QHY 290C Cooled Color Astronomy Camera # QHY290C

Our #: ZZPAIC-ZZQH-QHY290C
Mfg #: QHY290C
Sale Price: $594.15 Our Price: $699.00
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Quick Overview

  • QHY290C cooled 2-Megapixel color astronomy camera ideal for planetary imaging
  • Sony STARVIS Exmor-R IMX290 CMOS sensor with small 2.9um pixels in a full HD 1920x1080 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 Solar System and Deep-Sky Imaging

The QHY290C color camera uses the IMX290 STARVIS Exmor R back-illuminated CMOS sensor. This 1/2.8-inch sensor has ultralow readout noise and full 1920x1080 HD resolution with small 2.9um pixels, ideal for planetary imaging. The QHY290C has 135 fps data transfer at full HD output. The ColdMOS, or cooled CMOS sensor sits in a sealed and heated chamber to prevent dew from forming on the sensor or window. Low-noise performance and the back-illuminated sensor, which collects more light at the pixel level, also makes this a perfect camera for capturing real-time images for electronically-assisted astronomy (EAA).

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

The QHY290C 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 QHY290C 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

Other Information

  • Country of Manufacture: China
  • Sensor: SONY Exmor R, IMX290 STARVIS Back-Illuminated CMOS, 1/2.8-inch
  • Effective Pixels: 1920 x 1080   2 megapixels
  • Pixel Size: 2.9um x 2.9um
  • Effective Area: 5.6 x 3.1mm
  • Shutter: Electronic Shutter
  • Full Well: 15ke- Typical
  • QE: TBD
  • Readout Noise: 3.2e-@low gain    0.75e-@high gain
  • System Gain: TBD
  • Unity Gain: TBD
  • Frame Rate (at 8-bits): 135FPS@1920x1080   220FPS@960x540     460FPS@480x270
  • ROI Support: Yes. Any Area ROI
  • Exposure Time: 50us - 1800sec
  • 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 Powered for camera and +12V powered for TEC
  • Anti Frost Control: Connector for removable silica gel tube
  • Anti Dew Control: Heated optical window
  • 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: AR+AR (Mono)    IR+AR(Color)
  • Power consumption: TBD
  • Weight : 450g
  • Electrical Interface: 12V input with locking ring, USB 3.0 socket, 4-pin QHYCFW, 6-pin RJ11