EOI: ASI120MM Imaging/Guiding Webcam

[guodong]

Finally Finished :hi:

[Last update: All the cameras were posted this morning except the two for local pick up, please comfirm with me when you receive it. I forgot to ask for receipts because I spent more than two hours to find the location to pick up them during my trip and left in hurry....Sorry about this:( So I wrote down the date (2013.1.1) on the box for two years warranty which are accepted by ZWO, no worries to contact them (contact details on their website) if there is any problem. I would also be happly to help if needed].

Cheers
Guodong

I have no idea whether it’s proper to post here, please DELETE if NOT.:screwy:
I plan to update my guiding/imaging webcam to ASI120MM and have a chance to visit the company during Christmas holiday. As there is no agent in Aus, I would like bring back some the week after Christmas and post in Aus if anyone is interested (couldn’t be too many), so please PM me or reply if anyone wants. I bargained a small discount for 280$. This price is for local pick up only or about 290$ including postage in Aus.
ASI120MM is a mono USB2 camera (CMOS).
Sensor: 1/3 inch Aptina AR0130CS/MT9M034
Exposure time:64µs-1000s
Pixel Size: 3.75um x 3.75um square
Active pixels: 1280X960@30FPS BIN2X2 640X480@30FPS
1280X720@40FPS
1024X768@35FPS
1024X600@55FPS
1024X400@80FPS
800X640@50FPS
800X512@60FPS
800X400@80FPS
800X320@100FPS
640X560@60FPS
640X480@70FPS
512X400@80FPS
480X320@100FPS
320X240@130FPS
Compatible with the Guiding softwares: GuideMaster （not in win7）, PHDGuiding, MaxIM-DL, MetaGuide

A test from Emil posted on Cloudy Nights for Jupiter and M42
http://www.cloudynights.com/ubbthreads/showflat.php/Cat/0/Number/5530883/page/0/view/collapsed/sb/5/o/all/fpart/1 (http://www.cloudynights.com/ubbthreads/showflat.php/Cat/0/Number/5530883/page/0/view/collapsed/sb/5/o/all/fpart/1)

[Mighty_oz]

I'm interested in one :)

[guodong]

No problem, Marcus

You are the first one:thumbsup:. Please be patient for 4 weeks, only because I have to post here first before my trip next week.

Cheers

[guodong]

Re the concerned PMs

There is also coloured type (called ASI120MC, C means coloured one), but less sensitive, because of the built in RGB filter. With the mono one can get the color image with extra RGB filter and filter wheel (more complex and expensive). Myself will use it for guiding most of time and mostly image moon and sun, so I prefer the more sensitive mono one. But the color one is also a choice.

Cheers

[naskies]

Thanks for the tip! I had no idea about this company or these cameras prior to your post.

Quick question - is this the same product as what the manufacturer is listing for sale on Alibaba? It's apparently $298 USD including EMS shipping to Aus and a 150 degree wide angle lens.

http://www.aliexpress.com/store/product/ZWO-Astronomy-Camera-ASI120MM-Free-shipping/311206_647449237.html

There's also a gold coloured camera for $248 USD with slightly higher specs, but no bundled lens:

http://www.aliexpress.com/item/ZWO-Astronomy-Camera-ASI130MM-Gold/521403546.html

[guodong]

Hi, Dave
Yes, the link is the manufacture ZWO who developed ASI webcam. The gold one is 130MM, which is less sensitive than 120MM. Anyone could buy directly from the link (better to contact them first), but their website says the free shipping to the end of 2012. I didn’t introduce much because I’m not the agent, and it is like an advertisement…:eyepop:
Both ZWO and QHY are Chinese companies, started by amateur astronomers. QHY has longer experience, which might start around 2003 and focused on cooled CCD. Of course, the guider QHY5 is very successful and has extensive users. ZWO started last year, initially focused on reflector telescopes and then moved to ASI webcam. I think both ASI120MM and QHY5L-II used the same COMS from their introductions, MT9M034.
http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/showthread.php?t=100350 (http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/showthread.php?t=100350)
Actually, ASI120MM appeared a little bit earlier on Chinese market, about in May, so I paid more attention to it, and QHY5L-II was about in Sep. But QHY must release the new product in Aus by the agent (QHY5L-II might come soon). To my needs, ASI120MM is better because it can be used to monitor the weather for a remote observatory by its wide angle lens (My final dream is to build a remote control system at my hometown in China and I can control it here in Aus, long way to go:shrug:...). And during my trip, I will visit the city for academic issue where ZWO is, so I contact them and arranged the visit.
Cheers,

[5ash]

What software would you use to capture images with this camera?
Philip

[guodong]

Hi, Philip

SharpCap is the best choice for ZWO ASI cameras.
http://www.sharpcap.co.uk/sharpcap/zwoptical-cameras

It shows the previous ASI130MM, the newest version works for 120MM.

FireCapture is also OK.

Cheers,
Guodong

[allan gould]

Guodong
Will you be able to supply these cameras with the USB cable, wide angle (150 degree) lens, M42-1.25" T adapter and IR-CUT filter as offered by ZWO astronomy?
Allan

[guodong]

Hi, Allan

You are right, including all you mentioned. Actually it's offered by ZWO. Seems like I introduced this camera:confused2:. No matter to buy from their link directly. Because most don't know this camera and don't know how to buy, so I don't mind to bring some during my visit. My role is just to have a name list who is interested and wants me to help, then I pay first and bring back, posted in Aus. It's offered by ZWO, no doubt under its warranty or any service.

Cheers
Guodong

[guodong]

[update]
As some PMs concern, I contacted ZWO again and clear some points:
1. ASI120 cameras have two types, mono (120MM) and colour (120MC). Mono one is more sensitive than colour one. Because we buy as a group-purchase, ZWO would like to offer a further discount to incent more potential users. That is 270$ for 120MM and 250$ for 120MC (You have to pay for postage in Aus or local pick from Wollongong). So who have ordered please PM me which one you want, mono or colour one.
Anyone could also buy from their website directly, they will charge shipping from next year (20 days left for free shipping) http://www.zwoptical.com/Eng/index.asp (http://www.zwoptical.com/Eng/index.asp)
2. The whole set includes camera, USB cable, wide angle (150 degree) lens, M42-1.25" T adapter and IR-CUT filter. Driver and imaging software via download from their website. And they offer two years warranty.
Besides the functions of imaging and guiding, the wide angle lens could be used to monitor the weather for a remote observatory or capture meteors, etc
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bZJnRMWtR0c
http://v.youku.com/v_show/id_XNDQ5NjkxMTgw.html
http://v.youku.com/v_show/id_XNDMzMTY3Nzgw.html
3. I have never used ASI120 cameras, only kept an eye for months and read some posts on internet, so no user experience from me. But pics could be found through websites.
Cheers
Guodong

[allan gould]

Guodong
Can you use PhDGuiding with this camera?
Allan

[h0ughy]

read above Al - i think so . looking forward to mine when it gets here Guodong

[allan gould]

I have PMed Guodong and I'll look forward to mine too Houghy. Yeah saw phdguiding in another site and in message above.

[guodong]

For those who have ordered, in order to save time, please PM me your post address and name these days. I can also check the postage. Local pick up is welcomed.

Cheers
Guodong

[h0ughy]

I have PMed you the details for myself, but i must thank you for doing what you have - very much appreciated

[allan gould]

Im also much indebted to you for such a generous gesture to the members of IIS. I have also PMed you with my details.

[ReaPerMan]

Details sent by PM. Many Thanks

Paul :thumbsup:

[John0z]

Guodong,

Thanks - my camera arrived this morning, and I have already connected it up with the existing lens. Also the Sharpcap that is available from ZWOptical is a later version (slightly) than is available on the Sharpcap website.

I had an idea - this could be the makings of a good all sky camera with the existing 150deg lens, although a 180deg lens would be better, but not essential since who has a good view of the horizon in Sydney?

-John

[guodong]

Thanks, John

I haven't even tried my one...And I don't keep a guiding mount in hand here to test its guiding performance
Hope see such experiences from all of you guys, imaging (planetary and deep sky), guiding, or monitor sky\weather, etc

I'll try my one for lunar and solar images (or big comet) first with a small telescope and then the wide angle lens for mikyway or meteor. I might leave this post for a while, but after all of you receive the cameras, it will be changed to [Sold] and thrown into Archives.

So later the tests and discussions might be posted in equipment part.:welcome:

Cheers
Guodong

[DJT]

mine is here safely..thanks very much. Have done a quick check and all seems fine. Thanks

[allan gould]

Camera arrived this morning and I installed all software recommended. The camera was recognized and performed well. Very impressed with the features especially the ROI which is most useful.
Thanks so much for your efforts as its much appreciated.
Allan

[5ash]

Hi Guodong,
Arrived this morning , tried it on my PC indoors running XP and everything loaded and camera was detected by sharpcap but only a black capture screen , I did not despair and loaded drivers and software on my observatory PC and this time got a light coloured capture screen which changed intensity when my hand moved over the front of the camera.Now all I need is a "cool" evening to try it on a scope. Not sure why the first computer would not work with it. Any way looks like its :) going , many thanks again.
Regards Philip

[allan gould]

Have trialled the ASI120MM tonight briefly as an autoguider using PhDGuiding and am pleased to report that with one second exposures it revealed very faint stars and guided on the faintest with ease using the WDM setting after setting the camera details. It appears to be far more sensitive than my DSI II Pro as a guider and gives a very clean image after dark subtraction.
Very pleased so far and will have to trial it as a planetary camera when the clouds go away.

[guodong]

Thanks, David, Allan and Philip.

[h0ughy]

mine arrived this morning via my personal post office. will play with it later. thank you

[guodong]

Thanks, David:)

[Mighty_oz]

Just got mine today, just in time for some rain ( I hope ! ) Thanks ! :)

[h0ughy]

well its too hot/cloudy/cruddy but i managed to test it LOL using the lens that came with it

[ReaPerMan]

Mine has just arrived here in WA... Another nightshift to work tonight and then I can give it a try. Thanks for getting these cameras for us.

all the best

Paul :thumbsup::thumbsup:

[guodong]

Thanks for the notice, Marcus and Paul, enjoy it!

[ReaPerMan]

Typical just finished 6 night shifts (4 of which had great weather and a new moon). I have 3 off and what do we have... the back end of a cyclone, wind, rain and cloud. here's a pic of the cam all set up and no where to go :(

[Poita]

My colour one hasn't arrived yet, I'll be interested to see how it performs compared to the colour DBK618 on planets.

[guodong]

Hi, Peter

:eyepop:Supprized that you haven't got it. It's delivered, probably you need to check with the local post office. I leave the tracking number home, will PM you this afternoon when I'm back.

Cheers
Guodong

[Occulta]

I had the great pleasure to meet Guodong yesterday afternoon when picking up my camera and focuser. We had arranged to meet in the 'Gong and after a phone-call advising him of my arrival, Guodong arrived 10 minutes later with goods in hand and a smile on his face.

The camera box was still sealed and after a quick inspection, at his request, the exchange was made.

As with everyone else, I would like to express my thanks to Guodong for getting these cameras for us.

Chris

[Mighty_oz]

Hey Allan how did u get the camera to control the mount with PHD, tried on camera no good, ascom no good either no driver as yet ? Got a pmx any hints ?

Thanks Marcus.

[allan gould]

Select WDM as the guide camera as per the instructions on the ASI site.

[Mighty_oz]

Yeah got that :) then select resolution that all works ok, how did u get phd to control the mount is the Q ?

Marcus

[allan gould]

I use pulse guide for my Losmandy mount with the Losmandy Ascom driver. I just connect to the camera, then connect to the mount, calibrate and it then guides.

[DJT]

Got a chance to play with this last night. Not done any Lunar before so apologies for the processing buts its a seriously nice bit of kit. Very sensitive.

Full size image in link below

http://astrob.in/30485/

Thanks for sourcing these.

dt

[John0z]

Just a note for anyone needing to use the 1/4" photo mounting hole at the back of the camera - the hole machining seems to have been pressed such that the thread lead-in isn't there. I checked with ZWO to confirm that it was supposed to be the right thread, and used a taper tap to start the lead-in as they suggested. After doing this carefully, the camera goes onto my photo tripod adapter quite readily.

[LAW]

Ive been reading up on these because I didn't see this tread in time to get onboard but I might order one off thier online store. I have a few questions though.
The red an gold models are both 1.3mpx CMOS sensors, how come the gold is cheaper?
Are they cooled?
It says they support long exposures for DSOs but the longest I could find an example of is one second, anyone have any experience with this?

I'm thinking of getting one a ls a guider planetary

[OICURMT]

Difference are in the specifications... to summarize ASI120MM versus ASI130MM:


Camera: ASI120MM (http://www.zwoptical.com/eng/Cameras/ASI120/index.asp) vs. ASI130MM (http://www.zwoptical.com/Eng/Cameras/ASI130MM/index.asp)
Chip: MT9M034 (1/3") (http://www.aptina.com/products/image_sensors/mt9m034/) vs. MT9M001 (1/2")
(http://www.aptina.com/products/image_sensors/mt9m001c12stm/)
Chip size: 1280x960 (1.2mp) vs. 1280X1024 (1.3mp)
Pixel size - 3.75µm vs. 5.2µm
Bits: 12 vs. 8

You can do exposures as long as 128 seconds. Mine gets too noisy after 8 seconds though, so I'd say that while you could probably do it, you'll need a good library of darks. You might be able to put a Peltier on the back and a fan.... maybe.

As for short exposures for planets... yep.. very good camera.


<LATE EDIT: No, they are not cooled>

[LAW]

Excellent, thanks! I think I'll keep my Starshoot/DSLR combo if it was cooled I'd definitely consider it, but for the price there's not much that comes close. Looks like good value, just doesn't suit my needs.

[OICURMT]

If you have the mono Starshoot, it has the *exact* same chip as the ASI130MM (The Gold one)...

[Mighty_oz]

Hey, has anyone been able to guide a PMX with this camera ? If so what program and settings did u use ?

Marcus.

[guodong]

Finally finished. A bit frustrated that I have never thought it took such a long time because two of the cameras were sent to the wrong address. However, fortunately they were found and the last one was delivered to Peter today. Thanks guys, hope everyone enjoy it and get your images soon.
For the late PMs, I don’t mind to help during next trip two months later. However, everyone could buy directly and I think a local club could organise the group-purchase to get a discount and save some shipment. And Sam is back. Contact him for any technical problems.:thumbsup:
http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/showthread.php?t=102658 (http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/showthread.php?t=102658)
Cheers