time domain astronomy, fluorescence imaging, DNA sequencing and microscopy.
Models
QHY600 Series have mutiple models which covers both photographic and scientific using. Below list different types of QHY600 PH (photographic) series:
QHY600PH : Standard version for amateur astrographers;
2GB DDR3 image buffer
In order to provide smooth uninterrupted data transfer of the entire 60MP sensor at high speed, the QHY600 has 2GB DDR3 image buffer. The pixel count of the latest generation of CMOS sensors is very high resulting in greater memory requirements for temporary and permanent storage. For example, the QHY600 sensor produces about 120MB of data per frame. The data band-width is also increased from the original 16-bits to the current 32-bits. Transferring such a large file sizes necessarily requires the camera to have sufficient memory. The QHY600 has adopted a large-capacity memory of up to 2GB. Data throughput is doubled. This large image buffer meets the needs of high-speed image acquisition and transmission of the new generation of CMOS, making shooting of multiple frames smoother and less stuttered, further reducing the pressure on the computer CPU.
Another advantage is that when using some computers that do not have fast processors or have poor support for USB 3.0, the computer can’t transfer high-speed data well, and the data is often lost. The DDR can buffer a lot of image data and send it to the computer. Even if the USB 3.0 transmission frequently gets suspended, it will ensure that data is not lost. There are options in SharpCap to turn DDR buffering on or off. The current version of the ASCOM driver works in DDR mode.
Native 16 bit A/D: The new Sony sensor has native 16-bit A/D on-chip. The output is real 16-bits with 65536 levels. Compared to 12-bit and 14-bit A/D, a 16-bit A/D yields higher sample resolution and the system gain will be less than 1e-/ADU with no sample error noise and very low read noise.
BSI: One benefit of the back-illuminated CMOS structure is improved full well capacity. This is particularly helpful for sensors with small pixels. In a typical front-illuminated sensor, photons from the target entering the photosensitive layer of the sensor must first pass through the metal wiring that is embedded just above the photosensitive layer. The wiring structure reflects some of the photons and reduces the efficiency of the sensor. In the back- illuminated sensor the light is allowed to enter the photosensitive surface from the reverse side. In this case the sensor’s embedded wiring structure is below the photosensitive layer. As a result, more incoming photons strike the photosensitive layer and more electrons are generated and captured in the pixel well. This ratio of photon to electron production is called quantum efficiency. The higher the quantum efficiency the more efficient the sensor is at converting photons to electrons and hence the more sensitive the sensor is to capturing an image of something dim.
Zero Amplify Glow: This is also a zero amplifer glow camera.
TRUE RAW Data: In the DSLR implementation there is a RAW image output, but typically it is not completely RAW. Some evidence of noise reduction and hot pixel removal is still visible on close inspection. This can have a negative effect on the image for astronomy such as the “star eater” effect. However, QHY Cameras offer TRUE RAW IMAGE OUTPUT and produces an image comprised of the original signal only, thereby maintaining the maximum flexibility for post-acquisition astronomical image processing programs and other scientific imaging applications.
Anti-Dew Technology: Based on almost 20-year cooled camera design experience, The QHY cooled camera has implemented the fully dew control solutions. The optic window has built-in dew heater and the chamber is protected from internal humidity condensation. An electric heating board for the chamber window can prevent the formation of dew and the sensor itself is kept dry with our silicon gel tube socket design for control of humidity within the sensor chamber.
Cooling: In addition to dual stage TE cooling, QHYCCD implements proprietary technology in hardware to control the dark current noise.
Multiple Readout Modes are special for QHY 16-bit Cameras (QHY600/268/461/411). Different readout modes have different driver timing, etc., and result in different performance. See details at “Multiple Readout Modes and Curves” Part.
You may find some types of thermal noise can change with time in some back-illuminated CMOS cameras. This thermal noises has the characteristic of the fixed position of typical thermal noise, but the value is not related to the exposure time. Instead, each frame appears to have its own characteristics. The QHY600/268/461/411 use an innovative suppression technology that can significantly reduce the apparent level of such noise.
UVLO(Under Voltage Locking) is to protect the electronic device from damage caused by abnormally low voltages.
Our daily life experience tells us that the actual operational voltage of an electrical device must not significantly exceed the rated voltage, otherwise it will be damaged. For such precision equipment as cameras, long-term work at too low input voltage can also be detrimental to the working life of the camera, and may even make some devices, such as power manager, burn up due to long-term overload. In the all-in-one driver and SDK after 2021.10.23 stable version, the camera will give a warning when the input voltage of the camera is below 11V.
It is common behavior for a CMOS sensor to contain some horizontal banding. Normally, random horizontal banding can be removed with multiple frame stacking so it does not affect the final image. However, periodic horizontal banding is not removed with stacking so it may appear in the final image. By adjust the USB traffic in Single Frame mode or Live Frame mode, you can adjust the frequency of the CMOS sensor driver and it can optimize the horizontal banding appeared on the image. This optimized is very effective to remove the periodic banding in some conditions.
A typical Periodic Horizontal Noise under certain USB_TRAFFIC values.
The camera is designed to use the +12V to reboot the camera without disconnecting and reconnecting the USB interface. This means that you can reboot the camera simply by shutting down the +12V and then powering it back on. This feature is very handy for remote controlling the camera in an observatory. You can use a remotely controlled power supply to reboot the camera. There is no need to consider how to reconnect the USB in the case of remote control.
Specifications
| Model |
QHY600PH (Photographic Version)
QHY600PH SBFL (Short Back Focal Length Version) QHY600PH L (Lite Version) |
| CMOS Sensor | SONY IMX455 |
| Mono/Color | Both Available (while Mono only with QHY600PH-L) |
| FSI/BSI | BSI |
| Pixel Size | 3.76um x 3.76um |
| Effective Pixel Area | 9576*6388
(9600*6422 with overscan and optically black area) |
| Effective Pixels | 61.17 Megapixels (effective area. |
| Sensor Size | Full Frame 36mm x 24mm |
| A/D Sample Depth
|
16-bit (0-65535 levels) at 1X1 binning
18-bit at 2X2, 19-bit at 3X3, 20-bit at 4X4 software binning *QHY600 uses the software digital binning for 2*2binning. With digital sum, 2*2binning will be four 16-bit summed then it is 18-bit. |
| Full Well Capacity (1×1, 2×2, 3×3) | Standard Mode >51ke- / >204ke- / >408ke- Super Full Well Mode >80ke- / >320ke- / >720ke- |
| Full Frame Rate | USB3.0 Port Image Transfer Speed
Full Frame Size: 4.0FPS (8-bit output) Full Frame Size: 2.5FPS (16-bit output) 7.2FPS at 9600×3194, 22.5FPS at 9600×1080, 28FPS at 9600×768, 47FPS at 9600×480, 160FPS at 9600×100, Fiber Port Image Transfer Speed (QHY600Pro only) Full Frame Size: 4.0FPS (16-bit output) |
| Readout Noise | 1.0e- to 3.7e- (Standard Mode) |
| Dark Current | 0.0022e-/p/s @ -20C 0.0046e-/p/s @ -10C |
| Exposure Time Range | 40us – 3600sec |
| Unity Gain* | 25 (Extended Full Well Mode) *
*With the improvement of the CMOS technology, the 16bit CMOS camera has been released, like QHY600/268/411/461. For these cameras, even in lowest gain it has beyond the requirement of unit gain (less than 1e/ADU due to sufficient samples) So you can directly set gain 0 as start. Please note QHY600/268C/411/461 has extend full well mode. In this mode you still need to find out the unit gain position. |
| Amp Control | Zero Amplifer Glow |
| Firmware/FPGA remote Upgrade | Supported. Via Camera USB Port |
| Shutter Type | Electric Rolling Shutter |
| Computer Interface | USB3.0 |
| Built-in Image Buffer | DDR3 memory
PH & PH SBFL ver.: 2GBytes |
| Hardware Frame Sequence Number | Supported |
| Cooling System | Dual Stage TEC cooler: – Long exposures (> 1 second) typically -35C below ambient – Short exposure (< 1second) high FPS, typically -30C below ambient(Test temperature +20°) |
| Optic Window Type | AR+AR High Quality Multi-Layer Anti-Reflection Coating |
| Anti-Dew Heater | Yes |
| Telescope Interface | M54/0.75 |
| Back Focal Length | QHY600PH&QHYPH-L: 17.5mm+6mm (±0.2)
QHY600SBFL: 14.5mm* *The BFL Consumed equals 12.5mm when connecting QHYCFW. About the defination of “BFL Comsumed” and our adapter system please view: https://www.qhyccd.com/adapters/ |
| Weigth | PH Version: 850g Lite Version: 790g |
| Power | 40W/100% 20W/50% 13.8W/0% |
Camera Curves
The curve shows absolute QE
With the advantage of low readout noise and high-speed readout, CMOS technology has revolutionized astronomical imaging. A monochrome, back-illuminated, high-sensitivity, astronomical imaging camera is the ideal choice for astro-imagers. The QHY600M-L uses the latest SONY back-illuminated sensor, the IMX455, a full frame (35mm format) sensor with 3.76um pixels and native 16-bit A/D. This sensor is available in both monochrome and color versions. The QHY600M-PH SBFL ends the days of non-16bit CMOS cameras and it ends the days non-full frame (and larger) monochrome CMOS cameras.
The QHY600M-L has extremely low dark current (0.002e/p/s@-20C) using SONY’s Exmor BSI CMOS technology. QHY600M-PH SBFL is also a zero amplifer glow camera. The QHY600M-PH SBFL has only one electron of read noise at high gain and full resolution and 4FPS readout speed. One electron of read noise means the camera can achieve a SNR>3 at only 4 to 6 photons. This is perfect performance when conditions are photon limited, i.e., short exposures, narrow band imaging, etc., making this large area sensor ideal for sky surveys, time domain astronomy, fluorescence imaging, DNA sequencing and microscopy.
Models
QHY600 Series have mutiple models which covers both photographic and scientific using. Below list different types of QHY600 PH (photographic) series:
QHY600PH : Standard version for amateur astrographers;
2GB DDR3 image buffer
In order to provide smooth uninterrupted data transfer of the entire 60MP sensor at high speed, the QHY600 has 2GB DDR3 image buffer. The pixel count of the latest generation of CMOS sensors is very high resulting in greater memory requirements for temporary and permanent storage. For example, the QHY600 sensor produces about 120MB of data per frame. The data band-width is also increased from the original 16-bits to the current 32-bits. Transferring such a large file sizes necessarily requires the camera to have sufficient memory. The QHY600 has adopted a large-capacity memory of up to 2GB. Data throughput is doubled. This large image buffer meets the needs of high-speed image acquisition and transmission of the new generation of CMOS, making shooting of multiple frames smoother and less stuttered, further reducing the pressure on the computer CPU.
Another advantage is that when using some computers that do not have fast processors or have poor support for USB 3.0, the computer can’t transfer high-speed data well, and the data is often lost. The DDR can buffer a lot of image data and send it to the computer. Even if the USB 3.0 transmission frequently gets suspended, it will ensure that data is not lost. There are options in SharpCap to turn DDR buffering on or off. The current version of the ASCOM driver works in DDR mode.
Native 16 bit A/D: The new Sony sensor has native 16-bit A/D on-chip. The output is real 16-bits with 65536 levels. Compared to 12-bit and 14-bit A/D, a 16-bit A/D yields higher sample resolution and the system gain will be less than 1e-/ADU with no sample error noise and very low read noise.
BSI: One benefit of the back-illuminated CMOS structure is improved full well capacity. This is particularly helpful for sensors with small pixels. In a typical front-illuminated sensor, photons from the target entering the photosensitive layer of the sensor must first pass through the metal wiring that is embedded just above the photosensitive layer. The wiring structure reflects some of the photons and reduces the efficiency of the sensor. In the back- illuminated sensor the light is allowed to enter the photosensitive surface from the reverse side. In this case the sensor’s embedded wiring structure is below the photosensitive layer. As a result, more incoming photons strike the photosensitive layer and more electrons are generated and captured in the pixel well. This ratio of photon to electron production is called quantum efficiency. The higher the quantum efficiency the more efficient the sensor is at converting photons to electrons and hence the more sensitive the sensor is to capturing an image of something dim.
Zero Amplify Glow: This is also a zero amplifer glow camera.
TRUE RAW Data: In the DSLR implementation there is a RAW image output, but typically it is not completely RAW. Some evidence of noise reduction and hot pixel removal is still visible on close inspection. This can have a negative effect on the image for astronomy such as the “star eater” effect. However, QHY Cameras offer TRUE RAW IMAGE OUTPUT and produces an image comprised of the original signal only, thereby maintaining the maximum flexibility for post-acquisition astronomical image processing programs and other scientific imaging applications.
Anti-Dew Technology: Based on almost 20-year cooled camera design experience, The QHY cooled camera has implemented the fully dew control solutions. The optic window has built-in dew heater and the chamber is protected from internal humidity condensation. An electric heating board for the chamber window can prevent the formation of dew and the sensor itself is kept dry with our silicon gel tube socket design for control of humidity within the sensor chamber.
Cooling: In addition to dual stage TE cooling, QHYCCD implements proprietary technology in hardware to control the dark current noise.
Multiple Readout Modes are special for QHY 16-bit Cameras (QHY600/268/461/411). Different readout modes have different driver timing, etc., and result in different performance. See details at “Multiple Readout Modes and Curves” Part.
You may find some types of thermal noise can change with time in some back-illuminated CMOS cameras. This thermal noises has the characteristic of the fixed position of typical thermal noise, but the value is not related to the exposure time. Instead, each frame appears to have its own characteristics. The QHY600/268/461/411 use an innovative suppression technology that can significantly reduce the apparent level of such noise.
UVLO(Under Voltage Locking) is to protect the electronic device from damage caused by abnormally low voltages.
Our daily life experience tells us that the actual operational voltage of an electrical device must not significantly exceed the rated voltage, otherwise it will be damaged. For such precision equipment as cameras, long-term work at too low input voltage can also be detrimental to the working life of the camera, and may even make some devices, such as power manager, burn up due to long-term overload. In the all-in-one driver and SDK after 2021.10.23 stable version, the camera will give a warning when the input voltage of the camera is below 11V.
It is common behavior for a CMOS sensor to contain some horizontal banding. Normally, random horizontal banding can be removed with multiple frame stacking so it does not affect the final image. However, periodic horizontal banding is not removed with stacking so it may appear in the final image. By adjust the USB traffic in Single Frame mode or Live Frame mode, you can adjust the frequency of the CMOS sensor driver and it can optimize the horizontal banding appeared on the image. This optimized is very effective to remove the periodic banding in some conditions.
A typical Periodic Horizontal Noise under certain USB_TRAFFIC values.
The camera is designed to use the +12V to reboot the camera without disconnecting and reconnecting the USB interface. This means that you can reboot the camera simply by shutting down the +12V and then powering it back on. This feature is very handy for remote controlling the camera in an observatory. You can use a remotely controlled power supply to reboot the camera. There is no need to consider how to reconnect the USB in the case of remote control.
Specifications
| Model |
QHY600PH (Photographic Version)
QHY600PH SBFL (Short Back Focal Length Version) QHY600PH L (Lite Version) |
| CMOS Sensor | SONY IMX455 |
| Mono/Color | Both Available (while Mono only with QHY600PH-L) |
| FSI/BSI | BSI |
| Pixel Size | 3.76um x 3.76um |
| Effective Pixel Area | 9576*6388
(9600*6422 with overscan and optically black area) |
| Effective Pixels | 61.17 Megapixels (effective area. |
| Sensor Size | Full Frame 36mm x 24mm |
| A/D Sample Depth
|
16-bit (0-65535 levels) at 1X1 binning
18-bit at 2X2, 19-bit at 3X3, 20-bit at 4X4 software binning *QHY600 uses the software digital binning for 2*2binning. With digital sum, 2*2binning will be four 16-bit summed then it is 18-bit. |
| Full Well Capacity (1×1, 2×2, 3×3) | Standard Mode >51ke- / >204ke- / >408ke- Super Full Well Mode >80ke- / >320ke- / >720ke- |
| Full Frame Rate | USB3.0 Port Image Transfer Speed
Full Frame Size: 4.0FPS (8-bit output) Full Frame Size: 2.5FPS (16-bit output) 7.2FPS at 9600×3194, 22.5FPS at 9600×1080, 28FPS at 9600×768, 47FPS at 9600×480, 160FPS at 9600×100, Fiber Port Image Transfer Speed (QHY600Pro only) Full Frame Size: 4.0FPS (16-bit output) |
| Readout Noise | 1.0e- to 3.7e- (Standard Mode) |
| Dark Current | 0.0022e-/p/s @ -20C 0.0046e-/p/s @ -10C |
| Exposure Time Range | 40us – 3600sec |
| Unity Gain* | 25 (Extended Full Well Mode) *
*With the improvement of the CMOS technology, the 16bit CMOS camera has been released, like QHY600/268/411/461. For these cameras, even in lowest gain it has beyond the requirement of unit gain (less than 1e/ADU due to sufficient samples) So you can directly set gain 0 as start. Please note QHY600/268C/411/461 has extend full well mode. In this mode you still need to find out the unit gain position. |
| Amp Control | Zero Amplifer Glow |
| Firmware/FPGA remote Upgrade | Supported. Via Camera USB Port |
| Shutter Type | Electric Rolling Shutter |
| Computer Interface | USB3.0 |
| Built-in Image Buffer | DDR3 memory
PH & PH SBFL ver.: 2GBytes |
| Hardware Frame Sequence Number | Supported |
| Cooling System | Dual Stage TEC cooler: – Long exposures (> 1 second) typically -35C below ambient – Short exposure (< 1second) high FPS, typically -30C below ambient(Test temperature +20°) |
| Optic Window Type | AR+AR High Quality Multi-Layer Anti-Reflection Coating |
| Anti-Dew Heater | Yes |
| Telescope Interface | M54/0.75 |
| Back Focal Length | QHY600PH&QHYPH-L: 17.5mm+6mm (±0.2)
QHY600SBFL: 14.5mm* *The BFL Consumed equals 12.5mm when connecting QHYCFW. About the defination of “BFL Comsumed” and our adapter system please view: https://www.qhyccd.com/adapters/ |
| Weigth | PH Version: 850g Lite Version: 790g |
| Power | 40W/100% 20W/50% 13.8W/0% |
Camera Curves
The curve shows absolute QE
$6,610.00
With the advantage of low readout noise and high-speed readout, CMOS technology has revolutionized astronomical imaging. A monochrome, back-illuminated, high-sensitivity, astronomical imaging camera is the ideal choice for astro-imagers. The QHY600M-L uses the latest SONY back-illuminated sensor, the IMX455, a full frame (35mm format) sensor with 3.76um pixels and native 16-bit A/D. This sensor is available in both monochrome and color versions. The QHY600 ends the days of non-16bit CMOS cameras and it ends the days non-full frame (and larger) monochrome CMOS cameras.
The QHY600M-L has extremely low dark current (0.002e/p/s@-20C) using SONY’s Exmor BSI CMOS technology. QHY600M-L is also a zero amplifer glow camera. The QHY600M-L has only one electron of read noise at high gain and full resolution and 4FPS readout speed. One electron of read noise means the camera can achieve a SNR>3 at only 4 to 6 photons. This is perfect performance when conditions are photon limited, i.e., short exposures, narrow band imaging, etc., making this large area sensor ideal for sky surveys, time domain astronomy, fluorescence imaging, DNA sequencing and microscopy.
Models
QHY600 Series have mutiple models which covers both photographic and scientific using. Below list different types of QHY600 PH (photographic) series:
QHY600PH : Standard version for amateur astrographers;
2GB DDR3 image buffer
In order to provide smooth uninterrupted data transfer of the entire 60MP sensor at high speed, the QHY600 has 2GB DDR3 image buffer. The pixel count of the latest generation of CMOS sensors is very high resulting in greater memory requirements for temporary and permanent storage. For example, the QHY600 sensor produces about 120MB of data per frame. The data band-width is also increased from the original 16-bits to the current 32-bits. Transferring such a large file sizes necessarily requires the camera to have sufficient memory. The QHY600 has adopted a large-capacity memory of up to 2GB. Data throughput is doubled. This large image buffer meets the needs of high-speed image acquisition and transmission of the new generation of CMOS, making shooting of multiple frames smoother and less stuttered, further reducing the pressure on the computer CPU.
Another advantage is that when using some computers that do not have fast processors or have poor support for USB 3.0, the computer can’t transfer high-speed data well, and the data is often lost. The DDR can buffer a lot of image data and send it to the computer. Even if the USB 3.0 transmission frequently gets suspended, it will ensure that data is not lost. There are options in SharpCap to turn DDR buffering on or off. The current version of the ASCOM driver works in DDR mode.
Native 16 bit A/D: The new Sony sensor has native 16-bit A/D on-chip. The output is real 16-bits with 65536 levels. Compared to 12-bit and 14-bit A/D, a 16-bit A/D yields higher sample resolution and the system gain will be less than 1e-/ADU with no sample error noise and very low read noise.
BSI: One benefit of the back-illuminated CMOS structure is improved full well capacity. This is particularly helpful for sensors with small pixels. In a typical front-illuminated sensor, photons from the target entering the photosensitive layer of the sensor must first pass through the metal wiring that is embedded just above the photosensitive layer. The wiring structure reflects some of the photons and reduces the efficiency of the sensor. In the back- illuminated sensor the light is allowed to enter the photosensitive surface from the reverse side. In this case the sensor’s embedded wiring structure is below the photosensitive layer. As a result, more incoming photons strike the photosensitive layer and more electrons are generated and captured in the pixel well. This ratio of photon to electron production is called quantum efficiency. The higher the quantum efficiency the more efficient the sensor is at converting photons to electrons and hence the more sensitive the sensor is to capturing an image of something dim.
Zero Amplify Glow: This is also a zero amplifer glow camera.
TRUE RAW Data: In the DSLR implementation there is a RAW image output, but typically it is not completely RAW. Some evidence of noise reduction and hot pixel removal is still visible on close inspection. This can have a negative effect on the image for astronomy such as the “star eater” effect. However, QHY Cameras offer TRUE RAW IMAGE OUTPUT and produces an image comprised of the original signal only, thereby maintaining the maximum flexibility for post-acquisition astronomical image processing programs and other scientific imaging applications.
Anti-Dew Technology: Based on almost 20-year cooled camera design experience, The QHY cooled camera has implemented the fully dew control solutions. The optic window has built-in dew heater and the chamber is protected from internal humidity condensation. An electric heating board for the chamber window can prevent the formation of dew and the sensor itself is kept dry with our silicon gel tube socket design for control of humidity within the sensor chamber.
Cooling: In addition to dual stage TE cooling, QHYCCD implements proprietary technology in hardware to control the dark current noise.
Multiple Readout Modes are special for QHY 16-bit Cameras (QHY600/268/461/411). Different readout modes have different driver timing, etc., and result in different performance. See details at “Multiple Readout Modes and Curves” Part.
You may find some types of thermal noise can change with time in some back-illuminated CMOS cameras. This thermal noises has the characteristic of the fixed position of typical thermal noise, but the value is not related to the exposure time. Instead, each frame appears to have its own characteristics. The QHY600/268/461/411 use an innovative suppression technology that can significantly reduce the apparent level of such noise.
UVLO(Under Voltage Locking) is to protect the electronic device from damage caused by abnormally low voltages.
Our daily life experience tells us that the actual operational voltage of an electrical device must not significantly exceed the rated voltage, otherwise it will be damaged. For such precision equipment as cameras, long-term work at too low input voltage can also be detrimental to the working life of the camera, and may even make some devices, such as power manager, burn up due to long-term overload. In the all-in-one driver and SDK after 2021.10.23 stable version, the camera will give a warning when the input voltage of the camera is below 11V.
It is common behavior for a CMOS sensor to contain some horizontal banding. Normally, random horizontal banding can be removed with multiple frame stacking so it does not affect the final image. However, periodic horizontal banding is not removed with stacking so it may appear in the final image. By adjust the USB traffic in Single Frame mode or Live Frame mode, you can adjust the frequency of the CMOS sensor driver and it can optimize the horizontal banding appeared on the image. This optimized is very effective to remove the periodic banding in some conditions.
A typical Periodic Horizontal Noise under certain USB_TRAFFIC values.
The camera is designed to use the +12V to reboot the camera without disconnecting and reconnecting the USB interface. This means that you can reboot the camera simply by shutting down the +12V and then powering it back on. This feature is very handy for remote controlling the camera in an observatory. You can use a remotely controlled power supply to reboot the camera. There is no need to consider how to reconnect the USB in the case of remote control.
Specifications
| Model |
QHY600PH (Photographic Version)
QHY600PH SBFL (Short Back Focal Length Version) QHY600PH L (Lite Version) |
| CMOS Sensor | SONY IMX455 |
| Mono/Color | Both Available (while Mono only with QHY600PH-L) |
| FSI/BSI | BSI |
| Pixel Size | 3.76um x 3.76um |
| Effective Pixel Area | 9576*6388
(9600*6422 with overscan and optically black area) |
| Effective Pixels | 61.17 Megapixels (effective area. |
| Sensor Size | Full Frame 36mm x 24mm |
| A/D Sample Depth
|
16-bit (0-65535 levels) at 1X1 binning
18-bit at 2X2, 19-bit at 3X3, 20-bit at 4X4 software binning *QHY600 uses the software digital binning for 2*2binning. With digital sum, 2*2binning will be four 16-bit summed then it is 18-bit. |
| Full Well Capacity (1×1, 2×2, 3×3) | Standard Mode >51ke- / >204ke- / >408ke- Super Full Well Mode >80ke- / >320ke- / >720ke- |
| Full Frame Rate | USB3.0 Port Image Transfer Speed
Full Frame Size: 4.0FPS (8-bit output) Full Frame Size: 2.5FPS (16-bit output) 7.2FPS at 9600×3194, 22.5FPS at 9600×1080, 28FPS at 9600×768, 47FPS at 9600×480, 160FPS at 9600×100, Fiber Port Image Transfer Speed (QHY600Pro only) Full Frame Size: 4.0FPS (16-bit output) |
| Readout Noise | 1.0e- to 3.7e- (Standard Mode) |
| Dark Current | 0.0022e-/p/s @ -20C 0.0046e-/p/s @ -10C |
| Exposure Time Range | 40us – 3600sec |
| Unity Gain* | 25 (Extended Full Well Mode) *
*With the improvement of the CMOS technology, the 16bit CMOS camera has been released, like QHY600/268/411/461. For these cameras, even in lowest gain it has beyond the requirement of unit gain (less than 1e/ADU due to sufficient samples) So you can directly set gain 0 as start. Please note QHY600/268C/411/461 has extend full well mode. In this mode you still need to find out the unit gain position. |
| Amp Control | Zero Amplifer Glow |
| Firmware/FPGA remote Upgrade | Supported. Via Camera USB Port |
| Shutter Type | Electric Rolling Shutter |
| Computer Interface | USB3.0 |
| Built-in Image Buffer | DDR3 memory
PH & PH SBFL ver.: 2GBytes |
| Hardware Frame Sequence Number | Supported |
| Cooling System | Dual Stage TEC cooler: – Long exposures (> 1 second) typically -35C below ambient – Short exposure (< 1second) high FPS, typically -30C below ambient(Test temperature +20°) |
| Optic Window Type | AR+AR High Quality Multi-Layer Anti-Reflection Coating |
| Anti-Dew Heater | Yes |
| Telescope Interface | M54/0.75 |
| Back Focal Length | QHY600PH&QHYPH-L: 17.5mm+6mm (±0.2)
QHY600SBFL: 14.5mm* *The BFL Consumed equals 12.5mm when connecting QHYCFW. About the defination of “BFL Comsumed” and our adapter system please view: https://www.qhyccd.com/adapters/ |
| Weigth | PH Version: 850g Lite Version: 790g |
| Power | 40W/100% 20W/50% 13.8W/0% |
Camera Curves
The curve shows absolute QE
Multiple Readout Modes
Multiple Readout Modes are special for QHY 16-bit Cameras (QHY600/268/461/411). Different readout modes have different driver timing, etc., and result in different performance. See details at “Multiple Readout Modes and Curves” Part.
Random change thermal noise suppression function
You may find some types of thermal noise can change with time in some back-illuminated CMOS cameras. This thermal noises has the characteristic of the fixed position of typical thermal noise, but the value is not related to the exposure time. Instead, each frame appears to have its own characteristics. The QHY600/268/461/411 use an innovative suppression technology that can significantly reduce the apparent level of such noise.
UVLO Protection
UVLO(Under Voltage Locking) is to protect the electronic device from damage caused by abnormally low voltages.
Our daily life experience tells us that the actual operational voltage of an electrical device must not significantly exceed the rated voltage, otherwise it will be damaged. For such precision equipment as cameras, long-term work at too low input voltage can also be detrimental to the working life of the camera, and may even make some devices, such as power manager, burn up due to long-term overload. In the all-in-one driver and SDK after 2021.10.23 stable version, the camera will give a warning when the input voltage of the camera is below 11V.
Optimizing USB Traffic to Minimize Horizontal Banding
It is common behavior for a CMOS sensor to contain some horizontal banding. Normally, random horizontal banding can be removed with multiple frame stacking so it does not affect the final image. However, periodic horizontal banding is not removed with stacking so it may appear in the final image. By adjust the USB traffic in Single Frame mode or Live Frame mode, you can adjust the frequency of the CMOS sensor driver and it can optimize the horizontal banding appeared on the image. This optimized is very effective to remove the periodic banding in some conditions.
A typical Periodic Horizontal Noise under certain USB_TRAFFIC values.
After Adjusting the USB Traffic to avoid the periodic horizontal noise.
Reboot the camera by power off and on
The camera is designed to use the +12V to reboot the camera without disconnecting and reconnecting the USB interface. This means that you can reboot the camera simply by shutting down the +12V and then powering it back on. This feature is very handy for remote controlling the camera in an observatory. You can use a remotely controlled power supply to reboot the camera. There is no need to consider how to reconnect the USB in the case of remote control.
Specifications
| Model | QHY461PH |
| Image Sensor | SONY IMX461 BSI CMOS Sensor |
| Pixel Size | 3.76um x 3.76um |
| Color / Mono Version | Mono Only |
| Image Resolution | 11760 × 8896 |
| Effective Pixels | 102 Megapixels |
| Effective Image Area | 44mm x 33mm |
| Sensor Surface Glass | AR+AR Multi-Coating Clear Glass |
| Full Well Capacity (1×1, 2×2, 3×3) | 50ke- / 200ke- / 450ke- in Standard Mode 80ke- / 320ke- / 720ke- in Extend Full Well Mode |
| A/D | 16-bit (0-65535 greyscale) for 1X1Binning18bit in 2X2 19BIT in 3X3 20BIT in 4*4 software Binning |
| Sensor Size | TYPICAL 3.4inch |
| Read Noise | 1e to 3.7e (in HGC mode) |
| Dark Current | Approx 0.003e/pixel/sec @ -20C |
| Exposure Time Range | 50us – 3600sec |
| Frame Rate | 2.7FPS @ 8BIT 1.3FPS@16BIT on USB3.0 2.7FPS @ 16BIT 6FPS @ 14BIT on 10Gigabit Fiber |
| Shutter Type | Electric Rolling Shutter |
| Computer Interface | USB3.0 |
| Filter Wheel Interface | 4PIN QHYCCD CFW Port |
| Built-in Image Buffer | 1GByte DDR3 Buffer |
| Cooling System | Dual Stage TEC cooler(-35C below ambient with air cooling). |
| Anti-Dew Heater | Yes |
| Telescope Interface | – |
| Optic Window Type | AR+AR High Quality Multi-Layer Anti-Reflection Coating |
| Back Focal Length | 32.5mm |
Camera Curves
QHY5III678 is a new planetary and guiding camera of the 2nd generation of QHY5III series, the upgraded version of QHY5III178M/C, with excellent near-infrared high sensitivity.
In this latest generation of sensors, the photodiode portion of the pixel well is physically deeper than in previous sensors, allowing photons of longer wavelengths to penetrate deeper into the substrate. This dramatically increases the sensor’s sensitivity to red and near-infrared (NIR) light. The sensor displays almost equal peak sensitivity to NIR light as it does to light in the visible spectrum.
DDR3 512MB
The QHY5III678 series planetary and guiding cameras are all equipped with a 512MB DDR3 image buffer which can effectively reduce the pressure on computer transmission, a great help for planetary photography which often requires writing a large amount of data in a short period of time. Some deep-sky astrophotography cameras on the market today only have 256MB, for example.
In comparison, the 512MB DDR3 memory of the new 5III (Ver. 2) series cameras represents a significant upgrade.
USB-c connectivity
Tips: It is recommended to use the official standard Type-C data cable of QHYCCD. As the market is flooded with a large number of poor-quality Type-C cables, casual use may lead to the camera malfunctioning. If you use your own spare cable, please make sure it is a high-quality cable.
Universal Guiding Interface
The custom interfaces of the previous generation of planetary cameras and guiders has been replaced in the QHY5III (Ver.2) cameras with a more universal ST-4 compatible guiding interface. Now, even if the guiding cable is lost or damaged, you will be able to easily get a replacement on the market at a low cost.
Indicator LED
Specifications
| Model | QHY5III678 |
| CMOS Sensor | Sony IMX678 |
| Pixel Size | 2.0um*2.0um |
| Effective Pixel Area | 3856*2180 |
| Effective Pixels | 8.4 Mega Pixel |
| Fullwell | 9ke- |
| Readout Noise | 0.57-3.3e- |
| AD Sample Depth | 12-bit (output as 16-bit and 8-bit) |
| Built-in Image Buffer | 512MB DDR3 Memory |
| ROI Frame Rate | Full Resolution 43FPS @8BIT 22FPS @16BIT
1080Lines 85FPS @8BIT 43.5FPS @16BIT 640Lines 140FPS @8BIT 71FPS @16BIT |
| Exposure Time Range | 11us-900sec |
| Shutter Type | Electric Rolling Shutter |
| Computer Interface | USB3.2 Gen1 Type-C |
| Guide Port | st4 |
| Telescope Interface | 1.25-inch, compatible with CS-port and C-port lenses by replacing the front-end connector (An IR AR glass and an IR850nm filter are included in the standard version.) |
| Back Focal Length | 17mm(with adapter); 8±0.5mm(without adapter) |
| Weight | 90g |
Camera Curves
$1,249.00
At just over 4 inches in diameter and a few inches thick (IMX585), the new miniCAM8 is a compact, high-resolution, high-performance, cooled imaging system capable of exceptional, high-quality deep space images as well as high-quality, high-resolution planetary images.
So often, compactness in astroimaging is achieved at the expense of some other critical feature found in multi-component cooled systems, such as sensor quality or thermoelectric cooling, etc. Such is not the case with the new miniCAM8. Based on Sony’s IMX585 8 MP sensor, the miniCAM8 includes full TE cooling capable of reaching a delta of -45℃ from ambient along with a built-in 8-position filter wheel for complete LRGB and narrowband imaging.
High Near-Infrared Sensitivity
The IMX585 is a Sony Starvis II processor that enables high sensitivity and high dynamic range (HDR). It also improves sensitivity in the near-infrared range by approximately 1.7 times* compared to the IMX485. The new camera miniCAM8 has a maximum quantum efficiency of 60% in the near-infrared band and 92% in the visible wavelength band.
*This data is officially provided by Sony: https://www.sony-semicon.com/cn/news/2021/2021062901.html
BSI
One benefit of the back-illuminated CMOS structure is improved full-well capacity. This is particularly helpful for sensors with small pixels. In a typical front-illuminated sensor, photons from the target entering the photosensitive layer of the sensor must first pass through the metal wiring that is embedded just above the photosensitive layer. The wiring structure reflects some of the photons and reduces the efficiency of the sensor.
In the back-illuminated sensor, the light is allowed to enter the photosensitive surface from the reverse side. In this case, the sensor’s embedded wiring structure is below the photosensitive layer. As a result, more incoming photons strike the photosensitive layer, and more electrons are generated and captured in the pixel well. This ratio of photon to electron production is called quantum efficiency. The higher the quantum efficiency, the more efficient the sensor is at converting photons to electrons, and hence the more sensitive the sensor is to capturing an image of something dim.
Zero Amplify Glow
miniCAM8 is also a zero amplifier glow camera.
Anti-Dew Technology
Based on almost 20-year cooled camera design experience, the QHY cooled camera has implemented the fully dew control solutions. The optic window has a built-in dew heater, and the chamber is protected from internal humidity condensation. An electric heating board for the chamber window can prevent the formation of dew, and the sensor itself is kept dry with our silicon gel tube socket design for control of humidity within the sensor chamber.
Cooling
In addition to dual-stage TE cooling, QHYCCD implements proprietary technology in hardware to control the dark current noise.
Filters
The astronomical filters included with the miniCAM8 deepsky combos are custom-designed to match the specific characteristics of the cameras. The size is 19 mm * 12 mm * 1.1 mm. The LRGB and SHO narrowband filters for the miniCAM8M deepsky combo are customized by XiMei Filters. The LRGB filters have an optical density (OD) value of 3, while the narrowband filters have an OD value of 5.
| Model | miniCAM8 |
| CMOS Sensor | Sony IMX585 |
| Mono/Color | Both Available |
| BSI/FSI | BSI |
| Sensor Size | 1/1.2inch |
| Pixel Size | 2.9μm*2.9μm |
| Total Pixel Area | 3856*2180 |
| Effective Pixels | 8 MP |
| Full Well Capacity | 54ke-
Linearity HDR Mode: 46ke- |
| Readout Noise | 0.76 – 7.8 e-
Linearity HDR Mode: 1.0e- |
| Peak QE | M: 92%
C: R: 82%; G: 87%; B: 75% |
| Dynamic Range | Linearity HDR mode: The dynamic range reaches up to 46,300:1, equivalent to 93 dB or 15.5 stops. |
| A/D | Dual 12-bit (output as 16-bit) |
| Full Frame Rates | Full Resolution: 41.5FPS@8bit,23.5FPS @16bit |
| ROI Frame Rates | Full Resolution 1080Lines, 82FPS@8bit, 47FPS@16bit;640Lines, 177FPS@8bit, 105FPS@16bit |
| Exposure Time Range | 11μs-900sec |
| Shutter Type | Electronic Rolling Shutter |
| Built-in Image Buffer | 512MB DDR3 |
| Computer Interface | USB3.0 |
| Telescope Interface | 1.25 inch |
| Optic Window Type | AR+AR |
| Filter Wheel | Built-in 8-Position Carousel |
| Back Focal Length | 17.5mm |
| Cooling System | Dual Stage TEC cooler:
Long exposures (> 1 second) typically -45℃ below ambient |
| Weight | 480g |
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