ZWO ASI1600MM PRO COOLED Monochrome Camera

WHAT'S IN THE BOX:

• ZWO ASI1600MM-PRO COOLED camera with accessories

WHAT'S NEW: DDR Memory Buffer

The 256MB DDR memory buffer is the main difference between the previous ASI1600 “Cool” and the latest “Pro” cameras.

Whilst the original ASI1600MM-COOL camera is a perfectly capable USB3.0 camera, those who wish to use it via a USB2.0 port, can now do it with better success as the addition of the 256MB DDR3 memory buffer means more stable data transfer even at the lower speed of the USB2.0 port, plus reduced amp-glow for the same reason.

WHAT'S NEW: Further Improved Mechanical Structure

The ASI1600-PRO uses 4 screws to seal the chamber. This structure has been fully tested and is very stable and reliable.

Even under high humidity eviroment, ASI1600-PRO still works fine and won’t have dew problems.

WHO IS IT FOR?

The ZWO ASI1600MM-PRO COOLED camera is an excellent choice for imaging deep sky objects, however it can do much more than that. With a max framerate of 23 FPS 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.

The ASI1600 features a built-in 12bit ADC, but can also provide 12.5 stops dynamic range which is even better than the competing KAF8300 sensor dew to its super low read noise, so it could be a good alternative to much more expensive professional CCD cameras.

This version also comes with built-in active cooling that helps to reduce electronic noise to the minimum.

ZWO developed four versions with the same large 4/3" sensor (21.9mm diagonal):

Colour or monochrome and cooled or uncooled.

Now you will have to decide whether you want a simple solution and go for a one shot COLOUR CAMERA or would like to get more data out your camera and go for the MONOCHROME version. If you would mainly use it as a deep sky imager camera, we'd also recommend to go for the 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 MONOCHROME version of the ASI1600.

Here are links to all currently available versions:

ASI1600MC: UNCOOLED COLOUR VERSION (the deep sky imaging astronomer's quick tool)

ASI1600MM: UNCOOLED MONOCHROME VERSION (the deep sky imaging astronomer's ultimate tool if you have lots of spare time)

ASI1600MM-PRO: COOLED MONOCHROME VERSION (the deep sky imaging astronomer's ultimate tool for very best images if you have lots of spare time)

Why not to try L-RGB or narrow band photography with the monochrome version of this camera, the ZWO ASI1600MM or ZWO ASI1600MM-PRO.
If you are not in rush, but you'd like to get out the best result from your camera, this monochrome version is the right choce for you, although if you are on a tight budget, you could also consider the UNCOOOLED version instead.

Consider that with this monochrome version you'll also need a filter wheel and a set of L-RGB filters or H-alpha and OIII filters, and maybe even H-beta and SII filters as well for narrow band photography...

To choose the right bundle with the right sized filters and filter wheel, please read the following section...

LIMITING FOCAL RATIO

Please note that the sensor diagonal size is very close to the internal clear aperture of a 1.25" filter, therefore with very fast telescopes or if you will use the camera with a fast photographic lens, telephoto lens etc. there might be vignetting. (lens with small f-ratio: photographers call it a fast lens because it takes less time to achieve the same brightness of the image)

The limiting focal ratio with the ZWO manual filter wheel depends on the thickness of the filter glass and its clear aperture. The latter is usually 24 or 26mm for 1.25" filters. The cheaper ZWO LRGB filters that were developed for planetary imaging have 24mm clear aperture, but fortunately, the new LRGB filter that were developed for the ASI1600MM and ASI1600MM-PRO cameras have 26mm clear aperture...

Earlier calculations were approximate figures as those were based on assumptions rather that precise measurements as at that time we did not yet have the new filters and electronic filter wheels in stock.

We have now took some measurements and recalculated the limiting f-ratio and to our surprise the results are much better, there will be much less vignetting...

limiting focal ratio= (filter to sensor distance + thickness of filter) / (filter clear aperture - sensor diagonal size)

Calculation for a 1.25" filter with 2mm glass (EFWMini or EFW 8*1.25"/31mm)

(8.4mm + 6.5mm + 2mm + maybe 2mm more due to the cell) / (26mm - 21.9mm) = f/4.6

(f/4.85 with 3mm glass and f/5.1 with 4mm glass)

good for a fast newtonian at f/5 or SCT at f/6.3

Calculation for a 31mm filter with 2mm glass (EFWMini or EFW 8*1.25"/31mm):

(8.4mm + 6.5mm + 2mm) / (28mm - 21.9mm) = f/2.8

(f/2.94 with 3mm glass and f/3.1 with 4mm glass)

this would be good for a fast Newtonian or APO at f/4 or even faster...or to be used with a telephoto lens at f/2.8 or slower

Calculation for a 36mm filter with 2mm glass (EFW 7*36mm):

(8.5mm + 6.5mm +2mm) / (35mm - 21.9mm) = f/1.3

(f/1.38 with 3mm glass and f/1.45 with 4mm filter glass)

so this would be good for imaging with a really fast dSLR camera lens at f/1.4 (or slower) or maybe even with a really large SCT with a Hyperstar at f/2 (wouldn't make sense for a 8", 9.25" or maybe not even for 11" SCT to use a filter wheel in front position with a Hyperstar, but I could imagine a 14" SCT with a Hyperstar in that sort of configuration...although for any Hyperstar we would usually recommend Starizona's own filter drawer instead of a filter wheel...

Please get in contact if you need any help with choosing the right kit...

Images are for demonstration only.  Canon EOS lens adapter is not included, but available separately.

Features of the NEW ZWO ASI1600MM-PRO
Recommended for Deep Sky Imaging as well as the Sun, Moon and planets at very high resolution (the monochrome version is 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!)
Resolution: 16MPixel 4656X3520 at up to 23fps
Pixel Size: 3.8µm
Exposure range: 32µs - 2000s!
Read Noise: 1.2e @ 30dB gain
Full Well: 20ke
ADC: 12 bit
Cooling: 40 - 45 degrees below ambient (obviously, only on cooled versions)
Standard Autoguider Port
Built-in RAW mode and Grey mode output support. Only about 30% storage space required compared to the Color data format!
Peak Quantum Efficiency: appr. 60% or above
Full aluminum housing with standard 2" interface
M42X0.75 internal thread.

DOWNLOADS

On the included CD you'll find drivers and two software applications: Firecapture and SharpCap. These are both freeware and the latest versions can be downloaded from the developers' websites.
If you have any problem with installing any of the software from the CD, please download them from here:
Firecapture Beta Downloads
SharpCap Downloads
We'd recommend to always use the beta version of Firecapture, but reverse to the latest stable version if you experience problems.

TROUBLESHOOTING

Here you can download a pdf file that will guide you through ZWO ASI camera troubleshooting. Click here!

ALL SKY CAMERA

due to the large sensor size, a 150 degree wide lens IS NOT included as it is not compatible.

COOLING

If you are having any trouble with the cooling, please check out the following page on the manufacturer's website before contacting us: 

Click here: Why the cooler does not work? 

Specification of ZWO ASI1600MM

Camera technical details

Sensor: 4/3″ CMOS
Diagonal: 21.9mm
Resolution: 16Mega Pixels 4656×3520
Pixel Size: 3.8µm
Max FPS at full resolution :23FPS
Exposure Range: 32µs-2000s
Read Noise: 1.2e @30db gain
QE peak: anticipated to be above 60%
Full well: 20ke
ADC:12bit
Interface: USB3.0/USB2.0
Adaptor: 2″ / 1.25″ / M42X0.75
Protect window:AR window
Dimensions: 78mm Diameter
Weight: 410g
Back Focus Distance: 6.5mm
Cooling: Regulated Two Stage TEC
Delta T: 40-45 below ambient
Cooler Power consumption: 12V at 2A Max

Supported resolution

12Bit ADC
4656×3520 14.7fps
3840×2160 23.1fps
1920×1680 32.9fps
1280×960 47.1fps
640×480 80.4fps
320×240 124.4fps

10Bit ADC
4656×3520 23fps
3840×2160 36.2fps
1920×1680 57.7fps
1280×960 73.6fps
640×480 125.7fps
320×240 192.4fps

more resolutions are user defined

Mechanical Connections Schematic

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” Filter (optional)

7. T2 extender 11mm

8. M42-M48 extender 18.5mm

9. T2-T2 adapter

10. EFW mini

11. EOS adapter for EFW+1600