Mono CMOS camera

An electronically cooled camera that will meet your deep-sky imaging needs

Having previously reviewed Altair’s capable 183 Hypercam family, we couldn't help but wonder about the potential of these cameras with the addition of electronic cooling. With the Hypercam 183M Pro Tec 4GB we get a beefy upgrade to the standard models that, with its precise temperature control, helps to realise its full potential as a deep-sky astrophotography camera.

Software for the camera is free, but not included in the package, so we followed the link provided and installed the latest version of Altair Capture. We used our existing USB 2.0 arrangement (forgoing the USB 3.0 port and cable provided), but the software immediately recognised this and in just a short time the camera was ready to use – ideal for amateurs (the Pro in the name relates to the performance of the Hypercam rather than the intended expertise of the user).

Powerful sensor temperature reductions, in this case down to –45°C below ambient temperature, require a dedicated power supply, and a 12V power supply unit suitable for interior use is included. The fan and thermoelectric cooling (TEC) system only operate when the camera is connected to a computer, and the required temperature is easily set within Altair Capture. The manufacturer website VWDWHV WKDW QR SUDFWLFDO EHQH W LV DFKLHYHG E\ FRROLQJ the IMX183 sensor below –15°C. In our tests we found that going lower than –20°C pushed the limits of the inbuilt anti-dewing features, leading to an undesirable dew spot forming in the middle of the optical window.

Testing conditions

Midsummer skies offer precious little opportunity for deep-sky imaging and although the Hypercam offers various settings for planetary or lunar images, we thought it prudent to concentrate on acquiring typical summertime deep-sky images, relying on narrowband OWHUV WR PDNH XS IRU WKH ODFN RI DVWURQRPLFDO GDUNQHVV Short focal length refractors would make an ideal