ATR294C

ATR294C Deep Sky Cooled Color Camera

ATR294C features a Sony IMX294 4/3-inch sensor with 4128×2880 resolution and 4.63μm square pixels. The camera supports binning mode, equipped with two-stage TEC cooling system (temperature deviation within ±0.1°C), dew prevention heater, built-in 14-bit ADC, 15ke full well, and supports both HCG (High Conversion Gain) and LCG (Low Conversion Gain) modes for optimal imaging flexibility.

Important: All DSO Cooled Cameras need to be connected to an external 11-14V power supply. We recommend using the included power adapter or a lithium-ion battery with stable output of 11-14V.

Key Specifications

Sensor Information

Sony IMX294 4/3-inch CMOS Sensor

ATR294C features the Sony IMX294 with 4/3-inch optical format, delivering exceptional image quality for deep sky photography.

Resolution: 4128 × 2880 (12MP)
Pixel Size: 4.63μm × 4.63μm
Image Area: 19.1mm × 13mm
Diagonal: 23.1mm

Key Features

12 MP

Resolution

4128 × 2880

4.63 μm

Pixel Size

4/3-inch format

14-bit

ADC

High dynamic range

15 ke⁻

Full Well

Typical capacity

HCG/LCG

Dual Gain

Flexible modes

512 MB

DDR3 Buffer

Stable transfer

ΔT 42°C

Cooling

Below ambient

1 Hour

Max Exposure

Long exposure ready

512MB DDR3 Memory Buffer

ATR294C camera has a 512MB (4Gb) ultra-fast memory buffer to ensure stable image transmission, easing the burden on your computer's transmission system.

Cooling System

Two-Stage TEC Cooling System

ATR294C features a two-stage Thermoelectric Cooling (TEC) with controllable fan, allowing the sensor to operate at temperatures up to 42°C below ambient. The exposure time can be set for up to 1 hour, ensuring every detail is captured.

Efficient Cooling Design

The integrated heat dissipation structure and efficient cooling module ensure stable operation even in summer, maintaining cooling temperatures of -5°C to -10°C throughout the night. Temperature deviation is controlled within ±0.1°C.

Anti-Dew Technology

ATR294C adopts advanced anti-dew technology with a heating function consuming about 5 watts (can be turned off via software). The dew heater at the protection window has 4 adjustable levels, allowing users to optimize for their conditions.

Performance Analysis

Camera Parameters (Full Res, RAW 14-bit, Temp: -10°C, HCG Mode)

High Conversion Gain (HCG) mode provides lower read noise, ideal for deep sky imaging with shorter exposures.

Camera Parameters (Full Res, RAW 14-bit, Temp: -10°C, LCG Mode)

Low Conversion Gain (LCG) mode offers higher full well capacity, perfect for capturing bright targets and extending dynamic range.

Spectral Response

The quantum efficiency curve shows the sensor's response across the visible spectrum, optimized for deep sky imaging.

Key Parameters

Sensor	Sony IMX294 Color CMOS
Resolution	4128 × 2880 (12MP)
Pixel Size	4.63μm × 4.63μm
Optical Format	4/3-inch (diagonal 23.1mm)
ADC	14-bit
Full Well	15 ke⁻
Gain Modes	HCG (High Conversion Gain) / LCG (Low Conversion Gain)
DDR3 Buffer	512MB
Cooling	Two-stage TEC, up to 42°C below ambient
Max Exposure	Up to 1 hour
Power Supply	DC 12V / 3A
Interface	USB 3.0 / USB 2.0