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Post by michaelmorris on Aug 21, 2013 13:10:27 GMT
Having just taken delivery of a nice new Watec 902H2 Ultimate for meteor observing. I've noticed that a limiting factor on how high I can usefully set the gain to is at what level camera noise triggers the motion detection algorithmn on the capture software (HandyAvi). Has anyone experimented with cooling a 902 camera to see if it reduces this noise and hence increases the effective sensitivity?
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Post by stewartw on Aug 21, 2013 18:00:40 GMT
Hi Michael,
I'm not aware of anyone actively cooling a 902H though I suspect it would be effective at reducing the noise ... the datasheet states an operating temperature of -10C to +40C and so it looks like you'd have some flexibility to bring it down below 0C - with a lens attached I can't see there being too many problems with frost forming on the sensor.
Have you tried running the camera while reducing the temperature (eg by placing it in a bag in the freezer / surrounding it by ice-packs) - would be interested in the before and after results.
A colleague of mine (who is not on this forum) has been experimenting with the AGC setting on his Watec 902H (changing from "Hi" to "Lo"). He too uses HandyAVI and says, "Makes a huge difference. Much of the noise gone and no annoying triggering. If there was a loss in LM it think it's marginal."
Best regards
William
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Post by michaelmorris on Aug 21, 2013 22:15:19 GMT
LM?
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Post by stewartw on Aug 22, 2013 6:36:59 GMT
Hi Michael,
LM is Limiting Magnitude, ie the faintest object visible.
Best regard
William
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