The All NEW iOptron CEM120EC

An extraordinary innovation in mount design...Now with a new payload!

Recognizing the growing demand for an accurate and stable, equatorial mount with the versatility to carry larger instruments and more complex imaging arrays, we created the iOptron CEM120EC. It offers the benefits of our revolutionary “center balance” design: stability, accuracy, and smooth mechanical operation, while capable of carrying a payload up to 52 kg. The “center balance” design’s natural stability is due to its focusing the mount along with payloads weight directly over the center of the pier or tripod.

The CEM120EC's performance is demonstrated by its low periodic tracking error of <0.15 arcsec RMS. Along with the stability aspect, the CEM120EC features an advanced cable management system consisting of more ports in more locations preventing tangle ups and reducing the chance of fractured cables. It also adds some new features to the CEM family like Wi-Fi and LAN for remote operation and easy to use, reliable clutches on both axes.

Optional Extra's

Optional heavy duty Tri-Pier 360 and Permanent Pier are available for order.

/product/ioptron-tri-pier-360

Optional Tri-Pier adapter for light weight payload ( 8036-120) is also available for $239. It can be modified for permanent pier mounting.

Features

• A new design, center-balanced equatorial mount (CEM) for maximum payload with natural stability
• Observatory astrophotography mount ideal for both visual and Astro-photographers
• Payload of 52 kg with the mount weight of 26 kg
• Easy to use and reliable gear clutches
• Precision altitude and azimuth adjustment.
• Precision stepper motor with 0.07 arcsec accuracy for precise GOTO and accurate tracking
• Polar alignment routine for those who can't see the Pole Star
• Go2Nova® 8407 V2 controller with Advanced GOTONOVA® GOTO Technology with built in heater
• High precision tracking with low periodic error (PE)<0.15 arcsec RMS
• Real time periodic error correction (RPEC)
• 32-channel Global Positioning System (GPS)
• Built-in WiFi and LAN for remote operation
• Integrated ST-4 autoguiding port
• Advanced cable management system with more choices
• Spring loaded, individual adjustable Losmandy saddle

Specifications

Supplied with an American power supply from factory

Manuals and Instructions

Quick Start Guide

Instruction Manual

AUX port plug (DIN-422) assembly

Latest Firmware

SKU: 7301

iOptron CW 9.5kg

This counterweight will fit the following mounts:

• CEM70/CEM70G
• GEM45/GEM45G/GEM45EC*
• iEQ45/iEQ45 Pro
• CEM60/CEM60EC
• CEM40, CEM40G, CEM40EC*

* Please check the counterweight shaft diameter.

Specifications for iOptron CW 9.5kg

Weight: 9.5 kg
Outer diameter: 147 mm
Inner diameter: 28.28 mm
Height: 75mm
Color: Black

SKU: 7226

• 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

The iOptron heavy duty Tri-Pier 360 is designed for CEM120 mount. It combines the strength and stableness of a pier with the levelling flexibility of a tripod. 1/4 inch thick aluminum alloy pier and CNC machined legs with adjustable feet.

The Tri-Pier 360 can also be used for the following mounts, directly or with an adapter:

These adapters are available to order:

• CEM60 (need Center Post P-8037-CP);
• iEQ45 Pro/iEQ45 (need Center Post P-8037-CP);
• AZ Mount Pro/MiniTower/MiniTower Pro (need Star Knobs with Center Post 8340-PIER)
• Paramount MyT (no adapter needed)
• Takahashi (EM-200), SkyWatcher (HEQ5/EQ6/NEQ6/AZEQ6), Celestron (CGEM/CGEM-DX), Orion Atlas (EQ-G/AZEQ-G) ( need Tri-Pier adapter 8036-TK)
• Astro-Physics 400/600E/Mach1GOTO (need Tri-Pier adapter 8036-AP)
• ZEQ25/CEM25 (need Tri-Pier adapter 8036-25)

Specifications

Instruction Manual

Pier Top CAD Drawing

The iOptron iEQ45/CEM60/CEM70 LiteRoc tripod has a die-cast aluminium top with heavy duty stainless steel tripod legs. The LiteRoc tripod features a 1.75” upper leg section with a 1.5” diameter lower section (same as the original 2” tripod), resulting in a lighter tripod with stability similar to the original 2” tripod. It also has improved leg cuffs and sockets for further rigidity and redesigned leg lock levers securing the extensions position.

The tripod comes with a center alignment post.

Compatible with:

iOptron IEQ45

iOptron CEM60

iOptron CEM70

iOptron CW 1kg

This counterweight -is designed for iOptron SkyTracker Pro camera mount to balance a heavy payload/long camera lens. It also fits to SkyTracker mount.

The iOptron CW 1kg package includes:

• 1.35kg counterweight

The Sky-Watcher VIRTUOSO GTi 150mm (6") reflector table top Dobsonian is a GOTO telescope that’s ideal for beginners and experienced observers who want to get straight into their star gazing. The larger mirror in this model compared to the 130mm (5") version will mean brighter and more detailed images.

This small telescope is highly portable and has full GOTO and tracking capabilities.

Download the SynScan app from the Apple or Android store and connect to the Wifi network generated by the Sky-Watcher VIRTUOSO mount. You don’t need an Internet connection to use the telescope once you’ve installed the SynScan app, so it’s great for observing in dark sky sites where there a mobile phone signal mightn’t be available.

Aligning the mount takes mere minutes with the “Bright Object” alignment mode. The computerised SynScan system allows automatic pointing and tracking of more than 42,000 object in the sky including planets star cluster, nebulae and even galaxies. This means less time spent finding that faint nebula or a distant planet and more time to enjoy observing.

The 150mm (6") diameter Collapsible Dobsonian is a compact and easy-to-use table top telescope. The patented collapsible system makes it is particularly easy to store and transport. Just extend the tube, point the telescope using the red dot finder scope, insert the eyepiece and enjoy the night sky. This Sky-Watcher Telescope will reveal details in Saturn’s rings, Jupiter’s bands, the Martian polar ice caps, and the phases of Venus and the moon as well as views of many deep sky objects.

The VIRTUOSO GTi Dobsonian Mount requires 12v DC and can be run on batteries. BINTEL can supply an additional 12v power adaptor or rechargeable portable battery pack to suit your needs.

The Sky-Watcher VIRTUOSO GTi 130mm (5") reflector table top Dobsonian is a GOTO telescope that’s ideal for beginners and experienced observers who want to get straight into their star gazing.

This small telescope is highly portable and has full GOTO and tracking capabilities.

Download the SynScan app from the Apple or Android store and connect to the Wifi network generated by the Sky-Watcher VIRTUOSO mount. You don’t need an Internet connection to use the telescope once you’ve installed the SynScan app, so it’s great for observing in dark sky sites where there a mobile phone signal mightn’t be available.

Aligning the mount takes mere minutes with the “Bright Object” alignment mode. The computerised SynScan system allows automatic pointing and tracking of more than 42,000 object in the sky including planets star cluster, nebulae and even galaxies. This means less time spent finding that faint nebula or a distant planet and more time to enjoy observing.

The 130mm (5") diameter Collapsible Dobsonian is a compact and easy-to-use table top telescope. The patented collapsible system makes it is particularly easy to store and transport. Just extend the tube, point the telescope using the red dot finder scope, insert the eyepiece and enjoy the night sky. This Sky-Watcher Telescope will reveal details in Saturn’s rings, Jupiter’s bands, the Martian polar ice caps, and the phases of Venus and the moon as well as views of many deep sky objects.

The VIRTUOSO GTi Dobsonian Mount requires 12v DC and can be run on batteries. BINTEL can supply an additional 12v power adaptor or rechargeable portable battery pack to suit your needs.

The Sky-Watcher VIRTUOSO GTi 127/1500 Maksutov Cassegrain table top Dobsonian is a GOTO telescope that's ideal for beginners and experienced observers who want to get straight into their star gazing.

This small telescope is highly portable and has full GOTO and tracking capabilities.

Download the SynScan app from the Apple or Android store and connect to the Wifi network generated by the Sky-Watcher VIRTUOSO mount. You don't need an Internet connection to use the telescope once you've installed the SynScan app, so it's great for observing in dark sky sites where there a mobile phone signal mightn't be available.

Aligning the mount takes mere minutes with the “Bright Object” alignment mode. The computerised SynScan system allows automatic pointing and tracking of more than 42,000 object in the sky including planets star cluster, nebulae and even galaxies. This means less time spent finding that faint nebula or a distant planet and more time to enjoy observing.

The Maksutov-Cassegrain is a compact and powerful optical design that combines a front meniscus lens and two mirrors. The optical tube is closed by the front meniscus, keeping the mirrors protected from atmospheric agents such as humidity, dust and pollution. The tube is short but the focal length is long allowing high magnification with the standard eyepieces. With maximum practical magnification of 256x , this Sky-Watcher Telescope will reveal details in Saturn’s rings, Jupiter’s bands, the Martian polar ice caps, and the phases of Venus and the moon.

The VIRTUOSO GTi Dobsonian Mount requires 12v DC and can be run on batteries. BINTEL can supply an additional 12v power adaptor or rechargeable portable battery pack to suit your needs.

This Skywatcher M48 T-Ring is designed specifically for attaching Canon DSLR Camera into any of the Skywatcher 0.85x Focal Reducer/Correctors. These M48 T-Rings are different than the standard T-rings and are mainly utilized for larger image formatting.

Skywatcher M48 T-Ring is designed specifically for attaching Nikon DSLR Camera into any of the Skywatcher 0.85x Focal Reducer/Correctors. These M48 T-Rings are different than the standard T-rings and are mainly utilized for larger image formatting.

The saxon Telescope Wi-Fi Adapter featuring:

• Alignment which include of Polar Alignment, Bright Star, One Star, Two Stars and Three Stars alignment.
• GoTo and tracking by selecting the desired object from the 42,000 object list.
• Point and Go function to simplify the process of hunting the desired object.
• 8 direction buttons to adjust your telescope to desired position.

This must have adapter is compatible with the below computerized mounts: Saxon and Sky-Watcher

• AstroSeeker/ Star Discovery
• AZ GT/ Star Explorer
• GoTo Dobsonian
• EQ3 GoTo
• EQ5 GoTo
• HEQ5 Pro
• AZ-EQ5 GT Pro
• NEQ6 Pro
• AZ-EQ6 GT Pro
• EQ8 Pro

FW8S-Aluma is the 8-position filter wheel for Aluma CCD Series cameras. It is compatible with Canon EOS and Nikon lens adapters.

Features

The carousel holds eight 36mm filters and inserts are available for 1.25″ filters. The 36 mm filters provide unvignetted imaging for the largest Aluma sensors.

Aluma wheels include 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.

The left-hand image below 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, at right. No evidence of the dust spot is visible. This high precision results in the highest quality images and excellent photometric accuracy.

SBIG StarChaser SC-2 Off-Axis Guider Cameras

Diffraction Limited’s new SBIG StarChaser SC-2 is the world’s first, all-in-one independent Off-Axis Guiding Camera with Adaptive Optics support. The StarChaser operates independently of the main camera. It combines a pick-off mirror, guider camera, guide port, and Adaptive Optics control.

Stop wasting time with ruined exposures caused by flexure between the main camera and guider. Off-axis guiding eliminates this problem by using the same optical path for the main camera and the guider.

Most off-axis guider assemblies are awkward to use, consume too much back focus, and require you to focus by slipping a camera inside an eyepiece holder. SBIG pioneered simplified off-axis guiding, with guide sensors built into CCD cameras. Later, we created the self-guiding filter wheel, placing the guide sensor in the light path ahead of photon-robbing narrowband filters. The StarChaser is the next step in this progression – a fully independent guide camera with AO capability.

Note: When using with StarChaser with AO, you will need a StarChaser to AO-X/AO-8T Adapter Cable. The necessary adapter cable is included in our StarChaser SC-3 / AO-X Bundle and StarChaser SC-2 / AO-8A Bundle.

Three Versions Available

StarChaserSC-2 is designed to work with our compact SBIG cameras. It supports the AO-8A adaptive optics unit. See the table below for compatibility with various camera models.

Adapters are also available to attach StarChaser to legacy STL cameras. For STL cameras with smaller sensors and internal filter wheel, you can use the SC-2 with the appropriate adapter. Another adapter is available to attach the SC-3-SHORT, for STL cameras with larger sensors and the external filter wheel.

Next-Generation Off-Axis Guiding

The StarChaser represents our next generation of off-axis guide technology. It features a high-sensitivity 1.3 megapixel Global Shutter CMOS sensor with 4.8 micron pixels. Unlike competing autoguiders, the StarChaser has a mechanical shutter for easy dark frame correction. This feature, standard on all SBIG guiders, optimizes sensitivity and eliminates hot pixels that could degrade guiding accuracy.

The pick-off mirror position is adjustable by loosening a locking knob and sliding the mirror into or out of the housing. You can avoid vignetting the main sensor while optimizing the light path into the guide sensor. Once that is set, focus is adjusted simply by turning a second knob.

Adaptive Optics Control

Thanks to the SBIG StarChaser series, our renowned Adaptive Optics (AO) technology is now available for virtually our entire camera line! Our AO-8A (available separately) bolts onto the front of the StarChaser SC-2. The StarChaser is in turn attached to the front of an SBIG standard filter wheel and camera.

Adaptive Optics technology eliminates guiding errors caused by common mount problems such as stiction, periodic error, and wind loads. It can even reduce “slow seeing” effects resulting in higher resolution images.

Thin and Adaptable

The STarChaser StarChase ST-2 SC-2 is just 0.800″ (20.3 mm) thick. When attaching to a filter wheel the existing adapter plate (0.147″ / 3.7 mm thick) would normally be moved from the filter wheel onto the front of the SC-2. When attaching an AO-8A to the front of the SC-2, the adapter plate is not used.

StarChase Brochure

StarChase SC-2 Instruction Manual

The saxon 30x80 Night Sky Waterproof Binoculars offer beautiful views of the night sky as well as expansive sights on land.

These floating waterproof binoculars are feature-packed:

• Metal body with rubber covering
• BAK-4 prisms
• Fully multi-coated lenses
• Long eye relief
• Central focusing
• Heavy duty tripod adapter incorporated
• Backpack carry case.

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

Lightweight and highly portable mount for your Sky-Watcher Star Adventurer mount.

Stable and Strong
High Parallelism

The Paramount MX Base to Pier Adaptor Plate is an optional accessory to the Paramount MX Robotic Telescope Mount that allows the Paramount MX to be mounted on an existing tripod or pier.

SKU: SB-10215

The ZWO ASIAIR Pro Dovetail is designed for ASIAIR PRO to connect a Vixen dovetail plate. It can help achieve more convenient and flexible installation methods compared to the original dovetail plate of ASIAIR PRO.

Connection tips:

1. Remove the original dovetail plate of ASIAIR PRO.

2. Fix the dovetail groove to ASIAIR PRO with the screws you just take off from the plate.

3. It’s recommended to put the bolt towards the box side as shown in the pictures above and not to block the USB ports and status indicators.

ZWO USB3.0 2M Cable

Cable Length: 2 meters

USB Connector Type: Type-B 3.0(male) to Type A(male)