All about the ASI120MM Mini Monochrome Camera
In a permanent concern to satisfy the demands of astrophotographers, the company ZWO (Zhen Wang Optical) offersminiature cameras for autoguiding with its range called "Mini".The ASI120MM mini guide camera is equipped with the AR130CS 1.2 million pixel (1280 x 960 px), 3.75µ pixel sensor, identical to that of the ASI120MM camera.The transfer is done via USB 2.0 in the Mini version and USB 3.0 in the classic version;therefore, the maximum firing rate is reduced.
With its shape and the size of an eyepiece,this camera can also be used as an electronic "eye", filming at a speed of 35 fps at maximum resolution.
Main features of the mini camera ZWO ASI120MM
astrophotography performance
The mini camera ZWO ASI120MM offers very good performance in both imaging and planetary orientation.Low read noise, high dynamics and an anti-reflective window are features that distinguish it from the competition.
Camera pixel capacity ZWO ASI120, gain, dynamic range and read noise
Quantum efficiency of the ASI120MM-S monochrome camera sensor as a function of wavelength
ASI120MM Mini vs. ASI120MM-S
The mini camera ZWO ASI120MM has a sleeker design than the ASI120MM-S model.It is also lighter and can be inserted into a 31.75 mm eyepiece holder like a conventional eyepiece.So you can focus through the eyepiece and then insert the camera into place with minimal editing.
Comparison between ASI120MM Mini and ASI120MM-S
Orientation with the ASI120MM Mini
Sensitivity was the main factor considered by ZWO by developing their guide chambers.This is an essential feature when looking for a guide star.Therefore, the choice fell toa monochromatic sensor, which is more sensitive and offers better resolution than a color sensor.With a quantum efficiency close to 80%, the ASI120 sensor can detect many potential guide stars with reduced exposure time.
The ASI120MM Mini is designed for beginners.More affordable than the ASI290MM Mini and ASI174MM Mini, it is lightweight, compact and robust.The sampling obtained with its 3.75 µm pixels makes it very versatile, whatever your guiding instrument.If you are looking for your first self-guided camera, the ZWO ASI120MM Mini is an excellent choice.
The front and rear sides of the mini camera guide ZWO ASI120MM
The camera is connected to and powered through auSB 2.0 type C portLocated on the rear panel.It also has arJ12 autoguider port compatible with ST4;the connection to the brackets is direct.You have the option of guiding either through the ST4 port (recommended), or through the computer in Pulse Guide mode.
The different assemblies
The classic configuration consists of inserting the camera into a 1.25" (31.75 mm) eyepiece holderThat's it! Image sharpness is achieved by the instrument's focusing system and/or by sliding the camera into the focuser. A 22 mm long lens If required, an extension tube is provided which screws onto the camera end. The output thread is M28.5x0.6, the same as the 31.75 mm filters.
An optional CCTV lens can be screwed onto the front of the camera if you wish to convert it into a sky surveillance camera, for example.In this case, depending on the type of lens thread (C or CS), one or more conversion rings must be used.
Some setups on the Mini camera ZWO ASI120MM
Software
As is the case with all the brand's cameras ZWO, the leading and most complete camera control software isASIStudioFree download from the manufacturer's web site of ZWO.The brand also offers a free SDK (Software Development Kit) for many free and paid software to natively support the cameras ZWOPrism, NINA, FireCapture, MaximDL, SharpCap, PHD2, AllSkEye, etc.We invite you to consult the specific documentation of this software to know its compatibility level or visit the website of ZWO for a comprehensive list.
ZWO also offersa unified ASCOM controllerTo control all your accessories through the ASCOM/Alpaca platform.This driver can be downloaded free of charge from the website of ZWO.
For Linux and Mac users,indi or Indigo controllersAre free of charge and are available on the websites of these platforms.Monitoring is then carried out using KStars/Ekos software (under Linux) and AstroImager/AstroTelescope offered by the publisher CloudMakers (under Mac).
Finally, the cameras can be accessed ZWO through video drivers such as DirectShow or TWAIN.For more information, please visit the website of ZWO.
Tables of characteristics
Electronic features
| Feature |
Mini camera ZWO ASI120MM |
| Sensor |
| Sensor |
CMOS in Semi AR0130CS |
| Sensor type |
monochrome |
| Sensor format |
1/3" |
| Die size |
1280x960 pixels |
| Dimensions of a pixel |
3.75 x 3.75 µm |
| Die dimensions |
4.87 x 3.67 mm (diagonal: 6.1 mm) |
| Pixel capacity |
13.000 e- |
| Electronic |
| A/D converter |
12 bits |
| Win |
3.17e-/ADU |
| Reading noise |
4th |
| Shutter |
Electronic, type "Roller blind" |
| Exposure time range |
64µs to 1000s |
| Maximum acquisition rate |
35 fps, at maximum resolution (1280x960) |
| Cooling |
| Type of refrigeration |
Liabilities |
| cooling control |
No |
| Water cooling |
No |
| connectors |
| computer interface |
USB 2.0 type C |
| Self-guiding interface |
Yes.ST4 compatible with RJ12 |
| Additional interfaces |
None |
| Power supply |
5V, via USB port |
Mechanical characteristics
| Feature |
Mini camera ZWO ASI120MM |
| subsequent approach |
8.5 mm |
| Mechanical entry |
Sliding 31.75 mm / Female thread M28.5x0.6 |
| protective porthole |
Anti-reflective glass |
| Dimensions (diameter x height) |
36 mm x 61 mm |
| Weight |
60g |
diagrams
Dimensions and dimensions of the Mini camera ZWO ASI120MM
Product content
- 1 Mini monochrome camera ZWO ASI120MM
- 1 extension tube 22 mm long (M28.5 thread)
- 1 USB 2.0 type C cable (2 m)
- 2 USB 2.0 type C cables (50 cm)
- 1 ST4 self-guiding cable
- 1 x adapter M28.5x0.6 to CS
