What GAIN setting does the S30 use? Does it use a gain level that enables HCG mode in the sensor?
Anyone know the answer?
The Seestar S30 does indeed use the HCG mode in its sensor. This mode is enabled at higher gain levels and helps improve the signal-to-noise ratio, especially in low-light conditions. It reduces noise significantly, which is particularly beneficial when capturing deep-sky objects.
I posted over on Cloudy Nights incorrect info from a FITS file. My apologies. I initially quoated that the GAIN was 80, but that was from an S50.
Reviewing an S30 FITS from a galaxy and a NEBULA shows a GAIN of 200 being used.
Usually a GAIN value is also recorded in the header fields of the FITS files, e.g. for the Seestar S 50 the default value "80" is recorded which is also the lowest gain that will activate HCG. Most FITS image viewers will allow you to display the headers one way or another.
