QSI Firmware Updates
Firmware Release 4.1.3
Release Date: December 17, 2007
Affected models: all 520i, all 520ci
Firmware release 4.1.3 is only for 520i and 520ci model cameras and supports new features unique to those models. All 504, 516 and 532 models should continue to use firmware release 3.5.12 below.
Higher Frame Rate
When using electronic shutter priority with the interline transfer CCD in the QSI 520i and 520ci, firmware release 4.1.3 supports frame rates as high as 10 frames per second when reading a small subframe.
Selectable Gain
With the 520i and 520ci, the gain can be set to "high" or "low" to more fully utilize the full 16-bit dynamic range of the cameras depending on whether binning is set to "1x1" or larger. The default gain is set to "High" for 1x1 binning. For binning other than 1x1, set the gain to "Low".
Shutter Priority
With 520i and 520ci model cameras that include a mechanical shutter, you can set the shutter priority to "Mechanical" (default) or "Electronic." In mechanical mode, the mechanical shutter is closed after each exposure. This is best unless you require the shutter to stay open for your application. In "Electronic" mode, the shutter will stay open after a normal exposure and only close for bias and dark frames.
Pre-Exposure Flush
Pre-exposure CCD flushing works differently on the interline transfer CCDs used in the 520i and 520ci. Accordingly, the pre-exposure flush options have been changed to "None", "Modest", "Normal", "Aggressive", and "Very Aggressive". "None" does no flushing between exposures and uses the least amount of time. The default is "Normal" and offers the best compromise in most situations for balancing time and clearing any residual image from the CCD. "Very Aggressive" offers the most thorough flushing, but takes a bit more time.
Additional details on these features can be found in the latest version of the QSI 500 Series User Guide available on the Documentation page.
Firmware Release 3.5.12
Release Date: December 17, 2007
Affected models: all 504, all 516, all 532
Manual Shutter Mode
A manual shutter mode has been added to allow the mechanical shutter to be opened and closed independent of taking an exposure. This can be used, for instance, when taking exposures of subjects illuminated by an external source such as a strobe or laser. Manual Shutter mode can be controlled using the Windows or Linux API. Please review the Windows or Linux API Reference Manuals on the Documentation page for additional details.
Firmware Release 3.5.8
Release Date: July 1, 2007
Affected models: all 504, all 516, all 532
External trigger
An external trigger has been added to initiate external events such as the firing of a strobe, laser or external shutter. The trigger is generated as an output signal through the guider port. The external trigger can be enabled using the Windows or Linux API. Please contact QSI Technical Support for additional details.
Asymmetrical Binning
In addition to symmetrical 1x1, 2x2 and 3x3 binning, version 3.5.8 of the firmware now supports binning in any combination of 1 to 3 pixels in either dimension, such as 2x1, 1x3, etc. Asymmetrical binning is not typically used when capturing astronomical imaging, but it does have uses in other scientific applications such as spectroscopy. After loading firmware release 3.5.8, MaxIm and other applications will automatically allow you to specify asymmetrical binning.
Enhanced Cooling Fan Operation
Two changes have been made to the camera’s fan control algorithm. The operation of "Quiet" mode has been changed to improve performance under heavy cooling. If the camera cooling power is above 85% or the camera body temperature is above 35C, the fans are set to "Full" speed. Once the cooling power drops below 80% and the case temperature drops below 30C, the fans are returned to "Quiet" mode.
The Over-Temperature "fail-safe" operation has been enhanced. Under any fan mode, if the camera body temperature exceeds 45C the fans will be set to "Full" and the CCD cooling will be turned off to prevent damage to the camera. This will result in a loss of temperature regulation. The camera will remain in Over-Temperature mode until the camera body cools below 40C. At this point, the camera will turn the cooler back on in an attempt to bring the CCD temperature back to the set-point.
Note: Running the camera at maximum cooling and/or at high ambient temperatures, as described above, can cause the fans (and CCD cooler) to cycle up and down every few minutes as the camera attempts to attain a CCD set-point that is unreasonable under the current settings and ambient temperature.
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