{"product_id":"touptek-gpm662m-monochrome-guide-camera-sony-imx662","title":"ToupTek GPM662M Monochrome Guide Camera – Sony IMX662","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"dcs-product-guide\"\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eToupTek GPM662M – compact monochrome guiding with imaging flexibility\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003eToupTek GPM662M\u003c\/strong\u003e is a lightweight monochrome astronomy camera for autoguiding and lunar or planetary capture. Its \u003cstrong\u003eSony IMX662 sensor\u003c\/strong\u003e combines 1920 × 1080 resolution with 2.9µm pixels, while USB power and an integrated ST4 port keep connections straightforward.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eChoose it when you want a dedicated guide camera that can also record greyscale telescope images. For colour imaging, use separate filtered exposures and combine them during processing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0523\/1650\/4241\/files\/monoHero.jpg?v=1789310391\" alt=\"ToupTek GPM662M monochrome guide camera\" loading=\"lazy\" style=\"max-width:100%;height:auto;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWhy choose a monochrome guide camera?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA monochrome sensor records brightness without splitting its pixels into red, green and blue channels through a Bayer colour-filter array. This makes it a natural fit for guiding, where the task is to measure a star's position rather than reproduce its colour.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt also gives you control over the wavelengths recorded when imaging through separate filters. The result is a more involved capture workflow than a colour camera, with flexibility for greyscale, RGB and suitable filtered imaging.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDedicated guiding:\u003c\/strong\u003e monitor guide-star movement and send corrections through your guiding setup.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLunar capture:\u003c\/strong\u003e record greyscale views of craters, mountain ranges and the changing terminator.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePlanetary imaging:\u003c\/strong\u003e capture unfiltered or filtered sequences for stacking and processing.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCompact installation:\u003c\/strong\u003e a 65.3g body keeps the camera's contribution to your rig's weight small.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eHow it connects to your guiding setup\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFit the camera to a compatible guide scope and bring the stars into focus.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eConnect the camera's USB Type-C socket to your computer or supported controller for power and image data.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSelect the camera and mount connection in your guiding software.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFor ST4 guiding, connect the supplied ST4 cable from the camera to your mount's compatible guide port, then calibrate the guiding system.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe guiding software measures movement and calculates corrections. The GPM662M requires a computer or supported controller; plugging the ST4 cable into the mount alone does not provide autonomous guiding.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCheck your guide scope's fitting and available focus travel before ordering. Camera sensitivity is only one part of successful guiding: secure mounting, accurate focus and appropriate software settings also matter.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eHCG and LCG: choose the settings for your target\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eHCG for lower read noise\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHigh Conversion Gain\u003c\/strong\u003e mode offers a stated read-noise range of \u003cstrong\u003e0.4–1.32e⁻\u003c\/strong\u003e. Lower read noise can help when working with faint signals, but increasing gain also reduces the signal capacity available before a pixel saturates.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eLCG for greater signal capacity\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLow Conversion Gain\u003c\/strong\u003e mode provides a maximum full-well capacity of \u003cstrong\u003e33.8ke⁻\u003c\/strong\u003e, with stated read noise of 2.33–5.86e⁻. It is useful to consider when brighter signals need more headroom.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor guiding, aim for a clearly detected star with an unsaturated centre. For imaging, adjust exposure and gain together to preserve bright detail. The lowest read noise and maximum full well occur at different settings.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0523\/1650\/4241\/files\/monoChart.jpg?v=1789310404\" alt=\"ToupTek GPM662M HCG charts showing read noise and full-well performance across gain settings\" loading=\"lazy\" style=\"max-width:100%;height:auto;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eUnderstand the capture speed\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAt full resolution, the GPM662M delivers up to \u003cstrong\u003e17.8fps in 8-bit mode\u003c\/strong\u003e or \u003cstrong\u003e8.9fps in 12-bit mode\u003c\/strong\u003e. The 12-bit mode provides finer numerical brightness steps, while 8-bit capture offers the higher stated frame rate.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis model uses \u003cstrong\u003eUSB 2.0 through a Type-C connector\u003c\/strong\u003e. If rapid planetary capture is your main priority, compare full-resolution frame rates carefully when choosing your camera. Exposure length, computer performance and recording settings can also limit the rate achieved in practice.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eAR window and filtered imaging\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eToupTek specifies an \u003cstrong\u003eAR-coated window\u003c\/strong\u003e and a spectral-response range of \u003cstrong\u003e380–1100nm\u003c\/strong\u003e. This allows you to consider suitable visible-light and near-infrared filters for your target and optical system.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe quoted range does not mean equal sensitivity at every wavelength. Filter transmission, telescope optics, target brightness and exposure all influence the recorded signal. Additional filters and lenses are sold separately.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eTechnical specifications\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"overflow-x:auto;\"\u003e\u003ctable\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth scope=\"row\"\u003eSensor\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSony IMX662 monochrome CMOS\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth scope=\"row\"\u003eResolution\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e1920 × 1080; 2.1MP\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth scope=\"row\"\u003ePixels\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e2.9µm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth scope=\"row\"\u003eFormat\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e1\/2.8-inch\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth scope=\"row\"\u003eADC\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e12-bit\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth scope=\"row\"\u003eFull-resolution speed\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e17.8fps (8-bit); 8.9fps (12-bit)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth scope=\"row\"\u003eExposure\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e0.1ms–1000s\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth scope=\"row\"\u003eRead noise\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eHCG: 0.4–1.32e⁻; LCG: 2.33–5.86e⁻\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth scope=\"row\"\u003eMaximum full well\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e33.8ke⁻ (LCG)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth scope=\"row\"\u003eWindow\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAR-coated; stated response 380–1100nm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth scope=\"row\"\u003eConnections\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eUSB 2.0 Type-C; ST4; CS-mount; 1.25-inch\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth scope=\"row\"\u003eDimensions \/ weight\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e37 × 72.4mm; 65.3g\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\u003c\/table\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSoftware compatibility\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eToupTek lists \u003cstrong\u003ePHD2, SharpCap and FireCapture\u003c\/strong\u003e support through the appropriate drivers. Install the driver required by your software and operating system, and check controller support before buying for a standalone imaging controller.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSoftware compatibility does not necessarily include a paid software licence. Visit \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.touptekastro.com\/products\/gpm662m\"\u003eToupTek's GPM662M product page\u003c\/a\u003e for the manufacturer's product information and support links.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWhat's in the standard package?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eToupTek GPM662M monochrome camera with CS-mount\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e2m USB Type-A to Type-C cable\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e2m ST4 guide cable\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e1.25-inch nosepiece\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e5mm adapter ring\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0523\/1650\/4241\/files\/monoPack.jpg?v=1789310418\" alt=\"ToupTek GPM standard camera package with USB cable, ST4 cable, nosepiece and adapter ring\" loading=\"lazy\" style=\"max-width:100%;height:auto;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eIs the GPM662M right for you?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt suits an imaging rig needing a compact monochrome guider, with the option to use the same camera for telescope capture on other nights. Choose the \u003ca href=\"\/products\/gpm662c\"\u003eGPM662C colour version\u003c\/a\u003e if capturing colour in a single sequence matters more than a monochrome workflow.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNeed help choosing?\u003c\/strong\u003e Tell Dark Clear Skies which telescope, guide scope, mount and controller you use. We can help you check the connections and choose a practical setup.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Touptek","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":55659967840632,"sku":"GPM662M","price":134.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0523\/1650\/4241\/files\/monoHero.jpg?v=1789310391","url":"https:\/\/www.darkclearskies.co.uk\/products\/touptek-gpm662m-monochrome-guide-camera-sony-imx662","provider":"Dark Clear Skies ","version":"1.0","type":"link"}