QHY QHY600M Pro I Mono Cooled Full Frame Camera with IMX455
An Advanced, High Resolution Scientific Camera from QHY
Designed for scientific-grade imaging applications, this professional “Pro I” version of the QHY600 is a powerful tool for use within remote observatories and high-demand astroimaging systems. The included 2*10Gbps fiber separates this Pro I version from the rest, meeting the high-intensity data transmission requirements of professional imagers. In addition to enhanced data transmission, you can also expect extremely low noise, rapid frame rates, a wide dynamic range, high quantum efficiency, high resolution, and a large field of view. These qualities are fundamental of QHY scientific CMOS cameras, offering peak performance for a wide range of applied sciences such as spectrum analysis, high-resolution LCD/OLED screen calibration, and even DNA sequence imaging.
The QHY600M Pro I camera is an exceptional instrument for advanced level imaging, offering 61 MP of resolution, TEC cooling, and a host of electronic elements to further elevate your imaging experience. At the core of this camera is the Sony IMX455, a back-illuminated, full-frame sensor with 3.76 um pixels. The native 16-bit A/D offers 65536 levels, producing highly detailed images suitable for data analysis. This QHYCCD camera can be cooled to -35℃ below ambient temperature during long exposure imaging to further assist with resolution of detail. In addition to onboard TEC cooling, a 2GB DDR3 memory buffer is included, along with zero amp glow, and built-in dew prevention! This premium suite of innovations make for an expert-level camera of unmatched excellence.
Powerful in Performance, Precise in Delivery
This advanced-class camera is the perfect choice for professional imagers thanks to its powerful sensor, innovative technology from QHY, and beneficial inclusions. Discover more about the QHYCCD QHY600M Pro I Monochrome Camera below!
Full Frame Sony IMX455 Monochrome Sensor
As mentioned above, the onboard Sony IMX455 is the heart of this QHY600M Pro I camera, providing a pixel array of 9576 x 6388. That’s 61.17 MP of resolution! Enjoy capturing large, intricate scenes with the full frame format, and enjoy beautiful detail with the 3.76um x 3.76um pixels. The minimal 1.0e- to 3.7e- read out noise, 16-bit ADC, and impressive >51ke- full well capacity deliver remarkable resolution on nebulosity and galactic structures. Region of interest (ROI) is supported with this QHYCCD camera, helping you maximize your frame rate and dial-in on the desired details.
QHY Pro I Version
As a Pro I model, this QHY600 camera features 10Gbps optical fiber transmission, solving for the shortcomings of USB3.0 transmission such as limited speed, limited distance, and reliability. 10Gbps optical fiber can reach a transmission rate of up to 2000MB/s, with distances up to 300 meters. Additionally, reliability has been increased from the USB3.0 connection thanks to the absence of a conductive medium between the camera and the computer. This enables immunity to EMI (electromagnetic interference), eliminating data corruption due to static electricity and other electrical disruptions. The Pro versions of the QHY600 also come equipped with a 6PIN GPIO (General Purpose Input/Output) port and Trig/GPS ports for scientific-grade levels of precision. QHY can customize this GPIO interface according to the user’s requirements, while the FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) can be reprogrammed by the user for more complex needs. This upgraded ”I” version also features a shorter body length (142 mm) than previous generations.
Hardware Highlights
As opposed to front illuminated sensors, the necessary wires and transistors of this sensor are fitted behind the pixel wells, offering elevated photon collection for a higher signal to noise ratio. This careful circuitry is continued with the placement and construction of the camera’s amplifiers. As such, you can expect zero amp glow within your frames! The dual stage TEC cooler offers two approaches for your convenience: -35℃ below ambient for long exposures, and -30℃ below ambient for high frame-rate, short exposures. On the optic window itself, a built-in dew heater protects from internal humidity condensation for the utmost clarity. Another key benefit is the addition of a 2GB DDR3 memory buffer. This addition ensures smooth data transfer and helps prevent dropped frames.
Software Highlights
While too high of voltage can absolutely be detrimental to the internal circuitry, too low of voltage can be as well. The integrated UVLO (Under Voltage Locking) protection helps prevent this, with the all-in-one driver and SDK (after 2021.10.23 version) providing a warning when the input voltage of the camera is below 11V. Oftentimes back-illuminated CMOS cameras can be subject to a change in thermal noise over time. To combat this, QHYCCD uses innovative internal suppression technology to significantly reduce the effects of this noise for cleaner, crisper images! Built into the camera itself, TRUE RAW IMAGE OUTPUT delivers your frames with the original signal only. This means you won’t have to worry about internal software pre-processing your images, ensuring every bit of detail is collected.
Power and Ports
On the body of this QHY600M Pro I camera, you’ll find a number of ports: a 12V threaded power port, a USB3.0 port, two 10G fiber interfaces, a 6-pin GPIO interface, Trig in/out ports, and a 4-pin CFW interface. The threaded housing of the power port provides a stable, solid power connection, a must for remote observing. For less demanding astroimaging rigs, the highly efficient USB 3.0 interface ensures smooth, seamless data transmission. The two 10G fiber optic ports, on the other hand, are optimal for long distance remote imaging applications where precision is of the utmost importance. The GPIO interface can be configured by the user via the FPGA for their specific needs, such as for input, output, GPS connections, and more, while the Trig interface offers a means of ultra-precise exposure control (such as for transits). If you plan to connect a user-supplied QHYCCD filter wheel, easily do so with the onboard CFW port.
Multiple Readout Modes
Multiple readout modes are available for this QHY600M Pro I camera: Photographic DSO, High Gain, Extended Fullwell, and Mode-2CMS for each of the previously listed modes. Photographic DSO mode is ideal for most deep sky imaging applications, and it’s recommended to set configuration as your default gain setting. High Gain Mode is great for capturing very dark objects, such as dusty, diffuse nebulae where details are very dim and hard to resolve on their own. With the Extended Fullwell Capacity mode enabled, this QHYCCD camera can achieve an extremely large full-well charge value of nearly 80ke-. This expanded capacity enables greater dynamic range and larger variations in magnitude of brightness, making it wonderful for imaging both bright and dim objects within a singular field of view. The Mode-2CMS applied to any of these three basic settings can greatly reduce readout noise (by secondary sampling) while keeping the same full well value and system gain! Thanks to the innovation from QHY, you’re well equipped in maximizing the potential of every imaging session.
Astronomy Hub: Your one-stop-shop for Astrophotography Knowledge!
Our Gear Experts have compiled a wealth of information to help expand your astrophotography knowledge! Below you’ll find links to articles, videos and "how-to" guides. Just one more reason that our Astronomy Hub is a one-stop-shop for all your astronomy and astrophotography needs!
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