ZWO ASI461MM-Pro adopts Sony medium format IMX461 sensor. It has the native 16-bit ADC with 65536 levels, back-illuminated structure and high quantum efficiency, and a great performance in DSO imaging. Milky way imaging and scientific research.

It features very low readout noise and nearly zero visible fixed pattern noise.

100 mega Pixels of 11656 x 8750. The 3.76 um pixel accommodates an impressive full well capacity of 50.3ke. While at Bin2 mode, you can get and even larger full well capacity of 198e and a large pixel size of 7.5um x 7.5um.

ASI461MM-Pro is a 100MP camera with a large sensor size of 44mm x 33mmand a high resolution

Note: External Power supplies are need for all ASI cooled cameras. We recommend you use a 12v@3amp DC adapter (5.5 x 21. Center Pole Positive)

No Amp Glow

Traditional CMOS sensors produce a weak infrared light source during operation, which is often seen in the corners of uncalibrated images. This is a tell-tale sign of “amp glow”. As the ASI 4612MM-Pro uses zero amp glow circuitry, you won’t have to worry about amp glow even when using high gain, long exposure imaging.

Anti -Dew

ASI461MM-Pro come with a polyimide heat that sits on top of the protective window. It will heat the window to avoid dew problems.

The power consumption of the heater is around 5W. You can turn this function off in your imaging software if you want to save power.

Camera Performance

HCG Mode

ASI461MM-Pro is integrated with HCG mode, which can get help greatly reduce readout noise and keep the dynamic range at a high level when you’re using higher gain.

Set gain 100, then the HCG mode will be automatically turned on. The readout noise can be very low, while the dynamic range is basically unchanged.

Quantum Efficiency

QE curves and readout noise are two of the most important elements to measure a camera’s performance. Based on our calculations, the QE peak values of ASI461MM-P is 91% @ 460nm

Absolute Quatum Efficiency

Relative Quantum Efficiency

Two Stage TEC Cooling

The TEC cooling system of the ASI461MM-Pro can precisely control the temperature of the sensor, and lower it to 30 – 35 degrees C below ambient temperature

Product details

Connection to External Device

Structural Dimensions

SKU: ASI461MM-Pro

The Atik 16200 Monochrome camera has been designed from the ground up around the KAF-16200 sensor. With a diagonal measurement of 35mm (APS-H format) and 6 μm pixels this camera is an incredible mix of high resolution and sensor real estate.

It is a great match for a range of telescopes, and all at a much more accessible price than the likes of KAF-11002 and KAF-16803 based cameras.

The design sees the CCD housed in a sealed, argon-purged chamber, complemented by a powerful dual-stage peltier and heatsink for optimum cooling. This camera has the lowest delta you’ve ever seen from Atik, at -45°C typical, and a whopping -50°C max.

Atik 16200 Monochrome Technical Specifications

• Sensor Type: CCD - KAF-16200
• Horizontal Resolution: 4499 pixels
• Vertical Resolution: 3599 pixels
• Pixel Size: 6 µm x 6 µm
• ADC: 16 bit
• Readout Noise: 9e- typical value
• Gain Factor: 0.6e-/ ADU
• Full Well: ~40,000e-
• Dark Current: >0.25 electrons/second at 0°C
• Interface: USB 2.0 High Speed
• Power: 12v DC 2.5A
• Maximum Exposure Length: Unlimited
• Minimum Exposure Length: 200 ms
• Cooling: Thermoelectric set point with max ΔT=>-50°C (-45°C typ.)
• Weight: approx. 1.3 kg
• Backfocus: ±19.5 mm
• Available as mono or colour, with colour version to follow early 2017

Native 16 bit A/D: The new Sony sensor has native 16-bit A/D on-chip. The output is real 16-bits with 65536 levels. Compared to 12-bit and 14-bit A/D, a 16-bit A/D yields higher sample resolution and the system gain will be less than 1e-/ADU with no sample error noise and very low read noise.

BSI: One benefit of the back-illuminated CMOS structure is improved full well capacity. This is particularly helpful for sensors with small pixels. In a typical front-illuminated sensor, photons from the target entering the photosensitive layer of the sensor must first pass through the metal wiring that is embedded just above the photosensitive layer. The wiring structure reflects some of the photons and reduces the efficiency of the sensor. In the back- illuminated sensor the light is allowed to enter the photosensitive surface from the reverse side. In this case the sensor’s embedded wiring structure is below the photosensitive layer. As a result, more incoming photons strike the photosensitive layer and more electrons are generated and captured in the pixel well. This ratio of photon to electron production is called quantum efficiency. The higher the quantum efficiency the more efficient the sensor is at converting photons to electrons and hence the more sensitive the sensor is to capturing an image of something dim.

Zero Amplify Glow: This is also a zero amplifer glow camera.

TRUE RAW Data: In the DSLR implementation there is a RAW image output, but typically it is not completely RAW. Some evidence of noise reduction and hot pixel removal is still visible on close inspection. This can have a negative effect on the image for astronomy such as the “star eater” effect. However, QHY Cameras offer TRUE RAW IMAGE OUTPUT and produces an image comprised of the original signal only, thereby maintaining the maximum flexibility for post-acquisition astronomical image processing programs and other scientific imaging applications.

Anti-Dew Technology: Based on almost 20-year cooled camera design experience, The QHY cooled camera has implemented the fully dew control solutions. The optic window has built-in dew heater and the chamber is protected from internal humidity condensation. An electric heating board for the chamber window can prevent the formation of dew and the sensor itself is kept dry with our silicon gel tube socket design for control of humidity within the sensor chamber.

Cooling: In addition to dual stage TE cooling, QHYCCD implements proprietary technology in hardware to control the dark current noise.

Multiple Readout Modes

Multiple Readout Modes are special for QHY 16-bit Cameras (QHY600/268/461/411). Different readout modes have different driver timing, etc., and result in different performance. See details at “Multiple Readout Modes and Curves” Part.

Random change thermal noise suppression function

You may find some types of thermal noise can change with time in some back-illuminated CMOS cameras. This thermal noises has the characteristic of the fixed position of typical thermal noise, but the value is not related to the exposure time. Instead, each frame appears to have its own characteristics. The QHY600/268/461/411 use an innovative suppression technology that can significantly reduce the apparent level of such noise.

UVLO Protection

UVLO（Under Voltage Locking) is to protect the electronic device from damage caused by abnormally low voltages.

Our daily life experience tells us that the actual operational voltage of an electrical device must not significantly exceed the rated voltage, otherwise it will be damaged. For such precision equipment as cameras, long-term work at too low input voltage can also be detrimental to the working life of the camera, and may even make some devices, such as power manager, burn up due to long-term overload. In the all-in-one driver and SDK after 2021.10.23 stable version, the camera will give a warning when the input voltage of the camera is below 11V.

Optimizing USB Traffic to Minimize Horizontal Banding

It is common behavior for a CMOS sensor to contain some horizontal banding. Normally, random horizontal banding can be removed with multiple frame stacking so it does not affect the final image. However, periodic horizontal banding is not removed with stacking so it may appear in the final image. By adjust the USB traffic in Single Frame mode or Live Frame mode, you can adjust the frequency of the CMOS sensor driver and it can optimize the horizontal banding appeared on the image. This optimized is very effective to remove the periodic banding in some conditions.

A typical Periodic Horizontal Noise under certain USB_TRAFFIC values.

After Adjusting the USB Traffic to avoid the periodic horizontal noise.

Reboot the camera by power off and on

The camera is designed to use the +12V to reboot the camera without disconnecting and reconnecting the USB interface. This means that you can reboot the camera simply by shutting down the +12V and then powering it back on. This feature is very handy for remote controlling the camera in an observatory. You can use a remotely controlled power supply to reboot the camera. There is no need to consider how to reconnect the USB in the case of remote control.

Specifications

Camera Curves

Our high performance Aluma^® CCD Series cameras offer capabilities and features not available in any other scientific-grade imaging camera.  This lightweight (2.2 lbs) and compact (4.5″ x 4.5″ x 4″ with handles) camera includes two-stage cooling, USB 2.0 interface, ultra-reliable even-illumination shutter, and fast low-noise readout.

The Aluma CCD series supports a wide range of accessories, including the 8-position AFW-8-36R filter wheel.

The Aluma CCD77-00 has an extremely high sensitivity, 260,000 pixel back-illuminated CCD sensor with 24 micron pixels.  These are research-grade cameras designed for longer focal length instruments typically with apertures greater than 40 cm.

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 ultimate in a high-performance mid-sized 16-bit CCD detector. Using E2V’s best-in-class research grade back-illuminated sensors, the Aluma CCD77-00 gives you the high sensitivity, low noise, and high well depth needed for the most demanding research applications.

Aluma CCD Features include:

• High-performance CCD imaging sensors currently manufactured by SONY and Teledyne E2V
• Light weight, 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
• Bulletproof firmware update capability – virtually impossible to “brick”

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 4.25″ x 4.25″ x 4.0″ with handles (3.5″ without handles) and weigh just 2.2 lbs (1 kg).

Even-Illumination Shutter

All Aluma CCD cameras include a mechanical shutter, which is used for both dark/bias calibration frames and for shuttering exposures on full frame sensors. Rather than using a complex iris shutter, which are prone to failure, the Aluma CCD uses a twin vane shutter and direct drive motor for high repeatability, reliability, and extremely long life.  The shutter is designed to be “even illumination” for the best accuracy in photometric measurements.

The left image shows a flat field image taken with a camera using an iris type shutter. The right image is a flat field image taken under the same conditions using our even-illumination shutter.

Extreme Sensitivity CCD 77-00 Image Sensor

The Aluma CCD77-00 uses the 0.26 megapixel E2V CCD 77-00 sensor, featuring peak quantum efficiency (QE) of 93% with midband coatings.  This full frame, back-illuminated sensor is designed for the ultimate in sensitivity.  We offer Midband coating for the highest quantum efficiency.  Other coatings are available on special order.

CCD 77-00 Quantum Efficiency Curves

The CCD 77-00 has 512 x 512 pixels at 24 microns square, for a 12.3 mm square chip size.

This back-illuminated full-frame CCD sensor has extremely low noise and extremely high sensitivity. Combining this high-performance sensor with Aluma CCD’s high cooling performance and low readout noise results in exceptionally clean images.

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 typical cooling delta from 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, as well as 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 Aluma CCD cameras come with our MaxIm LT software – a $249 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 
• 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 Filter Wheel

The optional AFW-8-36R  8-position filter wheel provides a fast, quiet, and low-cost option.  It holds standard 36 mm filters, and inserts are available for 1-1/4″ filters, which are suitable for smaller format CCD sensors.

The optional AFW-16-36R filter wheel, attached via AFW to Small Format Camera Adapter, provides for a full sixteen 36 mm filters.  Please note that the AFW wheels work with large format accessories, and do not accommodate screw-in 1-1/4″ filters due to their height.

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

Designed and manufactured in the USA with same extreme reliability as the thousands of FLI OEM cameras. Install in remote observatories around the world with complete confidence in a long, trouble-free life. High sensitivity with exceptionally low noise and dark current. Great combination of resolution and frame rate.

Designed and manufactured in the USA with same extreme reliability as the thousands of FLI OEM cameras. Install in remote observatories around the world with complete confidence in a long, trouble-free life. High sensitivity CMOS camera with 90% quantum efficiency and 15.9 mm diagonal field of view is an ideal replacement for 1" format CCDs.

Designed and manufactured in the USA with same extreme reliability as the thousands of FLI OEM cameras. Install in remote observatories around the world with complete confidence in a long, trouble-free life. Full frame sensor with 90% quantum efficiency and massive 43.1mm diagonal field of view to increase throughput.