Interesting (new?) Guidecam - Page 2

netwolf · #21 27-02-2007, 06:19 AM

QHY2 uses the ICX412 by default. 3.3MP I think.
http://qhyccd.com/ccdbbs/index.php?topic=15.0

netwolf · #22 27-02-2007, 06:24 AM

Arthur, are you sure maybe thats a newer version see here 16IC
http://www.perseu.pt/atik/product_atk16ic_tech.php
states 659x494 using the ICX-424AL chip.

The 16C uses the 429 chip.
http://www.perseu.pt/atik/product_atk16c_tech.php

Regards

Ambermile · #23 27-02-2007, 06:28 AM

Yup - my mistake, but the sensor area is still comparable? The 16C uses the 429AQ I think, the 16 using the 429AL - the 16ICC uses the 424AQ and the 16IC the 424AL

But on the 412, that pixel size is scary, no? 3.45 microns square is making for a bit of an awkward beast to focus... and still a small sensor area too. Whatever, as you say, it's good to see more camera manufacturers - the likes of SBIG and SX have had it their own way for too long

Arthur

netwolf · #24 27-02-2007, 06:34 AM

Here Here

we need more of em.

I cant comment on pixel size and focus, as I dont know much about this stuff from a practical standpoint. Its my understanding that its better to have less pixels in the same area than to have more. From that standpoint some of these camera's need to be reviewed more closely. SBIG and SX are getting a rude awakening.

Regards

Ambermile · #25 27-02-2007, 06:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by netwolf

Here Here

we need more of em.

I cant comment on pixel size and focus, as I dont know much about this stuff from a practical standpoint. Its my understanding that its better to have less pixels in the same area than to have more. From that standpoint some of these camera's need to be reviewed more closely. SBIG and SX are getting a rude awakening.

Regards

Ain't that the truth - it's amazing that they are likely to still try and maintain their prices in the face of all that's happening. Never mind... come the revolution they'll be the first...

Arthur

netwolf · #26 27-02-2007, 06:40 AM

One point about the QHY is that the CCD cameras dont do video capture like a webcam. Not sure if the ATIK's do this. The cmos version does do video cap.

Regards

Ambermile · #27 27-02-2007, 07:38 AM

Hmm - that's because alot of the camera is on the chip itself and so streaming can be easier to implement - but noise is inherent as a result as there is more of the electronics close to the sensor area. Personally I think for streaming like this (and so by definition for planetary imaging) that cmos-based cameras have been overlooked unjustly. Possibly this can be traced back to the first LE modded webcam which was cmos-based and would "noise-out" after 4 seconds. Thereafter it was ignored by QCUIAG and then by default the future webcam-based imagers to come later and the "CCD Rules" mentality seemd to include all sorts of imaging when it really should have been applied to only the LE side of things.

Arthur

netwolf · #28 27-02-2007, 09:50 AM

Arthur, you are correct, the CMOS version is overlooked. The current Logitech Fusion camera actually does modify quiet well for Planetary imaging. There is a nice website about it that shows what one person Gary has been able to achieve with it, and its impressive. The chip is very similar in specs to the one being used in the QHY cmos cam, but to date it has not been identified.

Regards

allan gould · #29 27-02-2007, 10:04 AM

I have contacted QHY about their guide camera and made certain suggestions that they may be going to implement. The problem with all guide cameras is that you need a laptop or computer in the field to opperate them. Unfortunately meade had the right idea with their 201xt in that it was a stand alone guider but was a &%&*% to operate sucessfully until you learnt all the tricks. But true to meades abilities they didn't continue with it. In my email from them (QHY) it is possible that they are going to implement a stand alone guider with a small CCD screen on the back. This will let you find and centre a guide star and get a fairly good focus. Remember for guiding you dont need perfect focus. They are going to look at making such a beast and it would be perfect for the DSLR astrophotographers. No laptop and less things to go wrong. If there is sufficient interest there will be such a guider which would knock SBIG into a cocked hat.
Allan

h0ughy (David) · #30 27-02-2007, 01:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by allan gould

I have contacted QHY about their guide camera and made certain suggestions that they may be going to implement. The problem with all guide cameras is that you need a laptop or computer in the field to opperate them. Unfortunately meade had the right idea with their 201xt in that it was a stand alone guider but was a &%&*% to operate sucessfully until you learnt all the tricks. But true to meades abilities they didn't continue with it. In my email from them (QHY) it is possible that they are going to implement a stand alone guider with a small CCD screen on the back. This will let you find and centre a guide star and get a fairly good focus. Remember for guiding you dont need perfect focus. They are going to look at making such a beast and it would be perfect for the DSLR astrophotographers. No laptop and less things to go wrong. If there is sufficient interest there will be such a guider which would knock SBIG into a cocked hat.
Allan

what a great idea - get them to do it very soon

Striker (Tony) · #31 27-02-2007, 01:23 PM

Wow we have some sbig haters here...lol

I really think you should be comparing Starlight cameras with the QHY range atleast there using the same chips...SBIG dont use Sony chips.

Saying this I think the QH range is great value if your after a 1 shot color.
Look forward seeing the monochrome in this range....thats a lot more appealing to me then the 1 shot color.

netwolf · #32 27-02-2007, 03:48 PM

SBIG and the other big names are very good cameras, dont get me wrong I respect there quality and reputation. But I do question the value proposition of it, in todays market.

Regards

allan gould · #33 27-02-2007, 04:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by h0ughy

what a great idea - get them to do it very soon

Houghy
The best way would be for you and others to get this development happening would be to get onto his chat line on his website and also say that you are interested in his design. If enough people were to show interest then he would go ahead and start making a model. See quote below

Re: Stand alone autoguider
« Reply #1 on: February 14, 2007, 01:51:04 AM »

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Interesting idea Maybe it can be my next production after QHY11.
I will do some market investment and see if there is many request on this production

Ambermile · #34 27-02-2007, 08:18 PM

Let me get back to you all later with some pics... there's already a low light camera on the market in the US that does this. I got one a couple of years ago to mess about with...

Arthur

Ambermile · #35 28-02-2007, 12:00 AM

OK - take a peek. Camera sits on a 4" TV Zoom

netwolf · #36 28-02-2007, 01:29 AM

Ok I can barely read the text in your picture but I made out nitemax. Here is the website. http://www.nitemax-ultra.com/
Looks interesting. Interchangeable lens, might do as completion for the Astrovid's and Mintorn camera setups. Resolution is 420 lines.

Arthur, Does it have frame integration? and gain controls etc.

Regards

Ambermile · #37 28-02-2007, 02:57 AM

Well young Sherlock, nice digging!

It has only LCD Brightness and Gain control, no integration, but in the 4" lens in the pic it will show M42 rather well. It is a C mount fitting incidentally.

There were a few of them for sale on Ebay a year or so ago, and we got two of them. The streamed video can be integrated on a pc to give a decent image but in this context (of standalone guiding) it's a bit of a nonstarter if you use one

I actually rather like it as a camera and on brighter targets it's not bad. Maybe AstroVideo could do something with it but I never got around to trying... always too much to do and not enough time! Was even going to drop it in the big dob at one time but forgot all about it until this discussion

Arthur

Gama · #38 28-02-2007, 05:16 AM

Jeepers, i missed this post, and had to read 35 of them at once..
Let me see if i can sort some things out.
OK, with the Q guider, this is the QHY Cmos guider camera. The U.S distributer (Who was also one of the founders of the SAC cameras) renames them. As he does the QHY8 to his model, and the difference there being that his model uses the USB port to power the camera and the Peltier cooler instead of an external power supply. This really puts a strain on the USB port, but thats the difference anyway.

Now, Allan, i have been in contact with Qiu about the guider, and i also put this to him some months back. You are right in saying the more people wanting the self guiding the better.
But so far, it is on the board for design. The problem is Qiu (QHY) is producing too many products too fast, and its taking a huge toll on further design and modifications. This guy assembles the cameras himself, and as of 2 days ago, he had 22 QHY8 cameras being built alone. Some of these are headed here to Aus to some customers that ordered them, others around the world.
Tony (Striker) is right with the competing models comparing to SBIG, but you all might not know about the QHY3 which some used the Kodak 6303 mono sensor http://web.aanet.com.au/gama/QHY3.html (Site still under construction), which is now discontinued. Im trying to bring this model back, but we need more people that will be interested in this model. The reason its being chopped is because of the big 11Mpixel camera comming. The price difference is only marginal between the two, and the demand is more for the 11 Mpixel camera. Other things going on are future mechanical shutters for cameras, temperature readout on screen, and a couple i cant reveal just yet.
What makes Qiu different to large corporates is that he is contactable and down to earth, willing to hear anything from anyone. He supplies ALL information about the camera and firmware for others to use and program.
All issues and problems are on the table, and discussed openly. Show me any one else that does that.
Thanks to Fahim (Netwolf) for answering most of your questions and concerns (Where do you want me to send the check ?...).
If you guys need any info or help just drop me an email or private message.
http://web.aanet.com.au/gama/index.html for basic info and emailing me. Like i said, its still under construction.

Oh yeah, i made this post long, so you guys can suffer the tourment of making me read the 35 posts earlier.....

C ya guys

Theo

netwolf · #39 28-02-2007, 09:45 AM

Gamma, Thanks mate I will send my details

. Just kidding my only interest is to see more camera's like this come out, to compete with the mainstream. As I believe this will help to keep prices affordable. And to see local business bring these in and support them, at reasonable markups.

Regards

Striker (Tony) · #40 28-02-2007, 12:17 PM

Thanks for the info Theo,

Bit surprising they are going for the 11mp chip...firstly it doesn't suit a lot of scopes and the 6303 chip is a far better chip anyway and will suit almost any scope.

I suppose you dont have any ides off the cost of these cameras with the above chips mentioned....????