Watec Archives - Modern Astronomy

Watec WAT-3500 Camera

Bernard Karpinski — Thu, 30 Oct 2025 14:42:14 +0000

Watec WAT-3500 – High-Performance Ultra-Low-Light Analog B/W Camera

The Watec WAT-3500 Camera is Watec’s next-generation analog black-and-white camera, designed to provide unparalleled imaging in ultra-low-light conditions. As a direct drop-in replacement for the Watec 910 and 902 series, the WAT-3500 delivers cutting-edge technology with improved sensitivity and performance. Featuring a 1/2.8-inch BSI CMOS image sensor, this camera achieves stunning clarity even in near-total darkness, with a minimum illumination of 0.0001 lx, extended to 0.000007 lx using enhanced shutter settings.

Built for versatility, the WAT-3500 includes an OSD menu accessible through the optional RC-01 remote, allowing you to fine-tune the camera’s extensive settings for optimal performance. Whether for security, machine vision, or specialized imaging applications, the WAT-3500 is the ideal solution for professionals seeking exceptional black-and-white analog imaging.

Key Features:

Ultra-Low-Light Sensitivity: Operates at 0.0001 lx, extended to 0.000007 lx with advanced shutter settings.
High-Definition Analog Video: Provides crisp, detailed black-and-white imaging.
1/2.8-Inch BSI CMOS Sensor: Advanced image sensor ensures superior performance in challenging lighting conditions.
OSD Menu Options: Accessible through the optional RC-01 remote for customization and precision adjustments.
Direct Replacement: Fully compatible as a successor to the 910 and 902 series models.

Mechnical Drawing – WAT-3500_Mech

Specifications – WAT-3500_Spec

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Watec 910BD Mono Camera

Bernard Karpinski — Thu, 07 Mar 2024 18:10:27 +0000

Watec 910BD Mono Camera

The Watec 910BD Mono Camera is the board camera equivalent of the famous Watec 910HX/RC, the best analogue camera in the serious Astro-Video / EAA / CCTV market bar none. For standard meteor and occultation work at a lower price consider the Watec 902H2 Ultimate. Our cameras are the CCIR version, but most AV equipment is universal and accepts a video feed of any standard.

Sporting the latest Sony 1/2″ EXview HAD CCD II Mono sensor the Camera is highly sensitive and is the weapon of choice for those specialising in Occultation and Meteor work, as well as for security and surveillance duty.

We stock only the newest version of this camera, with the latest x2 sensor

Specifications…

CCD type: Latest Sony 1/2″ EXview HAD CCD II
CCD Pixel data: Pixel size 8.3µm x 8.6µm
Image format: 752 x 580 pixels
CCD Size: 7.40mm (Horizontal) x 5.95mm (Vertical).
Spectral Response: Maximum QE of about 77% @ 620nm
Power requirements: Regulated 12 volts < 1A

Wat-910bd-dimensions

Wat-910bd-specifications

Wat-910bd-manual

The Wat-910BD camera is the core element of the WAT-910BD TACOS System

YouTube video of the conversion of a Watec WAT-910BD board camera into a TACOS-BD remote controlled video camera.

YouTube video of the discovery of a Moon of Asteroid Arecibo using a Watec 910BD Mono Camera

The post Watec 910BD Mono Camera appeared first on Modern Astronomy.

Watec 910HX / RC Mono Camera

Bernard Karpinski — Sat, 04 Nov 2017 21:52:38 +0000

Watec 910HX / RC Mono Camera

The Watec 910HX / RC Mono Camera is the best mono analogue camera in the serious Astro-Video / EAA / CCTV market bar none. For standard meteor and occultation work at a lower price consider the Watec 902H2 Ultimate.
Our cameras are the international (higher resolution) CCIR version.

We stock only the newest version of this camera, with the latest x2 sensor

Specifications…

CCD type: Latest Sony 1/2″ EXview HAD CCD II
CCD Pixel data: Pixel size 8.3µm x 8.6µm
Image format: 752 x 580 pixels
CCD Size: 7.40mm (Horizontal) x 5.95mm (Vertical).
Spectral Response: Maximum QE of about 77% @ 620nm
Power requirements: Regulated 12 volts < 1A

The Watec 910HX / RC can also be supplied as a kit with mains PSU, video cable & 1.25″ adapter or as a complete PC Kit with a USB Video Capture device as well – please ask if interested.

Operation Manual

Specifications

User Manual

The post Watec 910HX / RC Mono Camera appeared first on Modern Astronomy.

Watec 902H2 Ultimate Camera

c.rogers — Thu, 14 May 2015 22:41:15 +0000

The Watec 902H2 ULTIMATE camera is one of the most sensitive monochrome cameras offered by Watec. It’s the standard camera for basic meteor, occultation and lunar impact study!
However advanced users may wish to consider the Watec 910HX/RC for its higher sensitivity and lower noise. NB. this is the international – CCIR version

For users wishing to set up a low light CCTV system the Watec 902H2 Ultimate camera has higher light sensitivity than it’s competitors along with manual gain control, manual back-light compensation, better signal to noise ratio and a more versatile electronic shutter function (see specs).

With practical applications in mind, Watec redesigned the base platform of the 902 series cameras to gain more sensitivity and make available functionality, providing the ability to apply this camera to nearly any application requiring near IR visibility and full camera control.

Min. Illumination: 0.0001 lux – f1.4 lens (AGC Hi)
High Resolution – 570 TV Lines
Compact Size: 1.8″ Long w/out Lens
1/2″ Mono CCD Camera
CS- Mount Lenses Or C-Mount Lenses with optional 5mm Adapter
S/N Ratio: More Than 50dB
Standard 1/4-20 Mounting Holes On Top & Bottom

Technical specifications… Watec WAT-902H2 Ultimate (CCIR)


Pick-up Element	1/2″ Interline transfer CCD image sensor
Number of Effective Pixels	CCIR: 752(H) x 582(V)
Unit Cell Size	CCIR: 8.6um(H) x 8.3um(V)
Scanning System	2:1 Interlace
Synchronizing System	Internal
Video Output	1Vp-p, 75ohm unbalanced
Horizontal Resolution	570 TV lines
Minimum Illumination	0.0001lx F1.4
Gamma Correction	0.35 (Hi), 0.45 (Lo), 1.0 (Off)
Gain Control	High:5˜60dB, Low:5˜32dB, MGC:5˜60dB,
S/N Ratio	50dB
Electronic Iris	OFF=1/50,1/50~1/100,000 sec
Power Supply	DC 12V(±10%)
Current	max. 110mA
Lens mount	CS-mount / C-mount (30CMA-R)
Back light compensation	On / Off
Dimensions	34.0 (W) x 35.0 (H) x 58.5 (D) mm
Weight	Approx. 98g

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