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IMPORTANT: Our store is located in Canada. All orders that include products manufactured outside of Canada or USA will be subject to tariffs and duties, regardless of the order value. US customers are responsible for all applicable duties and tariffs, and those will be billed by the carrier, except for the Lacerta upgrade kit, for which we collect them at checkout.
QHYCCD Level Convertor Board Kit (for Scientific Cameras)

QHYCCD Level Convertor Board Kit (for Scientific Cameras)

by QHYCCD
SKU QHY-090036
$60.00 - $60.00
$60.00
$60.00 - $60.00
$60.00
Price Match Policy!
  • Interfaces with camera's high-speed 6-pin GPIO port
  • Provides safe, buffered access to FPGA signals
  • User-configurable VCC supports logic levels from 1.8V to 5V
  • Configurable I/O direction via DIP switches for four signals
  • Available in 1.8V and 2.5V versions for specific QHYCCD models
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  • Description
  • FAQ
  • Specifications
  • In the Box
  • Warranty

  • QHYCCD Level Convertor Board Kit (for Scientific Cameras)

    The QHYCCD Level Convertor Board Kit unlocks the high-speed 6-pin GPIO port on scientific cameras like the QHY600PRO and QHY2020. This board creates a safe, configurable interface to signals directly from the camera's FPGA, with two distinct versions for different camera models: a 1.8V board for the QHY600PRO, QHY411, QHY461, QHY268PRO, and QHY4040PRO, and a 2.5V board for the QHY2020 and QHY42PRO.

    Access High-Speed 6-Pin GPIO Signals

    Certain QHYCCD scientific cameras feature a 6-pin GPIO socket for direct, high-speed communication with the main FPGA, essential for custom triggering and receiving shutter measurement signals. This connection is significantly faster than the opto-coupled SMA ports. The Level Convertor Board makes this port user-friendly, utilizing four CMOS gates whose I/O direction can be set via DIP switches to match the required signal mode.

    1.8V to 5V Level Shifting and FPGA Protection

    Directly connecting external equipment to the camera's FPGA risks damage from voltage mismatches. This board completely isolates the sensitive internal components. It allows you to apply a user-side VCC voltage anywhere from +1.8V to +5V, and the board converts the signals to match, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of external controllers and instruments.

    Compatibility: 1.8V and 2.5V Board Versions

    To ensure correct voltage matching with the camera's internal logic, QHYCCD offers two versions of the board. Choosing the correct model is critical for proper function and is determined by the camera you intend to use it with.

    • QHYCCD-LCB-6PIN-1.8V: Required for the QHY600PRO, QHY411, QHY461, QHY268PRO, and QHY4040PRO cameras.
    • QHYCCD-LCB-6PIN-2.5V: Required for the QHY2020 and QHY42PRO cameras.

  • What is the QHYCCD Level Convertor Board used for?

    The QHYCCD Level Convertor Board is designed for advanced users who need to interface external electronic equipment with their QHYCCD scientific camera's 6-pin GPIO port. It's used for tasks like external triggering, synchronizing multiple cameras, or receiving precise shutter timing signals for custom instrumentation.

    Why do I need this board instead of connecting directly to my QHY600PRO's 6-pin port?

    Connecting wires directly to the camera's GPIO port risks damaging the main FPGA with incorrect voltage levels or static discharge. The Level Convertor Board protects the camera's internal electronics by providing a buffered, isolated interface and allows you to safely convert signals from a range of external voltage levels (1.8V to 5V).

    How do I choose between the 1.8V and 2.5V versions of the Level Convertor Board?

    The correct version depends entirely on your camera model.

    • Select the 1.8V version (QHYCCD-LCB-6PIN-1.8V) for the QHY600PRO, QHY411, QHY461, QHY268PRO, or QHY4040PRO.
    • Select the 2.5V version (QHYCCD-LCB-6PIN-2.5V) for the QHY2020 or QHY42PRO.
    Using the wrong board will result in improper function.

    Can I use the QHYCCD board to trigger my QHY268PRO from a 5V logic signal?

    Yes. You would use the 1.8V version of the board (model QHYCCD-LCB-6PIN-1.8V) for the QHY268PRO. By supplying +5V to the board's user-side VCC input, it will correctly interpret the 5V logic signal from your external controller and convert it to the safe 1.8V level required by the camera's FPGA.

    Is the 6-pin port on my QHY411 faster than the SMA ports for getting a shutter signal?

    Yes. The 6-pin GPIO port provides a direct connection to the FPGA, offering higher speed signal access compared to the two SMA ports, which use a slower opto-coupler. For applications requiring the most precise timing, using the Level Convertor Board with the 6-pin port is the preferred method.

    How do I configure the signal direction on the Level Convertor Board?

    The board features a set of DIP switches that control the direction (input or output) for each of the four configurable I/O lines. This allows you to set up the board to match the specific requirements of your application, whether you are sending a trigger signal to the camera or receiving a status signal from it.

  • 1.8V Model Compatibility QHY600PRO 6pin, QHY411 6pin, QHY461 6pin, QHY268PRO 6pin, QHY4040PRO 6pin
    2.5V Model Compatibility QHY2020 6pin, QHY42PRO 6pin
  • QHYCCD Warranty