{"product_id":"qhyccd-qhy174c-gps","title":"QHYCCD QHY174GPS Scientific CMOS Camera","description":"\u003cul class=\"DAV-feature-list\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOnboard GPS module with 1 micro-second UTC time-stamping precision\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSony IMX174 2 Megapixel monochrome sensor\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHigh-speed Electronic Global Shutter eliminates motion artifacts\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCaptures full 1920x1200 frames at up to 138 FPS\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDual-stage TEC cooling achieves -40°C below ambient\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e5.86µm pixels and \u0026gt;32ke- full well capacity\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c!-- more --\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"tabs\"\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"active\"\u003eDescription\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFAQ\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIn the Box\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDownloads\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWarranty\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"tabs-content\"\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"active\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-bg-light\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-section-center\"\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eQHY174GPS Scientific CMOS Camera\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe QHY174GPS integrates a 2 Megapixel Sony IMX174 monochrome sensor with a hardware GPS module, embedding timestamps with 1 micro-second precision directly into each frame. Its Electronic Global Shutter eliminates motion artifacts while capturing full 1920x1200 frames at up to 138 FPS over its USB3.0 interface. For low-noise scientific work, the dual-stage TEC cooler achieves a delta of -40°C below ambient, reducing dark current to just 0.224e-\/pixel\/sec.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-bg-light\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-section\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e1 Microsecond GPS Timing: Capture Events with Unprecedented Precision\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe defining feature of the QHY174GPS is its integrated GPS module, which provides hardware-level time-stamping accurate to 1 micro-second against the global UTC clock. This capability is essential for time-domain astronomy, including stellar occultations by asteroids and Kuiper Belt Objects, where precise timing is required to accurately model the object's size, shape, and orbit. The camera records the start of exposure for every frame, providing the unambiguous data required for professional-amateur collaborations and scientific publication.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-bg-light\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-section\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eSony IMX174 Global Shutter: 2 MP Imaging with Zero Distortion\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAt the heart of the camera is the 2 Megapixel Sony IMX174 sensor, renowned for its Electronic Global Shutter. Unlike rolling shutters that can distort fast-moving objects, a global shutter exposes all 1920x1200 pixels simultaneously. This completely eliminates motion artifacts, ensuring that planets are not warped by rotation, meteors remain perfectly straight streaks, and lucky imaging frames are free from atmospheric turbulence-induced distortion.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-bg-light\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-section\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e138 FPS Capture and 512KB Buffer for Transient Phenomena\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTo capture fleeting events, the QHY174GPS reads out its full 2 MP sensor at 138 FPS in 8-bit mode and 75.1 FPS in 16-bit mode. For even faster captures, a Region of Interest (ROI) of 480 lines boosts the frame rate to 305 FPS. The camera also includes a 512KB internal buffer (with 100KB user-accessible), allowing it to store short bursts of high-speed data directly on the camera, mitigating potential data loss from computer or USB bus latency during a critical event.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-bg-light\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-section\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eDual-Stage TEC Cooling: -40°C Below Ambient for Low-Noise Science\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhile designed for high-speed applications, the QHY174GPS includes a powerful dual-stage thermoelectric cooling system capable of reducing the sensor temperature to -40°C below ambient. This dramatically lowers thermal noise, with dark current dropping to 0.224e-\/pixel\/sec at -20°C. This low-noise performance, combined with a read noise as low as 1.6e-, makes the camera versatile enough for applications requiring longer exposures, such as exoplanet transit photometry or detailed solar imaging.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-bg-light\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-section\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eQHY174GPS vs. Standard IMX174 Cameras: The GPS Advantage\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStandard cameras using the Sony IMX174 sensor are excellent, cost-effective tools for planetary, lunar, and solar imaging. They share the same global shutter and high frame rates, making them a top choice for capturing high-resolution surface detail.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe QHY174GPS, however, is a specialized scientific instrument. For applications where the exact timing of an event is the primary data product—such as occultations, satellite tracking, or meteor triangulation—software-based timestamps are insufficient. The hardware-level GPS timing of the QHY174GPS is the key differentiator, providing the verifiable, microsecond-level precision required for serious scientific research.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eWhat is the primary application for the QHY174GPS camera?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe QHY174GPS is designed for \u003cstrong\u003etime-domain astronomy\u003c\/strong\u003e and other scientific applications that require extremely precise timing. Its main use is for recording stellar occultations, where the 1 micro-second GPS timestamp on each frame allows astronomers to create highly accurate models of asteroids and other solar system bodies.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eHow does the QHY174GPS's global shutter help when imaging Jupiter?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJupiter rotates very quickly, and atmospheric seeing causes its image to warp rapidly. A camera with a rolling shutter can introduce distortion, making the planet appear \"wobbly\" or smeared. The \u003cstrong\u003eElectronic Global Shutter\u003c\/strong\u003e on the QHY174GPS exposes the entire sensor at once, freezing the motion and preventing these artifacts, resulting in sharper, more accurate planetary images.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eDo I need the GPS function on the QHY174GPS for regular planetary imaging?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo. For general planetary, lunar, or solar imaging, the GPS function is not necessary. A standard camera with the same Sony IMX174 sensor would be a more cost-effective choice. The GPS module is a specialized feature for scientific work where knowing the exact time of an event is critical.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eWhat does the 1 micro-second timing precision of the QHY174GPS mean in practice?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt means the start time of every single exposure is known relative to Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) with an error of only one-millionth of a second. When multiple observers record the same occultation event from different locations, this high-precision data allows them to combine their observations to reconstruct the target's size, shape, and position with extreme accuracy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eCan I use the QHY174GPS to accurately time a meteor for scientific analysis?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes, this is an ideal application. The combination of the QHY174GPS's high frame rate (up to 305 FPS with ROI), global shutter, and precise GPS timing allows for accurate trajectory and velocity analysis of meteors. This data is valuable for meteor shower studies and orbit determination.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eHow does the built-in 100KB buffer on the QHY174GPS work?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe user-accessible \u003cstrong\u003e100KB internal buffer\u003c\/strong\u003e allows the camera to store a short sequence of images directly in its own memory, independent of the computer. This is a failsafe for capturing a brief, unpredictable event like an occultation or meteor flash, ensuring the critical data is captured even if there is a momentary lag in the PC's USB connection.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ctable class=\"DAV-specifications\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eGPS Time-Stamp Precision\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e1 micro-second of the GPS UTC clock\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eImage Sensor\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSony IMX174 FSI Mono CMOS\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSensor Format\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e1\/1.2-inch (11.25mm x 7.03mm)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eResolution\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e2 Megapixels (1920 x 1200)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePixel Size\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e5.86µm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eA\/D Converter\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e12-bit (output as 16-bit and 8-bit)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eShutter Type\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eElectronic Global Shutter\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFull Well Capacity\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u0026gt;32,000e-\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eRead Noise\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e1.6e- to 5.3e-\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDark Current\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e0.224e-\/pixel\/sec @ -20℃\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eExposure Range\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e5µs - 900sec\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMax Frame Rate (Full)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e138 FPS @ 8-bit \/ 75.1 FPS @ 16-bit\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMax Frame Rate (ROI)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e305 FPS @ 480 lines, 8-bit\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCooling System\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDual Stage TEC, -40℃ below ambient\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAnti-Dew Heater\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eYes\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBuilt-in Image Buffer\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e512KB Flash (100KB user-accessible)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eComputer Interface\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eUSB 3.0\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFilter Wheel Port\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e4-PIN QHYCCD CFW Port\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eOptical Window\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAR+AR Multi-Layer Anti-Reflection Coating\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBack Focal Length\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e17.5mm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eWeight\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e450g\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePower Consumption\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eUp to 27W (100% TEC)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"DAV-grid\"\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"DAV-grid\"\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"DAV-grid-item\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.qhyccd.com\/download\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003csvg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 640 512\" class=\"DAV-img-box\"\u003e\u003cpath fill=\"#0047a7\" d=\"M128 32C92.7 32 64 60.7 64 96l0 256 64 0 0-256 384 0 0 256 64 0 0-256c0-35.3-28.7-64-64-64L128 32zM19.2 384C8.6 384 0 392.6 0 403.2C0 445.6 34.4 480 76.8 480l486.4 0c42.4 0 76.8-34.4 76.8-76.8c0-10.6-8.6-19.2-19.2-19.2L19.2 384z\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003c\/svg\u003e \n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"DAV-item-title\"\u003eDownload Software\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/davidastro.com\/pages\/qhyccd-warranty-policy\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eQHYCCD Warranty\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"QHYCCD","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52942990246173,"sku":"QHY-100118","price":1239.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0753\/5280\/1565\/files\/QHYCCD-QHY174GPS-1_73344fbb-94a8-4f24-afb1-1a430c28bf0e.jpg?v=1789614991","url":"https:\/\/davidastro.com\/en-us\/products\/qhyccd-qhy174c-gps","provider":"David Astro","version":"1.0","type":"link"}