ZWO ASI294MC Pro Cooled Colour 4/3" CMOS USB 3.0 Deep Sky Imaging Camera

This COOLED version of the new ZWO ASI294 is the first camera in the world that is equipped with SONY's latest 4/3" sensor, the IMX294CJK.

Similarly to the ZWO ASI1600MC camera, the ASi294MC camera would be an excellent choice for imaging deep sky objects, however it can do much more than that. With a max framerate of 19 FPS at 10 bit ADC and 16 FPS at 14 bit ADC this camera can also be used as an extremely high resolution planetary imager. If you cannot decide if your thing is deep sky or planetary imaging, go for this camera. It is also a much more affordable alternative to converting a dSLR.

You can even use it for guiding, although we understand that it is somewhat a waste of a talent to use it for guiding, but there might be special circumstances or setups when you would want to use it for guiding, so the opportunity is given.

There are two versions with this same large 4/3" sensor (23.2mm diagonal):

Colour cooled or uncooled. (There is no monochrome version of this sensor.)

If you would mainly use it as a deep sky imager camera, we'd also recommend to go for this COOLED version, but if you cannot afford or you'd be mainly using it as a very high resolution planetary imager, then go for the UNCOOLED version.

This product listing is for the COOLED version of the ASI294MC. This cooled version is part of the PRO series of cooled ZWO cameras that features a DDR memory buffer.

With the ZWO ASI294MC you won't have to spend lots of time to get beautiful images, however, if you want to get the best results from this range of cameras and you have plenty of time to spare, why not to try L-RGB or narrow band photography with the monochrome version of the similar ZWO ASI1600MM or ZWO ASI1600MM-COOL. (If you go for the monochrome version, you'll also need a filter wheel and a set of L-RGB filters, plus H-alpha, OIII and SII filters, and maybe even H-beta filter as well for narrow band photography...)

Please note that the sensor diagonal size is very close to the internal clear aperture of a 1.25" filter, therefore with extremely fast telescopes (small f-ratio) there might be vignetting. The limiting f-ratio will depend on the telescope and whether you will use any filters with this camera. Although it's a colour camera, good results can be achieved by using filters against light pollution and even H-alpha or other narrowband filters in certain setups.

Features of the NEW ZWO ASI294MC-PRO
Recommended for Deep Sky Imaging as well as the Sun, Moon and planets at very high resolution (although monochrome ASI174 would be better for the Sun)
(To image the Sun you'll have to use a proper front solar filter or Herschel wedge depending on your telescope. Please contact us if not sure!)

High-Sensitivity Type 4/3 CMOS Image Sensor that Supports 4K for Astronomic Cameras and Industrial Applications
The “IMX294CJK” is the first in-house image sensor for astronomic cameras to adopt the Type 4/3 format, and realizes output of the number of pixels needed for 4K at 120 frame/s (in ADC 10-bit output mode, ASI294MC can run up to 25fps at 4k format base on USB3.0 bandwidth). In addition, use of a large-size pixel achieves SNR1s of 0.14 lx* which is very close to the value of ASI224(0.13 lx*).

Exceptional low-illumination performance
Exceptional low-illumination performance of SNR1s: 0.14 lx is realized by use of a large-size optical system and by expanding the area per pixel to 4.63 µm. This makes the IMX294CJK ideal sensor for astronomic camera market applications which requires low-illumination performance.

DDR Memory Buffer
The ASI294MC Pro camera includes a 256MB DDR3 memory buffer to help improve data transfer reliability. Additionally, the use of a memory buffer minimizes amp-glow, which is caused by the slow transfer speeds when the camera is used with a USB 2.0 port.

The DDR memory buffer is the main difference between ASI “COOL” and “PRO” cameras.

14bit ADC & 13 stops DR
ASI294 have 14bit ADC and it can achieve 13 stops dynamic range which is even better than ASI1600.

HCG Mode
HCG mode will be on when gain is higher than 120 (12db), read noise will drop below 2e but same dynamic range (13 stops).

Full well Capacity
63700e full well capacity, which is 3 times more than the ASI1600’s capacity. Even bright stars won’t saturate under long exposure.

This camera can achieve higher SNR (signal to noise ratio) with just one single exposure.

Reliable Mechanics
ASI294MC Pro has same mechanics as ASI1600 Pro. There are four screws that seal the sensor chamber. Our camera design has been extensively tested and is very stable.

Even when used in higher humidity environments, ASI294MC Pro will still works fine without dew problems.

High QE
The IMX294 sensor is a BSI (backside illuminated type) sensor, which has very high QE (quantum efficiency, which we estimate is over 75% peak).

USB 3.0 Port & USB2.0 HUB
USB 3.0 Port: Provide 5Gb bandwidth to make it possible for ASI294 Pro to run at 16 fps (14bit, normal mode) or 19 fps (10bit, high speed mode) at full resolution(11.7Mega).

Recommended cooler power supply: 12V @ 3-5A (or more) DC adapter (2.1×5.5mm, center pole positive). Also suitable: DC battery with 9-15V.

Using a battery with 9-15V is also suitable for the cooler power supply.

USB 2.0 HUB: can connect with various accessories, such as filter wheel, guide camera and electronic focuser, so you can better manage your cables. The ASI294 Pro includes two short 0.5m USB 2.0 cables. The integrated USB 2.0 hub is powered by the external power source if you connect one.

Cooling System
The ZWO ASI294MC-PRO has a two-stage TEC cooling system that allows deep cooling to 35°C-40°C below ambient. You will need an external power supply to power the cooler. As user might want to power it in various ways (i.e. from a power tank, a Primaluce Lab Eagle 2 or mains, an AC-DC power adapter is not included in this package, however you can order one from us. Click here!

ASI294 VS ASI1600
The following table provides a comparison of the differences between the ASI294 and ASI1600. One cannot say which one is better as there are pros and contras for both; they are simply different. It would depend on the application, optical system used and the imaged object which camera would have to be favored.

FEATURES
Resolution: 11.7MPixel 4144 x 2822
Pixel Size: 4.63µm
Exposure range: 32µs - 2000s!
Read Noise: 1.2e - 7.3e
Full Well: 63700e
ADC: 14 bit
Cooling: 40 - 45 degrees below ambient (obviously, only on the cooled version)
Standard Autoguider Port
Peak Quantum Efficiency: TBC
Full aluminum housing with standard 2" interface
M42X0.75 internal thread (T-thread)
Back Focus: 6.5mm (from camera front)
Back Focus: 17.5mm (from front of 11mm reverse thread adapter)

1. M43-T2 adapter

2. EOS-T2 adapter

3. 2”Filter (optional)

4. 1.25” T-Mount

5. 1.25” Filter (optional)

6. M42-1.25” adapter (optional)

7. T2 extender 11mm

Specifications of the ZWO ASI294MC Colour Camera
Camera technical details
Sensor: 4/3″ SONY IMX294 CMOS
Diagonal: 23.2mm
Resolution: 11.3Mega Pixels 4144 x 2822
Pixel Size: 4.63µm
Bayer Pattern: RGGB
Exposure Range: 32µs-2000s
ROI: Supported
ST4 Guider Port: Yes
Focus Distance to Sensor: 12.5mm
Shutter Type: Rolling Shutter
Protect window: AR coated window
Operating System Compatibility: Mac, Windows, Linux
Interface: USB3.0/USB2.0
Bit rate: 12bit output(12bit ADC)
Adaptor: 2″ / 1.25″ / M42X0.75
Dimension: φ62mm X 36mm
Weight: 120g or 4.2 ounces (without lens)
Working Temperature: -5°C—45°C
Storage Temperature: -20°C—60°C
Working Relative Humidity: 20%—80%
Storage Relative Humidity: 20%—95%
Max FPS at full resolution:
10Bit ADC
4144×2822 19fps
14bit ADC
4144×2822 16fps
More resolutions can be user defined

Some items that are showing as in stock are in stock at our holding warehouses, not at the shop. To double check the stock levels at the shop, please contact us on 01909774369 or sales@rothervalleyoptics.co.uk.

The delivery times for most items is 1 - 2 days but again, please double check stock levels on important orders before placing an order via the website.

The delivery costs for courier next day are for mainland UK only. If you live in the Scottish Highlands/Islands, Channel Islands or Northern Ireland, then a shipping surchage will apply. please contact us for prices. Smaller items can still go 1st class via Royal Mail.

Please note that if you are wanting to take advantage of our Saturday and Sunday timed services or next day pre 12 or pre 10:30 services, you MUST check that the stock is here at the shop before placing orders. Also, orders using the Saturday and Sunday services must be placed before 1pm the previous working day. Also, please remember to check that the stock is here at the shop before placing orders. If the stock is not at the shop, we won't be able to ship on any of the timed services. 

Please note International customers will need to contact us for a shipping price prior to ordering via the website. We don't ship all items internationally. It is at our discretion what we ship outside of the UK. This all depends on the size and weight of the items. Please get in touch with us for any postage costs. Please note we do NOT ship telescopes or heavy items outside of the UK. This is due to massive postage costs and problems regarding returns.

If you have any questions regarding stock levels or delivery, please get in touch.

Zygo Interferometer Testing For ED Refractor Telescopes!

We are extremely pleased to announce our Zygo Interferometer is now installed and ready for use! Our experienced staff can test refractor lenses up to 120mm aperture and provide a comprehensive 2 page report showing the optical quality and Strehl ratio, plus much more information. We are using the very latest Zygo MX software to provide a more detailed report compared to other standard reports.

The interferometer is essentially a measuring instrument. Within the interferometer is a calibrated laser that is pointed through the optical test surface, then onto a high quality reference sphere, then back through the test subject then to an internal camera which gives us the measurement on the screen. From this, we can adjust the position of the test optic and the reference sphere to obtain a perfectly calibrated system. The more central the laser to the test optic and then on return, the better and more accurate reading and measurement we can take. This takes a lot of adjustment to get the best results from the optical surface. Once the measurement has been taken, we are provided with a series of results that show the optical quality of the surface plus other information. Continue reading for an explanation of the individual values and you can also see a test report that was done on one of our RVO Horizon 60 OTAs. 

We are offering certain telescopes with a Zygo test at an extra cost. Mainly ED doublets and triplets. All available telescopes with a Zygo test report are listed here. Just select Zygo Test Report from the drop down box at the top of the listing and we will test the optics in house and provide a full 2 page report with your scope. This will show you the optical quality of your telescope optics. We can also offer this service on your refractor telescope. Please get in touch for more details about this. 

At Rother Valley Optics, one thing we pride ourselves on is customer service and quality of our equipment. When we test your telescope, we will ensure that it is of the highest quality otherwise, we will reject the scope under our strict quality control and test another model for your peace of mind. One of the main values to look at when testing a refractor is the Strehl ratio. The higher this number, the higher quality lens you have. At Rother Valley Optics, we will guarantee the highest possible Strehl ratio for your telescope.  We will aim to provide 0.95 Strehl or higher on Takahashi, RVO Horizon, William Optics and many more! Generally, the higher the Strehl ratio, the lower the Astigmatism and Coma meaning a better image quality from your instrument. 

Other measurements such as the PV and RMS are important too. With these measurements, the lower the number the better as it shows less curvature on the lens. The flatter an optical lens, the better it will perform. The PV rating (Peak To Valley) is a measurement from the highest point (Peak) to the lowest point (Valley). From this we get the RMS (Root, Mean, Square). This is a similar figure to the PV and measured exactly the same way. The RMS is basically an average height difference from the PV so again, the lower the better. As you can see form the example below, we measured an RMS of just 0.027 wave which is a very good value.

We also measure the Power with our systems which is essentially the error from the reference sphere to the test optic. The reference sphere we use on our system is a very high quality sphere so the closer to zero the Power, the less error between the 2 elements thus ensuring a higher quality optical surface. 

You will also see some more values such as Astigmatism and Coma. Again, these are measured by the interferometer when we take measurements of the optical surface after adjustment. These are values which ideally would be at 0 but as our test optics are all curved lenses, there will always be astigmatism and coma present. The lower the number, the less of these aberations you will effectively see but with most refractors, you can buy field flatteners which will compensate for the coma anyway. The astigmatisms value is explaining the error between the symmetrical curvature of the lens. Basically, no lens will be perfectly symmetrical, the lower the astigmatism, the more symmetrical the lens surface is. 

Once the Zygo test report has been completed, the optical alignment is thoroughly tested and tuned to ensure they are spot on before they leave us. 

All available telescopes are on the website at the link below and ones we've tested already that are available straight away are also listed.

https://www.rothervalleyoptics.co.uk/zygo-tested-refractors.html

Here is an example of the test what we provide. This was a test on one of our Horizon 60 ED OTA's.

For any questions about this amazing new service, please either call 01909774369 or email sales@rothervalleyoptics.co.uk.

Are you interested in this product but would like to speak to someone with some more information? Simply fill in the form below and we will get back to you as soon as we can!

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