ZWO ASI 175MC – Colour

ZWO ASI715MC USB 3.0 color astro camera with passive air cooling.

This astro camera is equipped with a modern 1/2.8″ sensor with 3864 x 2192 pixels. In addition to the modern Starvis 2 technology (back illumination), the IMX715 offers an extremely smooth image without amplifier glow (amp glow), and has extremely high resolution (1.4µm pixels). This makes the camera particularly suitable for high-resolution photography Such as:

• Detailed planetary photography
• Details of the lunar surface
• Sun details (with suitable filter)
• Photography of (small) brighter nebulae and star clusters without power-consuming cooling – exposure times of up to 2000 seconds are possible.
• Infrared images to reduce the influence of seeing, thus sharper luminance channel
• Autoguiding camera (autoguiding connection is available)
• EAA (electronically assisted astronomy) for planets, moon and sun

EAA (electronically assisted astronomy):
The high resolution, combined with a high frame rate of 108fps at full resolution (RAW8 format), allows real-time observation of planets as well as details on the moon and sun. Simply observe together in a group – without having to wait until everyone has had a turn!

Use as Auto-guider:
At only 126g, the camera is a very lightweight. It hardly puts any strain on the focuser. The camera of course offers the ST-4 autoguiding interface. A 2 meter long autoguiding cable is also included in the scope of delivery. Due to the extreme resolution, even small guide scopes can be used, but care must be taken to use good optics so that the advantages of the high resolution can also be utilized.

Anti-reflective clear glass filter protects the sensor from dust:
The clear glass filter prevents dust from penetrating the sensor. It also lets UV and infrared light through so that you can also use the camera for infrared photography. With the right choice of contrast filters, nebula filters, IR pass filters or UV/IR blocking filters, you have full control over which light falls on the sensor.

Air cooling – reduces the sensor temperature:
As with all cameras, the sensor heats up during recording. The PCS dissipates the heat from the sensor via a heat conduction pad. The sensor temperature is therefore reduced by up to 15 degrees Celsius compared to cameras without PCS.

Very high sensitivity for short exposure times:
One advantage of the back-illuminated CMOS sensor is the reduced readout noise and improved sensitivity. In particular, Sony uses STARVIS-2 technology with the IMX662 sensor, which ensures excellent visibility in low light. You can achieve a very high light yield in astrophotography and realize high image quality not only in visible light, but also in the near infrared range (to reduce seeing). In addition, the low readout noise and the high full-well capacity ensure a wider dynamic range.
The low noise and anti-amp glow circuit make this camera very interesting for capturing small deep-sky objects too.

The HCG mode:
The camera has a built-in HCG mode that can effectively reduce the readout noise at high gain while maintaining the same wide dynamic range you would expect at low gain. When the gain is 150, the HCG mode turns on automatically. This results in the readout noise being below 1.4 e-, while the dynamic range can still reach almost 12.5 f-stops.

Spec:

• Sensor: Sony 1/2.8″ CMOS IMX715 Color Sensor
• Resolution: 3864 x 2192 pixels, 8.46 megapixels
• Pixel size: 1.45µm
• Sensor size: 5.6mm x 3.2mm
• Diagonal: 6.45mm (1/2.8″)
• Frame rate: up to 45.1 FPS at 10 bit
• Exposure time: from 32µs – 2000 s
• ROI: Supported
• ST4 autoguider port: Yes
• Distance from T2 thread to sensor: 12.5mm
• Shutter type: Rolling shutter
• Protection window: AR coated, full IR transmission
• Connection: USB3.0/USB2.0
• QE: ~80 %
• Full well: 6.029 ke-
• Anti-ampglow circuit: Yes
• Readout noise: 6.9 e- to 0.8 e-
• Bit resolution: 12 bit ADC
• Telescope connection: M42 x 0.75 / 2″ / 1.25″ (via adapter)
• Tripod thread: 1/4″ on the rear side
• Dimensions: D 62mm x 37.1mm (without lens)
• Operating temperature: -5 °C to +50 °C
• System requirements: USB 3.0 should be supported by the operating system – from Windows 8, Mac OS X 10.8, Linux Kernel 2.6.31 (from Ubuntu 16.04)
• Weight: 126g

Whats included:

1. ASI camera
   
2. Adapter T2 (M42 x 0.75) on 1.25″
   
3. 1.25″ cover
   
4. Adapter T2 to CS mount (mounted)
   
5. Wide field lens (mounted)
   
6. USB 3.0 cable
   
7. ST4 cable
   
8. Quick Start Guide

Software Download:
Drivers and programs for this camera can be downloaded from the following link – HERE