Player One Uranus-M IMX585

Designed by Player One Astronomy for planetary, lunar and deep-sky lucky imaging, the Uranus-M features a Sony IMX585 monochrome sensor with a 1/1.2-inch format. Its 11.2 × 6.3 mm imaging area and 12.85 mm diagonal provide a capture field suited to high-resolution astronomical imaging.

With a resolution of 3856 × 2180 pixels, approximately 8.3 megapixels, and 2.9 µm pixels, it combines a maximum full-well capacity of 47 ke⁻ with native 12-bit analogue-to-digital conversion.

Its back-illuminated Sony STARVIS 2 monochrome CMOS sensor, with a stated peak quantum efficiency of approximately 91%, also makes it suitable for solar imaging with appropriate filtration and live deep-sky observation on a computer.

STARVIS 2 technology and native 12-bit conversion

Sony STARVIS 2 technology provides the CMOS sensor with a back-illuminated pixel architecture.

The integrated analogue-to-digital converter distinguishes 4,096 conversion levels. This digitisation precision allows variations in light intensity to be recorded while preserving tonal information useful for astronomical image processing.

Monochrome sensor and high quantum efficiency

Without a colour filter array, the Sony IMX585 monochrome sensor directly records the light intensity received by each pixel without separating it into red, green and blue components.

Player One specifies a peak quantum efficiency of approximately 91%, helping the camera detect faint light signals.

This design is particularly suitable for high-resolution planetary and lunar imaging, as well as solar imaging with appropriate filtration systems.

Combined with suitable filters, the Uranus-M can also record images in different spectral bands, including H-alpha and near-infrared wavelengths, depending on the characteristics of the optical system.

1/1.2-inch sensor format

With dimensions of 11.2 × 6.3 mm, the Sony IMX585 sensor features a rectangular format suitable for astronomical imaging.

Its 3856 × 2180 pixel resolution provides a capture area suitable for lunar, planetary and mosaic imaging.

The camera can capture large regions of the lunar surface and produce detailed mosaics.

The actual field of view depends on the focal length of the optical instrument.

High full-well capacity

With a maximum full-well capacity of 47 ke⁻, the Uranus-M offers approximately 3.6 times the 13 ke⁻ capacity specified by Player One for the previous-generation Sony IMX485 sensor.

This allows each pixel to accumulate a substantial amount of electrical charge before reaching saturation.

HDR mode and dynamic range

Player One offers an HDR, or High Dynamic Range, mode for cameras equipped with the Sony IMX585 sensor.

This mode is designed to provide a wider dynamic range and lower readout noise, particularly for deep-sky imaging.

Using this feature requires compatible camera firmware. The relevant files and firmware update instructions are available from the manufacturer.

High frame rate

With a USB 3.0 connection, the Uranus-M can reach 46 frames per second at its native resolution of 3856 × 2180 pixels in RAW8 mode.

At a resolution of 3840 × 2160 pixels, Player One specifies a frame rate of 47 frames per second.

Reducing the capture area allows higher frame rates, making the camera particularly suitable for planetary imaging.

The stated frame rates over USB 3.0 are:

• 3856 × 2180 pixels: 46 frames per second in RAW8 and 23 in RAW16.

• 3840 × 2160 pixels: 47 frames per second in RAW8 and 23.5 in RAW16.

• 2560 × 1440 pixels: 105 frames per second in RAW8 and 53 in RAW16.

• 1920 × 1080 pixels: 187 frames per second in RAW8 and 93.5 in RAW16.

• 1280 × 720 pixels: 286 frames per second in RAW8 and 188 in RAW16.

• 800 × 600 pixels: 340 frames per second in RAW8 and 223 in RAW16.

• 640 × 480 pixels: 418 frames per second in RAW8 and 275 in RAW16.

Actual recording speed also depends on the performance of the computer and storage device.

Sensor performance and HCG mode

The Uranus-M features a High Conversion Gain (HCG) mode that activates at gain 210.

This mode helps reduce readout noise at higher gain settings, which is particularly useful when capturing faint light signals.

Player One specifies a readout noise range of 7.2 to 0.7 e⁻, depending on the camera settings.

The manufacturer states that its figures are based on actual measurements. Users can also verify readout noise using the Sensor Analysis function in SharpCap 4.

No amplifier glow

The Uranus-M is free from amplifier glow, or Amp Glow, avoiding this source of unwanted brightness in long-exposure images.

Player One provides a demonstration dark frame captured with an exposure time of 300 seconds.

This characteristic helps simplify image processing by reducing unwanted brightness gradients caused by the sensor readout electronics.

Planetary, lunar and solar imaging

Thanks to its monochrome Sony IMX585 sensor and high acquisition speed, the Uranus-M is suitable for various astrophotography applications.

When photographing Jupiter, Saturn or Mars, it can rapidly record large numbers of frames, which can then be selected and stacked to improve the signal-to-noise ratio and reveal fine details.

For lunar photography, its 8.3-megapixel sensor makes it possible to capture large regions of the lunar surface and produce detailed mosaics.

For solar imaging, the monochrome sensor can be combined with specialised filtration systems, including H-alpha and calcium K filters.

Solar imaging always requires suitable safety filtration matched to the telescope and observing method.

Deep-sky lucky imaging and live observation

The Uranus-M also supports deep-sky lucky imaging, a technique based on capturing numerous short exposures.

These images can subsequently be selected and stacked to improve the signal-to-noise ratio and image detail.

With compatible software, the camera also supports live deep-sky observation on a computer through automatic image stacking.

Hexagonal body and sandblasted finish

The Uranus-M features a hexagonal body with rounded edges, characteristic of Player One Astronomy's planetary camera range.

Its red and black sandblasted finish combines a rigid structure with a compact design.

With a body diameter of 66 mm and a weight of just 160 g, the camera adds little weight to the imaging equipment and is easy to integrate into different optical configurations.

Second-generation sensor tilt adjustment

An integrated tilt adjustment plate allows the inclination of the sensor relative to the optical axis to be corrected.

This mechanism helps improve focus uniformity across the field when mechanical alignment issues affect image quality.

A high-density foam light seal helps prevent unwanted light from entering through the side gaps.

Passive Cooling System

The Uranus-M features the PCS, or Passive Cooling System, developed by Player One Astronomy.

This system transfers heat generated by the sensor towards the exterior of the camera body.

Unlike the Uranus-M Pro, the Uranus-M does not include an integrated thermoelectric TEC system allowing a target sensor temperature to be set.

Optional ACS external cooling system

Player One offers the ACS, or Active Cooling System, as an accessory to complement passive PCS cooling.

This external air-cooling system improves heat dissipation, particularly during daytime solar imaging and deep-sky lucky imaging sessions.

According to Player One, combining PCS and ACS can keep the camera temperature approximately 7 °C above ambient under the manufacturer's stated conditions.

The ACS is available as an optional accessory and should not be confused with regulated TEC cooling.

256 MB DDR3 buffer

A 256 MB DDR3 buffer helps stabilise data transfers and limit dropped frames during high-speed acquisition.

It also reduces data-transfer demands, including when using a USB 2.0 connection.

This buffer is particularly useful for planetary and lunar recording sequences containing large numbers of frames.

DPS dead pixel suppression technology

The Uranus-M features Player One Astronomy's DPS, or Dead Pixel Suppression, technology.

This function analyses several dark frames to identify pixels with abnormal behaviour and stores their positions in the camera's memory.

During acquisition, these pixel values can be corrected using surrounding pixels according to the method described by the manufacturer.

USB 3.0 connectivity and ST4 guiding

Equipped with a USB 3.0 interface, the Uranus-M supports fast image transfers to a computer.

The camera is also compatible with USB 2.0 connections, subject to the corresponding bandwidth limitations.

An ST4 port allows the camera to be connected to the autoguiding port of an equatorial mount using a suitable cable.

Player One recommends a high-quality SSD to make full use of the camera's stated recording speeds.

Power supply and electrical protection

The Uranus-M operates using power supplied through its USB connection.

Overvoltage and overcurrent protection mechanisms help protect the camera and connected equipment.

Technical specifications

Sensor and resolution

• Manufacturer: Player One Astronomy.

• Model: Uranus-M.

• Type: monochrome astronomy camera without TEC cooling.

• Sensor: Sony IMX585 back-illuminated monochrome CMOS.

• Technology: Sony STARVIS 2.

• Format: 1/1.2 inch.

• Sensor dimensions: 11.2 × 6.3 mm.

• Sensor diagonal: 12.85 mm.

• Resolution: 3856 × 2180 pixels, approximately 8.3 MP.

• Pixel size: 2.9 µm.

• Peak quantum efficiency: approximately 91%.

• Analogue-to-digital converter: native 12-bit.

• Conversion levels: 4,096.

• Shutter type: rolling shutter.

• Exposure range: 32 µs to 2,000 seconds.

Imaging performance

• Maximum full-well capacity: 47 ke⁻.

• Stated readout noise: 7.2 to 0.7 e⁻.

• HCG activation: gain 210.

• HDR mode: available with compatible firmware.

• Amplifier glow: none.

• Stated RAW8 frame rate at full resolution: 46 frames per second.

• Stated RAW16 frame rate at full resolution: 23 frames per second.

• Stated RAW8 frame rate at 3840 × 2160 pixels: 47 frames per second.

• Maximum stated RAW8 frame rate at 640 × 480 pixels: 418 frames per second.

• Buffer memory: 256 MB DDR3.

• Dead pixel correction technology: DPS.

Cooling and adjustments

• Cooling: Passive Cooling System (PCS).

• External active cooling: optional ACS system.

• Regulated TEC cooling: not included.

• Sensor tilt adjustment: second-generation tilt plate.

• Tilt plate light seal: high-density foam.

Connectivity

• Data interface: USB 3.0.

• USB 2.0 connection: supported.

• Autoguiding port: ST4.

• Connection thread: M42 × 0.75.

• Adapter: 1.25 inch.

• Mechanical backfocus: 12.5 mm.

• Protective window: 32 mm diameter, 2 mm thickness, AR Plus multi-layer anti-reflective coating.

• Electrical protection: overvoltage and overcurrent.

• Manufacturer's recommended storage: a high-quality SSD.

Construction and dimensions

• Body shape: hexagonal with rounded edges.

• Exterior finish: sandblasted.

• Colours: red and black.

• Body diameter: 66 mm.

• Weight: 160 g.