Product Description
ASI178MC-Cool
Astrophotography Performance
Our brand new cooled version of ASI178MC Color Camera allows the sensor to be cooled to 35C to 40C degrees below ambient!
Here is a 60s long exposure dark file of this Camera. Back-illuminated CMOS Image Sensor with 14bit ADC.
ASI178MC has a 1/1.8″ and 6.4M pixels sensor IMX178 with SONY STARVIS and Exmor R Technology.
Extremely low read noise(2.2 e – 1.4e ) , high sensitivity and 14bit ADC make it very suitable for astronomy and microscopy high resolution photograph.
QE Curve
Relative QE curve
Reliable Mechanical Structure
There are four screws that seal the sensor chamber. Our camera design has been extensively tested and is very stable.
Even when used in higher humidity environments, ASI178-Cool will still works fine without dew problems.
USB 3.0 Port & USB2.0 HUB
USB 3.0 Port: Provides 5Gb bandwidth to make it possible for ASI178-Cool to run at 30 fps (14bit, normal mode) or 60 fps (10bit, high speed mode) at full resolution (6.4Mega).
USB 2.0 HUB: Can connect with various accessories, including a filter wheel, guide camera or electronic focuser, allowing you to manage your cables better. There are two short 0.5m USB2.0 cables included with the ASI178-Cool. The hub is powered by the external power supply if you connect one.
Cooling System
ASI178MM-Cool has 2 stage TEC cooling system to enable very deep cooling (35°C-40°C below ambient). The cooler requires an external power supply, which is not included with the camera. You may order a suitable power supply from here.
We recommend using a 12V/3-5A or more DC adapter for cooler power supply (2.1×5.5, center positive).
Using a battery with 9-15V is also suitable for the cooler power supply.
Connecting Diagram
1. M43-T2 adapter (optional)
2. EOS-T2 adapter (optional)
3. 2”Filter (optional)
4. 1.25” T-Mount
5. 1.25” Filter (optional)
6. M42-1.25” adapter (optional)
7. T2 extender 11mm
Mechanical Diagram
What`s in the box?
Notice：Cooled cameras need a 12v power adapter, If you don’t have one, please click this link to buy a 12V power adapter. There are 4 different standard for different contury, please choose it carefully.
https://astronomy-imaging-camera.com/product/acdc-adapter-12v-5a-for-cooled-cameras
The best solution of 55mm back focus length
Read more:https://astronomy-imaging-camera.com/tutorials/best-back-focus-length-solutions-55mm.html
Notice: Small sensor camera have a few accessories in box, please take a look at package list above.
Drivers and Softwares:
Our website has newest camera drivers and many DSO and Planetary capture softwares. Please make sure the newest driver and software has been installed before you start shooting:
https://astronomy-imaging-camera.com/software/
New accessory
And the anti-dew heater is on sale that could solve the dew problem on the front window for ASI cooled cameras.
You can buy the heater from the link:
https://astronomy-imaging-camera.com/products/accessories/anti-dew-heater/
Camera technical details
Sensor: 1/1.8” CMOS IMX178
Resolution: 6.4 Mega Pixels 3096*2080
Pixel Size: 2.4µm
Sensor Size: 7.4mm*5mm
Diagonal: 8.92mm
Exposure Range: 32µs-1000s
ROI: Supported
ST4 Guider Port: Yes
Focus Distance to Sensor: 12.5mm
Shutter Type: Rolling Shutter
Protect window: IR-CUT window
Operating System Compatibility: Mac, Windows, Linux
Interface: USB3.0/USB2.0
Bit rate: 14bit output(14bit ADC)
Adaptor: 2″ / 1.25″ / M42X0.75
Dimensions: 78 mm Diameter
Weight: 410g
Back Focus Distance: 17.5mm
Cooling: Regulated Two Stage TEC
Delta T: 35-40 degrees C
Cooler Power Supply Required: 12V at 2A Max
Supported resolution
10bit ADC/14bit ADC
3096×2080 60fps / 30fps
2560×2048 62fps / 31fps
2048×1080 116fps / 58fps
1280×960 130fps / 65fps
800×600 204.7fps / 102.3fps
640×480 253.1fps / 126.5fps
320×240 479.7fps / 239.8fps
More resolutions can be defined by user
Our website is continuously updated with the most recent camera drivers as well as software for DSO and planetary imaging. Please make sure the most recent Driver and software have been installed before you start shooting:
It is also recommended to read the Manuals first before shooting.
Shipping & Delivery
Fast Shipping: we will choose DHL, UPS, FedEx etc to deliver it. Usually you will get your package within 15-20 days.
- Fast Shipping(amount ≧ 199USD) for free
- Fast Shipping(amount < 199USD) : $30.00 (We do not provide free shipping from now on.)
Introduction
- It will take around 60-90 days for shipment via ePacket/China Post Registered Air Mail/EMS, which can’t be guaranteed due to force majeure. If you can’t get the air mail package after 2months, please let us know ASAP: info@zwoptical.com
- Customers from Brazil and Chile should leave a message to provide your CPF or CNPJ as your custom needs it.
- Customers from Russia need to provide the complete English name with three words as well as the English shipping address.
Tracking site
DGM: http://webtrack.dhlglobalmail.com/?locale=en-US
China air mail: http://www.17track.net/en
Tax
- The price list on our website is USD without tax.
- Please note that buyers are liable to pay tax involved, such as Import tax, VAT , customs handling fee, etc. The additional fees may be collected at time of delivery by courier.
- For best local service we advise customers buy our cameras from local dealers.
Warranty & Return
1. ZWO hereby declares that it will provide customers with a warranty period of 2 years for ZWO branded products (excluding APO), as per this policy. APO products will be covered by a 1-year free warranty service, starting from the day following the receipt of the product by the customer. For ASIAIR Plus users, the warranty period will commence from the day of device activation.
2. If a User encounters the following Dead on Arrival (DOA) and contacts ZWO within the corresponding time limit to issue the Product purchase invoice and relevant evidence, ZWO will provide door-to-door pick-up service and, as appropriate, after-sale replacement (or partial replacement), repair or return (or partial return) service for the following Products:
1) Product quality problem
Provided that a User detects a quality problem and contacts ZWO within 30 days after receipt of the Products, and ZWO support team confirms that the Products indeed have a quality problem or defect after their inspection, ZWO will provide free replacement service towards such Products;
2) Product transportation problem
Provided that a User finds obvious signs of bubbling, serious overstocking, or deformation on the outer package of the Products upon receipt of the Products, and provides ZWO with pictures of the outer package and proof of receipt within 3 days after receipt of such Products, ZWO support team will verify the actual shipper and determine the responsible party for such transportation problem. In the event that ZWO is the actual shipper, ZWO will be responsible for providing the relevant return or replacement service, however, if the Products are directly sold or transported to the User by an agent of ZWO, the agent will be responsible for providing the relevant return or replacement service.
3. If the Products are under the following circumstances, they are not within the scope of warranty service, ZWO may provide maintenance services to the Users:
1) The Warranty Period of the Products has expired; or
2) The Products are injected into liquid or affected by moisture or corrosion; or
3) The Products are damaged by an external force (such as the broken of the camera protection window glass, the deformation of the product shell, the broken of the USB port, etc.); or
4) Disassembling, repairing by a third party, refurbishment of the Products (such as downloading erroneous firmware) without the written authorization of ZWO; or
5) The product system is modified, or the maintenance notice is lost or changed; or
6) Product quality problem caused by installation not following the requirements or instructions for the Products; or
7) Physical damage or failure of the Products caused by the force majeure (such as strong vibration or extrusion such as flood, fire, earthquake, or thunder stroke); or
8)Damage caused by the improper User operation during the period of shooting or use, such as using without the equipment protection or direct shooting of the sun; or
9) No valid purchase invoice or warranty certificate; or
10) The Products are second-hand products.
Any quality problem with the accessories or other parts of the Products is not a condition for the return or change of the Products, and the User may solely request to replace the accessories with new ones, which shall be handled after verification by ZWO support team.
If the issue with your ZWO product was caused by certain damage (such as severe damage not covered by the 2-year warranty), you might have to pay the replacement value.
4. For the normal repair or replacement of the Products during the Warranty Period, the User will bear the return cost. When returning the Products, Users shall specify the actual reasons for the damage to the Products, and shall provide the corresponding valid certificates, such as pictures or videos, etc.
For the Products that need to be replaced after being confirmed by ZWO in writing, the User shall return the Products with the complete package, together with all accessories, manuals, etc., to the address designated by ZWO.
By sending back the product to ZWO, the User agrees to pay out-of-warranty fees that may arise during the repair process of the product. ZWO will send back the product after charging.
5. If a User encounters any problem during the use of ZWO Products, you may at any time contact ZWO for technical support via ZWO Support.
For the Products that need to be returned for after-sales service, ZWO will provide the corresponding RMA code for reference.
ZWO will not accept any products having no RMA code that have been returned privately without ZWO written confirmation.
6. If a User purchases the ZWO Products from a ZWO agent, the User may contact the ZWO agent directly for the relevant after-sales service.
Jim – :
Hi,
I was hoping you could give me some information on the difference between “Focus Distance to Sensor” and “Back Focus Distance” for the 178mc-cool?
I am having trouble focusing canon lenses along with a geoptik adapter and wanted to check distances!
Many thanks
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Sean Wang – :
it’s 17.5mm back focus distance.
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Michelle Ashford – :
I have an ASI178MC, which I have been using for over a year with good results. However, recently cooling has not been very effective – struggles to reach -10C – and utilising the battery at 100%, which means that after a couple of hours the battery is totally flat. Any suggestions?
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Sean Wang – :
Does the ambient temperature is too high? maybe -5C will save more power.
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Juan I Ferrer – :
Hi Sam I trying to take good flats for the zwo 178MC and I will like to know the e/EDU = gain ratio number to get the best posible range. I found a lot info of the Zwo1600 camera which is .26, but i do not find this value for my camera. Thank you and i hope i explain my shelf well.
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Sean Wang – :
Not quite understand. good flat need 25000-30000ADU, is that what you want?
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Rohit Dhume – :
i have a skywatcher 150P f5 scope will this camera be suitable for deep sky objeccts
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Sean Wang – :
Yes, it’s good for shooting some small deepsky object.
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Shubham Chandravanshi – :
Sir,
I live in india and i want to buy asi178mc-cool color camera. What will be the total cost of this camera including all the types of taxes,shipping charges,and other additional charges? is the shipping free? which things i can capture from a light and air polluted city.
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Sean Wang – :
Hi, I’m not sure about extra cost in India customs. BTW, shipping fee is free.
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Lukasz S – :
Hi,
I have this camera (mono version, colled)
I’m curious about read noise from 400 to 510 scale (it’s not avaiable on the diagram). Does it change significantly or is it on a similar level like for 400 (40dB) so around 1,36e- ? It’s quite important to evaluate if it’s make sense to worki nt that area of gain or maybe to stay at 400 and not increase it more as it won’t improve read noise level.
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Sean Wang – :
Hi gain>350 will be digital gain, and read noise will keep same value as gain=350.
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Martin Wechselberger – :
Hi Sam
I have a 178MCC and want use my Nikon Lenses. Is it possible with the backfocus to built it with 178MCC + Filterweel+EOS Adaptor + ASINikon?
PS: Why you not provide a shorter M42 topplate in front of the sensor? Maybe in the future?
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Sam Wen – :
is it mono or color camera?
you can contact us to get the shorter cover just like on 1600
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Anonymous – :
Can the IR-CUT window be dismantled?
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Sam Wen – :
we don’t recommend you do it as the CMOS chamber is sealed
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Craig – :
What is the power connector size on the cooled cameras?
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Sam Wen – :
it’s 5.5*2.1
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Richard Ren – :
Hi Sam,
Thanks for all the information! I only have about $1000 budget and think of either buying ASI1600 MC-cool or ASI 178MC-cool+autoguuide camera. Now it seems that either of your camera can do two tasks simultaneously.
Just be curious, won’t the long exposure interrupt the autoguide function of your camera?
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Sam Wen – :
the camera cannot run as guider camera if you use it for long exposure
but you can control the ST4 port seperatly
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Wido – :
Hi ZWO,
What would you recommend for this camera to counter light pollution?
I currently use a Canon D1100 with a clip idas hutech lps v4 filter, is there something similar available for the ZWO camera?
Unfortunately, I have to do most of my shooting in the city. And does this camera use a similar T2 ring as I currently use to connect my Canon to my telescope?
Thanks,
Wido.
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Sam Wen – :
I think you can consider our ASI1600MC-Cool
it come with T2 rings
a cooled camera is far better than uncooled one
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Richard Ren – :
Hi Sam,
I guess between ASI 178MC and ASI 1600MC, I can only by the former as my mount only has an ST4 port. I am new to astrophotography, can I use this camera to capture the picture and auto-guide the mount at the same time? Or, the picture-capture and auto-guide use different software and therefore cannot share the same camera at the same time?
Thanks a lot,
Richard
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Sam Wen – :
Hi Richard
all our cooled cameras will add the usb2.0 hub and remove the ST4 port
you can use our USBST4 if you need guider port
https://astronomy-imaging-camera.com/products/accessories/zwo-usbst4-guider-adapter/
for other cameras have ST4 port, you can capture image and control the guider port seperatly
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Richard ren – :
Hi,
I did not see power cable (for cooling) in the product description. Do you provide power cable with the product? What socket/adapter shall I use for the power cable?
Regards,
Richard Ren
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Sam Wen – :
Hi Richard
we didnot provide power cable because the socket of different country is different
you need 12@2a minimal DC power supply
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Dominique Martel (verified owner) – :
Hi,
For the purpose of taking dark frames for calibration, can you tell me if the Rolling Shutter of the 178 MC is electronic or mechanical.
Salutations,
Dominique Martel
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Sam Wen – :
it’s electronic rolling shutter
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Dominique Martel – :
Hi,
I have placed an order for the 178 MC back in February 2016 from a reseller in Canada. I hope to receive it soon! In teh mean time, i’m reviewing thr options to attach the camera to my telescope.
So, is it possible to attach the 178 to the end of a standard T2 adapter (say from Celestron)?
Salutations,
Dominique Martel
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Sam Wen – :
Yes, there is T2 female interface of all ASI cameras body
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Dominique Martel – :
Hi,
I would like to know if you have this product in stock, and what is the delivery delay for Canada?
Dominique Martel
Salutations,
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Sam Wen – :
this product will be in stock next weekend
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Graham Wilcock (verified owner) – :
I have had 2 sessions now with this camera and am having a couple of problems. I am using Nebulosity 4.0.4 to capture and process.
1. Colour balance: after some trial and error, it looks as though I should be using offsets of X=1 and Y=1 when debayering to create a colour image from FITS file. Could you confirm?
2. Up until now, I have been using modified Canon DSLRs (usually 1100D), mainly at ISO 400 or 800. During my capture sessions I used Gain of 20% and then 50%, but do not seem to be getting to anywhere near the sensitivity of the Canon DSLRs at ISO 400. For example, the blue nebulosity around the Pleiades stars is extremely faint even at 50% and can only just be separated from the noise level. Do you have recommendations for the Gain level, to approximate ISO 400 and 800 with Canon DSLRs?
Regards,
Graham
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Sam Wen – :
Hi Graham
1.the bayer patter is RGGB, I am not very famliar with nebulosity, so cannot say you are right or not, but its very simple just try it with the lens at daytime
2.this is because the pixel size of this chip is very small, so you cannot compare directly to a different pixel size camera
you know 178 bin2 mode is still smaller, that’s why it’s so faint, I think you can try bin2 mode
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