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Long-Range Camera System Concept

Long-Range Optical Detection System

Wide-field acquisition and narrow-field identification concept for detecting and recording small aerial objects approximately 5–10 metres wide at distances of roughly 5–8 kilometres. The proposed system combines photographic acquisition optics, a fast imaging telescope, a sensitive monochrome CMOS camera and computer-controlled tracking.

Target width 5–10 m
Nominal range 5–8 km
Identification optics 800–1200 mm
Telescope aperture 200–250 mm

Recommended system architecture

Wide-field finder

The Canon EOS 70D with Sigma 150–600 mm lens provides target acquisition, general observation and a wider field than the identification telescope.

  • Daylight and twilight target acquisition
  • Wide-area search and visual confirmation
  • Target coordinates for narrow-field handoff
  • Existing hardware can be reused

Narrow-field identification

A fast 200 mm-class Newtonian telescope provides increased light collection and greater image scale for detailed observation and recording.

  • Sky-Watcher Quattro 200P-type optical tube
  • Approximately 205 mm aperture
  • Approximately 800 mm focal length
  • Fast f/4 optical system

Low-light imaging camera

A monochrome IMX585-class camera provides high-resolution video, near-infrared sensitivity and short-exposure performance.

  • Approximately 8.3 MP resolution
  • 2.9 µm pixel class
  • Monochrome option for maximum sensitivity
  • USB 3 computer connection

Motorised tracking

The telescope requires a stable computer-controlled mount with adequate payload capacity and rapid positioning.

  • Alt-azimuth tracking mode
  • Computer-control interface
  • Encoder and position feedback
  • Payload reserve for camera and accessories

Wide-to-narrow tracking workflow

EOS 70D / Sigma wide-field detection
Object centroid and direction calculation
Motorised mount positioning
Quattro / IMX585 narrow-field tracking
Recording and operator review

Indicative hardware and supplier prices

Prices below are public reference prices observed in July 2026. Availability, Belgian VAT, delivery charges, promotions and final supplier quotations can change.

Component Reference product Indicative price Supplier reference Role
Optical tube Sky-Watcher Quattro 200P, approximately 205/800 mm f/4 About €699 Telescoop.nl Narrow-field optical system
Uncooled mono camera QHY5III585M / IMX585 monochrome Approx. €439–€510 Astroshop EU Short-exposure low-light video
Cooled mono camera ZWO ASI585MM Pro About €939 Teleskop-Express Cooled astronomy and long-duration imaging
Mount head iOptron AZ Mount Pro, head only About €1,690 Teleskop-Express Computer-controlled tracking mount
Mount and tripod iOptron AZ Pro GoTo LiteRoc About €1,890 Astroshop EU Complete portable mount package
Heavy-duty alternative Sky-Watcher AZ-EQ6 GT About €2,449 Teleskop-Express Higher payload and stability reserve
Adapters and accessories Camera adapters, rails, cables, power and balancing components Approx. €250–€500 Final engineering selection Mechanical and electrical integration
Indicative best-value package:
Quattro 200P + QHY5III585M + AZ Mount Pro LiteRoc + adapters and cabling: approximately €3,300–€3,600.
Indicative cooled-camera package:
Quattro 200P + ASI585MM Pro + AZ Mount Pro LiteRoc + adapters and cabling: approximately €3,800–€4,100.

Day, twilight and night operation

Daylight

  • EOS 70D / Sigma finder acquisition
  • High shutter speeds
  • Colour identification imaging
  • Atmospheric haze assessment

Twilight and night

  • Monochrome low-light camera
  • Near-infrared sensitivity
  • Short-exposure video stacking
  • Optional thermal detection support

Future SIGNALS PLATFORM extension

The hardware package can later be offered with an optional SIGNALS PLATFORM integration layer. This software extension is not included automatically with the optical equipment.

Operational limitation: practical performance depends heavily on atmospheric haze, turbulence, heat shimmer, cloud cover, target contrast, target movement, focus accuracy and tracking response. Optical image quality cannot be predicted from focal length alone.
Commercial note: all prices are indicative supplier references rather than a Systems Studio sales quotation. Final hardware, VAT, delivery, installation, custom mounting, electrical work and SIGNALS PLATFORM integration will be quoted separately.