Product Description
Lumenera SKYnyx2-0M VGA CCD Camera – For Planetary, Lunar, and Solar Imaging
This used Lumenera SKYnyx2-0M is a high-performance monochrome CCD camera specifically engineered for astrophotography, particularly lunar, solar, and planetary imaging . Based on Lumenera’s Lu075 camera—named a 2006 Hot Product by Sky & Telescope Magazine—the SKYnyx2-0M delivers exceptional sensitivity, low noise, and fast frame rates for capturing sharp, detailed images of celestial objects .
This camera is widely used by serious amateur astronomers and has been employed in professional applications, including ground-based observations supporting the ESA’s Venus Express mission .
Key Features & Specifications :
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Image Sensor | 1/3” Sony ICX424 progressive scan CCD (monochrome) |
| Effective Pixels | 640 x 480 (VGA) |
| Pixel Size | 7.4 µm x 7.4 µm – larger pixels provide excellent sensitivity |
| Frame Rate | 60 fps at full resolution, higher with ROI and binning |
| Dynamic Range | >60 dB |
| Digital Output | 8 and 12-bit |
| Read Noise | 10 e- rms – very low noise for high signal-to-noise ratio |
| Dark Current | <1 e-/s |
| Binning | 2×2 |
| Exposure Range | 1/1000 to 16 seconds |
| Shutter | Global shutter |
| Gain | 1 to 10x programmable |
| Power | USB bus power or external 5VDC (500mA) |
| Power Consumption | ~2.5 Watts |
| Dimensions | 2.52 x 3.85 x 1.68 inches |
| Mass | 320g |
| Lens Mount | T-Mount (compatible with standard telescope adapters) |
| Interface | USB 2.0 high-speed |
| ROI | User-selectable region of interest for higher frame rates |
Performance Highlights:
-
High Sensitivity: The Sony ICX424 sensor with 7.4µm pixels provides excellent light gathering capability
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Low Noise: 10 e- read noise and <1 e-/s dark current enable faint detail capture
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Fast Frame Rates: 60 fps at full resolution; significantly higher with ROI/binning for lucky imaging applications
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Global Shutter: Eliminates distortion when imaging fast-moving objects
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Flexible Control: ROI, binning, and programmable gain for optimized performance
Proven in the Field:
The SKYnyx2-0M has been extensively documented in scientific and amateur applications:
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Occultation Studies: Used for timing lunar occultations with Lucam Recorder software
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Lucky Imaging: Successfully employed for high-resolution imaging of visual double stars
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Planetary Imaging: Captured detailed images of Jupiter at 17 fps with a C11 telescope
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Venus Monitoring: Utilized for UV imaging of Venus, with images referenced by the European Space Agency
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Mars Observations: Documented in the CMO (Center for Mars Observations) archives for 2008 Mars opposition imaging
Community Recognition:
Experienced astrophotographers note that the SKYnyx2-0M offers advantages over lower-cost alternatives, including the ability to achieve 3-400 fps with cropped windows and 12-bit output for greater dynamic range . Users recommend minimizing gain for optimal image quality after stacking .
Condition:
SOLD AS IS
USED – SHOWS NORMAL WEAR (scuffs, minor cosmetic wear)
SENSOR CONDITION UNKNOWN – inspect for dust or damage
NO SOFTWARE OR DRIVERS INCLUDED (Lucam Recorder and third-party software available online)
NO USB CABLE INCLUDED
PICTURE MAY NOT MATCH PRODUCT
Potential Applications:
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Planetary Imaging: Jupiter, Saturn, Mars at high frame rates
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Lunar Photography: Detailed lunar surface imaging
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Solar Imaging: With appropriate solar filters
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Occultation Timing: Stellar and lunar occultations
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Lucky Imaging: High-resolution double star observations
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Educational/Research: College observatories and advanced amateur setups



