Moravian C2-46000 monochrome CMOS Camera, cooled, sensor D=23.2 mm

C2 Series CMOS Cameras

The cooled C2 series CMOS cameras were developed for imaging under extremely low-light conditions in astronomy, microscopy and similar areas. Mechanical design of this series inherits from earlier CCD-based G2 Mark II cameras, which makes the C2 series fully compatible with vast range of telescope adapters, off-axis guider adapters, internal or external filter wheels, Camera Ethernet adapters, guiding cameras etc.

C2 cameras are designed to be connected with the host PC through USB 3.0 interface, operating at 5 Gbps. Cameras are also compatible with USB 2.0 port to communicate with a host PC.

Most C2 camera models are equipped with Sony IMX global shutter CMOS detectors with square 3.45×3.45 µm or 4.50×4.50 µm pixels. In contrast, this camera uses a rolling shutter CMOS detector with a pixel size of only 2.315 µm, which can be brought to 4.63 µm by 2x2 binning - higher light sensitivity, greater dynamic range and, due to the rolling shutter, higher frame rates. The only disadvantage of the rolling shutter is image distortion when shooting moving objects with short exposure times, as the individual lines are exposed one after the other, not simultaneously.

Exposure control
C2 cameras are suitable for very short exposure times. The shortest exposure time for the C2-46000 is 200 µs (1/5000 second). The step size for the exposure time is 100 µs, so the second shortest exposure time is 300 µs, etc.

The long exposure is only controlled by the host PC and there is no upper limit for the exposure time. In practice, the longest exposure times are limited by the saturation of the sensor either by incident light or by the dark current.

Cooling and power supply
Regulated thermoelectric cooling is capable to cool the CMOS sensor up to 45 °C below ambient temperature. The Peltier hot side is cooled by fan. The sensor temperature is regulated with +/-0.1 °C precision. High temperature drop and precision regulation ensure very low dark current for long exposures and allow proper image calibration.
The camera head contains two temperature sensors - the first sensor measures directly the temperature of the CMOS sensor package. The second one measures the temperature inside the camera shell.

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.

Note: Some pictures show accessories which are not included in the scope of delivery.

- Kamera head with telescope adapter
- Power supply with 1.8 m long power cable
- USB 3.0 A-B cable, length 2 m
- User manual
- Hard case

Safety informations: PDF Download