Quantum Scientific Imaging QSI 520csg Cooled Interline RGB Bayer Filter, Single Shot Color CCD Camera, 4.2MP KAI-2020CM Image Sensor with Microlens Technology, Guider Port

The 520csg model camera employs a Kodak KAI-2020CM 2 megapixel interline transfer CCD image sensor with microlens technology. The integral RGB Bayer color filter mask allows Single-Shot color imaging. The KAI-2020CM sensor has a photoactive array of 1600W x 1200H pixels. Low dark current and high pixel charge capacity result in a dynamic range exceeding 74db.

The sensor employs a vertical overflow drain that provides both antiblooming protection and a fast electronic shutter. Micro lenses cover the surface of the CCD to focus the light into each pixel to increase optical response.

The QSI Model 520csg camera incorporates the internal mechanical shutter and the integral off-axis guider in a body that is just a big larger than the "full" body of the ws models (4.45" x 5" x 3"). The shutter is not only used for timing exposures, but can be left closed to produce 'dark frames' for subsequent image processing. Exposures can be as short as 0.03 seconds or as long as 240 minutes.

The 500 Series "csg" model is an innovative new addition to the QSI 500 Series family of cooled CCD cameras. The "csg" has an internal mechanical shutter and filter wheel like the 500 Series "cs" models, plus it adds an integral precision off-axis guider. This allows guiding using the light from your main telescope while picking off the light from the guide star in front of the filters. Selecting the best guiding solution has always required a compromise. The available, integral off-axis guider (OAG) solves many of the problems associated with existing guiding solutions.