ZWO ASI174MM Mono USB 3.0 Camera
This NEW camera makes SONY's Pregius Global Shutter CMOS technology available for amateurs without braking the bank. it comes with a large sensor, large pixel size, high frame rate and comparatively high resolution that makes it the best choice for a beginner who want to focus on Lunar and Solar imaging and try his skills in deep sky imaging as well.
(Don't forget that you'll need a proper solar filter in front of your telescope for solar imaging if it's a SCT, Mak or Newtonian and other proper solar technology for refractor telescopes....if you are not sure, ask us for the sake of your safety.)
This camera comes with USB3.0 connection that gives you the opportunity to use it with newer laptops and is backward compatible with USB2.0. There is no USB 2.0 version of this camera as that simply won't be enough to use the camera's possible high framerate. High framerates are not a guarantee for excellent images, but certainly helpful if other circumstances are given.
It comes with an AUTOGUIDER PORT just as many other ZWO cameras do, so you may use it for both imaging or guiding!
This camera will mostly be used for imaging the Sun and the Moon, but it can also be used for deep sky imaging up to a certain level as it supports up to 1000seconds exposure time.
With this monochrome version, if you want colour results, you'll also need a filter wheel and a set of L-RGB filters or H-alpha and OIII filters, and maybe even H-beta and SII filters as well for narrow band astro photography...)
Features of the ZWO ASI174MM Camera
Recommended for the Sun, Moon and some deep sky objects
(To image the Sun you'll have to use a proper front solar filter or Herschel wedge depending on your telescope type. Please contact us if not sure!)
Resolution: 1936X1216 at up to 164fps (at 12bit ADC) or 128fps (at 10 bit ADC)
Long time exposure up to 1000s!
Autoguider Port
Built-in RAW mode and Grey mode output support. Only about 30% storage space required compared to the Color data format!
Peak Quantum Efficiency: 78% (this is a very high value)
No fixed pattern noise (FPN)!
Full aluminum housing with standard 2" interface
M42X0.75 internal thread.
T-thread to C-mount adapter included
Compatible with DirectShow and ASCOM
Compatible with MaxIm-DLSupported OS: Windows, Linux, Arm-linux, Mac OSX
DOWNLOADS
On the included CD you'll find drivers and two software applications: Firecapture and SharpCap. These are both freeware and the latest versions can be downloaded from the developers' websites.
If you have any problem with installing any of the software from the CD, please download them from here:
Firecapture Beta Downloads
SharpCap Downloads
We'd recommend to use the latest version of Firecapture with the USB3.0 ZWO ASI cameras...
Specification
Sensor: 1/1.2" CMOS SONY IMX174LLJ
Resolution: 2.3Mega Pixels 1936x1216
Pixel Size: 5.86µm
Exposure Rage: 32µs-1000s
ROI: Supported
Interface: USB3.0 (and backward compatible with USB2.0 as well)
Bit rate: 12bit output（12bit ADC）
Adaptor: 2" / 1.25" / M42X0.75
Dimension: φ62mm X 41mm
Weight: 140g
Working Temperature: -5°C—45°C
Storage Temperature: -20°C—60°C
Working Relative Humidity: 20%—80%
Storage Relative Humidity: 20%—95%
Supported Resolutions:
12bit ADC:
1936X1216@128FPS
640x480@309FPS
320x240@577FPS
2X2Bin : 968x608@128FPS
10bit ADC:
1936X1216@164FPS
640x480@397FPS
320x240@740FPS
2X2Bin : 968x608@164FPS
Transmission chart of the Clear filter used as an optical window in the ZWO ASI174 CMOS cameras
For full specification, driver installation tutorial (youtube video), basic usage information and recommended third party software please visit the manufacturer's website: ZWOptical
There is also a ZWO Forum here for ZWO camera users: ZWO USER GROUP
and also a Yahoo Group where you can find lots of information about how other members use the ZWO cameras: Yahoo Group ZWO ASI Cameras
