ZWO ASI178MC 6.4MP Color USB 3.0 Camera for Telescope & Microscope + Extras

Description

This slightly used
ZWO ASI178MC
was used for less than 10 hours and comes with an additional M42-2" telescope mount as well as a USB2Go Micro USB adapter for imaging with an Android Device and ZWO's ASI Imager app... which can make for a very compact rig. The
ASI178MC
also plays well with microscopes having 1.25" or 2" eyepieces.
Gallery images of Luna & M42 (Orion Nebula) were captured using this device.
What's in the Box
ZWO ASI178MC Camera Body with All-Sky Lens
2 m long ST4 guider cable
2 m long USB3.0 cable
1.25″ Cover
M42-1.25″ T-Mount
M42-2" Mount
USB2Go Micro USB Adapter (for Phone Capture)
Instructions for downloading drivers and software from ZWO website
Specifications
ZWO ASI178MC advanced color astronomy camera with back illuminated 6.4 megapixel CMOS sensor with 3096x2080 resolution, 2.4 μm pixels, and 8.92 mm diagonal size
Ideal for capturing high-resolution color astronomical images with excellent contrast as a result of superior resolution of 14-bit ADC
Advanced Sony IMX178 sensor with Exmor R technology for high-speed processing, low noise, and low power dissipation with back illuminated sensors
Fast USB 3.0 transfer at up to 60 fps at maximum 3096x2080 resolution and 253 fps at 640x480; interface is backward compatible to USB 2.0
Attractive red anodized CNC aluminum body stands up to heavy field use
Ready to go out of the box with cables, adapters, and manual; Software and drivers available from manufacturer's website
Compact body with dimension 62mm diameter and weight of only 120 g (4.3 oz)
The ZWO ASI178MC is a sensitive and state-of-the-art color astronomy camera with 6.4 megapixel resolution and USB 3.0 download speed. Built around the Sony IMX178 back-illuminated sensor, this advanced camera has a resolution of 3096x2080 with 2.4 μm pixel size. With 14-bit ADC and low read noise, this high-sensitivity camera is ideal for high-resolution astronomical imaging and works well for microscopy imaging as well.
The heart of this color camera is a Type 1/1.8 CMOS sensor with 8.92 mm diagonal. This advanced sensor incorporates Sony's Exmor R technology that enables high-speed processing, low noise, and low polwer dissipation using column parallel A/D conversion with the back-illuminated sensor. The sensor also incorporates Sony's STARVIS technology features a sensitivity of 2000 mV or more per 1 µm
2
and allows high image quality in the visible-light and near infrared light regions.
The 14-bit ADC enables high dynamic range and reduced quantization noise and dark random noise. This makes for clearer image quality in light and dark areas when imaging objects with high contrast.
The rolling shutter and fast USB 3.0 interface on the camera allow transfer rates of up to 60 frames per second at full 3096x2080 resolution. At reduced resolution of 640x480, download rates up to 253 fps become possible. The camera enables exposure times of 32 μs to 1000 s (16.7 minutes).
The ASI178MC has a robust and attractive CNC machined red-anodized aluminum body that stands up to heavy field use. An AR/IR-CUT glass window protects the sensor and helps keep images sharp. A 1/4-20 thread in the bottom of the camera makes it easy to attach the device to a camera tripod or mount, and four M4 threads along the outside edge offer additional mounting options.
The ZWO ASI178MC color astronomy camera can be used with just about any telescope. You also get a 2-meter USB 3.0 cable and a 2-meter ST4 guider cable for use in autoguiding. A M42-threaded 1.25" nosepiece, and a 1.25" cover also come with the camera. A 2.5mm all-sky lens is also included to give a 170° all-sky view when threaded into the camera. When used for autoguiding, the camera can also work with Maxim DL or PHD when guiding with long exposures.
This camera can be configured with the following connections for attachment to telescopes and imaging accessories:
1.25” nosepiece
2” nosepiece (optional 2” extension strongly recommended)
Female T/T2 thread (M42x0.75)
Female C/CS thread (1”x32TPI)
Female M28.5x0.6 thread
ZWO is phasing out software CDs, but the camera comes with instructions to help you download the required control software and drivers directly from the ZWO website.
Camera Technical Details
Sensor: 1/1.8” CMOS IMX178
Resolution: 6.4 Mega Pixels 3096*2080
Pixel Size: 2.4µm
Sensor Size: 7.4mm*5mm
Diagonal: 8.92mm
Exposure Range: 32µs-1000s
ROI: Supported
ST4 Guider Port: Yes
Focus Distance to Sensor: 12.5mm
Shutter Type: Rolling Shutter
Protect window: IR-CUT window
Operating System Compatibility: Mac, Windows, Linux
Interface: USB3.0/USB2.0
Bit rate: 14bit output(14bit ADC)
Telescope connection: 2" nosepiece / 1.25" nosepiece / M42X0.75 female T thread
Dimension: φ62mm X 36mm
Weight: 120g or 4.2 ounces (without lens)
Working Temperature: -5°C—45°C
Storage Temperature: -20°C—60°C
Working Relative Humidity: 20%—80%
Storage Relative Humidity: 20%—95%
Supported Resolutions
10bit ADC/14bit ADC
3096×2080 60fps / 30fps
2560×2048 62fps / 31fps
2048×1080 116fps / 58fps
1280×960 130fps / 65fps
800×600 204.7fps / 102.3fps
640×480 253.1fps / 126.5fps
320×240 479.7fps / 239.8fps
More resolutions can be defined by user