QHYCCD QHY600 Pro Series Monochrome CMOS Camera

Sony IMX455: A 61.17 MP, 16-bit Full-Frame Sensor

The foundation of the QHY600 Pro is its 36mm x 24mm back-illuminated Sony IMX455 sensor, which delivers an immense 9576 x 6388 pixel array. The full-frame format covers a wide field in a single exposure. The sensor's back-illuminated structure and high peak quantum efficiency of 90% maximize its sensitivity to faint light.

Unlike cameras that use 12-bit or 14-bit converters, the IMX455 sensor features a true, on-chip native 16-bit analog-to-digital converter. This digitizes the incoming signal into 65,536 distinct levels, capturing vast dynamic range and providing smoother gradients from the brightest stellar cores to the faintest wisps of nebulosity, with less risk of posterization during aggressive processing.

Readout Modes: 1.1e- Noise and >80ke- Full Well

The QHY600 Pro offers multiple readout modes to optimize performance for your specific target. These modes adjust the sensor's driver timing to prioritize either low noise or high full well capacity, giving you precise control over the camera's dynamic range and sensitivity.

• High Gain Mode (#1): Use this mode when you have to capture faint signal; read noise reaches 1.1e- at the highest gain.
• Extended Full Well Mode (#2): This mode raises the full well above the sensor's typical 51ke-, to over 80ke- per pixel, which helps keep bright stars from saturating.
• Photographic DSO Mode (#0): This mode suits most DSO imaging situations, and gain 26 (unity gain) is the recommended default setting. Each mode also has a 2CMS version (modes #3 to #5), which uses secondary sampling to reduce read noise while keeping the same full well and system gain; the 2CMS modes are preferred for astrophotography. The readout modes are supported in ASCOM, SharpCap and N.I.N.A.

Zero Amp Glow and a Native 16-bit ADC

The QHY600 Pro has zero amplifier glow. Some CMOS sensors show a faint glow from on-chip electronics in long exposures, which complicates calibration; with no amp glow, dark frames are simpler to calibrate across the camera's exposure range of up to 3600 seconds.

This clean signal is delivered as TRUE RAW data. Unlike some cameras that apply internal noise reduction or hot pixel removal before the data is saved, the QHY600 Pro outputs the original, unprocessed signal. This leaves the data unaltered for post-processing and scientific analysis.

-35°C Cooling Delta and 0.0022e-/pixel/sec Dark Current

To control thermal noise during long exposures, the QHY600 Pro incorporates a powerful two-stage thermoelectric cooling (TEC) system. This cooler is capable of reaching a delta of -35°C below the ambient temperature, dramatically reducing the sensor's dark current to just 0.0022e-/pixel/sec at a sensor temperature of -20°C.

To ensure reliable operation through changing nighttime conditions, the camera includes robust environmental controls. An integrated anti-dew heater on the AR+AR coated optical window prevents condensation from forming on the glass, while an internal humidity sensor allows you to monitor the conditions inside the sealed sensor chamber.

2x10Gbps Fiber Interface: 3.5 FPS at 16-bit

While a standard USB3.0 port provides reliable connectivity and delivers up to 2.5 FPS at 16-bit, the QHY600 Pro's dual 10-Gigabit fiber optic interface unlocks its full data throughput potential. Using this high-speed connection with an optional PCIE grabber card, the camera sustains a 3.5 FPS frame rate at full 16-bit resolution. The PCIE card kit is not included.

A substantial 2GB DDR3 internal memory buffer acts as a shock absorber for the massive data stream generated by the 61.17 MP sensor. The buffer holds frames while the computer is busy, which helps avoid dropped frames during high-speed transfer.

6-pin GPIO for Triggering and High-Precision Timing

Designed for scientific and professional applications, the QHY600 Pro includes a programmable 6-pin GPIO (General Purpose Input/Output) port. This interface can be configured for a variety of advanced operations, including trigger output and input, high-speed sync and the QHY-GPSBOX interface. QHYCCD can customize the GPIO to a user's requirements, and users can also reprogram the FPGA for more complex needs.

For applications like satellite tracking or occultation timing, the GPIO port can output signals like VSYNC (vertical sync), which marks the approximate end time of an exposure for the first row of pixels. In QHY-GPSBOX mode the camera sends this shutter signal to the GPSBOX, which returns GPS data that the camera writes into the first pixels of the image.

Dual Back Focus: 17.5mm and 14.5mm SBFL Options

The QHY600 Pro is offered in different physical configurations to accommodate a wide variety of imaging trains. The choice between the Standard and SBFL versions depends on the back focus requirements of your specific telescope, flattener, reducer, and accessories.

• Standard Version: This configuration provides 17.5mm of back focus plus 6mm with the CAA.
• SBFL (Short Back-Focal Length) Version: This model offers a shorter 14.5mm back focus. QHYCCD designs it for DSLR lens users and others who need a short back focal length.

Unified Driver Architecture: ASCOM, N.I.N.A., and SharpCap Support

QHYCCD provides a comprehensive "All-In-One" installer pack that includes system drivers, ASCOM drivers, and dedicated SDKs for popular third-party imaging software. QHYCCD's guide covers connecting DSO imaging software (for example N.I.N.A), planetary imaging software (for example SharpCap), ASCOM and EZCAP_Qt.

The drivers provide full access to the camera's advanced features, including temperature control, gain and offset adjustment, and selection of the specialized readout modes.

Stable 12V Power: 40W at 100% Cooling

The QHY600 Pro runs from a 12V DC supply and consumes up to 40W at 100% cooling power. QHYCCD asks for an input voltage between 11V and 13.8V: if the voltage is too low, the camera may stop working or reboot when the TEC power percent is high.

The camera is designed to be rebooted by cycling the 12V power, without needing to disconnect and reconnect the USB cable. This is a significant advantage for remote observatory operation, as you can use a remotely controlled power switch to restart the camera if needed, with no need to reconnect the USB.