Lacerta DeepSkyPro2600 - cooled 26 MPixels APS-C Color Camera

Lacerta DeepSkyPro2600 - cooled 26 MPixels APS-C Color Camera

Here the new sensational SONY EXMOR IMX571 chip was installed, which has almost ideal characteristics for astrophotography:

extreme sensitivity thanks to the backside illumination technology

very low readout noise of 0.7-3.5 e- (depending on gain setting)

very low dark current of 0.0005 e- (per pixel and second, at -20 °C)

no more visible amplifier glow - clean raw images

native 16-bit A/D converter

high fullwell capacity of the pixels - less burned out stars

Sensor specification IMX571:

pixel size 3.76 µm x 3.76 µm

sensor size 23.48 mm x 15.67 mm, 6224x4168 pixels, 26MP

exposure times 0.1 ms to 3600 s

Bayer matrix RGGB

binning modes 1x1, 2x2, 3x3

readout speeds 6.8 fps @6224x4168(16bit), 14 fps @6224x4168, 37 fps @3104x2048, 110 fps @2064x1388

Other camera features:

Gain and offset are separately adjustable to be prepared for both high dynamic range as well as for lowest readout noise at short exposures. We recommend Gain 0 and Offset 100 as basic settings, and in addition LowConversionGain for highest dynamic range, and HighConversionGain for high sensitivity with little dynamic range loss.

The 2-stage adjustable Peltier cooling is powerful enough to really cool a full 42 °C below ambient - enough even for hot summer nights.

A window heater is built in - good for humid fall nights to keep the camera window from fogging up.

An external desiccant cartridge can be attached to draw moisture out of the sealed camera body.

Red LEDs on the back of the camera for status indication and a USB hub with 2 USB2 ports, in addition to the USB3 camera port.

IR cut filter built into the camera window

Connection M48 female thread with 17.5 mm back focus to the sensor

Software

The connection with APT, SharpCap and other control programs succeeds without problems via the Ascom driver.

The included program ToupSky offers extensive functionalities and is excellent also for planetary imaging, it can display raw images also pre-debayed with correct colors (white balance).

The drivers are installed with the ToupSky software, please download Ascom and DirectShow drivers from the support folder:

Click here, scroll down to "SUPPORT" if necessary.

Astrophotographic results obtained with this camera on Astrobin

Here you can find some astrophotographs made with this camera model: Link to Astrobin

Good storage is an important preventive measure against dew and also extends the service life

After use, put the camera straight into the TS Protect Case and add some silica gel. During storage, the silica gel absorbs the moisture from the camera. At the same time, the penetration of moist room air is prevented. Dry storage can even partially regenerate the small desiccant tablets in cooled cameras. Your camera or accessories are always ready for you in optimum condition. You can find the silica gel and the case in our product recommendations.

The cameras are not airtight, so if the camera remains on the telescope, it is exposed to moisture. The small amount of desiccant in the camera can protect the sensor and the inside of the protective glass from moisture for the duration of the exposure, but not for days on end. Moisture problems can be the result. A simple trick is to stretch a plastic bag around the focuser to which the camera is attached so that no air can get in. Silica gel is placed in a small cloth bag inside the plastic bag. This will also create a "dry climate zone" for the camera on the telescope. This allows you to leave the camera on the telescope for a few days for an imaging session lasting several days.

In the medium and long term, however, this is no substitute for proper storage in an airtight case with silica gel.

Astrophotographic results obtained with this camera on Astrobin

Here you can find some astrophotographs made with this camera model: Link to Astrobin

Safety informations: PDF Download