ZWO ASI2600MC DUO - User Manual

ASI2600MC DUO Manual
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Summary

Product Introduction

Main Sensor

Details the Sony IMX571 CMOS sensor, its APS-C format, and key features.

Guide Sensor

Describes the type 1/1.8 SC2210 sensor for guiding, including its specifications.

Two in One Design

Highlights the integrated design reducing cabling issues for guide systems.

Tilt Adjustment

Explains the optional tilt adjustment feature for easier camera setup.

Performance Comparison

Compares specifications of ASI2600MC Duo against ASI2600MC Pro.

STARVIS Technology

Explains how Sony STARVIS technology reduces amp glow and improves image quality.

Native 16 bit ADC

Discusses the native 16-bit ADC for enhanced dynamic range and image quality.

Frame Rate

Details the maximum frame rate capabilities of the ASI2600MC Duo.

Notice for Use

Power Supply Requirements

Specifies the required DC voltage and current for powering the camera.

Operating and Storage Conditions

Lists the recommended temperature and humidity ranges for operation and storage.

Cleaning and Handling Precautions

Advises against corrosive solutions and direct sun exposure for camera care.

Getting to Know Your Camera

Appearance Overview

Identifies and describes the physical ports and features of the camera.

Specifications Table

Presents a comprehensive list of technical specifications for main and guide sensors.

Quantum Efficiency and Readout Noise

Shows QE curves and readout noise data for both sensors.

Analog to Digital Converter (ADC) Performance

Details ADC modes and lists maximum frame rates for various resolutions.

Cooling System Functionality

Explains the two-stage TEC cooling system and its impact on dark current.

Anti-Dew Heater Operation

Describes the function and power consumption of the anti-dew heater.

Power Consumption Chart

Illustrates the relationship between current and cooling temperature.

High-speed Buffer Function

Explains the role of the 512MB DDR3 buffer in data transmission.

Whats in the Box

Mechanical Drawing

Connection Methods

Connecting Nikon and Canon Lenses

Illustrates how to connect camera lenses using adapters.

55 mm Back Focus Length Solutions

Shows adapter combinations for achieving the 55mm back focus.

Warranty Policy

Warranty Period and DOA

Details the 2-year warranty and procedures for Dead on Arrival cases.

Scope of Warranty Service

Defines what is covered under warranty and what is excluded.

Non-Warranty Circumstances

Lists conditions that void the warranty, such as damage or unauthorized repair.

After-sale Service

Software Updates and Support

Information on obtaining software upgrades and contacting support.

Repair and Return Process

Guidelines for returning products for repair or replacement, including RMA.

Local Dealer Responsibility

Clarifies the dealer's role in customer service for products purchased locally.

Overview

1. Function Description
2. Important Technical Specifications
3. Main Sensor (Sony IMX571)
4. Guide Sensor (SC2210 BW)
5. General Camera Specifications
6. Usage Features
7. Maintenance Features

The ZWO ASI2600MC Duo is an advanced astronomical camera designed for deep-sky imaging and guiding, integrating both a main imaging sensor and a guide sensor into a single, compact unit. This "two-in-one" design aims to simplify complex astrophotography setups by reducing cabling and eliminating the need for a separate off-axis guider (OAG) and guide camera.

Function Description:

The primary function of the ASI2600MC Duo is to capture high-quality astronomical images, particularly deep-sky objects, while simultaneously providing precise guiding capabilities. The main sensor is responsible for capturing the primary image, offering a large field of view and high resolution suitable for various targets. The integrated guide sensor, on the other hand, continuously monitors a star in the field of view to detect and correct any tracking errors from the telescope mount, ensuring sharp, unstreaked long-exposure images. The camera connects to a computer via USB 3.0 for data transfer and control, and it features a dedicated DC power port for its cooling system.

Important Technical Specifications:

Main Sensor (Sony IMX571):

• Sensor Format: APS-C (23.5mm x 15.7mm)
• Resolution: 26MP (6248 x 4176 pixels)
• Pixel Size: 3.76µm
• ADC: Native 16-bit, providing a dynamic range of up to 14 stops.
• Readout Noise: As low as 0.9e - 4.2e (1.3e @ 10db gain).
• Full Well Capacity: Default 50Ke, expandable to 73Ke at a gain value of -25.
• Quantum Efficiency (QE) Peak: Approximately 80%.
• Shutter Type: Rolling shutter.
• Exposure Range: 32µs - 2000s.
• Max FPS (RAW8 at full resolution): 15fps.
• Technology: Sony STARVIS technology, which reduces amp glow.

Guide Sensor (SC2210 BW):

• Sensor Format: Type 1/1.8 (7.68mm x 4.32mm)
• Resolution: 2.07MP (1920 x 1080 pixels)
• Pixel Size: 4µm
• ADC: 12-bit.
• Readout Noise: As low as 0.6e - 3.2e (1.97e @ 10.6db gain).
• Full Well Capacity: 8.78Ke.
• Quantum Efficiency (QE) Peak: 92% at 500nm, with superb near-infrared sensitivity.
• Shutter Type: Rolling shutter.
• Exposure Range: 32µs - 10s.
• Max FPS (at full resolution): 16.9fps.

General Camera Specifications:

• DDR3 Buffer: 512MB, for stable data transmission and to prevent frame dropping.
• Cooling System: Two-stage TEC (Thermoelectric Cooler) cooling, capable of reducing the sensor temperature by 30°C to 35°C below ambient (at 30°C environmental temperature).
• Cooling Power Load: 12V, peak current 3A.
• Power Supply: DC 12V@3A~5A (D5.5x2.1mm, center positive) or 11V~14V lithium battery.
• Anti-Dew Heater: Polyimide heater on the protective window, consuming about 2.88W, to prevent dew and icing.
• Protective Window: D60x2mm, UV/IR Cut filter glass.
• Back Focus Distance: 17.5mm.
• Adapter: M54x0.75.
• USB Ports: USB-B 3.0 (for main data transfer) and USB-B 2.0 (for guide data and hub functionality).
• Camera Diameter: 90mm.
• Camera Weight: 715g.
• Supported OS: Windows, Linux, & Mac OSX.
• Max Power Consumption: 12V power: 27.48W; USB power: 0.46W.

Usage Features:

• Integrated Design: The most prominent feature is the integration of both imaging and guiding sensors, simplifying the setup by requiring only one camera and one USB cable for control. This eliminates the need for an OAG and a separate guide camera, reducing weight and complexity.
• High-Speed Data Transfer: Equipped with USB 3.0 and a 512MB DDR3 buffer, the camera ensures stable and secure data transmission, effectively preventing frame-dropping issues, especially during long exposures.
• Advanced Cooling: The two-stage TEC cooling system allows precise control of the main sensor's temperature, significantly reducing dark current and noise, even during extended imaging sessions. This is crucial for capturing faint deep-sky objects.
• Zero Amp Glow: The main sensor's STARVIS technology is designed to produce images with absolutely no amp glow, even at high gains or long exposure times, simplifying post-processing.
• Native 16-bit ADC: The 16-bit ADC provides a wide dynamic range, enhancing image sharpness, contrast, and allowing for smoother, more natural color transitions.
• Tilt Adjustment: The camera features three sets of push-and-pull screws on the rear for easy tilt adjustment, which helps in achieving a perfectly flat field without needing to disassemble the entire imaging train.
• Focus Knob for Guide Sensor: A dedicated focus knob is provided for the guide sensor, allowing for precise focusing to ensure optimal guiding performance.
• Compatibility: The camera supports various connection methods for Nikon/Canon lenses and offers solutions for 55mm back focus length, making it versatile for different telescope and lens setups. Adapters like M54M-M48F and M54M-M54F are included to facilitate these connections.
• High Frame Rates: The camera offers impressive frame rates, especially in RAW8 high-speed mode, which can be beneficial for planetary imaging or capturing transient events, even though its primary use is deep-sky.

Maintenance Features:

• Anti-Dew Heater: The built-in polyimide heater on the protective window actively prevents dew or icing, which can degrade image quality. This feature can be turned off via imaging software to save power when not needed.
• Protective Window: The D60x2mm UV/IR Cut filter glass protects the sensor from dust and environmental elements.
• Cleaning: Users are advised not to use corrosive solutions to clean the camera to avoid damage.
• Environmental Considerations: The camera has specified storage and operating temperature/humidity ranges to ensure its longevity and performance. It should not be exposed directly to the sun for prolonged periods to prevent surface discoloration.
• Warranty and Service: ZWO provides a 2-year warranty for its products. The manual outlines clear policies for Dead on Arrival (DOA) cases, product quality problems, and transportation issues. It also specifies conditions under which maintenance services may be provided outside of warranty, such as physical damage, unauthorized repairs, or improper operation. For software upgrades and after-sale service, users are directed to ZWO's official website and email support.

ZWO ASI2600MC DUO Specifications