How well does the QHY 168C sensor work?
- STEVE333
- Inter-Galactic Ambassador
- Articles: 0
- Posts: 3466
- Joined: Sat May 11, 2019 5:01 pm
- 4
- Location: Santa Cruz, Ca, USA
- Status:
Offline
-
TSS Awards Badges
TSS Photo of the Day
How well does the QHY 168C sensor work?
Hi all - I'm thinking about purchasing a QHY 168C sensor because of its large size and reasonable price. I'm only interested in a color camera and not a monochrome.
Any comments GOOD or BAD would be much appreciated.
Thanks,
Steve
Any comments GOOD or BAD would be much appreciated.
Thanks,
Steve
Steve King: Light Pollution (Bortle 5)
Telescope + Mount + Guiding: W.O. Star71-ii + iOptron CEM40 EC + Orion Magnificent Mini AutoGuider
Camera: ASI 1600MM Pro + EFW Filter Wheel + Chroma 3nm Siii, Ha, Oiii + ZWO LRGB Filters
Software: PHD2; APT; PixInsight ***** My AP website: www.steveking.pictures
Telescope + Mount + Guiding: W.O. Star71-ii + iOptron CEM40 EC + Orion Magnificent Mini AutoGuider
Camera: ASI 1600MM Pro + EFW Filter Wheel + Chroma 3nm Siii, Ha, Oiii + ZWO LRGB Filters
Software: PHD2; APT; PixInsight ***** My AP website: www.steveking.pictures
- JayTee
- Universal Ambassador
- Articles: 2
- Posts: 5646
- Joined: Thu Apr 25, 2019 3:23 am
- 5
- Location: Idaho, USA
- Status:
Offline
-
TSS Awards Badges
TSS Photo of the Day
Re: How well does the QHY 168C sensor work?
Hi Steve,
Don't forget about the ZWO version, the ZWO ASI 071MC Pro. It's a bit less expensive.
https://starizona.com/store/imaging/cam ... -pro-color
Cheers,
JT
Don't forget about the ZWO version, the ZWO ASI 071MC Pro. It's a bit less expensive.
https://starizona.com/store/imaging/cam ... -pro-color
Cheers,
JT
∞ Primary Scopes: #1: Celestron CPC1100 #2: 8" f/7.5 Dob #3: CR150HD f/8 6" frac
∞ AP Scopes: #1: TPO 6" f/9 RC #2: ES 102 f/7 APO #3: ES 80mm f/6 APO
∞ G&G Scopes: #1: Meade 102mm f/7.8 #2: Bresser 102mm f/4.5
∞ Guide Scopes: 70 & 80mm fracs -- The El Cheapo Bros.
∞ Mounts: iOptron CEM70AG, SW EQ6R, Celestron AVX, SLT & GT (Alt-Az), Meade DS2000
∞ Cameras: #1: ZWO ASI294MC Pro #2: 662MC #3: 120MC, Canon T3i, Orion SSAG, WYZE Cam3
∞ Binos: 10X50,11X70,15X70, 25X100 ∞ AP Gear: ZWO EAF and mini EFW and the Optolong L-eXteme filter
∞ EPs: ES 2": 21mm 100° & 30mm 82° Pentax XW: 7, 10, 14, & 20mm 70°
Searching the skies since 1966. "I never met a scope I didn't want to keep."
∞ AP Scopes: #1: TPO 6" f/9 RC #2: ES 102 f/7 APO #3: ES 80mm f/6 APO
∞ G&G Scopes: #1: Meade 102mm f/7.8 #2: Bresser 102mm f/4.5
∞ Guide Scopes: 70 & 80mm fracs -- The El Cheapo Bros.
∞ Mounts: iOptron CEM70AG, SW EQ6R, Celestron AVX, SLT & GT (Alt-Az), Meade DS2000
∞ Cameras: #1: ZWO ASI294MC Pro #2: 662MC #3: 120MC, Canon T3i, Orion SSAG, WYZE Cam3
∞ Binos: 10X50,11X70,15X70, 25X100 ∞ AP Gear: ZWO EAF and mini EFW and the Optolong L-eXteme filter
∞ EPs: ES 2": 21mm 100° & 30mm 82° Pentax XW: 7, 10, 14, & 20mm 70°
Searching the skies since 1966. "I never met a scope I didn't want to keep."
- pmwolsley
- Moon Ambassador
- Articles: 0
- Posts: 52
- Joined: Sat Jul 13, 2019 2:33 am
- 4
- Location: Ontario Canada
- Status:
Offline
Re: How well does the QHY 168C sensor work?
Steve,
I am also looking to purchase a cooled color astrocam as I am upgrading from my APS-C Nikon D5300 (Ha Modded). I have decided to go with a QHY294C. It has slightly smaller pixels (4.63uM compared to the 4.8uM in the 168C) but the main reason, for me, is the higher QE . I just figure a higher QE will allow me to collect more electrons per hour which should give me better data given the limited time I can allocate to this hobby. The Nikon D5300, QHY168C and QHY294C all feature a 14b A/D .
In my mind I want to purchase a faster camera than my D5300. While shooting at unity gain (ISO200 for the D5300) with my equipment, it takes roughly 400 to 500 seconds before the stars saturate. I calculate that going from 3.91uM pixels in my D5300 to 4.63uM in the 294C and also increasing theQE from 55% in the D5300 to over 75% in the 294C the camera will saturate in almost half the time. This could double the number of photos taken per hour with the same number of electrons collected per photo.
Both the 168C and the 294C have deep fullwells. 46Ke for the 168C and 65Ke for the 294C. My D5300 is estimated to have a fullwell of 36ke so I am hoping the star halos will be reduced as well. The chip in the Nikon D5300 is the same as in the QHY247C.
I don't really want to lose the APS-C chip size which the 168C has. The 294C has a 4/3" sensor so I may need to do some mosaics (which I have never tried). I just concluded that more data/hour is paramount for me.
Hopefully some 168C users will chime in here to give their "hands on" experience.
Happy Holidays
Peter
I am also looking to purchase a cooled color astrocam as I am upgrading from my APS-C Nikon D5300 (
In my mind I want to purchase a faster camera than my D5300. While shooting at unity gain (ISO200 for the D5300) with my equipment, it takes roughly 400 to 500 seconds before the stars saturate. I calculate that going from 3.91uM pixels in my D5300 to 4.63uM in the 294C and also increasing the
Both the 168C and the 294C have deep fullwells. 46Ke for the 168C and 65Ke for the 294C. My D5300 is estimated to have a fullwell of 36ke so I am hoping the star halos will be reduced as well. The chip in the Nikon D5300 is the same as in the QHY247C.
I don't really want to lose the APS-C chip size which the 168C has. The 294C has a 4/3" sensor so I may need to do some mosaics (which I have never tried). I just concluded that more data/hour is paramount for me.
Hopefully some 168C users will chime in here to give their "hands on" experience.
Happy Holidays
Peter
Scopes:Celestron 8" EdgeHD + 0.7focal reducer, Skywatcher BK80ED +0.85 focal reducer
Mount:Celestron CGEM mount with QHY5II-M 177mm guider
Imaging:Nikon D5300 DSLR (H-Alpha Mod) QHYCCD QHY294C
Software:Digicamcontrol, DSS, StarTools, Lightroom, CaLIGHTs(I am the author of CaLIGHTs)
Dark site: Class 4 Bortle
Home site:Class 8 Bortle
Mount:Celestron CGEM mount with QHY5II-M 177mm guider
Imaging:Nikon D5300 DSLR (H-Alpha Mod) QHYCCD QHY294C
Software:Digicamcontrol, DSS, StarTools, Lightroom, CaLIGHTs(I am the author of CaLIGHTs)
Dark site: Class 4 Bortle
Home site:Class 8 Bortle
- Baskevo
- Orion Spur Ambassador
- Articles: 0
- Posts: 829
- Joined: Sun Aug 11, 2019 8:47 am
- 4
- Location: Orange County, California
- Status:
Offline
-
TSS Photo of the Day
Re: How well does the QHY 168C sensor work?
One just went up on CN classified's I believeJayTee wrote: ↑Sun Dec 22, 2019 1:54 am Hi Steve,
Don't forget about the ZWO version, the ZWO ASI 071MC Pro. It's a bit less expensive.
https://starizona.com/store/imaging/cam ... -pro-color
Cheers,
JT
-James W.
Telescope: Explore Scientific 80mm FCD100 Triplet APO Refractor
Mount: EQ6-R Pro
Cameras: ZWO ASI1600mm Pro (Cooled) | Canon DSLR EOS T7i
Auto-guiding: ZWO ASI120mm-Mini + Astromania 50mm Guidescope
Filters: ZWO 31mm Ha/Oiii/Sii 7nm + LRGB | Orion 2" Skyglow Filter
Accessories: Explore Scientific 2" Field Flattener, ZWO EFW 8 Position
Software: APT, SharpCap Pro, PHD2, CPWI | PixInsight, DeepSkyStacker, Photoshop
Flickr: https://www.flickr.com/gp/186194203@N06/18B629
Telescope: Explore Scientific 80mm FCD100 Triplet APO Refractor
Mount: EQ6-R Pro
Cameras: ZWO ASI1600mm Pro (Cooled) | Canon DSLR EOS T7i
Auto-guiding: ZWO ASI120mm-Mini + Astromania 50mm Guidescope
Filters: ZWO 31mm Ha/Oiii/Sii 7nm + LRGB | Orion 2" Skyglow Filter
Accessories: Explore Scientific 2" Field Flattener, ZWO EFW 8 Position
Software: APT, SharpCap Pro, PHD2, CPWI | PixInsight, DeepSkyStacker, Photoshop
Flickr: https://www.flickr.com/gp/186194203@N06/18B629
- STEVE333
- Inter-Galactic Ambassador
- Articles: 0
- Posts: 3466
- Joined: Sat May 11, 2019 5:01 pm
- 4
- Location: Santa Cruz, Ca, USA
- Status:
Offline
-
TSS Awards Badges
TSS Photo of the Day
Re: How well does the QHY 168C sensor work?
Thanks all for the replies.
I'm now thinking of going to NB imaging. I believe my Astro Duo-Narrowband filter is causing some halos around bright stars. They really mess up the image, and, I've only found a way to slightly reduce them but it leaves the stars looking odd.
I've seen manny NB images and they don't have the same halo problem. So, going NB should reduce my noise a bit and solve the halo problem at the same time. Also, being able to create Master Darks would be a breeze with a controlled temperature sensor. I've been resisting this, but, at 78 if I'm going to do it I better get started soon!! More time to enjoy it.
I've been looking at the ZWO ASI1600MM Pro that comes with a bundle which includes: a 7 x 36 mm Filter Wheel and a set of 36 mm LRGB and SHO (7 nm) filters along with several extenders, adapters and spacers plus some USB cables. It's sold by OPT for $1999. I'm going to give them a call and discuss how to connect it to my telescopes.
Steve
I'm now thinking of going to NB imaging. I believe my Astro Duo-Narrowband filter is causing some halos around bright stars. They really mess up the image, and, I've only found a way to slightly reduce them but it leaves the stars looking odd.
I've seen manny NB images and they don't have the same halo problem. So, going NB should reduce my noise a bit and solve the halo problem at the same time. Also, being able to create Master Darks would be a breeze with a controlled temperature sensor. I've been resisting this, but, at 78 if I'm going to do it I better get started soon!! More time to enjoy it.
I've been looking at the ZWO ASI1600MM Pro that comes with a bundle which includes: a 7 x 36 mm Filter Wheel and a set of 36 mm LRGB and SHO (7 nm) filters along with several extenders, adapters and spacers plus some USB cables. It's sold by OPT for $1999. I'm going to give them a call and discuss how to connect it to my telescopes.
Steve
Steve King: Light Pollution (Bortle 5)
Telescope + Mount + Guiding: W.O. Star71-ii + iOptron CEM40 EC + Orion Magnificent Mini AutoGuider
Camera: ASI 1600MM Pro + EFW Filter Wheel + Chroma 3nm Siii, Ha, Oiii + ZWO LRGB Filters
Software: PHD2; APT; PixInsight ***** My AP website: www.steveking.pictures
Telescope + Mount + Guiding: W.O. Star71-ii + iOptron CEM40 EC + Orion Magnificent Mini AutoGuider
Camera: ASI 1600MM Pro + EFW Filter Wheel + Chroma 3nm Siii, Ha, Oiii + ZWO LRGB Filters
Software: PHD2; APT; PixInsight ***** My AP website: www.steveking.pictures
- XCalRocketMan
- Orion Spur Ambassador
- Articles: 0
- Posts: 507
- Joined: Sun May 12, 2019 8:09 pm
- 4
- Location: Reisterstown, MD USA
- Status:
Offline
-
TSS Awards Badges
TSS Photo of the Day
Re: How well does the QHY 168C sensor work?
STEVE333 wrote: ↑Sun Jan 19, 2020 4:38 am Thanks all for the replies.
I'm now thinking of going to NB imaging. I believe my Astro Duo-Narrowband filter is causing some halos around bright stars. They really mess up the image, and, I've only found a way to slightly reduce them but it leaves the stars looking odd.
I've seen manny NB images and they don't have the same halo problem. So, going NB should reduce my noise a bit and solve the halo problem at the same time. Also, being able to create Master Darks would be a breeze with a controlled temperature sensor. I've been resisting this, but, at 78 if I'm going to do it I better get started soon!! More time to enjoy it.
I've been looking at the ZWO ASI1600MM Pro that comes with a bundle which includes: a 7 x 36 mm Filter Wheel and a set of 36 mm LRGB and SHO (7 nm) filters along with several extenders, adapters and spacers plus some USB cables. It's sold by OPT for $1999. I'm going to give them a call and discuss how to connect it to my telescopes.
Steve
I have both a QHY10 (
Scopes Celestron EdgeHD-11; William Optics GT102; William Optics ZS61; Criterion Dynamax-8 SCT
Mounts AP1100GTO mount w/APCCpro; iOptron iEQ30 Pro; Criterion Dynamax-8 SCT
Lenses Hyperstar-III; Celestron 0.7x FR; WO Flat/Reducer 0.8x
Guiding Celestron OAG w/ASI174mm mini; WO 50mm; Orion ST80
Cameras and Filters ZWO2600mm Pro w/Optolong 3nm NB and RGB; ZWOASI1600mm Pro (ZWO LRGB and Astrodon Ha-5nm, Oiii-3nm, Sii-5nm), QHY10, Canon 50D; ASI174mm mini; ASI462MC; ASI120MC
Misc Moonlite focuser on Edge - Feather-Touch focuser on GT102; ZWO EAF on ZS61; ZWO 2" and 31mm FWs; Kendrick Dew System, Temp-est Fans
Software NINA; PHD; APT; BYE; PI; APP; PSP; Registax; FireCapture; SharpCap
Blog at: SkyAndRockets
Mounts AP1100GTO mount w/APCCpro; iOptron iEQ30 Pro; Criterion Dynamax-8 SCT
Lenses Hyperstar-III; Celestron 0.7x FR; WO Flat/Reducer 0.8x
Guiding Celestron OAG w/ASI174mm mini; WO 50mm; Orion ST80
Cameras and Filters ZWO2600mm Pro w/Optolong 3nm NB and RGB; ZWOASI1600mm Pro (ZWO LRGB and Astrodon Ha-5nm, Oiii-3nm, Sii-5nm), QHY10, Canon 50D; ASI174mm mini; ASI462MC; ASI120MC
Misc Moonlite focuser on Edge - Feather-Touch focuser on GT102; ZWO EAF on ZS61; ZWO 2" and 31mm FWs; Kendrick Dew System, Temp-est Fans
Software NINA; PHD; APT; BYE; PI; APP; PSP; Registax; FireCapture; SharpCap
Blog at: SkyAndRockets
- yobbo89
- Moderator
- Articles: 0
- Posts: 2597
- Joined: Sat May 11, 2019 7:44 pm
- 4
- Location: australia qld brisbane
- Status:
Online
-
TSS Photo of the Day
Re: How well does the QHY 168C sensor work?
good choice, steve, i opt for a better set of filters mainly the oiii , but price can't be beat with that asi1600 ,filter wheel and lrgb,ha ,sii,oiii filter deal.
microlensing is a problem mainly only from those monster stars like alnitak ,no problems with bright nebula cores like m42 ectt.i believe that it's not the filter sensor window from the camera housing that causes this,it would be great if it was , i could just swap out the window, but i'm pretty sure it's caused from the coating on the chip itself,it seemscmos chips are coated in some sort of clear protective substrate and for the asi1600 it might be a "microlens" hence the term of the defect in images on bright objects.
i'm just speculating on what the problem might be, doing a little research on it,sorry for any incorrect diagrams.
I guess they do this to get more photons on the sensor pixel,to boost the chips q.e,i guess it could cause more problems on faster scopes.
here is a good read.
https://www.cloudynights.com/topic/6359 ... explained/
microlensing is a problem mainly only from those monster stars like alnitak ,no problems with bright nebula cores like m42 ectt.i believe that it's not the filter sensor window from the camera housing that causes this,it would be great if it was , i could just swap out the window, but i'm pretty sure it's caused from the coating on the chip itself,it seems
i'm just speculating on what the problem might be, doing a little research on it,sorry for any incorrect diagrams.
I guess they do this to get more photons on the sensor pixel,to boost the chips q.e,i guess it could cause more problems on faster scopes.
here is a good read.
https://www.cloudynights.com/topic/6359 ... explained/
- Attachments
-
- photodiode.jpg (33.37 KiB) Viewed 5066 times
-
- shack_hartmann_sensor.png (4.16 KiB) Viewed 5066 times
scopes :gso/bintel f4 12"truss tube, bresser messier ar127s /skywatcher 10'' dob,meade 12'' f10 lx200 sct
cameras : asi 1600mm-c/asi1600mm-c,asi120mc,prostar lp guidecam, nikkon d60, sony a7,asi 290 mm
mounts : eq6 pro/eq8/mesu 200 v2
filters : 2'' astronomik lp/badder lrgb h-a,sII,oIII,h-b,Baader Solar Continuum, chroma 3nm ha,sii,oiii,nii,rgb,lowglow,uv/ir,Thousand Oaks Solar Filter,1.25'' #47 violet,pro planet 742 ir,pro planet 807 ir,pro planet 642 bp ir.
extras : skywatcher f4 aplanatic cc, Baader MPCC MKIII Coma Corrector,Orion Field Flattener,zwo 1.25''adc.starlight maxi 2" 9x filter wheel,tele vue 2x barlow .
cameras : asi 1600mm-c/asi1600mm-c,asi120mc,prostar lp guidecam, nikkon d60, sony a7,asi 290 mm
mounts : eq6 pro/eq8/mesu 200 v2
filters : 2'' astronomik lp/badder lrgb h-a,sII,oIII,h-b,Baader Solar Continuum, chroma 3nm ha,sii,oiii,nii,rgb,lowglow,uv/ir,Thousand Oaks Solar Filter,1.25'' #47 violet,pro planet 742 ir,pro planet 807 ir,pro planet 642 bp ir.
extras : skywatcher f4 aplanatic cc, Baader MPCC MKIII Coma Corrector,Orion Field Flattener,zwo 1.25''adc.starlight maxi 2" 9x filter wheel,tele vue 2x barlow .
- STEVE333
- Inter-Galactic Ambassador
- Articles: 0
- Posts: 3466
- Joined: Sat May 11, 2019 5:01 pm
- 4
- Location: Santa Cruz, Ca, USA
- Status:
Offline
-
TSS Awards Badges
TSS Photo of the Day
Re: How well does the QHY 168C sensor work?
XCalRocketMan wrote: ↑Sun Jan 19, 2020 5:01 am I have both a QHY10 (OSC), which was my first astro-camera, and the ASI1600mm Pro which I bought to do NB and LRGB imaging. The camera is really nice; the filter wheel adequate (I've had no issues with it for about 2 years now). The LRGB filter set is also very good. The NB filters are so-so. They will produce halos around bright stars. I used them for quite awhile but eventually saved up and spent the $$$ for a set of 31mm unmounted Astrodon NB (5nm Ha, 3nm Oiii and 5nm Sii) filters. I think the camera is a great buy and a good start in the NB imaging arena. Just be forewarned that the ZWO NB filters do have the issue of halos. I don't own the Duo band filter so I can't tell you if the halos are as bad, worse, or better. One other issue with the ASI1600 is that the sensor window is not properly anti-reflective, so you sometimes get a mosaic effect around very bright stars, regardless of the filters you use. But all-in-all, for the money, the camera has (and still is) serving me well.
yobbo89 wrote: ↑Sun Jan 19, 2020 6:31 am good choice, steve, i opt for a better set of filters mainly the oiii , but price can't be beat with that asi1600 ,filter wheel and lrgb,ha,sii,oiii filter deal.
microlensing is a problem mainly only from those monster stars like alnitak ,no problems with bright nebula cores like m42 ectt.i believe that it's not the filter sensor window from the camera housing that causes this,it would be great if it was , i could just swap out the window, but i'm pretty sure it's caused from the coating on the chip itself,it seems cmos chips are coated in some sort of clear protective substrate and for the asi1600 it might be a "microlens" hence the term of the defect in images on bright objects.
i'm just speculating on what the problem might be, doing a little research on it,sorry for any incorrect diagrams.
I guess they do this to get more photons on the sensor pixel,to boost the chips q.e,i guess it could cause more problems on faster scopes.
here is a good read.
https://www.cloudynights.com/topic/6359 ... explained/
Thanks guys - So many choices and features. I don't plan on doing any LRGB imaging because of the bad
Steve
Steve King: Light Pollution (Bortle 5)
Telescope + Mount + Guiding: W.O. Star71-ii + iOptron CEM40 EC + Orion Magnificent Mini AutoGuider
Camera: ASI 1600MM Pro + EFW Filter Wheel + Chroma 3nm Siii, Ha, Oiii + ZWO LRGB Filters
Software: PHD2; APT; PixInsight ***** My AP website: www.steveking.pictures
Telescope + Mount + Guiding: W.O. Star71-ii + iOptron CEM40 EC + Orion Magnificent Mini AutoGuider
Camera: ASI 1600MM Pro + EFW Filter Wheel + Chroma 3nm Siii, Ha, Oiii + ZWO LRGB Filters
Software: PHD2; APT; PixInsight ***** My AP website: www.steveking.pictures
- Baskevo
- Orion Spur Ambassador
- Articles: 0
- Posts: 829
- Joined: Sun Aug 11, 2019 8:47 am
- 4
- Location: Orange County, California
- Status:
Offline
-
TSS Photo of the Day
Re: How well does the QHY 168C sensor work?
Steve,
I can vouch for the new ZWO filters that comes in the bundle you are talking about, except for the Oiii filter. Those do cause quite a bit of halos. But I have been very happy with theHa and Sii filters There is a review of the new filters on CN which, along with the price of a good set of NB filters, convinced me to stick with them. I am hoping to upgrade the Oiii, though.
NB is a lot of fun and there are tons of targets you can go for... And, if you have enough time on a target, LRGB can be done in heavyLP . I live in a bortle 9 and I am going to try it! I feel like you should be good in a bortle 5, if your signature is accurate. It can't be worse than an DSLR , right?
I'm also discovering "syntheticRGB " color combinations you can do with SHO, which is pretty close! It's still obviously NB, But you can do some really cool stuff with NB. It will open up a whole new world of AP for you! You can go through a lot of the messier list again
I can vouch for the new ZWO filters that comes in the bundle you are talking about, except for the Oiii filter. Those do cause quite a bit of halos. But I have been very happy with the
NB is a lot of fun and there are tons of targets you can go for... And, if you have enough time on a target, LRGB can be done in heavy
I'm also discovering "synthetic
-James W.
Telescope: Explore Scientific 80mm FCD100 Triplet APO Refractor
Mount: EQ6-R Pro
Cameras: ZWO ASI1600mm Pro (Cooled) | Canon DSLR EOS T7i
Auto-guiding: ZWO ASI120mm-Mini + Astromania 50mm Guidescope
Filters: ZWO 31mm Ha/Oiii/Sii 7nm + LRGB | Orion 2" Skyglow Filter
Accessories: Explore Scientific 2" Field Flattener, ZWO EFW 8 Position
Software: APT, SharpCap Pro, PHD2, CPWI | PixInsight, DeepSkyStacker, Photoshop
Flickr: https://www.flickr.com/gp/186194203@N06/18B629
Telescope: Explore Scientific 80mm FCD100 Triplet APO Refractor
Mount: EQ6-R Pro
Cameras: ZWO ASI1600mm Pro (Cooled) | Canon DSLR EOS T7i
Auto-guiding: ZWO ASI120mm-Mini + Astromania 50mm Guidescope
Filters: ZWO 31mm Ha/Oiii/Sii 7nm + LRGB | Orion 2" Skyglow Filter
Accessories: Explore Scientific 2" Field Flattener, ZWO EFW 8 Position
Software: APT, SharpCap Pro, PHD2, CPWI | PixInsight, DeepSkyStacker, Photoshop
Flickr: https://www.flickr.com/gp/186194203@N06/18B629
- STEVE333
- Inter-Galactic Ambassador
- Articles: 0
- Posts: 3466
- Joined: Sat May 11, 2019 5:01 pm
- 4
- Location: Santa Cruz, Ca, USA
- Status:
Offline
-
TSS Awards Badges
TSS Photo of the Day
Re: How well does the QHY 168C sensor work?
Thanks for the feedback James.Baskevo wrote: ↑Sun Jan 19, 2020 6:58 am Steve,
I can vouch for the new ZWO filters that comes in the bundle you are talking about, except for the Oiii filter. Those do cause quite a bit of halos. But I have been very happy with the Ha and Sii filters There is a review of the new filters on CN which, along with the price of a good set of NB filters, convinced me to stick with them. I am hoping to upgrade the Oiii, though.
NB is a lot of fun and there are tons of targets you can go for... And, if you have enough time on a target, LRGB can be done in heavy LP. I live in a bortle 9 and I am going to try it! I feel like you should be good in a bortle 5, if your signature is accurate. It can't be worse than an DSLR, right?
I'm also discovering "synthetic RGB" color combinations you can do with SHO, which is pretty close! It's still obviously NB, But you can do some really cool stuff with NB. It will open up a whole new world of AP for you! You can go through a lot of the messier list again
Steve King: Light Pollution (Bortle 5)
Telescope + Mount + Guiding: W.O. Star71-ii + iOptron CEM40 EC + Orion Magnificent Mini AutoGuider
Camera: ASI 1600MM Pro + EFW Filter Wheel + Chroma 3nm Siii, Ha, Oiii + ZWO LRGB Filters
Software: PHD2; APT; PixInsight ***** My AP website: www.steveking.pictures
Telescope + Mount + Guiding: W.O. Star71-ii + iOptron CEM40 EC + Orion Magnificent Mini AutoGuider
Camera: ASI 1600MM Pro + EFW Filter Wheel + Chroma 3nm Siii, Ha, Oiii + ZWO LRGB Filters
Software: PHD2; APT; PixInsight ***** My AP website: www.steveking.pictures
- XCalRocketMan
- Orion Spur Ambassador
- Articles: 0
- Posts: 507
- Joined: Sun May 12, 2019 8:09 pm
- 4
- Location: Reisterstown, MD USA
- Status:
Offline
-
TSS Awards Badges
TSS Photo of the Day
Re: How well does the QHY 168C sensor work?
Yep - I stand corrected. It is the microlens not the sensor cover that is the issue.yobbo89 wrote: ↑Sun Jan 19, 2020 6:31 am good choice, steve, i opt for a better set of filters mainly the oiii , but price can't be beat with that asi1600 ,filter wheel and lrgb,ha,sii,oiii filter deal.
microlensing is a problem mainly only from those monster stars like alnitak ,no problems with bright nebula cores like m42 ectt.i believe that it's not the filter sensor window from the camera housing that causes this,it would be great if it was , i could just swap out the window, but i'm pretty sure it's caused from the coating on the chip itself,it seems cmos chips are coated in some sort of clear protective substrate and for the asi1600 it might be a "microlens" hence the term of the defect in images on bright objects.
i'm just speculating on what the problem might be, doing a little research on it,sorry for any incorrect diagrams.
I guess they do this to get more photons on the sensor pixel,to boost the chips q.e,i guess it could cause more problems on faster scopes.
here is a good read.
https://www.cloudynights.com/topic/6359 ... explained/
Scopes Celestron EdgeHD-11; William Optics GT102; William Optics ZS61; Criterion Dynamax-8 SCT
Mounts AP1100GTO mount w/APCCpro; iOptron iEQ30 Pro; Criterion Dynamax-8 SCT
Lenses Hyperstar-III; Celestron 0.7x FR; WO Flat/Reducer 0.8x
Guiding Celestron OAG w/ASI174mm mini; WO 50mm; Orion ST80
Cameras and Filters ZWO2600mm Pro w/Optolong 3nm NB and RGB; ZWOASI1600mm Pro (ZWO LRGB and Astrodon Ha-5nm, Oiii-3nm, Sii-5nm), QHY10, Canon 50D; ASI174mm mini; ASI462MC; ASI120MC
Misc Moonlite focuser on Edge - Feather-Touch focuser on GT102; ZWO EAF on ZS61; ZWO 2" and 31mm FWs; Kendrick Dew System, Temp-est Fans
Software NINA; PHD; APT; BYE; PI; APP; PSP; Registax; FireCapture; SharpCap
Blog at: SkyAndRockets
Mounts AP1100GTO mount w/APCCpro; iOptron iEQ30 Pro; Criterion Dynamax-8 SCT
Lenses Hyperstar-III; Celestron 0.7x FR; WO Flat/Reducer 0.8x
Guiding Celestron OAG w/ASI174mm mini; WO 50mm; Orion ST80
Cameras and Filters ZWO2600mm Pro w/Optolong 3nm NB and RGB; ZWOASI1600mm Pro (ZWO LRGB and Astrodon Ha-5nm, Oiii-3nm, Sii-5nm), QHY10, Canon 50D; ASI174mm mini; ASI462MC; ASI120MC
Misc Moonlite focuser on Edge - Feather-Touch focuser on GT102; ZWO EAF on ZS61; ZWO 2" and 31mm FWs; Kendrick Dew System, Temp-est Fans
Software NINA; PHD; APT; BYE; PI; APP; PSP; Registax; FireCapture; SharpCap
Blog at: SkyAndRockets
- XCalRocketMan
- Orion Spur Ambassador
- Articles: 0
- Posts: 507
- Joined: Sun May 12, 2019 8:09 pm
- 4
- Location: Reisterstown, MD USA
- Status:
Offline
-
TSS Awards Badges
TSS Photo of the Day
Re: How well does the QHY 168C sensor work?
Don't give up entirely on LRGB. I'm in a Bortle 5-6 area and with some extra attention to the post processing I can still get some pretty good images. I moved to NB partially because of the LP in my area, but you still need LRGB for reflection nebulae and LDNs. And, I sometimes add in RGB stars as replacements for the NB stars.
Scopes Celestron EdgeHD-11; William Optics GT102; William Optics ZS61; Criterion Dynamax-8 SCT
Mounts AP1100GTO mount w/APCCpro; iOptron iEQ30 Pro; Criterion Dynamax-8 SCT
Lenses Hyperstar-III; Celestron 0.7x FR; WO Flat/Reducer 0.8x
Guiding Celestron OAG w/ASI174mm mini; WO 50mm; Orion ST80
Cameras and Filters ZWO2600mm Pro w/Optolong 3nm NB and RGB; ZWOASI1600mm Pro (ZWO LRGB and Astrodon Ha-5nm, Oiii-3nm, Sii-5nm), QHY10, Canon 50D; ASI174mm mini; ASI462MC; ASI120MC
Misc Moonlite focuser on Edge - Feather-Touch focuser on GT102; ZWO EAF on ZS61; ZWO 2" and 31mm FWs; Kendrick Dew System, Temp-est Fans
Software NINA; PHD; APT; BYE; PI; APP; PSP; Registax; FireCapture; SharpCap
Blog at: SkyAndRockets
Mounts AP1100GTO mount w/APCCpro; iOptron iEQ30 Pro; Criterion Dynamax-8 SCT
Lenses Hyperstar-III; Celestron 0.7x FR; WO Flat/Reducer 0.8x
Guiding Celestron OAG w/ASI174mm mini; WO 50mm; Orion ST80
Cameras and Filters ZWO2600mm Pro w/Optolong 3nm NB and RGB; ZWOASI1600mm Pro (ZWO LRGB and Astrodon Ha-5nm, Oiii-3nm, Sii-5nm), QHY10, Canon 50D; ASI174mm mini; ASI462MC; ASI120MC
Misc Moonlite focuser on Edge - Feather-Touch focuser on GT102; ZWO EAF on ZS61; ZWO 2" and 31mm FWs; Kendrick Dew System, Temp-est Fans
Software NINA; PHD; APT; BYE; PI; APP; PSP; Registax; FireCapture; SharpCap
Blog at: SkyAndRockets
- STEVE333
- Inter-Galactic Ambassador
- Articles: 0
- Posts: 3466
- Joined: Sat May 11, 2019 5:01 pm
- 4
- Location: Santa Cruz, Ca, USA
- Status:
Offline
-
TSS Awards Badges
TSS Photo of the Day
Re: How well does the QHY 168C sensor work?
Hi Mikey - Thanks for responding to this post.
I'm really enjoying my WFOV imaging. The Astro Duo-Narrowband filter that I'm using does a very nice job of reducing theLP interference, but, it is producing halos around bright stars. This is what is driving me towards NB.
The problem doingRGB is that I have somewhat limited available "sky time" because I can only see the Eastern half of the sky. Combining that with clouds, moon and old age means I have trouble getting all the required data for a target. I figure if I do HOO imaging at least I only have two NB wavelengths to collect. I'll probably still get the Sii filter for the times I'm able to capture data for all three wavelengths.
Really liked your Elephant's Trunk nebula image. That inspires me to look into NB.
Cheers,
Steve
I'm really enjoying my WFOV imaging. The Astro Duo-Narrowband filter that I'm using does a very nice job of reducing the
The problem doing
Really liked your Elephant's Trunk nebula image. That inspires me to look into NB.
Cheers,
Steve
Steve King: Light Pollution (Bortle 5)
Telescope + Mount + Guiding: W.O. Star71-ii + iOptron CEM40 EC + Orion Magnificent Mini AutoGuider
Camera: ASI 1600MM Pro + EFW Filter Wheel + Chroma 3nm Siii, Ha, Oiii + ZWO LRGB Filters
Software: PHD2; APT; PixInsight ***** My AP website: www.steveking.pictures
Telescope + Mount + Guiding: W.O. Star71-ii + iOptron CEM40 EC + Orion Magnificent Mini AutoGuider
Camera: ASI 1600MM Pro + EFW Filter Wheel + Chroma 3nm Siii, Ha, Oiii + ZWO LRGB Filters
Software: PHD2; APT; PixInsight ***** My AP website: www.steveking.pictures
- XCalRocketMan
- Orion Spur Ambassador
- Articles: 0
- Posts: 507
- Joined: Sun May 12, 2019 8:09 pm
- 4
- Location: Reisterstown, MD USA
- Status:
Offline
-
TSS Awards Badges
TSS Photo of the Day
Re: How well does the QHY 168C sensor work?
Although I didn't do this on the Elephant Trunk, I usually addSTEVE333 wrote: ↑Mon Jan 20, 2020 8:37 pm Hi Mikey - Thanks for responding to this post.
I'm really enjoying my WFOV imaging. The Astro Duo-Narrowband filter that I'm using does a very nice job of reducing the LP interference, but, it is producing halos around bright stars. This is what is driving me towards NB.
The problem doing RGB is that I have somewhat limited available "sky time" because I can only see the Eastern half of the sky. Combining that with clouds, moon and old age means I have trouble getting all the required data for a target. I figure if I do HOO imaging at least I only have two NB wavelengths to collect. I'll probably still get the Sii filter for the times I'm able to capture data for all three wavelengths.
Really liked your Elephant's Trunk nebula image. That inspires me to look into NB.
Cheers,
Steve
Scopes Celestron EdgeHD-11; William Optics GT102; William Optics ZS61; Criterion Dynamax-8 SCT
Mounts AP1100GTO mount w/APCCpro; iOptron iEQ30 Pro; Criterion Dynamax-8 SCT
Lenses Hyperstar-III; Celestron 0.7x FR; WO Flat/Reducer 0.8x
Guiding Celestron OAG w/ASI174mm mini; WO 50mm; Orion ST80
Cameras and Filters ZWO2600mm Pro w/Optolong 3nm NB and RGB; ZWOASI1600mm Pro (ZWO LRGB and Astrodon Ha-5nm, Oiii-3nm, Sii-5nm), QHY10, Canon 50D; ASI174mm mini; ASI462MC; ASI120MC
Misc Moonlite focuser on Edge - Feather-Touch focuser on GT102; ZWO EAF on ZS61; ZWO 2" and 31mm FWs; Kendrick Dew System, Temp-est Fans
Software NINA; PHD; APT; BYE; PI; APP; PSP; Registax; FireCapture; SharpCap
Blog at: SkyAndRockets
Mounts AP1100GTO mount w/APCCpro; iOptron iEQ30 Pro; Criterion Dynamax-8 SCT
Lenses Hyperstar-III; Celestron 0.7x FR; WO Flat/Reducer 0.8x
Guiding Celestron OAG w/ASI174mm mini; WO 50mm; Orion ST80
Cameras and Filters ZWO2600mm Pro w/Optolong 3nm NB and RGB; ZWOASI1600mm Pro (ZWO LRGB and Astrodon Ha-5nm, Oiii-3nm, Sii-5nm), QHY10, Canon 50D; ASI174mm mini; ASI462MC; ASI120MC
Misc Moonlite focuser on Edge - Feather-Touch focuser on GT102; ZWO EAF on ZS61; ZWO 2" and 31mm FWs; Kendrick Dew System, Temp-est Fans
Software NINA; PHD; APT; BYE; PI; APP; PSP; Registax; FireCapture; SharpCap
Blog at: SkyAndRockets
- STEVE333
- Inter-Galactic Ambassador
- Articles: 0
- Posts: 3466
- Joined: Sat May 11, 2019 5:01 pm
- 4
- Location: Santa Cruz, Ca, USA
- Status:
Offline
-
TSS Awards Badges
TSS Photo of the Day
Re: How well does the QHY 168C sensor work?
I feel your pain about the restricted view. The time you spent on the Elephant's Trunk was certainly worth it. I even forgot it was a 4-panel mosaic. It looks so perfect!!!XCalRocketMan wrote: ↑Tue Jan 21, 2020 4:11 amAlthough I didn't do this on the Elephant Trunk, I usually addSTEVE333 wrote: ↑Mon Jan 20, 2020 8:37 pm Hi Mikey - Thanks for responding to this post.
I'm really enjoying my WFOV imaging. The Astro Duo-Narrowband filter that I'm using does a very nice job of reducing the LP interference, but, it is producing halos around bright stars. This is what is driving me towards NB.
The problem doing RGB is that I have somewhat limited available "sky time" because I can only see the Eastern half of the sky. Combining that with clouds, moon and old age means I have trouble getting all the required data for a target. I figure if I do HOO imaging at least I only have two NB wavelengths to collect. I'll probably still get the Sii filter for the times I'm able to capture data for all three wavelengths.
Really liked your Elephant's Trunk nebula image. That inspires me to look into NB.
Cheers,
SteveRGB stars. The stars only require a fairly short exposure (I usually go for 30 subs at 30-60sec) so it doesn't take too long. But you are right - with restricted views you need to prioritize. With my restricted view (my house is at the base of a copse of trees, so my available minimum altitude is 25 degrees all around) it sometimes takes a couple of nights to get an image. The Elephant Trunk took about 10 days to complete!! NB mosaics really eat up imaging time
Cheers,
Steve
Steve King: Light Pollution (Bortle 5)
Telescope + Mount + Guiding: W.O. Star71-ii + iOptron CEM40 EC + Orion Magnificent Mini AutoGuider
Camera: ASI 1600MM Pro + EFW Filter Wheel + Chroma 3nm Siii, Ha, Oiii + ZWO LRGB Filters
Software: PHD2; APT; PixInsight ***** My AP website: www.steveking.pictures
Telescope + Mount + Guiding: W.O. Star71-ii + iOptron CEM40 EC + Orion Magnificent Mini AutoGuider
Camera: ASI 1600MM Pro + EFW Filter Wheel + Chroma 3nm Siii, Ha, Oiii + ZWO LRGB Filters
Software: PHD2; APT; PixInsight ***** My AP website: www.steveking.pictures
Create an account or sign in to join the discussion
You need to be a member in order to post a reply
Create an account
Not a member? register to join our community
Members can start their own topics & subscribe to topics
It’s free and only takes a minute