QHY 183 Mono or Color.
The QHY183 is a one-inch, 20 Megapixel back-illuminated COLDMOS monochrome or color camera.
The pixel size is 2.4um for high-resolution with modest size telescopes. The camera is capable of producing 19FPS@20 Megapixels. It has a two-stage TEC that cools the sensor to -40C to -45C below ambient. The ADC is 10/12-bit and 8/12-bit output with 1e- read noise! The computer interface is USB 3.0 and exposure times can be set from 50us to approximately 1000 sec.
128MB DDRII Image Buffer
The QHY183 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 QHY183M cameras on the same computer to create an LRGB imaging array.
Main Features
- Cmos sensor: SONY IMX183
- Monochrome our
- Color
- Effective Pixels: 5544*3694 20mp
- Pixel Size: 2.4um * 2.4um
- Effective Area: 13.3*8.9mm. Typical 1″
- QE: TBD
- Frame Rate :
- 20 megapixel 19FPS
- 4K HD 31FPS
- Output Bit: 10bit and 12bit
- Readout Type: low 1e@high gain 2.7e @gain 0
- FullWell: 15000-16000e
- Exposure Time: 50us – 3600 sec
- Data interface: USB 3.0 high-speed interface
- Built-in DDR memory: 128MB DDR memory
- TEC: 2-stage TEC with -40C below ambient with temperature regular
- Electric Interface: 12V input with lock, USB3.0 socket, 4PIN QHYCFW, 6PIN RJ11. Wheel control port.
- Software: SharpCAP, EZCAP_QT, ASCOM Driver, WDM Driver, Live Video BroadCast Driver
- Weight: approx 450g (with M42/0.75 adapter)
The camera is ready to be used:
- Camera QHY183
- USB3.0 cable(1.5m)
- Self-locking power cable
- 6pin guide cable
- Car power adapter
- Drying tube for desiccant
- M42/1,25 inch adapter
Performance Chart
It is very important to understand the “unity gain” concept for CMOS Cameras and select a suitable gain for capturing. The unity gain is the gain position that the system gain is 1e/ADU. At lower gain settings, the system gain will exceed 1e/ADU and this will cause the sample noise. The QHY168C unity gain setting is 10.
For DSO capture, there are two capture methods.
- One is the traditional long exposure DSO capture,
- Another is the Lucky imaging method with a short exposure and high quantity stacking.
For the long exposure, you can use the lower gain to avoid the image get saturated. For lucky image, you need to use high gain to reduce the readout noise and avoid the sample noise.
QHY183 Sample images. Click to enlarge.
NGC6992 with QHY183C by Maximo Suarez | Color Moon with QHY183C by Maximo Suarez |
Mechanical configuration of the camera
You can install the camera on different telescopes and lenses with the different accessories that QHYCCD has developed. In case of doubt, contact us at info@lunatico.es