Specifications

G3 and G4 cameras are designed to operate with USB 2.0 high-

speed (480 Mbps) hosts. Although they are fully backward

compatible with USB 1.1 full-speed (12 Mbps) hosts, image

download time can be somewhat longer if USB 1.1 connection is

used.

A simple and cheap device called USB hub can expand number of

available USB port. Typical USB hub occupies one computer USB

port and offers four free ports. Make sure the USB hub is USB 2.0

high-speed compatible.

But keep on mind that if more USB devices connected to one hub

need to communicate with a host PC, USB hub shares its single up

link line to the host PC. Although G3 and G4 cameras can operate

through a USB hub, it can negatively affect the camera

performance, like download time etc. It is recommended to

connect other USB devices through USB hub (e.g. the mouse) and

to provide the camera a direct USB connection to the host PC.

4. Alternatively it is possible to use the Gx Camera Ethernet Adapter.

This device can connect up to four Gx cameras of any type (not

only G3 and G4, but also G0, G1 and G2) and offers 1 Gbps and

10/100 Mbps Ethernet interface for direct connection to the host

PC. Because the PC then uses TCP/IP protocol to communicate

with the cameras, it is possible to insert e.g. WiFi bridge or other

networking device to the communication path.

The G3 and G4 cameras need an external power supply to operate. It is not

possible to run the camera from the power lines provided by the USB cable,

which is common for webcams or very simple imagers. G3 and G4 CCD

cameras integrate highly efficient CCD chip cooling, shutter and possibly

filter wheel, so their power requirements significantly exceed USB line

power capabilities. On the other side separate power source eliminates

problems with voltage drop on long USB cables or with drawing of laptop

batteries etc.

Also note the camera must be connected to some optical system (e.g. the

telescope) to capture images. The camera is designed for long exposures,

necessary to acquire the light from faint objects. If you plan to use the

camera with the telescope, make sure the whole telescope/mount setup is

capable to track the target object smoothly during the exposure.