ASI178MM (mono)

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$299.00$347.00

 

Back-illuminated  CMOS Image Sensor with 14bit ADC 
ASI178MM has a 1/1.8″ and 6.4M pixels sensor IMX178 with SONY STARVIS and Exmor R Technology.
Extremely low read noise(2.2e -1.4e) , high sensitivity and 14bit ADC make it very suitable for astronomy and microscopy photograph

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SKU: ZWO ASI178MM Category:

Product Description

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Camera Sensor

Back-illuminated  CMOS Image Sensor with 14bit ADC. ASI178MM has a 1/1.8″ and 6.4M pixels sensor (IMX178) with SONY STARVIS and Exmor R Technology.

Notice: depends on user’s feedback, this IMX178 sensor has line pattern noise when do Ha solar imaging,  please take flat frame for calibration(out of focus or add a barlow lens to take flat frames). We recommend our ASI1600/ASI174 mono camera for Ha solar imaging.

Astrophotography Performance

Extremely low read noise(1.4e-2.2 e), 1.4e @27db, high sensitivity and 14bit ADC make it very suitable for astronomy and microscopy high resolution photography.

absolute QE Curve

USB 3.0 Port & ST4 Port

USB 3.0 Port: Can provide 5Gb bandwidth to let ASI178 run at 30 fps (14bit, normal mode) or 60 fps (10bit, high speed mode)  at full resolution(6.4Mega).

ST4 Port: Can be used connect with auto guide port of mount, for guiding.

Mechanical Diagram

What is in the box?

Comes with a 2.5mm all-sky lens which can provide a nearly 170° view of the sky.

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
Non-volatile memory/On camera storage: Build-in total 192K byte user-accessible space(image size up to 480X320)
Interface: USB3.0/USB2.0
ST4 Guider Port: Yes
Focus Distance to Sensor: 12.5mm
Shutter Type: Rolling Shutter
Protect window: AR window
Operating System Compatibility: Mac, Windows, Linux
Interface: USB3.0/USB2.0
Bit rate: 14bit output(14bit ADC)
Adaptor: 2″ / 1.25″ / M42X0.75
Dimension: φ62mm X 36mm
Weight: 120g or 4.2 ounces (without lens)
Working Temperature: -5°C—45°C
Storage Temperature: -20°C—60°C
Working Relative Humidity: 20%—80%
Storage Relative Humidity: 20%—95%

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

  1. 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
  2. Customers from Brazil and Chile should leave a message to provide your CPF or CNPJ as your custom needs it.
  3. 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.

Do you have question, answer or comment? Post here!

  1. Avatar

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    Hi, can this camera be used in microscopy(fluorescent microscopy)? Looks like it is designed for telescope applications but I’m not sure if it will be as good in microscopy and cell imaging applications




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      Some customer did thatm you can have a try.




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    Hi, thank you for taking the time with looking into our questions. I currently own a 12 inch Dobsonian Sky-Watcher telescope (Focal length= 1500mm) and am considering purchasing the ASI178 Mono for some DSO photography. Would you recommend this camera? I understand I would need focal reducers and barlow lenses to adjust the focus of the image. Is there another camera that you would suggest?




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      From the aspect of field of view, it would be suitble for planetary imaging. you can also simulate the field of view in the software Stellarium.




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    Why is 178mm not better than 224mc at DSO imaging? This camera is 3.5 stars to the 224mc at 4 stars? Just curious, would have thought it was better




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      178 is better than 224.
      178 sensor is bigger than 224 and it is 14 bit ADC.




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    Hello Sean,
    thank you for quickly answering my first questions. The pixel size of the ASI178 is given as 2.4μm, so for telescopes it should be optimal at wavelength = 550nm with N = 8.5. For the ASI290mm, the pixel size is specified as 2.9μm, so it should fit mathematically for telescopes at wavelength = 550nm with N = 10.3. Are my considerations correct? Then the ASI290 would be better suited for my telescope with N = 10. Right? Is this difference really relevant to the imaging performance? Or can the ASI176 also be used with a N = 10 telescope? Since I would like the larger FOV in the ASI178 better.

    Many Thanks

    All the best




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      Actually, the Focal length can be adjust by barlows, so we still can get best performance.
      For example: if 290mm is perfect @F25 for planetary imaging, 178mm could use @F20 to get best result.




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    Hello Sam,
    can you help me decide between the ASI178MM and the ASI290MM? In which areas is ASI290MM better than ASI178MM? Is it possible to connect the two cameras on a Nikon objectively? Can the cameras be used with USB2.0? Is it possible to use a Raspberry Pi? Do both cameras support Linux (Debian)? Do the cameras need an external power supply?
    Thank you for answering my questions.




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      Actually, they are both good for planetary imaging, ASI290MM is popular because the pixel size is match most telescopes。
      I don’t know about Nikon objectively, camera support 1.25″ and M42 and 2″ holders.
      Both of them can be used with USB2.0
      And Both of them support ASIAIR and Raspberry Pi.
      Both of them support Linux, we have ASICAP Linux version.
      They don’t need external power supply.




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    Which would give higher quality images of solar prominences using a Lunt LS50 f/7 – 174MM or the 178MM – and would the 178MM give rolling shutter artifacts. Are Newton rings seen with these two cameras. Thanks.




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      rolling or globle has same performance in solar imaging. newton ring can be removed by t2 tilter or ADC.




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    Which would give better quality images – 174MM or 178MM – for solar prominences on a Lunt LS50 f/7 ?




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      178 is match your telescope.




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    Hi Sean,

    I like my 174m for high focal length guiding. But I was considering your new 290m USB 2 camera for wide-field guiding. Would not the 178M be even better choice because of it’s larger sensor size which cover a wider star field for guiding? And it would be usable for DSO and lunar as well – right?

    All the best!




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      Oh, yes. 178 is larger, can provide wider FOV. it’s also can be used lunar and solar imaging, DSO lucky imaging.




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    Hi, do I need to always have a filter in front of this sensor when imaging to protect it ? eg. uv/ir




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      No, you needn’t. the advantage of mono camera is you can use different filters for diffenent target.
      visible light of solor – UV/IR-Cut filter
      Lunar imaging – IR-pass filter, such as IR685, IR742
      Venus imaging – UV-PASS filter, IR-pass filter
      and CH4 filter for Jupiter, etc…




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    Hi, as this does not have a UV/IR filter should I be using one when solar and lunar imaging ? Should I be using one for any type of imaging to protect the sensor ? Thanks.




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      For solar imaging, IR-cut is necessary. For lunar imaging, better to use a IR-pass filter, such as IR685, IR742.




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    Hi, I am using the 178MM for lunar and solar with Fire Capture. Should I have High Speed ticked ? does this give me more frames, does this switch it from 10bit & 14bit ?What should I have USB traffic set to, I think 60% is default ? Thanks.




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      The highest FPS is 60fps, high speed mode will help you reach 60fps. it will force use 10bit ADC. USB traffic depand on the performance of computer, if your computer is fast and no frames lost, you can use 100%.




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    Which camera ASI178 or ASI290 do you recommend for planetary? and why? Thanks!




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      I recommend 290, 178 is slower and read noise will be a little higher than 290mm.
      And in recent years, looks like more people like to use 290mm for planetary imaging.




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    Hi, is it possible taking pictures with 10 bit ADC ? And can it be set in firecapture or another program? I wanted better fps. Thank you.




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    • Sam Wen

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      just turn on “high speed” then the camera will use 10bit ADC and output faster fps




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    We want to use imx178 for traffic application.
    Can we program this camera’s exposure time and gain?
    Does it support GigE Vision?
    Do you have c mount version? ( this looks like M12/board lens version?)
    thanks




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    • Sam Wen

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      yes, you can control the exp and gain manually
      there is no GigE vision
      it’s CS mount come with 178
      you can use one 5mm CS-C extender to make it become C mount




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    Is it possible to set the bit depth to say 8 bits and get an even higher FPS?




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    • Sam Wen

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      you can set “high speed” mode to make the fps faster




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    The Specifications says it has a AR window but does not say if the AR window is clear or is a UV/IR cut. Does the camera come with a UV/IR filter or does it need one? I see a UV/IR Cut filter listed in Recommended Accessories.




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    • Sam Wen

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      AR window always mean clear window
      you need to use extra UV/IR cut filter




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    I have a medical use I would like to test this camera for…what is the lens mounting type? Can it be ordered with s or c mount types if requested?




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      between telescope and EFW will be better.




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    (continued)
    which is better in ASI178MM, ASI178MC, or ASI185MC for shoot meteor and milky way?




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    Hi. I want to make all sky camera for taking milky way and meteor.
    But I don’t have enough knowledge to understand the camera’s performance.
    Currently, I thinking to buy ASI178MM or ASI185MC models.
    Anyway I have two questions.
    1. I want to shoot meteors and milky way. Which camera is better? color or mono? I think mono is better in terms of noise and sensitivity.
    2. I don’t have much budgets, so I think the comparatively inexpensive ASI185MC model is better to me. However, if the performance of the ASI178MM is overwhelming, then I will buy ASI178MM.
    Based on these two questions, which model would you recommend?




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    Hello, tell me, are you planning to do a ZWO hyperstar for telescopes?




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      Not yet, Andrey. It’s not our strangth, hyperstar need design with telescopes.




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