iOptron iCAM178M Planetary Camera User Manual
Product Description
iCAM178M camera uses a Sony IMX178 mono sensor. The imaging area is 1/1.8”, with 2.4um pixel size, 6.4MP resolution (2096*2078) and diagonal of 9mm.
iCAM178M camera has a very high sensitivity. It is an idea camera for planetary imaging. The camera has a very low readout noise. The testing results indicated that the readout noise is as low as 1.34e at a gain of 350. The camera has a unique DPS (Dead Pixel Suppression) technology to eliminate the any abnormal/dead pixel by analyzing camera dark frames. The camera has a unique HCG mode, which will automatically turn on when the camera gain setting is >30. The HCG mode can greatly reduce the readout noise and retain the same high dynamic range as it at low gain.
When the camera is connected to the USB3.0 interface and full-resolution preview is used, it can reach 60 FPS in RAW8 mode (10bit ADC). During image recording, the actual recording speed is affected by the hard drive writing speed. It is recommended to use a high-quality solid state drive to record data to realize the full benefit of the USB3.0 data speed. The ST-4 guiding port allows one to connect the camera to a mount GUIDE port for ST-4 autoguiding.
Package Contents
- iCAM178M Camera
- USB 3.0 cable
- ST-4 guiding cable
Online Contents
- This Manual
- Camera driver
- ASCOM driver
System Requirement
- Windows 7/8/10 is supported
- Linux and Mac OS will be supported soon.
Driver Installation
- Download iCAM/PlayerOne camera driver. Save in a folder or desktop.
- DO NOT connect the camera to the computer yet. Double click on downloaded driver to enter installation page.
- Check License Agreement and click Install.
- Check Always Trust Software from PlayerOne and click Install.
- Click Install Finished when it is down.
- Now connect the camera to a computer using included USB 3.0 cable. Check iCAM status in Device Manager under Imaging devices.
- Open your Image Capture Software, such as SharpCap. Click on Cameras pull down manual to select the camera, such as iCAM178M.
- Remove camera cover and adjust exposure, you should see the change of brightness. This indicates the camera is working properly.
Camera Characterization
Specifications:
| Image Sensor | Sony IMX178 CMOS (mono) |
| Sensor Size | 1/1.8″ (7.4X5.0mm) |
| Max. Resolution | 3096 X 2078 (6.4MP) |
| Pixel Size | 2.4pm |
| Frame Rate | 60 fps (10 bit) |
| Shutter | Rolling shutter |
| Exposure Range | 32µs–2000s |
| Readout Noise | 2.2e–1.3e |
| QE Peak | -80% |
| Full Well | 15K e |
| ADC | 14 bit |
| HCG Mode | Supported |
| Optical Window | AR coated glass |
| Data Port | USB3.0 |
| Guide Port | ST-4 compatible |
| Telescope Adapter | 1.25″ |
| Warranty | One year limited |
Typical Performances:
Dimensions
