Sensor Anlysis Read Noise Question

Using SharpCap for other Astro Imaging such as all sky cameras and meteor detection
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sdl
Posts: 10
Joined: Sun Feb 07, 2021 7:33 pm

Sensor Anlysis Read Noise Question

#1

Post by sdl »

Hi, I have a question about how to interpret read noise using the sensor analysis tool.
I have just purchased the 2025 version of the ASI2600MC Pro and ran sensor analysis on it.
First, I ran it at room temperature with the camera reporting around 21C.
I then ran it with cooling set to -10C.

I expected to see a significant difference in the read noise but I see very little.
See the attached file that contains the data.
Can anyone explain why the read noise did not drop once the sensor was cooled?

Thanks,
Steve
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ASI2600 SharpCap analysis.pdf
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Ardsley Astro
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Joined: Fri Jan 23, 2026 11:47 am

Re: Sensor Anlysis Read Noise Question

#2

Post by Ardsley Astro »

Hi,
The read noise is not affected by cooling the camera. Only dark current noise.

Thanks

Anthony
sdl
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Joined: Sun Feb 07, 2021 7:33 pm

Re: Sensor Anlysis Read Noise Question

#3

Post by sdl »

Ah, ok. I assumed that the dark current would be factored into the read noise.
Thanks,
Steve
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admin
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Re: Sensor Anlysis Read Noise Question

#4

Post by admin »

Hi Steve,

read noise is all about the minimum possible noise in a frame that comes (largely) from the read out electronics. It's measured with very short frames to deliberately exclude any thermal dark noise from the measurement. Thermal noise has to be treated separately, with dark frames or hot/cold pixel removal helping to eliminate it.

cheers,

Robin
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