QHY QHY268M Camera Kit with Large Color Filter Wheel
QHY QHY268M Camera Kit with Large Color Filter Wheel
About the QHY QHY268M Photographic Camera
QHY's 268 monochromatic, photographic camera utilizes the Sony IMX571 back-illuminated sensor with native 16-bit A/D for the highest resolution greyscale. Included with the camera is an electronic shutter that has increased reliability and stability when compared to taking a large amount of images with a mechanical shutter. The full well capacity of the 268M has a range of between >51ke- to >75ke-at low gain depending on the mode. This yields a dynamic range of approximately 14 Stops.
The QHY 268 mono camera features a high resolution and APS-C format. It uses a USB3.0 interface that lets you transfer data at 6 frames per second. It also is equipped with a 2-stage TEC cooling system, which helps lower the dark current to only 0.0005e/pixel/sec @ -20C.
T read noise range for the QHY 268M monochrome camera is approximately 1.1e- (high gain) to 7.5e- (lowest gain). This is great for short exposures, narrow band imaging, and other scenarios that are photon limited. QHY has added an innovative suppression technology that can reduce the level of random noise such as the type of thermal noise that is generated by back-illuminated CMOS sensors and has a value not related to the exposure time.
The high pixel count of this CMOS camera means that the memory requirements for temporary and permanent storage is greater. The QHY268 sensor produces about 120MB of data per frame. To sufficiently meet the memory needs, the QHY268 comes with large-capacity memory of up to 2GB.
The body of the QHY268M uses the ultra-short back focus design as a standard configuration. This results in a camera back focus of only 12.5 mm for maximum flexibility with a wide range of accessory and optical systems.
QHY's incorporated USB re-connection feature means that this camera's computer connection can be connected and disconnected by turning the 12V power supply on and off. This means you do not have to worry about plugging and unplugging the USB cable, enhancing user control when working from a remote station. All you have to do is control the 12V power supply to control the remote USB connection.
Updated Body Design!
The QHY268M now comes with an elevated heating board. QHY has raised the board by 5mm. This decreases the likelihood of fogging, but does not change Back focus length calculations or any other function. While the above images currently show the regressed heating board, to the left is a visual aid to show this update.
QHY268 Monochrome Photographic Camera Specifications
- Sensor: Sony APC-C CMOS IMX571
- Sensor Type: Back Illuminated (BSI)
- Pixel Size: 3.76um
- Color or Monochrome: Monochrome
- Sensor Surface Glass: Multi Layer AR coating
- Effective Pixels: 26 MP
- Effective Image Area: 6280 x 4210
- Full Well Capacity: >51ke- to >75ke-at low gain (depending on mode)
- A/D: Native 16-bit
- Sensor Size: APS-C format
- Full Frame Rate: Full Resolution - 6.8FPS @8BIT & 6FPS @16BIT, 2048lines - 13.6FPS @8BIT & 11.5FPS @16BIT, 1080lines - 25.4FPS @8BIT & 19.5FPS @16BIT, 768lines - 35FPS @8BIT & 25FPS @16BIT, 480lines - 50FPS @8BIT & 34FPS@16BIT
- Read Noise: 1.1e- to 3.5 e- High Gain, 5.3e- to 7.4e- Lowest Gain
- System Gain: <1e-
- Dark Current: 0.0005e/pixel/sec @ -20C & 0.001e/pixel/sec @ -10C
- Exposure Time Range: 30 us - 3600 seconds
- Shutter Type: Electronic
- Computer Interface: USB3.0
- Built-In Image Buffer: 1GB DDR3 Memory
- Cooling: Dual Stage TEC cooler (-35C below ambient)
- Anti-Dew Heater: Yes
- Telescope Interface: M54/0.75 (with 5 mm M54 adapter installed)
- Optic Window Type: AR+AR High Quality Multi-Layer Anti-Reflection Coating
- Back Focal Length: 14.5mm (±0.2)
About the Large Color Filter Wheel
With the introduction of their innovative new 3rd generation models, QHYCCD has revolutionized what one can expect from a filter wheel moving forward. Incorporating an ultra-thin stepper motor drive, this 21.5 mm thick filter wheel is capable of fully automatic filter switching. It offers seven positions for 2" or 50 mm round filters. Maximum filter thickness for mounted filters, excluding filter thread height, is 10 mm. Learn more about the QHYCFW3 Filter Wheel and its impressive features in the comprehensive video below!
Ultra-Thin Hybrid Stepper Motor Drive
QHYCCD has chosen to use an ultra-thin, high-quality hybrid stepper motor for the design of their third-generation filter wheels. When compared to PM stepper motors used in many filter wheels, this hybrid stepper motor offers improved precision and a smaller step angle. An enclosed motor prevents the accumulation of dust for enhanced reliability and longer life. In addition, as filter rotation is reversible, the carousel can be rotated clockwise as well as counterclockwise for convenient filter access.
Friction Drive with Zero Backlash
Regarding the evolution of the motor drive, QHYCCD's 2nd generation filter wheels used a gear drive while their 3rd generation filter wheels use a friction drive that results in zero backlash during operation.
USB Serial Port Switch
Incorporates a serial port switch to enable fast shifting between serial and USB communication modes.
USB Powered
Supports QHY 4-pin connection control mode, contains open source Arduino-compatible firmware, and is designed to work with a similar sized QHY Off-Axis Guider (OAG).
Beautiful Appearance
The main body of this QHYCCD 3rd generation color filter wheel is cut from a single precision CNC machined piece of aluminum. It boasts a skillfully crafted and elegant finish. As soon as you hold this filter wheel in your hands, its small design will prevent you from ever wanting to put it down!
The filter carousel has been specially designed to allow the installation of unmounted filters with varying thicknesses. Mounted filters below 10 mm in thickness can be installed while unmounted filters of different thicknesses can also be mounted to the same filter disc. This makes filter positioning quicker and more precise.