MORAVIAN C1 12000C [COLOUR]

 

The Moravian C1 12000 Colour is a compact fan-cooled colour astronomy camera using the Sony IMX253 CMOS sensor with a resolution of 4112 x 3008 pixels at 3.45μm.

 

 

The Moravian C1 series are small, lightweight global shutter CMOS cameras designed for planetary imaging and guiding and are available with a wide range of sensors. Unlike the smaller C0 series, all C1 cameras feature fan cooling and a series of threaded holes for easy connection to tripods.

C1 cameras are available with both 8- and 12-bit digitization or with just 12-bit digitization which have the "A" designation.

 

 

Sensor linearity of IMX252 sensor as found in the C1-3000 camera.

 

With proper image calibration, C1 cameras also provide surprisingly good results for entry-level deep-sky imaging. The CMOS sensors found in these cameras have a response to light that is linear very close to the saturation point. This means the C1 series cameras can also be used for scientific applications like variable star research.

The C0 and C1 cameras share majority of features, like the sensors used, USB interface, autoguider port, etc. The larger physical dimensions of the C1 models allow for certain features not available on the C0 cameras such as a cooling fan and threaded mounting holes.

Moravian C0 and C1 cameras are offered in two different versions with the standard models offering multiple 8- and 12-bit readout modes and the "A" version offering only 12-bit output. Both versions are capable of very short exposure times of 125μs (1/8000th of a second).

Sensors used in C0 and C1 cameras offer programmable gain from 0 to 24 dB, which translates to the output signal multiplication from 1× to 15.9×. Gain can be set with 0.1 dB step.

Digitization resolution	12-bit	12-bit	8-bit	8-bit
Sensor gain	0 dB	24 dB	0 dB	24 dB
Full well capacity	11000 e-	1100 e-	2600 e-	1100 e-
Conversion factor	2.8 e-/ADU	0.3 e-/ADU	10.0 e-/ADU	4.4 e-/ADU
Read noise	2.2 e- RMS	2.0 e- RMS	4.2 e- RMS	9.7 e- RMS

 

C0 and C1 cameras do not require an external power supply to operate. Instead, they are powered via USB to the host computer. The USB 3.0 port operates at 5 Gbps allowing for fast transfer rates. A standard ST-4 port is also included which follows the traditional SBIG ST-4 autoguider wiring.

While neither C0 nor C1 cameras are equipped with active TEC cooling modules, C1 cameras employ a small fan to keep the sensor temperature as close to ambient as possible (typically between 7 - 10°C lower) and reduce dark current to less than half.

C0 and C1 cameras are supplied with two different telescope/lens adapters by default: a CS mount with 1/32 UN threads and 12.5mm backfocus distance, and an adapter with M42 x 0.75 female threads with 18.5mm of backfocus. Additionally, a 1.25" barrel adapter is also included for straightforward connection to guide scopes and focusers.

For more information on Moravian C1 cameras, please refer to the Moravian website.

Specifications

 

Sensor	CMOS Sony IMX253 colour
Resolution	12.37 megapixels 4112 x 3008
Pixel size	3.45 µm
Sensor size	14.19 mm x 10.38 mm (17.6 mm diagonal)
Quantum efficiency	~61%
Exposure range	From 125 μs
Read noise	2.0 e- @ 24 dB
Full well capacity	11,000 e- @ 0 dB
Bit rate	12-bit / 8-bit (depending on model)
Speed	~263 MPx/s digitization speed (8-bit fast mode)
Shutter type	Global shutter
Cooling	Fan-cooled
Memory buffer	TBD
ROI	Supported
Compatibility	Windows, Mac, Linux
Protecting window	AR coated
Ports	USB 3.0, ST-4
Back focus	12.5 mm (18.5 with M42 adapter)
Connections	CS, M42 x 0.75, 1.25" barrel
Dimensions	57 x 57 x 47.4 mm
Weight	170 g
Power supply	USB

 

 

 

Mechanical diagram showing C1 camera with CS adapter on the left and M42 adapter on the right. Detailed diagrams can be found on the Moravian website.

 

 

 

Gallery

 

M31 by Martin Myslivec using Moravian C1-3000 and 77mm refractor.

 

 

Orion Nebula by Martin Myslivec using Moravian C1-3000 and 77mm refractor.

 

 

Solar prominence by Martin Myslivec using Moravian C1-5000.