QHYCCD QHY5III178M Mono USB3.0
The QHYCCD QHY5III178M Mono USB3.0 uses the new 6.0 Megapixel IMX178 STARVIS Exmor R back-illuminated CMOS sensor. Available in monochrome and color. With its small 2.4um pixels and 1/1.8-inch sensor size, the monochrome QHY5III178M is a superb guiding camera due to its advantages in resolution and wide FOV, plus its extraordinary sensitivity due to the STARVIS Exmor.
For deep sky imaging, the QHY5III178 uses our proprietary anti-amp glow control function that reduces amplifer glow significantly.
The QHY5III178 sensor is Sony’s StarVis BSI image sensor. STARVIS is a trademark of Sony Corporation. BSI means the sensor is Back Side Illuminated which dramatically increases the sensor’s sensitivity and produces high picture quality in the visible-light and near infrared light regions.
The unique QHYCCD design retains the 1.25-inch eyepiece design of the QHY5-II series but adds features for better cooling. This design is more efficient in transfer of heat to the outer case enabling lower noise especially in high ambient temperatures. The 1.25 inch design also offers the shortest possible backfocus, making the camera ideal for off-axis guiding. In addition, the QHY5III178 uses a more robust LEMO style connector for the guide port. These connectors are known for being both rugged and reliable.
USB3.0 Super Speed
QHY5III series cameras use a 5Gbps USB3.0 interface. With a maximum 350MByte/second image transfer speed, the cameras produce the high frame rate ideal for high speed planetary imaging.
Advanced Heat Design
The QHY5III design helps transfer the heat generated by the sensor to the metal case of the camera quickly and then to the cooling fins and telescope eyepiece holder.
Aircraft Spec Socket
The QHY5III has an extremely stable 5-pin aircraft spec socket for the guide port.
Technical Specifications
| Sensor |
Sony IMX178 Exmor CMOS sensor (Mono/Color) |
| Imager Size |
Typical 1/1.8-inch |
| Effective Pixels |
3072 x 2048 6 Megapixels |
| Effective Area |
7.37mm x 4.91mm |
| Pixel Size |
2.4um x 2.4um |
| Readout Type |
Progressive Scan |
| FullWell |
15ke- |
| Readout Noise |
2.4e – 0.9e |
| Anti-amplight Control |
Yes (Reduces amp glow significantly) |
| Shutter |
Electronic Shutter |
| Max Frame Rate |
50FPS @full resolution 100FPs@1528×1024 190FPS@764×512 |
| ADC Sample Depth |
10/14-bit, Output 8-bit/14-bit |
| Exposure Time |
9us – 1200sec |
| Pixel Binning |
1×1, 2×2 |
| MicroLens |
Yes, on-chip microlens array |
| Peak QE |
TBD |
| Guide Port |
Yes, 5-pin Lemo aviation socket |
| Back Focal |
Approx. 11mm |
| Camera Size |
1.25-inch Eyepiece Size (D=31.6mm) |
| Optic Window |
AR+AR(Mono) AR+IR cut 680nm (Color) |
| Support Software |
ASCOM, SharpCAP |
| Weight |
86g (Mono ) / 87g (Color) |
In the Box
QHY5III178M
Confocal Ring
1.5m USB3.0 Cable
1.5m 5-pin lemo to RJ11 guide cable
Manual & Warranty
QHYCCD 2-Years Warranty
QHYCCD QHY5-III Series Manual
