ZWO ASI 120MM Monochrome Mini Camera

ZWO's ultra-compact monochrome guide camera

• 1.2 megapixel 1/3" Semi AR0130CS monochrome CMOS sensor
• Up to 35 fps at maximum resolution
• Mainly for orientation. Usable in planetary and solar images.

Everything you need to know about the ASI120MM Monochrome Mini Camera

In a constant effort to meet the demands of astrophotographers, ZWO (Zhen Wang Optical) offers miniature cameras for autoguiding with its so-called "Mini" range . The ASI120MM Mini guiding camera is equipped with a 1.2" AR130CS sensor. million pixels (1280 x 960 px), with 3.75 µ pixels, identical to the ASI120MM camera. The transfer is done via USB 2.0 in the Mini version and via USB 3.0 in the classic version; therefore, the data transfer speed is reduced the maximum rate of fire.

With its eyepiece shape and size, this camera can also be used as an electronic "eye", filming at a speed of 35 fps in maximum resolution .

Performance in astrophotography.

The ZWO ASI120MM Mini Camera offers excellent performance in both planetary imaging and guiding. Low readout noise, high dynamics and an anti-reflection coated window are features that distinguish it from the competition.

Pixel capacity, gain, dynamic range and read noise of the ZWO ASI120 camera

Quantum efficiency of the ASI120MM-S monochrome camera sensor as a function of wavelength

ASI120MM Mini vs. ASI120MM-S

The ZWO ASI120MM mini camera has a sleeker design than the ASI120MM-S model. It is also lighter and can be inserted into a 31.75mm eyepiece holder just like a conventional eyepiece would. So you can focus with the eyepiece and then insert the camera into place with minimal fiddling to do.

Guided with the ASI120MM Mini

Sensitivity was the main factor ZWO took into account when developing its orientation cameras. This is an essential characteristic when searching for a guide star. The choice therefore fell on a monochrome sensor, which is more sensitive and offers better resolution than a colour sensor . With a quantum efficiency close to 80%, the ASI120 sensor makes it possible to detect numerous potential guide stars with a short 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 achieved with its 3.75 µm pixels makes it very versatile, whatever your guiding instrument. If you are looking for your first autoguiding camera, the ZWO ASI120MM Mini is an excellent choice.

The camera is connected and powered via a USB 2.0 Type-C port located on the rear panel. There is also an ST4-compatible RJ12 autoguiding port ; connection to mounts is direct. You have the option to guide either through the ST4 port (recommended) or through the computer in Pulse Guidance mode.

The different arrangements

The classic setup consists of inserting the camera into a 1.25" (31.75 mm) eyepiece holder . That's it! Image sharpness is achieved by the instrument's focusing system and/or by sliding the camera into the eyepiece holder. A 22 mm long extension tube if necessary is screwed onto the end of the camera. The output thread is M28.5x0.6 identical to that of the 31.75 mm filters.

It is possible to screw an optional CCTV lens onto the front of the camera if you want to turn it into a sky surveillance camera, for example. In this case, depending on the type of lens thread (C or CS), you will need to use one or more conversion rings.

Software

As with all ZWO cameras, the main and most complete camera control software is ASIStudio , which can be downloaded for free from the ZWO manufacturer's website. The brand also offers a free SDK (Software Development Kit) so that many software programs, free or paid, natively support ZWO cameras: Prism, NINA, FireCapture, MaximDL, SharpCap, PHD2, AllSkEye, etc. We invite you to consult the specific documentation of this software to find out its level of compatibility or visit the ZWO website for an exhaustive list.

ZWO also offers a unified ASCOM controller to control all of its accessories via the ASCOM/Alpaca platform. This controller can be downloaded free of charge from the ZWO website.

For Linux and Mac users, the Indi or Indigo drivers are free and available on the websites of these platforms. Control is then done via the KStars/Ekos software (on Linux) and AstroImager/AstroTelescope from the CloudMakers editor (on Mac).

Finally, ZWO cameras can be accessed via video drivers such as DirectShow or TWAIN. For more details, please visit the ZWO website.