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.
