QHY 183C Cooled Color Astronomy Camera # QHY183C
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Quick Overview
- QHY183C cooled 20-Megapixel color astronomy camera ideal for serious deep-sky imaging
- Sony STARVIS Exmor-R IMX183 1-inch CMOS sensor with small 2.4um pixels in a 5544x3694 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 20-megapixel QHY183C camera uses the back-illuminated Exmor R Sony IMX183 20MP sensor for high sensitivity and a quantum efficiency of 84%. The 1-inch color sensor has an array of 5544x3694 pixels that are 2.4um in size, with readout noise as low as 1e and a full well depth of 15.5ke-. This CMOS astrophotography camera is capable of 4K video output at 31fps and full resolution real time output at 19 frames per second. Ideal for serious deep-sky imagers!
2. Two-Stage Cooling for Low Noise and Sealed Chamber to Keep Sensor Dry
The QHY183C 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 QHY183. 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 QHY183C 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 QHY183 cameras on the same computer to create an LRGB imaging array.
4. Reduced Amp-Glow for Superior Deep-Sky Imaging
The QHY183C camera has a control circuit to reduce amplifier glow significantly, especially important for longer exposures of deep-sky objects at high gain.
5. Whats 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
NOTE: 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: SONY IMX183 Back-Illuminated CMOS
- AR Coating On Sensor: Yes
- Pixel Size: 2.4um x .4um
- Effective Pixel Area: 5544 x 3694
- Effective Pixels: 20 mega
- Effective Image Area: 13.3mm x 8.87mm
- Fullwell: 15.5ke-
- Peak QE: 84% (Monochrome)
- AD Sample Depth: 12bit (output as 16bit and 8bit)
- Sensor Size: Typical 4/3inch
- Full Frame Rate: Full Resolution 19FPS
- ROI Frame Rate: 4096 x 2160 4K HD Video 31FPS
- Readout Noise: 2.7e-@lowest gain 1.0e@high gain
- Dark Current: 0.0024e/pixel/sec @ -15C
- Exposure Time Range: 50us-3600sec
- 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 (-40C below ambient）
- Anti-Dew Heater: Yes
- Telescope Interface: M42/0.75
- Optic Window Type: AR+AR High Quality Multi-Layer Anti-Reflection Coating (For color camera user need to add a UV/IR filter in the light path)
- Back Focal Length: see the setup combination table in the bottom of this page
- Weigth: 650g
