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QHYCCD GPSBOX

QHYCCD GPSBOX

par QHYCCD
UGC QHY-090038
CA$420.00 - CA$420.00
CA$420.00
CA$420.00 - CA$420.00
CA$420.00
Égalisation de prix!
  • Injects high-precision GNSS timing data into your image stream
  • Utilizes both GPS and Beidou satellite navigation systems
  • Synchronizes internal clock to the Pulse-Per-Second (PPS) satellite signal
  • Features a fault-tolerant design to handle temporary signal loss
  • Outputs calibration data to correct for temperature-induced frequency drift
  • Connects via a dedicated accessory port on compatible QHYCCD cameras
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  • Description
  • FAQ
  • Specifications
  • In the Box
  • Downloads
  • Warranty

  • GPSBOX

    The QHY GPSBOX injects ultra-precise timing data directly into the data stream of compatible QHYCCD cameras. By synchronizing its internal, high-stability oscillator with global navigation satellite systems (GNSS), it enables advanced scientific applications like asteroid occultation timing, satellite tracking, and meteor analysis where exact time stamping is non-negotiable. This module is engineered for reliability, with a robust fault-tolerance mechanism and self-calibration to ensure timing accuracy is maintained even under challenging field conditions.

    High-Precision GNSS Time Stamping for Scientific Imaging

    The core of the GPSBOX is a GNSS module compatible with both GPS and Beidou satellite constellations, selectable via software. It captures the universal Pulse-Per-Second (PPS) timing signal broadcast by these satellites and uses it to continuously discipline a voltage-controlled crystal oscillator (VCXO). This process ensures the camera's internal clock is strictly aligned with the global time standard, embedding each frame with a timestamp of exceptional accuracy.

    Robust Signal Integrity with Fault Tolerance and Self-Calibration

    Real-world observing can be unpredictable, with satellite signals potentially blocked by trees or buildings. The QHY GPSBOX is designed with a perfect fault-tolerance mechanism to handle this. If the PPS signal is lost, the system temporarily relies on its internal clock and flags the data accordingly. Once the satellite signal is reacquired, the PPS signal immediately resets the timer, completely eliminating any accumulated error and restoring full timing precision without carrying over previous drift.

    Furthermore, the GPSBOX constantly measures its own internal oscillator against the GNSS signal. It outputs this measurement data, allowing software to accurately calibrate and correct for any frequency drift caused by ambient temperature changes, ensuring consistent accuracy throughout an observing session.

    Direct Integration with QHYCCD Cameras

    The GPSBOX is designed to connect directly to QHYCCD cameras that feature the required multi-pin aviation-style accessory port. This direct link allows timing data to be seamlessly merged with the imaging data from the sensor. Not all QHYCCD cameras include this port as standard.

    • Native Compatibility: Check your camera's specifications to confirm it has the necessary 6-pin accessory port for out-of-the-box use.
    • Factory Modification: Cameras with other port types (such as 5-pin) or no port can often be modified by QHYCCD to be compatible with the GPSBOX. Please contact the manufacturer for this service.

  • What is the main purpose of the QHY GPSBOX?

    The QHY GPSBOX provides extremely accurate timing information to a compatible QHYCCD camera by synchronizing it with GPS and Beidou satellite signals. This is critical for scientific research such as timing asteroid occultations, tracking satellites, and analyzing meteor events, where knowing the exact time of an exposure is essential.

    Which satellite systems does the GPSBOX use?

    The QHY GPSBOX has a built-in GNSS module that can operate with pure GPS, pure Beidou, or in a GPS/Beidou dual-mode. The desired mode of operation can be configured through software.

    How does the GPSBOX handle losing satellite lock during an imaging session?

    It features a robust fault-tolerance system. If the Pulse-Per-Second (PPS) signal from the satellite is lost, the GPSBOX will switch to an internal timer and record that the data is no longer locked to the PPS signal. As soon as the satellite signal is restored, the PPS will reset the internal timer, eliminating any accumulated error and returning to full precision.

    Which QHYCCD cameras are compatible with the GPSBOX?

    The GPSBOX requires a camera with a specific 6-pin aviation-style accessory port for direct connection. You must check your camera's specifications to ensure it has this port. Some other models (e.g., those with a 5-pin port) can be made compatible through a factory modification performed by QHYCCD.

    I'm timing a lunar occultation of a star like Regulus. How does the GPSBOX ensure my data is accurate?

    For an occultation of Regulus (Alpha Leonis), timing is everything. The GPSBOX uses the Pulse-Per-Second (PPS) signal from GPS satellites to strictly align your camera's clock with the global time standard. This embeds a highly accurate timestamp into every frame, allowing you to determine the exact moment of disappearance and reappearance with the precision required for scientific contribution.

    My observatory gets very cold at night. Will temperature changes affect the timing accuracy of the GPSBOX?

    The GPSBOX is designed to mitigate this. The internal crystal oscillator, like any electronic component, can experience slight frequency drift with temperature changes. To combat this, the GPSBOX constantly outputs a measurement of its internal clock's frequency relative to the stable GNSS signal. This allows software to apply a real-time correction, compensating for temperature effects and maintaining high accuracy.

  • QHYCCD Warranty