The ASI662MC is a color planetary camera designed for astronomical imaging, produced by ZWO. This manual, revised in August 2022, provides comprehensive information about the camera's features, specifications, usage, and maintenance.
Function Description:
The ASI662MC is a high-performance color planetary camera that utilizes the Sony IMX662 sensor. It is designed to capture high-quality images of celestial objects, particularly planets, with low readout noise and high frame rates. The camera is suitable for both beginners and experienced astrophotographers. It supports various binning modes and offers different ADC (Analog-to-Digital Converter) settings (10-bit and 12-bit) to optimize image quality and frame rates depending on the user's needs. The camera is compatible with USB 3.0 and USB 2.0 for data transfer and features an ST4 guide port for guiding purposes. It also includes a 1/4" screw for mounting to a tripod.
Important Technical Specifications:
- Sensor: SONY IMX662AAQR-C
- Format: 1/2.8"
- Diagonal: 6.45mm
- Resolution: 2.07 Mega Pixel, 1920*1080
- Pixel size: 2.9µm
- Sensor size: 5.568mm*3.132mm
- Max fps: 107.6
- Shutter: Rolling shutter
- Exposure range: 32µs-2000s
- Readout noise: 0.8 - 6.9e (1.22e@19db gain)
- QE peak: 91%
- Full well: 38.2Ke
- ADC: 12bit
- USB interface: USB 3.0/USB 2.0 Type-B
- Adapters: 1.25"/2"/M42*0.75
- Protect window: IR D21*1mm
- Dimension: 62mm
- Weight: 126g
- Back focus length: 12.5 mm
- Supported OS: Windows, Linux & Mac OSX
The camera exhibits zero amp glow, even with long exposures, which is a significant advantage for astrophotography. The QE (Quantum Efficiency) curve shows a peak of 91%, indicating high sensitivity across a broad spectrum, particularly in the green and red wavelengths. The readout noise is very low, especially in HCG (High Conversion Gain) mode, which can be activated at a gain of 252. The dynamic range can reach up to 11 bits.
Usage Features:
The ASI662MC is designed for ease of use and versatility.
- External View: The camera body is compact and features a USB 3.0 & USB 2.0 input, an ST4 Guide port, an IR Protective window (D21*1mm), and a 1/4" screw for tripod mounting.
- Power Consumption: The camera operates at a maximum of 1.36W with USB power supply.
- Analog to Digital Converter (ADC): It supports both 10-bit and 12-bit ADC modes. The camera can achieve faster frame rates when using 10-bit ADC. Users can set an ROI (Region of Interest) if they want even faster frame rates. The manual provides a table detailing frame rates for various resolutions and ADC settings for both USB 3.0 and USB 2.0 connections.
- Binning: The camera supports software bin2 mode and hardware bin2 mode, allowing for faster frame rates and improved signal-to-noise ratio.
- Adapters: Various adapters are available for connecting the camera to different telescopes or lenses.
- Software and Support: ZWO provides software upgrades, support manuals, and consultation services through its official website.
Maintenance Features:
Proper care and maintenance are crucial for the longevity and performance of the ASI662MC camera.
- Storage and Working Temperature:
- Working temperature: -5°C ~ 50°C
- Working humidity: 20% ~ 80%
- Storage temperature: -20°C ~ 60°C
- Storage humidity: 20% ~ 95%
- Corrosion Prevention: To prevent corrosion and damage to the oxide layer, users should avoid exposing the camera to direct sunlight for prolonged periods and ensure it is not used without equipment protection.
- Cleaning: The camera is sealed and includes an IR protect window to safeguard the sensor from dust and humidity. If dust is observed on the sensor, it is recommended to set up the telescope and point it to a bright place. A Barlow lens is required to clearly see the dust. To clean, attach the camera and adjust the exposure to make sure dust is not overly exposed. The manual provides visual examples of dust on the sensor and the protect window. For detailed cleaning instructions, users can refer to the dedicated guide on the ZWO website.
- Warranty: ZWO offers a 2-year free warranty service for products purchased from ZWO, starting from the day following receipt. For ASIAIR Plus users, the warranty begins on the day of device activation.
- Dead on Arrival (DOA): If a quality problem or obvious signs of damage (bubbling, overstocking, deformation) on the outer package are detected within 30 days of receipt, ZWO will provide replacement, repair, or return services after verification.
- Exclusions: The warranty does not cover products with expired warranty periods, liquid damage, corrosion, external force damage (e.g., broken protection window glass, deformed shell, broken USB port), unauthorized disassembly or repair, modified product systems, lost or changed maintenance notices, quality problems due to improper installation, physical damage from force majeure (e.g., strong vibration, flood, fire), damage from improper user operation (e.g., direct sun shooting), lack of valid purchase invoice or warranty certificate, or second-hand products.
- Accessories: Quality problems with accessories are not grounds for camera return or change but may qualify for accessory replacement after verification.
- Servicing:
- Return Costs: For normal repairs or replacements during the warranty period, the user bears the return cost. When returning products, users must specify the reasons for damage and provide valid certificates (pictures, videos).
- RMA Code: For after-sales service returns, ZWO will provide a corresponding RMA code. Products returned privately without a ZWO written confirmation and RMA code will not be accepted.
- Agent Purchases: If the product was purchased from a ZWO agent, users should contact the agent directly for after-sales service.
- Out-of-Warranty Fees: Users agree to pay out-of-warranty fees that may arise during the repair process. ZWO will send back the product after charging.
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