QHY 5-III 178C [COLOUR]

The QHY 5-III 178C uses the new IMX178 STARVIS Exmor R back-illuminated CMOS sensor (STARVIS is Sony's designation for sensors that can record real time videos in starlight). This sensor has 6.3 Megapixels which makes it suitable for Lunar and Solar high resolution imaging. The pixels have a size of only 2.4 µm, a perfect fit for imaging planets with regular Barlow lenses and low-medium focal length telescopes. For example, a 2X Barlow combined with an f/10 Schmidt Cassegrain and a 4X Barlow in an f/5 Newtonian allows to reach the ideal pixel scale. Cameras with large pixels require more powerful Barlow lenses.

As for all QHY III cameras, the backfocus is only 11mm which is advantageous for instruments where the focusing travel is limited such as in off axis guiders.

The QHY III cameras can reach a data transfer speed of up to 350 MByte/s via USB3.0 port, ideal for high speed imaging of fast-rotating planets. For the 178M it translates to an output of 50 FPS at full resolution and up to 190 FPS at selected ROI. 

The metal body and the advanced thermal design aim to dissipate the heat generated by the sensor and electronics and therefore to reduce the noise. The QHY5-III cameras include a heavy duty 5-pin socket for a solid connection between the camera and other devices. The package includes a 5-pin-LEMO-to-RJ11 adapter for autoguiding with the ST4 cable.

1. QHY 5-III 178C
2. Metal box
3. 5mm extender with a 1.25" external diameter and female thread M28 x 0.6 for filters
4. 20mm extender with a 1.25" external diameter and female thread M28 x 0.6 for filters
5. USB 3.0 cable (2 meters)
6. ST4 cable (1.5 meter)
7. Focus locking ring
8. Plastic shims to adjust the CS lens distance (lens not included)
9. Camera dust cap

Guide to installing QHY and ASCOM drivers for QHYCCD cameras.

QHY camera drivers

QHY 5-III 178C manual