Omegon Camera veLOX 178 M Mono

Omegon Camera veLOX 178 M Mono: monochrome version of the largest veLOX sensor

The veLOX 178 M uses the same Sony IMX178 as the color version, but without the color filter array. Each pixel captures the full spectrum, which increases sensitivity and boosts the effective resolution.

For anyone serious about moon and planet photography, that's the logical route: recording through red, green, and blue filters and merging the channels later yields more detail than a color sensor of the same size.

Sensor and image

The monochrome IMX178 has 3096 x 2080 pixels of 2.4 micrometers on a 7.4 by 4.9 mm sensor. It reads out at 14 bits and up to 59 frames per second.

Instead of a block filter, there is an anti-reflection window in front of the sensor. This makes the camera sensitive from ultraviolet to infrared.

Working with filters

With a set of RGB filters, you build up color images from three separate series. An IR-pass filter makes recordings calmer with moderate seeing.

For solar photography in H-alpha, this camera is a frequently used choice, provided you use a suitable solar telescope or a safe filter.

Autoguiding with an ST4 port

The camera has a built-in ST4 port. You connect it directly to your mount's autoguider port and correct tracking during long exposures. As a monochrome camera, the 178 M finds a usable guide star faster than the color version.

PHD2 recognizes the camera natively. It also works with N.I.N.A., SharpCap, and similar programs via the ASCOM and INDI drivers.

Connect to your telescope

The housing has the shape and diameter of a 1.25-inch eyepiece. So you can slide the camera into almost any focuser. The flange distance is 12.5 mm; with the included extension tube, it becomes 17.5 mm.

C- and CS-mount thread on the front, 1.25-inch filter thread via the included adapter.

Included

• Camera in anodized aluminum housing
• Adapter with 1.25 inch filter thread (C-mount to M28.5)
• Extension piece with flange distance 17.5 mm
• USB cable
• ST4 cable

Featured accessories

A UV and IR blocking filter is standard in the bag for mono, especially behind a refractor. A dispersion corrector helps with low planetary altitudes.

For whom yes and for whom no

• ✓ Moon and planet photography with filters
• ✓ Solar photography with the right equipment
• ✓ Autoguiding at long focal lengths
• If you want direct color images without filtering
• ✗ Long deep-sky exposures without cooling

Specifications

You can find more astrophotography accessories from merk at the Omegon merk Page.