Enabling BIN2 on ASI294MM

bellavia

I see many posts regarding this topic, but none answer the following question:
How do you enable the BIN2 mode from the ASCOM driver?
I have downloaded the latest version (6.5.1.5) and there are no options to get to the 14-bit BIN2 mode.
I use APT for data acquisition, and IVO tells me the next release of APT will be able to.
Currently, it seems only SharpCap Beta can get to the BIN2 mode, using the native ZWO driver.
Even ASI Studio cannot do it.

Tech@ZWO

bellavia Even ASI Studio cannot do it.

Ok, you can post the screenshot of ASIStudio here.

Tech@ZWO

We have replied to you in mail.

bellavia

I just checked my mail and it is not there or in the Spam folder?

bellavia

So far I have tried ASIIMG, SharpCap, APT and NINA, and I am not able to get to the Higher Dynamic Range BIN2 mode.
Instead of having 14,000 electrons FWC, I am only getting 3,622 electrons in the Full Well, and a Dynamic Range of 2169 (11-bits, not 13 as advertised in that mode)

bellavia

Using any software to Bin 2x2 IS the switch for getting to the BIN 2 mode in the ASI 294MM

And now I feel like a fool, because that makes sense. :/

The comparison of the Standard Deviation of one Bias frame subtracted from the Master Bias is definitive proof, regardless of what readout bit-depth you are in.

Tech@ZWO

bellavia
So can you tell us what is your conclusion? Is there an issue or not?

bellavia

No, there is no longer an issue.
Initially I was concerned that I was not getting the drop in Read Noise, and hence the two-stop increase in Dynamic Range. But my tests and analysis have indicated that any software that requests the 2x2 binning automatically switches to this "mode" and I do indeed get the benefit of a 14-bit ADC with lower read noise and higher dynamic range.
Apparently, this is in the firmware and independent of the software, which is very good news.
Thank you!
Steve
P.S. There is still the strange jump at 1000 msec, but I was told that is normal and I will avoid doing flat frames, etc. close to that exposure. So all is good!