QHY 224C Cooled Color Astronomy Camera # QHY224C
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Quick Overview
- QHY224C cooled 1.2-Megapixel color astronomy camera with sensitive IMX224 sensor with 3.75um pixels works well for imaging planets, Moon and Sun, and brighter deep-sky objects
- 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 Solar System and Deep-Sky Imaging
The QHY224C color camera uses the Sony IMX224 sensor with ultra-high sensitivity and low read noise. This 1/3-inch sensor has ultralow readout noise and 1280x960 HD resolution with small 3.75um pixels, ideal for planetary imaging. The QHY224C has 150 fps data transfer at full resolution output. The ColdMOS, or cooled CMOS sensor sits in a sealed and heated chamber to prevent dew from forming on the sensor or window.
2. Two-Stage Cooling for Low Noise and Sealed Chamber to Keep Sensor Dry
The QHY224C 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 QHY290. 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 QHY174M 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 makes it possible to run multiple cameras on the same computer without USB transfer problems.
4. Reduced Amp-Glow for Superior Deep-Sky Imaging
The QHY224C camera has a control circuit to reduce amplifier glow significantly, especially important for longer exposures of deep-sky objects. Camera ports include a 6-pin RJ11 Guide Port and a 4-pin CFW2 Filter Wheel Control Port, allowing you to add an optional autoguider or filter wheel to give you more options and control over your astro-imaging.
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
Useful Resources
Other Information
- Country of Manufacture: China
- Sensor: SONY Exmor R, IMX224, Color CMOS, 1/3-inch
- Effective Pixels: 1280 x 960 1.2 Megapixels
- Pixel Size: 3.75um x 3.75um
- Effective Area: 4.8mm x 3.6mm
- Shutter: Electronic Shutter
- Full Well: 19ke- Typical
- QE: TBD
- Readout Noise: 3e-@low gain 0.55e-@high gain
- System Gain: TBD
- Unity Gain: TBD
- Frame Rate (on 8bit):
- 150FPS@1280*960
- 300FPS@640*480
- 557FPS@320*240
- ROI Support: Yes. Any Area ROI
- Exposure Time: 7us - 400sec
- AD Sample Depth: 10-bit/12-bit (8-bit/12-bit output)
- On Camera Image Buffer: Yes, 128MB DDRII Buffer
- Anti-amp light control:
- Cooling: 2-stage TEC, Typical -40C below ambient. Temperature Regulated
- Power: USB Power for camera and +12V power for TEC
- Anti Frost Control: Air Connector for removable silicon gel tube
- Anti Dew Control: Heater board for optical window of sealed chamber
- Computer Interface: USB 3.0 Super Speed
- Telescope Interface: M42/0.75 & 2-inch adapter. Optional C-mount adapter
- Color Wheel Port: 4-pin QHYCFW socket
- Guide Port: 6-pin RJ11 Guide Port
- Optic Window: IR+AR (Color) (AR+AR window can be ordered on request)
- Power consumption: TBD
- Weight : 450g
- Electrical Interface: 12V input with locking ring, USB 3.0 socket, 4-pin QHYCFW, 6-pin RJ11
