QHY 163C Cooled Color Astronomy Camera # QHY163C

Our #: ZZPAIC-ZZQH-QHY163C
Mfg #: QHY163C
Sale Price: $764.15 Our Price: $899.00
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Quick Overview

  • QHY163C cooled 16-Megapixel color astronomy camera ideal for serious deep-sky imaging
  • 4/3” cooled CMOS sensor with small 3.8um pixels in a 4656x3522 array
  • Two-stage cooling keeps sensor temperature as much as 45C below ambient for low-noise imaging, even in warm conditions
  • 128MB DDRII data buffer to minimize data dropouts during image transfer
  • Reduced amp-glow for superior imaging of faint objects

Product Details

1. Cooled Astronomy Camera for Deep-Sky Imaging

The 16-megapixel QHY163C camera uses a large CMOS sensor with exceptionally low readout noise and low dark current. The 4/3” color sensor has an array of 4656x3522 pixels that are 3.8um in size, with readout noise as low as 1e and a full well depth of 18-20ke-. This CMOS astrophotography camera is capable of 4K video output at 30fps and full resolution real time output at 22.5 frames per second. Ideal for serious deep-sky imagers!

2. Two-Stage Cooling for Low Noise and Sealed Chamber to Keep Sensor Dry

The QHY163C color camera comes with a two-stage TEC cooling and temperature control that cools the camera as low as -45C below ambient, which is ideal for warm and damp summer observing conditions. QHY has also built in anti-dew technology into the QHY163. The sensor chamber is sealed and incorporates a silicon gel tube socket and heater to help keep both the sensor and the sensor window dry.

The cooler requires +12VDC input (power supply not included).

3. Built-In Buffer for Reliable Data Transfer

The QHY163C has a built-in 128MB DDRII image buffer. The benefit of the image buffer is that the memory will cache the image and transfer it to the computer when the USB interface is not busy or being interrupted, and the frame will not be lost or corrupted.  This buffer also allows a slower computer with USB 2.0 socket to capture every frame without loss even if the USB socket is occasionally busy with other peripherals.  This buffer also helps multiple camera applications and avoids USB transfer problems.  For example, it is possible to operate four QHY163 cameras on the same computer to create an LRGB imaging array.

4. Reduced Amp-Glow for Superior Deep-Sky Imaging

The QHY163C camera has a control circuit to reduce amplifier glow significantly, especially important for longer exposures of deep-sky objects at high gain.

5. What's in the Box

  • USB3.0 cable(1.5m)
  • Self-locking power cable
  • 6pin guide cable
  • Car power adapter
  • Desiccant Drying Tube
  • desiccant
  • M42/1.25inch adaptor
  • Driver download card
  • Inspection report
  • Camera

Optional accessories:12V power adapter + power cable, C-adapter lens mount

If you wish to supply your own 12V power adapter, its output current must be at least 3.5A and the polarity must be center positive.

 

Other Information

  • Country of Manufacture: China
  • Sensor : 16Mp 4/3-inch CMOS
  • AR Coating On Sensor: No. Clear Glass
  • Pixel Size: 3.8um*3.8um
  • Effective Pixel Area: 4656*3522
  • Effective Pixels: 16 Megapixels
  • Effective Image Area: 17.7mm*13.4mm
  • Fullwell: 18ke- to 20ke-
  • AD Sample Depth: 12bit/10bit (output as 16bit and 8bit)
  • Sensor Size: Typical 4/3inch
  • Frame Rate: 
    • 22.5FPS@16mega Full Resolution
    • 30FPS@4K HD Video   
    • 57FPS@1920*1080
    • 60FPS@1280*1024
    • 80FPS@1024*768
    • 100fps@800*600
  • Readout Noise: 2.4e@low gain 1.0e@high gain 
  • Dark Current: TBD
  • Exposure Time Range: 60us-1800sec
  • Anti-Glow Control: Yes
  • Shutter Type: Electric Rolling Shutter
  • Computer Interface: USB3.0
  • Built-in Image Buffer: 128MByte DDR2 memory
  • Cooling System: Dual Stage TEC cooler(about -40C below ambient)
  • Anti-Dew Heater: Yes
  • Air-proof Chamber : Yes, with silica gel tube socket
  • Telescope Interface: M42/0.75
  • Optic Window Type: QHY163M: AR+AR High Quality Multi-Layer Anti-Reflection Coating 
  • : QHY163C: IR cut filter 
  • Back Focal Length: Different value with different setup. See the camera connection table on bottom of this page
  • Weight: 442g
  • Other Port: 6PIN RJ11 Guide Port,  4PIN QHYCFW Port.
  • Power Supply: Camera Powered by USB.  The TEC need 12V DC input.