Sunday, December 27, 2020

The High Quality Raspberry Pi camera as an astronomical imager

 Test were done using a Raspberry Pi HQ camera and a Skymax 127 Maksutov for Lunar imaging and an 80mm, ED, f/5.5 refractor for Lunar imaging and also Deep Sky imaging with the Orion nebula.

These were preliminary evaluation experiments controlling the camera with a short Python program that I am developing.

The HQ Picamera uses a Sony IMX477 backlit sensor which has 10-bit and 12-bit ADC resolution. The sensor has a rolling shutter. It is a 12.3MP sensor. Sensor size: 7.564 (H) x 5.476 (V) mm, A UV/IR cut filter is fitted on the camera. I fitted a protective, plasticard back plate to protect the back of the circuit board.

Full details of the experiments, together with all of the images can be seen HERE.

Click on an image to get a closer view

HQ PiCamera mounted at the Cassegrain focus of the Skymax 127


Single pane of a multi-pane lunar image


The Orion Nebula


The HQ PiCamera is clearly showing promise as an astronomical imager. However, a lot of work remains to be done to fully explore this camera which can only be used with a Raspberry Pi SBC.

Steve Wainwright


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