QSI 660wsg-8 with 8pos filterwheel and Off Axis Guider - Sensor D=16 mm

CCD-cameras by QSI:

Among astrophotographers CCD-cameras from QSI (Quantum Scientific Imaging) count as the highest-quality and most prestigious of their kind. This is not only due to their thoughtful construction, but also their aesthetic and processing quality. The main feature of the 600 series are middle-sized CCD sensors with very low noise and high dynamic range. The camera-specific electronics, from which other manufacturers of CCD cameras often show restrictions, are also of the highest quality. As a result the system noise as opposed to the sensor noise is in practice irrelevant; it amounts to only 1/30 of the sensor noise. Whenever then there is a very weak signal and only a few photons hit the sensor - and this is exactly the case with deep-sky photography - QSI CCD cameras shine. With this camera it is possible to get the maximum out of your equipment and location. Next to an uncompromising build quality QSI cameras are also sursprisingly compact and very energy-efficient, in spite of their powerful cooling.

The QSI 660wsg-8 in summary:

The QSI 660wsg-8 offers a comprehensively equipped high-end CCD camera that leaves no desires open. Next to the installed brand-new Sony sensor ICX694 with a max. quantum efficiency over 75% the camera has a 8 position filterwheel integrated into the aluminum body, which permits a high level of flexibility in changing your filters and also allows an unvignetted image even with fast optical systems. Directly connected to the filterwheel one finds a high-quality off-axis guider, which not only spares you valuable optical space, but also inconvenience in fitting adaptors. To minimize dark current the QSI-660wsg-8 has a powerful two-element TEC cooling-system, with which a sensor cooling of max. 45 °C relative to ambient temperature is achievable. Through an optional liquid heat exchanger one can even reach a Delta-T of 55 °C. Included with the camera is an extensive driver and software bundle, which provides immediate use.

The brand new Sony Sensor ICX694:

Sony CCD sensors rank among the most light-sensitive and noiseless on the market. The ICX694 features an extremely high resolution of 2758x2208 (6.1 MP) with a pixel-size of 4.54 microns, as well as an outstanding maximum quantum efficiency of 77% (at 560 nm). Alongside the remarkably low dark current (<0.002 electrons per second at -10 °C), the sensor has an antiblooming-gate, microlenses and a fast electronic shutter.

Integrated 8-Position Filterwheel and Off-Axis Guider:

The QSI 660wsg-8 features an integrated a filterwheel with 8 positions for 1.25" filters. One can also for example insert next to the standard filter set LRGB all custom narrowband filters H-Alpha, Olll, Sll und Nll, without ever changing the filters. One can also use this filterwheel with unmounted 31 mm filters. A pre-installed internal filterwheel has many advantages: The filters are protected from dust and pollen throughout the entire year. Due to the compact build one has more optical space available and thereby more flexibility in choosing correctors. As the filter lies close to the sensor, an unvignetted, fully illuminated field of view is guaranteed, also with small and inexpensive 1.25" filters, even with fast optical systems.
The similarly integrated off-axis guider solves many problems that occur when guiding with a separate guide scope, but also brings advantages for astrophotographers familiar with OAGs. Through the combination of primary scope and guide scope differential flexure is prevented and guiding is significantly more precise. Thanks to the large prism and the position in front of the filters, one will successfully and continuously be able to find guide stars.

Energy-efficient, powerful CCD Sensor Cooling:

A further strength of the QSI 660wsg-8 is its energy-efficient and superior cooling system. It consists of a 2-element TEC system and is equipped with intelligent, programmable fans. It can reach a cooling performance of 45 °C relative to ambient temperature; the temperature is then maintained within a tolerance of +/- 0.1 °C, which is crucial for creating a dark-frame library. With an optional liquid heat-exchanger the cooling performance will be further enhanced to a Delta-T of 55 °C.
So that such a drastic temperature is without condensation or frost forming on the sensor, the latter is seated within a hermetically sealed chamber, filled with ultra-dry noble gas.

Astrophotographic results obtained with this camera on Astrobin

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

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