• 36mm fully illuminated field, compatible with both APS-C and full frame sensors
• 90mm back-focus (55mm when back focus spacer and M48 ring installed)
• Drops f/ratio from native f/7 (1050mm) to f/5.4 (810mm)
• Reduces exposure time by 68% compared to native f/7
• 2.54 x 1.7-degree field of view when used with a full frame camera
• 1.66 x 1.11-degree field of view when used with APS-C crop sensor
• Includes reducer, metal thread-on caps, back focus spacer and M48 thread adapter
• Built-in 2" filter cell for mounting filters into the light path

Our new high-performance SBIG Aluma CCD 814 camera offers capabilities and features not available in any other scientific-grade imaging camera. This lightweight (1kg) and compact (114mm x 114mm x 102mm with handles) camera includes two-stage cooling, USB 2.0 interface, ultra-reliable even-illumination shutter, and fast low-noise readout.

The SBIG Aluma CCD 814 supports a wide range of accessories, including the 8-position FW8S-Aluma filter wheel with micron-level filter positioning, StarChaser SC-2 off-axis guide camera, and AO-8A Adaptive Optics accessory.

The SBIG Aluma CCD 814 has a high-sensitivity, low-noise 9 megapixel CCD sensor with 3.69-micron pixels. It is ideal for taking high spatial resolution, long-duration exposures with minimal amp glow, dark current, and noise. It also includes the ability to perform high ratio analog binning, which is important for applications such as spectroscopy.

SBIG Aluma CCD 814 is a new generation of research cameras tuned for even better performance. Over two years of collaboration with university researchers helped us bring you an enhanced new Aluma CCD series that represent the best value in a high-performance mid-sized 16-bit CCD detector. We have carefully refined the camera electronics for improved performance, minimum amp glow, and low noise. Using SONY’s best-in-class CCDs, you’ll get the precision and ultra-clean images of a CCD with the sensitivity of CMOS technology.

Aluma CCD814 – Incredible Sensitivity

The ICX-814 CCD is one of the best optical sensors ever produced, with a peak quantum efficiency of over 75%, very broad spectral sensitivity, and extraordinary blue sensitivity. It also has very low read noise, a large dynamic range, and an extremely low dark current. This combination of high sensitivity and very low noise means you get cleaner, deeper images – faster.

Aluma CCD Features include:

• High-performance CCD imaging sensors currently manufactured by SONY and Teledyne E2V
• Lightweight, compact design
• Centered optical axis for optimum instrument balance
• Ultra-reliable even-illumination (photometric) mechanical shutter
• USB 2.0 interface
• Full frame image buffering eliminates readout artifacts
• 2-Stage TE cooling with typical -50C from ambient
• Twin variable speed fans with SmartCooling^TM technology
• High accuracy temperature regulation
• Built-in RBI Pre-flash (full frame front-illuminated sensors only)
• External TTL trigger inputs and output
• Included 110V / 220V power supply and optional 12VDC operation
• User-rechargeable desiccant plug
• Built-in 1/4-20 tripod mount
• Support for high precision 8-position filter wheels
• Works with StarChaser SC-2 off-axis guide camera and AO-8A adaptive optics
• Bulletproof firmware update capability – virtually impossible to “brick”

Advanced Software Included

All Aluma CCD models ship with MaxIm LT for Windows – a special version of MaxIm DL specific to our cameras. Aluma CCD also supports third-party applications through ASCOM and native drivers.

Compact and Lightweight Design

Aluma CCD cameras measure just 114mm x 114mm x 102mm with handles (89mm without handles) and weigh just 1 kg(2.2 lbs).

Mechanical Shutter

The SBIG Aluma CCD 814 has electronic shuttering, allowing a minimum exposure of just 0.001s. In addition, it has a high-reliability mechanical shutter, which facilitates accurate dark/bias calibration frames.

High-Performance ICX-814 Image Sensor

The SBIG Aluma CCD 814 uses the popular 9-megapixel SONY ICX-814ALG sensor. This sensor has 3388 x 2712 pixels at 3.69 microns square, for a 12.48 mm x 9.98 mm chip size.

This is a high-sensitivity interline CCD sensor with an extremely low dark current and very low read noise. Combining this high-performance sensor with Aluma CCD’s high cooling performance and low readout noise results in exceptionally clean images.

This sensor includes microlens technology that concentrates light on the sensitive area of each pixel. The CCD’s sensitivity peaks in the center of the visible spectrum at 550 nm, and maintains high sensitivity throughout the visible spectrum. The ICX-814 is particularly good in blue compared to other sensors on the market.

SmartCooling^TM

All Aluma CCD cameras include our powerful new SmartCooling technology. The two-stage cooler, powerful fans, and advanced heat sink designed using thermal flow simulation combine to produce a typical cooling delta from an ambient of -50C. This is quite a feat considering the Aluma CCD’s very compact and lightweight package.

SmartCooling automatically adjusts the fan speed to optimize cooler performance and power consumption. The camera’s firmware is constantly monitoring the sensor and heat sink temperatures and controlling the cooler power. When full cooling power is needed – when ramping down or running near full power – the fans ramp up to their maximum speed, resulting in the strongest possible cooling. When less cooling power is needed the fans automatically slow to reduce noise levels and power consumption. SmartCooling also prevents any possibility of overheating by backing off power if the heat sink gets too hot – so you don’t need to worry if your camera is baking in a hot observatory during the day.

Advanced Software Included

All SBIG cameras come with our MaxIm LT software – a $200 value! MaxIm LT is a special version of our venerable MaxIm DL software that provides complete control of your camera, filter wheel, and autoguider, plus advanced image processing capabilities. If you wish you can upgrade to MaxIm DL Pro to get complete observatory integration and even more processing and analysis capabilities.

Included Accessories

Each Aluma CCD camera package includes:

• MaxIm LT software – please use this form to request your license
• Deluxe carrying case
• Universal power supply (110V / 220V, 50-60 Hz)
• 2″ Nosepiece adapter
• USB flash drive containing software, drivers, and documentation
• 15 foot (4.5 m) USB cable

Optional Micron-Precision Filter Wheel

The optional FW8S-Aluma 8-position filter wheel includes a positive centering mechanism that precisely centers each filter in the exact same position every time. This single-pixel accuracy completely eliminates ghost images of dust spots and other artifacts after flat-fielding.

Positive detent mechanism provides single-pixel filter position accuracy

Precision flat-fielding with utlra-accurate indexing

The above left image shows a dust spot on the filters. A flat-field calibration frame was taken, then the filter wheel was rotated several times before taking a second picture, which was flat-field calibrated, above right. No evidence of the dust spot is visible. This high precision results in the highest quality images and excellent photometric accuracy.

The Aluma wheel holds standard 36 mm filters, and inserts are available for 1-1/4″ filters, which are suitable for smaller format CCD sensors.

The Aluma filter wheel replaces the camera’s front plate, resulting in the minimum possible back-focus, ensuring that the camera / filter wheel combination will reach focus on the widest possible variety of optical systems.

Optional StarChaser SC-2 Off-Axis Guide Camera

For astronomical imaging the Aluma CCD series works the StarChaser SC-2 Off-Axis Guide Camera. This provides reliable guiding with no impact from optical train flexure. It also supports the operation of the optional AO-8A Adaptive Optics accessory.

Optional AO-8A Adaptive Optics

All Aluma CCD models can operate with the AO-8A Adaptive Optics accessory. The AO-8A uses a tip-tilt window to quickly and precisely adjust the image position in response to autoguider feedback. With Adaptive Optics there is no backlash, stiction, or lag, and the movements are extremely precise and accurate. This allows the AO-8A to not only remove the effects of periodic error, drift, and wind gusts, but also reduce the effects of atmospheric seeing

Aluma CCD 814 Instruction Manual

Our new high performance Aluma CCD 694 camera offers capabilities and features not available in any other scientific-grade imaging camera. This lightweight (1kg) and compact (114mm x 114mm x 102mm with handles) camera includes two-stage cooling, USB 2.0 interface, ultra-reliable even-illumination shutter, and fast low-noise readout.

The Aluma CCD 694 supports a wide range of accessories, including the 8-position FW8S-Aluma filter wheel with micron-level filter positioning, StarChaser SC-2 off-axis guide camera, and AO-8A Adaptive Optics accessory.

The Aluma CCD 694 has a high-sensitivity, low-noise 6 megapixel CCD sensor with 4.54 micron pixels. It is ideal for taking high spatial resolution, long duration exposures with minimal amp glow, dark current, and noise. It also includes the ability to perform high ratio analog binning, which is important for applications such as spectroscopy.

Aluma CCD is a new generation of research cameras tuned for even better performance. Over two years of collaboration with university researchers helped us bring you an enhanced new Aluma CCD series that represent the best value in a high-performance mid-sized 16-bit CCD detector. We have carefully refined the camera electronics for improved performance, minimum amp glow, and low noise. Using SONY’s best-in-class CCDs, you’ll get the precision and ultra-clean images of a CCD with the sensitivity of CMOS technology.

Aluma CCD 694 – Incredible Sensitivity

The ICX-694 CCD is one of the best optical sensors ever produced, with peak quantum efficiency over 75%, very broad spectral sensitivity, and extraordinary blue sensitivity. It also has very low read noise, large dynamic range, and extremely low dark current. This combination of high sensitivity and very low noise means you get cleaner, deeper images – faster.

Aluma CCD Features include:

• High-performance CCD imaging sensors currently manufactured by SONY and Teledyne E2V
• Lightweight, compact design
• Centered optical axis for optimum instrument balance
• Ultra-reliable even-illumination (photometric) mechanical shutter
• USB 2.0 interface
• Full frame image buffering eliminates readout artifacts
• 2-Stage TE cooling with typical -50C from ambient
• Twin variable speed fans with SmartCooling^TM technology
• High accuracy temperature regulation
• Built-in RBI Pre-flash (full frame front-illuminated sensors only)
• External TTL trigger inputs and output
• Included 110V / 220V power supply and optional 12VDC operation
• User-rechargeable desiccant plug
• Built-in 1/4-20 tripod mount
• Support for high precision 8-position filter wheels
• Works with StarChaser SC-2 off-axis guide camera and AO-8A adaptive optics
• Bulletproof firmware update capability – virtually impossible to “brick”

Advanced Software Included

All Aluma CCD models ship with MaxIm LT for Windows – a special version of MaxIm DL specific to our cameras. Aluma CCD also supports third-party applications through ASCOM and native drivers.

Compact and Lightweight Design

Aluma CCD cameras measure just 114mm x 114mm x 102mm with handles (89mm without handles) and weigh just 1 kg(2.2 lbs).

Mechanical Shutter

The SBIG Aluma CCD 814 has electronic shuttering, allowing a minimum exposure of just 0.001s. In addition, it has a high-reliability mechanical shutter, which facilitates accurate dark/bias calibration frames.

High-Performance ICX-694 Image Sensor

The Aluma CCD 694 uses the popular 6-megapixel SONY ICX-694ALG sensor. This sensor has 2750 x 2200 pixels at 4.54 microns square, for a 14.6 mm x 12.8 mm chip size.

This is a high-sensitivity interline CCD sensor with an extremely low dark current and very low read noise. Combining this high-performance sensor with Aluma CCD’s high cooling performance and low readout noise results in exceptionally clean images.

This sensor includes microlens technology that concentrates light on the sensitive area of each pixel. The CCD’s sensitivity peaks in the center of the visible spectrum at 550 nm, and maintains high sensitivity throughout the visible spectrum. The ICX-694 is particularly good in the blue compared to other sensors on the market.

SmartCooling^TM

All Aluma CCD cameras include our powerful new SmartCooling technology. The two-stage cooler, powerful fans, and advanced heat sink designed using thermal flow simulation combine to produce a typical cooling delta from an ambient of -50C. This is quite a feat considering the Aluma CCD’s very compact and lightweight package.

SmartCooling automatically adjusts the fan speed to optimize cooler performance and power consumption. The camera’s firmware is constantly monitoring the sensor and heat sink temperatures and controlling the cooler power. When full cooling power is needed – when ramping down or running near full power – the fans ramp up to their maximum speed, resulting in the strongest possible cooling. When less cooling power is needed the fans automatically slow to reduce noise levels and power consumption. SmartCooling also prevents any possibility of overheating by backing off power if the heat sink gets too hot – so you don’t need to worry if your camera is baking in a hot observatory during the day.

Advanced Software Included

All SBIG cameras come with our MaxIm LT software – a US$200 value! MaxIm LT is a special version of our venerable MaxIm DL software that provides complete control of your camera, filter wheel, and autoguider, plus advanced image processing capabilities. If you wish you can upgrade to MaxIm DL Pro to get complete observatory integration and even more processing and analysis capabilities.

Included Accessories

Each Aluma CCD camera package includes:

• MaxIm LT software – please use this form to request your license
• Deluxe carrying case
• Universal power supply (110V / 220V, 50-60 Hz)
• 2″ Nosepiece adapter
• USB flash drive containing software, drivers, and documentation
• 15 foot (4.5 m) USB cable

Optional Micron-Precision Filter Wheel

The optional FW8S-Aluma 8-position filter wheel includes a positive centering mechanism that precisely centers each filter in the exact same position every time. This single-pixel accuracy completely eliminates ghost images of dust spots and other artifacts after flat fielding.

Positive detent mechanism provides single-pixel filter position accuracy

Precision flat-fielding with utlra-accurate indexing

The above left image shows a dust spot on the filters. A flat-field calibration frame was taken, then the filter wheel was rotated several times before taking a second picture, which was flat-field calibrated, above right. No evidence of the dust spot is visible. This high precision results in the highest quality images and excellent photometric accuracy.

The Aluma wheel holds standard 36 mm filters, and inserts are available for 1-1/4″ filters, which are suitable for smaller format CCD sensors.

The Aluma filter wheel replaces the camera’s front plate, resulting in the minimum possible back-focus, ensuring that the camera / filter wheel combination will reach focus on the widest possible variety of optical systems.

Optional StarChaser SC-2 Off-Axis Guide Camera

For astronomical imaging the Aluma CCD series works the StarChaser SC-2 Off-Axis Guide Camera. This provides reliable guiding with no impact from optical train flexure. It also supports the operation of the optional AO-8A Adaptive Optics accessory.

Optional AO-8A Adaptive Optics

All Aluma CCD models can operate with the AO-8A Adaptive Optics accessory. The AO-8A uses a tip-tilt window to quickly and precisely adjust the image position in response to autoguider feedback. With Adaptive Optics there is no backlash, stiction, or lag, and the movements are extremely precise and accurate. This allows the AO-8A to not only remove the effects of periodic error, drift, and wind gusts, but also reduce the effects of atmospheric seeing

SBIG Aluma CCD 694 Instruction Manual

Get the most out of your Celestron Rowe-Ackermann Schmidt Astrograph 11, even under light-polluted skies, with this Light Pollution Imaging Filter, custom-designed for the RASA. No matter which camera you use, this filter’s generous 68 mm clear aperture allows it to easily accommodate today’s largest sensors. Utilizing a machined aluminum housing and Schott B270 glass, the filter replaces the RASA’s clear optical window so the RASA’s optical performance is unaltered.

Remove Light Pollution While Keeping Your Images Bright
Light pollution limits how much of the night sky we can see and photograph. When imaging with a color camera in light polluted areas, skyglow degrades image quality. Light pollution filters help to selectively block light emitted from common streetlights and other ambient lighting. But most light pollution filters greatly compromise the total light throughput, causing dim images, and negatively impact the color balance, causing images to appear too green or blue.

The Light Pollution Imaging Filter for RASA “surgically” removes unwanted light pollution while preserving as much of the useful spectrum as possible. That means you’ll still retain over 90 percent of the light captured by your telescope at many wavelengths.

Unlike other light pollution suppression filters, the Celestron LP Imaging Filter for RASA maintains a relatively neutral color balance so you can bring out subtle color in galaxies and other faint deep sky objects. Multiple layers of specially-formulated dielectric coatings provide the desired transmission, while anti-reflective coatings minimize star halos and internal reflections.

Also included is a clear plastic case to protect the filter when not in use

Individually Tested for Quality
Every RASA 11 Light Pollution Imaging Filter is tested individually for light transmission. Inside the box, you’ll receive a graph detailing the actual transmission spectrum for your specific filter.

The ATIK EFW3 7 Position electronic filter wheel for large format cameras can be ordered with the ability to either carry up to 7×50.8mm unmounted filters, housing LRGB and Ha, OIII and SII filter sets in the same carousel and the wheel is fully compatible with any Atik astrophotography camera when using the supplied M54 or M42 adaptors.

7 Position Electronic Filter Wheel for Large Format Cameras

The ATIK EFW3 gives you more freedom and convenience to your imaging set up.

For a large format wheel, the EFW3 boasts a slim, lightweight design. It measures 238×213mm dimensions and weighs in at just approx. 850g. This is great news for large format set ups where weight can be a real concern. That said, the wheel is fully compatible with any Atik camera when using the supplied M54 or M42 adaptors. We’ve simplified the technical side of the design from the EFW2 to further improve reliability and minimise component wear and tear. However, it's still machined from solid aluminium to produce a durable and quality wheel that will keep turning, night after night.

Atik 16200 users will also be pleased to know that the EFW3 can either be attached directly to the camera as it is, or after removing the front plate to further minimise any backfocus requirements. With the front plate attached, the backfocus is 41.5mm, while the backfocus with the front plate removed is just 34.5mm.

On the software side of things, the EFW3 has a full ASCOM driver, so any complaint software can be used to control it. Additionally the EFW3 can be controlled using our Artemis Capture software, for simple and efficient operation

Technical Specification

• 7 Position filter wheel
• 7×50.8mm unmounted filters
• Dimensions 238×213mm
• Weight 850g