Large-Format Monochrome Imaging for Deep Sky and Planetary Photography
ATR294M (IMX294) - Blue / US Plug is backordered and will ship as soon as it is back in stock.
ATR Series cooled cameras require a stable 12V 3A DC power supply. Use the supplied adapter or a lithium-ion battery with a stable 11–14V output.
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For setup support, software downloads and warranty service, contact ToupTek Astro support with your order information.
ATR294M (IMX294) - Blue / US Plug is backordered and will ship as soon as it is back in stock.
Explore fine detail in galaxies, nebulae, and star clusters with the ToupTek ATR294M. Built around Sony's back-illuminated IMX492 monochrome sensor, it combines a 10.3MP 4:3 format with 4.63 μm pixels and ultra-low read noise for clean, detailed deep-sky images. A 512MB DDR3 buffer and two-stage TEC cooling support stable long-exposure capture, while high frame rate modes and hardware ROI extend its versatility to planetary imaging. With its monochrome sensor, the ATR294M offers maximum sensitivity and full control over LRGB and narrowband imaging.
3 Format Back-Illuminated Monochrome Sensor with 4.63 μm Pixels The Sony IMX492 back-illuminated monochrome sensor delivers 10.3MP resolution in a 4:3 optical format with 4.63 μm square pixels, offering a strong balance of sensitivity, detail, and readout speed for deep-sky and planetary imaging.
Without a Bayer color filter array, the sensor captures incoming light directly at each pixel. This makes the ATR294M well suited to monochrome deep-sky imaging and, with LRGB or narrowband filters, detailed color composite photography with full control over individual wavelength channels.
The ATR294M has been carefully designed to achieve low amp-glow during long exposures. Combined with ultra-low read noise of 1.42–7.53 e⁻ (1.42–1.77 e⁻ in HCG mode) and peak quantum efficiency above 80%, it captures faint astronomical signals with high SNR, preserving subtle detail in deep-sky objects.
If your primary interest is deep-sky imaging, the ATR294M's 10.3MP resolution and 4.63 μm pixels resolve fine structure in galaxies, nebulae, and star clusters. Two-stage TEC cooling, low amp-glow, and ultra-low read noise support long exposures with minimal thermal noise, while the 512MB DDR3 buffer maintains stable data transmission during extended imaging sessions.
The ATR294M also supports high-speed capture for planetary imaging. Hardware ROI and 8-bit mode increase frame rate by reducing the readout area, making it easier to collect large frame sequences for stacking and processing.
With its monochrome sensor, the ATR294M delivers superior photon efficiency and pixel-level sharpness by eliminating the light loss and resolution interpolation of a Bayer matrix. It is tailored for dedicated deep-sky astrophotographers who demand maximum sensitivity, ultimate narrowband performance (Hα, OIII, SII), and full control over composite LRGB rendering under any sky condition.
The built-in 512MB (4Gb) DDR3 buffer maintains stable data transmission, reduces USB transfer bottlenecks, and helps minimize amp-glow by buffering image data before it reaches the receiver—supporting a stable workflow for both long-exposure and high-speed imaging.
The ATR series optical window features an integrated smart heating system that actively measures ambient temperature and humidity. It automatically applies precise heat to prevent condensation, keeping your optical path crystal clear without introducing disruptive thermal air currents.
Equipped with an integrated heat dissipation structure and a high-efficiency dual-stage Thermoelectric Cooling (TEC) module with a controllable fan. It lowers the sensor temperature to 45°C below ambient, consistently maintaining a stable -5°C to -10°C even in peak summer. This allows for clean, long-exposure tracking up to 1 hour without thermal noise accumulation.
The Sony IMX492 back-illuminated monochrome sensor offers strong sensitivity across the visible spectrum, extending into the near-infrared, with peak quantum efficiency above 80%. Its broad response supports deep-sky and planetary imaging, with added flexibility for capturing specific wavelengths using appropriate filters.
Which Series Do You Need
The ATR series features versatile sensors ranging from 1/1.2” up to APS-C (e.g., ATR585, ATR2600) to offer a balanced mix of performance and flexibility, whereas the flagship SkyEye Plus series incorporates APC-S (e.g., SkyEye26AM/AC Plus) and full-frame sensors (e.g., SkyEye62AM/AC Plus) to maximize light-gathering area and deliver expansive, uncropped fields of view.
Choose the acquisition workflow that matches your imaging goals
One-shot Color (OSC) cameras streamline your workflow by capturing full-color images without a filter wheel, offering a fast and travel-friendly setup that is perfect for astrophotography beginners, mobile imagers, or anyone seeking high-quality results with minimal post-processing.
Monochrome (Mono) cameras, however, deliver superior photon efficiency and pixel-level sharpness by eliminating the light loss and resolution interpolation of a Bayer matrix. Mono imaging is tailored for dedicated deep-sky astrophotographers who demand maximum sensitivity, ultimate narrowband performance (Hα, OIII, SII), and full control over composite LRGB rendering under any sky condition.
Yes. The ATR series cameras connect with accessories through USB data connection and stable external power, allowing users to build a complete deep-sky imaging workflow with a telescope, mount, guide camera, computer or controller, and power supply.
Yes. All ToupTek Astro DSO cooled cameras require a regulated 12V 3A DC power supply for imaging. Please use the included factory power adapter or a high-quality lithium-ion battery with a stable 11V–14V output.
Yes. The ATR series features robust, industry-standard ASCOM and INDI drivers. It integrates seamlessly with all major open-source and commercial astronomy suites.
Achieving the industry-standard 55mm backfocus is precise and seamless. The optical train is configured via a modular three-stage connection sequence: a 17.5mm front adapter or tilter, a 20mm filter drawer or extension tube, and a 17.5mm Off-Axis Guider (OAG). This combination yields a perfect 55mm stack distance that connects natively to M48, M54, and M68 telescope interfaces, with simple adapter options available for M42 threads and 2-inch ports.
The ATR series utilizes a multi-layer defense system. The sensor chamber is industrially sealed with dry air to prevent internal frost. Simultaneously, a built-in electronic heating strip warms the protective window to prevent external dew under humid summer nights.
Specifications
ATR294M(IMX294) (Color)
Power Cord (Cable)
