spikkyboy

Hi everybody. I saw these in Sky at Night Magazine. £10 in Argos and a lovely little set. A string of 10 battery powered lights (includes Pluto, yes it is a planet!) Great gifts or just a treat for yourself. Mine are going out in my observatory.

Can somebody tell me what a 4/3 sensor is and what the pros and cons of that would be? Thanks

Further details The TEC-cooled Hypercam 269C Colour camera has a Thermoelectric cooling system for extremely low noise imaging. The 21mp Sony IMX269 is a 12bit colour 4/3rds sensor with 3.30 µm Pixels. The IMX269 Colour sensor is a better replacement for the now discontinued colour Panasonic MN34230 Series for long exposure astrophotography for thos wanting similar image scale and pixel size. The Hypercam features TEC-cooling with 4GB DDR3 RAM, and amp glow reduction for easier image capture and processing. A sealed chamber, and dessicant system with heated optical window make the camera ideal for harsh environments. Further details The TEC-cooled Hypercam 269C Colour camera has a Thermoelectric cooling system for extremely low noise imaging. The 21mp Sony IMX269 is a 12bit colour 4/3rds sensor with 3.30 µm Pixels. The IMX269 Colour sensor is a better replacement for the now discontinued colour Panasonic MN34230 Series for long exposure astrophotography for thos wanting similar image scale and pixel size. The Hypercam features TEC-cooling with 4GB DDR3 RAM, and amp glow reduction for easier image capture and processing. A sealed chamber, and dessicant system with heated optical window make the camera ideal for harsh environments. Due to it's low read noise, the Hypercam 269C PRO TEC camera is suitable for both deepsky and solar system imaging with ROI, as well as "frame stacking and averaging" in other applications. The TEC system can be switched off for fast exposure video imaging. The Hypercam 269C PRO TEC camera has the following features: Features 4GB DDR3 RAM Memory Buffer for better performance. Elimimation of amp glow. We cannot detect any glows on this camera. TEC Cooling system - cools down to -45C below ambient. Temperature sensor, with data available in realtime, temperature written to .FITS files for easier processing. Free offer armoured case. 12v Power supply (specify EU UK or USA cord) ROI (Region of Interest) for cropped higher speed solar, lunar and planetary imaging. Binning supported. SPECIAL OFFER! FREE 1 YEAR SharpCap PRO License! Includes ultra-accurate polar alignment assist, deepsky CMOS exposure time optimisation assist, live stacking for EAA/Video astronomy, live darkframe and flat frame subtration Easier than a DSLR and no "astro modding" required: Unlike a DSLR, there's no need to risk modifying your camera to capture detail in red hydrogen wavelengths, because it has no "red blocking filter" in the way. Hypercam is much easier to use and focus than a DSLR, thanks to the live preview mode which shows uncompressed video at full resolution. You can see a tiny star-point clearly in real-time, because there is no video compression like with a DSLR video stream. There are no clumsy power connectors which drop out easily, no firmware to fight with your software, no mirror to lock up, and a "true" uncompressed RAW mode output. You get exactly what this Sony sensor "sees" from without alterations. Low read noise. The Sony IMX269 CMOS sensor has very low read noise at approx. 2.6e and the usual high-sensitivity, low dark current, no smear, and excellent anti-blooming charateristics you would expect from a CMOS sensor. Unity gain is 565 in SharpCap and most other imaging applications, 5.65 in AltairCapture. Video Astronomy/EAA Friendly. The Hypercam 294C camera is not only desirable for Deepsky Imaging - it's also great for Video Astronomy or "EAA" Electronically Assisted Astronomy. The resolution, high sensitivity, and amp glow reduction technology are well suited to this task. What's more, you can use the Live Stacking features in the AltairCapture software or SharpCap PRO. All-sky time-lapse imaging or video is easy with a DSLR lens and optional Hypercam Lens Adapters (product code: CLA-EOS or CLA-NIKON). To sum it up, the most desirable features of the Hypercam 269C camera are: - 21mp resolution SONY Exmor IMX269 CMOS sensor. - 5280x3956 active 3.3 micron pixels in a 20.49 mm × 17.83 mm array. Physical sensor size, 4/3rds" 21.77mm diagonal. - Extremely low read noise enabling deepsky lucky imaging and very smooth image quality. - Amp glow reduction technology onboard totally eliminates amp glow, reduces noise, and increases contrast. - The camera has a 12 bit ADC converting to 16bit output .FITS files in RAW mode, for deepsky imaging. - Up to 17.5 Frames per second video in full 21mp resolution. (You will need a computer with high USB bandwidth to achieve these speeds, preferably with Intel or Via hardware USB controller on the motherboard). Pure RAW video and stills mode and "digital" RGB output modes for better post processing: The Hypercam sensor ADC can deliver 12bit RAW files, which are stretched to 16 bit. In RAW mode analog (on-sensor) gain is used for ultra low read-noise images. Because the output is completely "RAW" in analog mode, there is no partial "downstream digital" processing like with a DSLR or other cheaper Chinese cameras of similar design, resulting in true RAW mode for the best deepsky performance. True RAW mode allows greater flexibility and consistency in processing large stacks of frames for deepsky "lucky" imaging, where the camera's low read noise can be taken advantage of. Either .FITS image or .SER video files are captured in their purest form for later processing in your software of choice. Of course for Video Astronomy / EAA use, you can select RGB Mode and capture .AVI files, or just view the screen with full access to white balance, gamma, contrast and histogram controls, just like any other camera. USB3.0 speed and USB2.0 reliability: USB3.0 gives much faster transfer speeds than USB2.0 cameras, however, if like most imagers, you prefer to use longer and more flexible USB2.0 cables for better tracking and reliability with a USB2.0 hub, no problem! The Hypercam is completely compatible with USB2.0 or USB3.0. Just plug and go! QUALITY software and drivers included: AltairCapture: Unlike cheaper cameras, Altair Astro has spent considerable time improving the extensively featured and intuitive AltairCapture software, which can be downloaded from www.altaircameras.com. AltairCapture is a stable 64 bit Windows application, which allows full control of the camera in high speed video or still mode. It includes extensive automation features, and supports all the major file formats useful for astro imaging and professional scientific imaging in 16bit, 12bit or 8bit mode. The popular PHD Guiding, SharpCap PRO, and Deepsky imaging software APT and NINA are also fully supported. An ASCOM driver is available for other software, The installation process is simple and straightforward, starting with AltairCapture which contains the driver base. SharpCap PRO: Altair Astro have worked closely with SharpCap developer Robin Glover since 2015, to fully integrate Altair cameras with SharpCap at a basic level. Now, Sharpcap PRO enables even more features with this camera, such as software driven polar alignment (more accurate than any other method), live flat frame subtraction and live darkframe subtraction. The fast, accurate polar alignment feature in SharpCap PRO is a life-saver for imaging, minimising setup time. TEC cooling: The Hypercam has an internal Thermoelectric cooling system connected directly to the sensor. The temperature can be set and maintained at a chosen level down to -45C below ambient (though there is no real benefit going below -15-20C aside from power consumption). Cooling is especially desirable for long exposure imaging to reduce thermal noise which accumulates during long exposures. The result is visibly reduced noise per frame, easier processing, and less sub-frames required to attain a smooth noise-free image, compared to a non-cooled camera. Support & warranty: Altair delivers proper on-shore English-speaking UK/EU support with a 2 year manufacturer warranty against defects in materials and workmanship. New users should visit the Altair Astro Facebook Group or Altair Camera Google User Group where you can get answers to technical questions. Our support groups are also a great place to share tips and techniques, to get the best out of your camera. The AltairCapture software interface supports most European languages including English, German, French, Japanese, Korean, Polish, Spanish, and Thai. File formats: The camera can be fully controlled in AltairCapture and SharpCap to output uncompressed .AVI and .SER video files for solar system imaging, as well as all common still image formats such as .JPEG .PNG .TIFF .BMP, and .FITS (for deepsky imaging) to mention just a few. The Hypercam supports 8bit or 12bit output. The 12 bit output mode can be used for deep sky imaging with less frames needing to be stacked and a wider pixel intensity range. The sensor is extremely sensitive and a good candidate for video astronomy, especially with small refractors. Find out more about bit depth here. Find out more about video & file formats here. The Hypercam platform: The Hypercam platform supports “Trigger Mode” to make long exposures of over 5 seconds easier to control. With most cameras, in normal video mode, you have to wait for an exposure to complete before the camera will accept, say a command to abort the frame, for say clouds, aircraft, or an alignment issue, like kicking the tripod and so-on, changes in gain, exposure time, or re-aligning or refocusing. For long exposures, normal video mode is inconvenient, especially for video astronomy and deep-sky imaging, however in Trigger Mode, you can stop the camera instantly (even if you are half way through a long exposure) change the settings, and re-start the camera. The Hypercam also has an improved on-board frame buffer to improve data transfer stability at high frame rates (to reduce dropped frames) and to increase compatibility with a wider range of PCs. The improved buffers give a more consistent data transfer rate over USB2.0 and USB3.0 buses on laptops and desktop PCs. Included in the box: Camera body with internal Thermoelectric cooling system and front female M42x0.75mm T-Thread interface (17.5mm backfocus). A spare, rechargeable dessicant cartridge is included for long-term servicing. (Note: This should not be replaced unless confirmed by your dealer or Altair Astro and the sensor chamber seal should not be opened unless under instructions by a qualified party). 1.8m High-speed USB3.0 cable. 2" OD Nosepiece with standard 2" M48x0.75mm filter thread on the front. (code ALTAIRH-2IN) to accept standard astro filters. Built-in UV-IR Blocking Filter with AR coatings protects the sensor and hermetically sealed chamber. Protective silicon rubber end-cap for M42x0.75 front female thread. Dust cap for 2" nosepiece. Armoured sealed case with foam insert. 110v/240v Power supply for camera (please specify US, UK or EU plug when ordering). Note: This camera does not come with software in the box. To operate the camera you will need to download the latest camera drivers at www.altaircameras.com (opens new window) Sensor & performance specifications: AA269CPRO: SONY Exmor IMX269 Color CMOS sensor Sensor Size: 4/3" diagonal (21.77mm) Exposure duration shortest/longest: 0.1 ms (0.00014 secs) / 5 secs (Video Mode) 0.1 ms (0.0001 secs) / 1000 secs (Trigger Mode) Bit depth: 8bit & 14bit mode switchable Pixel size microns: 3.3 x 3.3 um Resolution in pixels: 5280x3956 (21mp) Recording System: Still Picture and Video Region of Interest (ROI) support: Available Approx. Max frame rates 8bit (assuming computer Bus operating at full bandwidth)*: 5280x3956 17.5fps 1x1 binning 2640x1978 17.5fps 2x2 binning 1760x1318 75fps 3x3 binning 584x440 210fps 9x9 binning 12bit mode: Approx. 50% of above FPS.* * Based on average testing. May be revised as we get more data. The shorter the exposure duration, the faster the frame rate. An expensive PC does not guarantee a fast frame rate because PC bus and main board architecture vary. Sensor QE / Quantum Efficiency: No data from Sony Readout: Progressive Scan Shutter: Electronic Rolling Shutter Software & OS support: Drivers & AltairCapture software download (Windows only): www.altaircameras.com (opens new window). Driver support: PHD2, AltairCapture, SharpCap AltairCapture OS support: Win 8/ 10 (32 & 64 bit) NOTE: Windows 10 is recommended for best performance, with 2013 or later machine USB host controller v1.0 or later. ASCOM fully supported with drivers downloadable at www.altaircameras.com (opens new window). SharpCap and APT (3rd party applications) are also fully supported with native drivers for seamless camera control. USB Port & Cable: 3.0 USB Cable, 1.8m cable (USB2.0 also supported). Windows PC Hardware Requirements for best performance: Minimum CPU: Equal to i5 or Higher Minimum Memory: 8GB or More USB port: USB2.0 High-speed Port or USB3.0 High-speed Port (best performance). Please note: Some laptops and touchscreen notebooks may not have adequate USB throughput. Camera Format: Backfocus / Flange Distance: 17.5mm from front flange to sensor. Cooling: High Performance Electronic Fan-cooling System with Heat-sink connected to sensor via cold-finger Camera body length: 98mm Camera body outer diameter: 85mm Weight grams: 580g Optical window: AR-coated UV/IR blocking filter 400-700nm wavelength Transmission Back-focus & Adapter compatibility: Optical Window is NOT removable for cleaning. Camera body thread: M42x0.75 T2 Thread. Astro filter thread adapter: Included, 1.25" OD and 2” OD (optional), Female thread Sensor surface distance from flat end of CS-mount adapter: 12.5 mm Operating environment conditions: Power consumption: 1.4W (standby) 5V 280mA 3.65W (running with Fan off); 7.2W (running with Fan on); Max operating temp: 50 °C Lowest operating temp: -10 °C Max operating humidity: 80 % RH Power source in Volts: 5V DC (via USB cable) Recommended Windows PC Hardware Requirements: Minimum CPU: Equal to Intel i5 2.8GHz or Higher Minimum Memory: 4GB or more, 8GB recommended USB port: USB2.0 High-speed Port or USB3.0 High-speed Port (best performance) Software delivery: Downloaded online at www.altaircameras.com and saved to hard drive. Quick Start & AltairCapture instructions: Downloaded online at www.altaircameras.com and saved to hard drive. Packaging: Armoured plastic case with foam insert. Warranty: 2 years manufacturer warranty against defects in materials and workmanship. Return to point of purchase. The desiccant system and heated sensor area are interesting. I see that you can renew the desiccant so guessing some sort of bag or tablet like you might get in a new telescope box? Features 4GB DDR3 RAM Memory Buffer for better performance. Elimimation of amp glow. We cannot detect any glows on this camera. TEC Cooling system - cools down to -45C below ambient. Temperature sensor, with data available in realtime, temperature written to .FITS files for easier processing. Free offer armoured case. 12v Power supply (specify EU UK or USA cord) ROI (Region of Interest) for cropped higher speed solar, lunar and planetary imaging. Binning supported. SPECIAL OFFER! FREE 1 YEAR SharpCap PRO License! Includes ultra-accurate polar alignment assist, deepsky CMOS exposure time optimisation assist, live stacking for EAA/Video astronomy, live darkframe and flat frame subtration Easier than a DSLR and no "astro modding" required: Unlike a DSLR, there's no need to risk modifying your camera to capture detail in red hydrogen wavelengths, because it has no "red blocking filter" in the way. Hypercam is much easier to use and focus than a DSLR, thanks to the live preview mode which shows uncompressed video at full resolution. You can see a tiny star-point clearly in real-time, because there is no video compression like with a DSLR video stream. There are no clumsy power connectors which drop out easily, no firmware to fight with your software, no mirror to lock up, and a "true" uncompressed RAW mode output. You get exactly what this Sony sensor "sees" from without alterations. Low read noise. The Sony IMX269 CMOS sensor has very low read noise at approx. 2.6e and the usual high-sensitivity, low dark current, no smear, and excellent anti-blooming charateristics you would expect from a CMOS sensor. Unity gain is 565 in SharpCap and most other imaging applications, 5.65 in AltairCapture. Video Astronomy/EAA Friendly. The Hypercam 294C camera is not only desirable for Deepsky Imaging - it's also great for Video Astronomy or "EAA" Electronically Assisted Astronomy. The resolution, high sensitivity, and amp glow reduction technology are well suited to this task. What's more, you can use the Live Stacking features in the AltairCapture software or SharpCap PRO. All-sky time-lapse imaging or video is easy with a DSLR lens and optional Hypercam Lens Adapters (product code: CLA-EOS or CLA-NIKON). To sum it up, the most desirable features of the Hypercam 269C camera are: - 21mp resolution SONY Exmor IMX269 CMOS sensor. - 5280x3956 active 3.3 micron pixels in a 20.49 mm × 17.83 mm array. Physical sensor size, 4/3rds" 21.77mm diagonal. - Extremely low read noise enabling deepsky lucky imaging and very smooth image quality. - Amp glow reduction technology onboard totally eliminates amp glow, reduces noise, and increases contrast. - The camera has a 12 bit ADC converting to 16bit output .FITS files in RAW mode, for deepsky imaging. - Up to 17.5 Frames per second video in full 21mp resolution. (You will need a computer with high USB bandwidth to achieve these speeds, preferably with Intel or Via hardware USB controller on the motherboard). Pure RAW video and stills mode and "digital" RGB output modes for better post processing: The Hypercam sensor ADC can deliver 12bit RAW files, which are stretched to 16 bit. In RAW mode analog (on-sensor) gain is used for ultra low read-noise images. Because the output is completely "RAW" in analog mode, there is no partial "downstream digital" processing like with a DSLR or other cheaper Chinese cameras of similar design, resulting in true RAW mode for the best deepsky performance. True RAW mode allows greater flexibility and consistency in processing large stacks of frames for deepsky "lucky" imaging, where the camera's low read noise can be taken advantage of. Either .FITS image or .SER video files are captured in their purest form for later processing in your software of choice. Of course for Video Astronomy / EAA use, you can select RGB Mode and capture .AVI files, or just view the screen with full access to white balance, gamma, contrast and histogram controls, just like any other camera. USB3.0 speed and USB2.0 reliability: USB3.0 gives much faster transfer speeds than USB2.0 cameras, however, if like most imagers, you prefer to use longer and more flexible USB2.0 cables for better tracking and reliability with a USB2.0 hub, no problem! The Hypercam is completely compatible with USB2.0 or USB3.0. Just plug and go! QUALITY software and drivers included: AltairCapture: Unlike cheaper cameras, Altair Astro has spent considerable time improving the extensively featured and intuitive AltairCapture software, which can be downloaded from www.altaircameras.com. AltairCapture is a stable 64 bit Windows application, which allows full control of the camera in high speed video or still mode. It includes extensive automation features, and supports all the major file formats useful for astro imaging and professional scientific imaging in 16bit, 12bit or 8bit mode. The popular PHD Guiding, SharpCap PRO, and Deepsky imaging software APT and NINA are also fully supported. An ASCOM driver is available for other software, The installation process is simple and straightforward, starting with AltairCapture which contains the driver base. SharpCap PRO: Altair Astro have worked closely with SharpCap developer Robin Glover since 2015, to fully integrate Altair cameras with SharpCap at a basic level. Now, Sharpcap PRO enables even more features with this camera, such as software driven polar alignment (more accurate than any other method), live flat frame subtraction and live darkframe subtraction. The fast, accurate polar alignment feature in SharpCap PRO is a life-saver for imaging, minimising setup time. TEC cooling: The Hypercam has an internal Thermoelectric cooling system connected directly to the sensor. The temperature can be set and maintained at a chosen level down to -45C below ambient (though there is no real benefit going below -15-20C aside from power consumption). Cooling is especially desirable for long exposure imaging to reduce thermal noise which accumulates during long exposures. The result is visibly reduced noise per frame, easier processing, and less sub-frames required to attain a smooth noise-free image, compared to a non-cooled camera. Support & warranty: Altair delivers proper on-shore English-speaking UK/EU support with a 2 year manufacturer warranty against defects in materials and workmanship. New users should visit the Altair Astro Facebook Group or Altair Camera Google User Group where you can get answers to technical questions. Our support groups are also a great place to share tips and techniques, to get the best out of your camera. The AltairCapture software interface supports most European languages including English, German, French, Japanese, Korean, Polish, Spanish, and Thai. File formats: The camera can be fully controlled in AltairCapture and SharpCap to output uncompressed .AVI and .SER video files for solar system imaging, as well as all common still image formats such as .JPEG .PNG .TIFF .BMP, and .FITS (for deepsky imaging) to mention just a few. The Hypercam supports 8bit or 12bit output. The 12 bit output mode can be used for deep sky imaging with less frames needing to be stacked and a wider pixel intensity range. The sensor is extremely sensitive and a good candidate for video astronomy, especially with small refractors. Find out more about bit depth here. Find out more about video & file formats here. The Hypercam platform: The Hypercam platform supports “Trigger Mode” to make long exposures of over 5 seconds easier to control. With most cameras, in normal video mode, you have to wait for an exposure to complete before the camera will accept, say a command to abort the frame, for say clouds, aircraft, or an alignment issue, like kicking the tripod and so-on, changes in gain, exposure time, or re-aligning or refocusing. For long exposures, normal video mode is inconvenient, especially for video astronomy and deep-sky imaging, however in Trigger Mode, you can stop the camera instantly (even if you are half way through a long exposure) change the settings, and re-start the camera. The Hypercam also has an improved on-board frame buffer to improve data transfer stability at high frame rates (to reduce dropped frames) and to increase compatibility with a wider range of PCs. The improved buffers give a more consistent data transfer rate over USB2.0 and USB3.0 buses on laptops and desktop PCs. Included in the box: Camera body with internal Thermoelectric cooling system and front female M42x0.75mm T-Thread interface (17.5mm backfocus). A spare, rechargeable dessicant cartridge is included for long-term servicing. (Note: This should not be replaced unless confirmed by your dealer or Altair Astro and the sensor chamber seal should not be opened unless under instructions by a qualified party). 1.8m High-speed USB3.0 cable. 2" OD Nosepiece with standard 2" M48x0.75mm filter thread on the front. (code ALTAIRH-2IN) to accept standard astro filters. Built-in UV-IR Blocking Filter with AR coatings protects the sensor and hermetically sealed chamber. Protective silicon rubber end-cap for M42x0.75 front female thread. Dust cap for 2" nosepiece. Armoured sealed case with foam insert. 110v/240v Power supply for camera (please specify US, UK or EU plug when ordering). Note: This camera does not come with software in the box. To operate the camera you will need to download the latest camera drivers at www.altaircameras.com (opens new window) Sensor & performance specifications: AA269CPRO: SONY Exmor IMX269 Color CMOS sensor Sensor Size: 4/3" diagonal (21.77mm) Exposure duration shortest/longest: 0.1 ms (0.00014 secs) / 5 secs (Video Mode) 0.1 ms (0.0001 secs) / 1000 secs (Trigger Mode) Bit depth: 8bit & 14bit mode switchable Pixel size microns: 3.3 x 3.3 um Resolution in pixels: 5280x3956 (21mp) Recording System: Still Picture and Video Region of Interest (ROI) support: Available Approx. Max frame rates 8bit (assuming computer Bus operating at full bandwidth)*: 5280x3956 17.5fps 1x1 binning 2640x1978 17.5fps 2x2 binning 1760x1318 75fps 3x3 binning 584x440 210fps 9x9 binning 12bit mode: Approx. 50% of above FPS.* * Based on average testing. May be revised as we get more data. The shorter the exposure duration, the faster the frame rate. An expensive PC does not guarantee a fast frame rate because PC bus and main board architecture vary. Sensor QE / Quantum Efficiency: No data from Sony Readout: Progressive Scan Shutter: Electronic Rolling Shutter Software & OS support: Drivers & AltairCapture software download (Windows only): www.altaircameras.com (opens new window). Driver support: PHD2, AltairCapture, SharpCap AltairCapture OS support: Win 8/ 10 (32 & 64 bit) NOTE: Windows 10 is recommended for best performance, with 2013 or later machine USB host controller v1.0 or later. ASCOM fully supported with drivers downloadable at www.altaircameras.com (opens new window). SharpCap and APT (3rd party applications) are also fully supported with native drivers for seamless camera control. USB Port & Cable: 3.0 USB Cable, 1.8m cable (USB2.0 also supported). Windows PC Hardware Requirements for best performance: Minimum CPU: Equal to i5 or Higher Minimum Memory: 8GB or More USB port: USB2.0 High-speed Port or USB3.0 High-speed Port (best performance). Please note: Some laptops and touchscreen notebooks may not have adequate USB throughput. Camera Format: Backfocus / Flange Distance: 17.5mm from front flange to sensor. Cooling: High Performance Electronic Fan-cooling System with Heat-sink connected to sensor via cold-finger Camera body length: 98mm Camera body outer diameter: 85mm Weight grams: 580g Optical window: AR-coated UV/IR blocking filter 400-700nm wavelength Transmission Back-focus & Adapter compatibility: Optical Window is NOT removable for cleaning. Camera body thread: M42x0.75 T2 Thread. Astro filter thread adapter: Included, 1.25" OD and 2” OD (optional), Female thread Sensor surface distance from flat end of CS-mount adapter: 12.5 mm Operating environment conditions: Power consumption: 1.4W (standby) 5V 280mA 3.65W (running with Fan off); 7.2W (running with Fan on); Max operating temp: 50 °C Lowest operating temp: -10 °C Max operating humidity: 80 % RH Power source in Volts: 5V DC (via USB cable) Recommended Windows PC Hardware Requirements: Minimum CPU: Equal to Intel i5 2.8GHz or Higher Minimum Memory: 4GB or more, 8GB recommended USB port: USB2.0 High-speed Port or USB3.0 High-speed Port (best performance) Software delivery: Downloaded online at www.altaircameras.com and saved to hard drive. Quick Start & AltairCapture instructions: Downloaded online at www.altaircameras.com and saved to hard drive. Packaging: Armoured plastic case with foam insert. Warranty: 2 years ma

yes the 269c has a new chip. It was that I found interested and also time proofing me a bit. Look for Astro Stace on youtube she does some very good reviews and has just been forwarded for the RAS.

Hi all, so I have figured out my HEQ5PRO and polar alignment. Amazed by the mount's accuracy. So now I may be ready to move onto some imaging. I have decided for a number of reasons to opt for a one shot colour camera. I realise that I am looking at around £1000 for anything decent and cooled. I have seen the Altair Hypercam 269C PRO TEC, having seen the review by ASTROSTACE she says it doesn't need dark frames. So hoping to keep imaging hassle free but still with some success am leaning towards dumping my dollars onto this camera. My hobby will mainly be a retirement one as I am still working now and don't have massive evening time available would want something that is future proof. As this is a new sensor am hoping that it will also be that. Does anybody have experience of this model vs any others? Advice at this stage is always useful and members on here have always tipped me in the right direction so far. I have a CPC925 for planetary and visual and a Sky Watcher Esprit 80ED on HEQ5PRO for imaging with 50ED and ZWO mini for guiding. Plus 0.85 reducer. GO!

yes to park position weights down scope up. After you set go to home check that this is the position it has parked to. Mine was off and i adjusted that by selecting park then turn off and adjust as in the how to set videos with the spirit level. Also "point the leg marked N to north" This is crucial if the scope is not set dead north nothing works. I had a tip to measure the distance between the centres of the front and rear legs. Mark a spot on the ground and call this N. Mark a line at distance to rear leg centres mine was 76.8cm This line must be true East to West. set it with a good reliable compass. Now when you plonk the scope down front foot on N rear legs on the East West line it is dead north aligned. I had pre set my altitude and when i looked thru the Polar scope it was almost spot on! A few weeks on altitude and the two side adjustment screws and im on it. Now I park to home at end of use and im good to go. Yes Polaris wanders around the pole circle but im close enough to get my targets centre eye piece every time. Good luck it is a very good mount. I thank the lock down for giving me the time to resolve this or it could have taken me weeks. I store my kit in the summer house next to where I observe from and don't strip it down so all of my settings and finder scope etc don't get knocked off. I hope this helps.

The east / west line for the rear legs is a great idea I think we have a winner thank you. I was trying to mark out 120 degree quadrants but your idea is much more accurate and a whole lot faster.

I have an Esprit 80ED for imaging. Its my 3rd scope previous CPC925 I still have and an old Celestron 127 gone long ago. The scope is used on the patio just outside my storage shed. I have covers and a dehumidifier running in there so I just open both doors and dump it back inside when im done. Have done zero AP so far, just working on getting this right for now. As you say one thing at a time. If im not set up and tracking correctly I am wasting my time trying part 2.

thanks so far, yes this will be for AP and I never dismantle the kit so my hope is that once I get this correct and park the scope in home position each time it is used I will only ever have small adjustments for the movement of Polaris? Just seems no accurate way to put the tripod down and have it point to dead North. I have the mount head and all electronics taken off now and even with just the bare tripod my phone is going nuts as soon as it goes near the metal. North ends up somewhere to the SW so not really any help. As I say I ordered a real compass but who know when it will arrive.

This may seem like a stupid post, I have an HEQ5PRO mount and the manual assumes an awful lot. States align front leg marked N to north. OK great, but what about the other two legs??? you can put one leg pointed to North and swivel the whole tripod 360 degrees around it. My intention was to mark with waterproof marker my tripod foot positions on the patio and drop it onto the same spot every time. Downloaded various compass apps to my phone. The only exact way here is to attach the side of the phone to a 90 degree surface on the scope and swivel it around the from foot until N is achieved? BUT the phone apps go crazy as soon as it is put anywhere near the scope or mount. I am guessing due to the electronics inside. So now I have a massive protractor and measuring out 120 degree angles for the legs to sit but the slightest error is inches out at the back end. I am doing this in daylight to save time later. Am I the only one to have had this problem? I found a sky at night guide that has you making card templates? Is there an easier way? Any 'pointers' pardon the pun would be appreciated. Dave

what mods are made to the camera? is it something i can get done after purchase or do myself?

Hi all, I have been looking for a DSLR canon and have found a couple of very cheap (£120) used 1300d models. I am reading 18mp and wifi connections plus smart phone app which probably includes remote shutter release. Any thoughts here? do i snap it up now or is there a better model for the same cost? I will be guiding and phd2 on a heq5pro with esprit 80 scope and .085 focal reducer. hope you are all safe in this weather. Eastwood observatory won't be opening today!

Thanks for that. So even with a guide scope and camera I need to nail the polar align?

Hi, does anybody have experience with the Pole Master camera and software? Seems like a good idea but the software video I've seen looked complicated? Hope this is in the correct forum as struggled to decide. Please feel free to move mods.

Yes I found Polaris on one of my phone apps and roughly aligned down the mount body. The bright orange reticle is so bright that I cant see ANY stars through it. Just the orange circle. Shame there is no way to turn it down. If I turn it off I cant fine align. Hmmm. It's a problem. Will look at your link thanks.

Hi all, I got a new HEQ5PRO mount last week and as expected have a few issues. I have read and re read the manuals. So I get that my position on earth will change the angle at which I am viewing Polaris. 51.5 degrees according to my GPS. So I set the dial on the side to 51.5. I see the polar scope and remove the end cap from the mount and the black plastic plug from the body, so with the counterweight shaft fully extended I can see all the way through. GREAT! I am expecting to look through this polar scope and if it is aligned to polaris and I have adjusted the left and right azimuth bolts so that we rotate around said star all is peachy? No. My mount is only a week old. It has arrived with an updated reticle and not as in the manual. There is an addendum referring to this and the dates have been marked where Polaris will be for years to come. When I look through the polar scope it is illuminated bright orange, I am not looking through and seeing Polaris so here I am stumped. What exactly am I supposed to be aligning and what was the point of looking right through the shaft if I am not? Does anybody have the latest version of this mount that can advise? Am I supposed to have the power on? maybe with power off the reticule is not illuminated? To be fair the manual is pants and does not explain at all well what is needed. Answers on a postcard please.........

Hi all. I have just taken delivery of a new esprit 80ed and HEQ5PRO mount and very excited to be starting out with imaging. Will probably end up with a zwo dedicated deep space camera but for now a bit with dlsr. I was going to buy a canon on ebay and decided to compare specs to my existing samsung 1000nx. Same chip but the samsung is bigger until you get up to the more expensive cannons. Does anybody have experience with the NX or am I going to hit trouble at some point? Already found a samsung T ring. If anybody has used it some info on settings etc would be great. Are we still at 61mm back focus? Third time I've posted this now first 2 disappeared. Weird.

I was about to ebay my old samsung 1000nx camera and get the canon. A short pause and checked the specs and I find that not only does this camera use the same sensor but it is BIGGER than the cannons and way up into the high prices before they overtake. I have an esprit 80ed and HEQ5PRO on order and hope to capture nebula and galaxies. Does anybody have experience with this camera or any other thoughts? I read that the Samyung lens is highly desirable also. Although I did find a 50mm to 200mm variable zoom on offer for the nx at £75. I do also plan to use a T ring and attach to the scope but unsure what settings I need. Did try this before and unable to focus. So my astronomy hobby is branching into an unintended photography side hobby. Wife will be pleased when more stuff arrives lol.

Hi all, I have been looking for a decent cooled cmos camera. I have noticed this one and for the cost the chip size is huge. Does anybody have first hand experience with this model of camera vs any similar priced. I see the big ZWO creeping up to £1000. I would like to capture Deep space, galaxies, nebulae and planetary so this seems a good all rounder? Any thoughts greatly appreciated and yes I have read making every photon count. Twice and looking at a third browse now.

hi Matt, i have looked at the Samyang 135mm lens. around £400. I then found a zoom lens 50mm to 200mm. so will that give similar results to the 135mm or am i missing something? I know the sayang has superior umc coatings but wonder if the focal length is the main thing here? thanks.

I am currently torn between esprit 80 and evo 80ed. £600 difference. Will I appreciate the extra quality for the money as they are both good AP scopes.

thanks for all the comments and insights. Am looking at second hand, i think that's good advice. Then I can upgrade and sell stuff later. I have done A LOT of reading about all this and even how the light comes through the lens, the difference between doublet and triplet and ED. I see that the evo is f7.5 and esprit f5.5 but the 80ed has a bigger FOV. Will get second hand esprit if one is available or new evo. Def the HEQ5 mount. GPS mouse yes or no? I am based in one place and unlikely to move that scope unit around so once im set up will be the same data each time.

So I have bought the book and already half way thru. Great book and good step by step guide for those of us with little or no imaging knowledge. I have decided to keep the CPC for planetary imaging and visual observing. I am going to get a totally new kit for imaging. So we are now at this. A HEQ5 mount sounds great for the price and then a scope to match to it either SW80ed pro or the esprit 80. My question really is that obviously the esprit is the better scope and a triplet but is 1000 pounds vs 500. Will somebody of my ability just be wasting 500 on the better scope? It all comes withing my 2000 budget but I can bring it to under 1500 and have cash for a field flattened and some towards a better imaging camera?

Thanks all, I have ordered the book. Will take my time and read it first. Good advice thanks. Love you all.

I have set a target to first image all of the solar system planets and make up a nice wall piece with them all on. When that's been achieved I will move on the the galaxies and nebula so hoping to only have to buy one kit. I suppose in answer to your question the deep space will be the long term goal.