SBIG Aluma 814

Product Description

Our mid-size high performance Aluma^® 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 and optional WiFi 802.11 b/g/n interfaces, ultra-reliable even-illumination shutter, and fast low-noise readout.  Aluma can be operated from a tablet or smartphone, or from a Windows, Macintosh, or Linux PC.

The Aluma series 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, AO-8A Adaptive Optics accessory, and Remote Guide Head.

Aluma is available in two versions – standard version with USB and WiFi interface, and the lower-cost Aluma U series with only the USB interface.

Check out our package deals below for extra savings!

Aluma 814 – Incredible Sensitivity

The ICX-814 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.

Tony Hallas had this to say about the sister camera, the Aluma 694:
“This camera is crazy…
in 60 seconds it can show the blue jet in IC 1182…
now that is blue sensitive…!!!”

Thanks to our supply agreement in place with the manufacturer, we can continue to purchase new sensors through 2025.

Aluma Features include:

• Wide variety of imaging sensors
• Light weight, compact design
• Centered optical axis for optimum instrument balance
• Ultra reliable even-illumination (photometric) mechanical shutter
• Support for Windows, Macintosh, and Linux
• USB 2.0 and optional WiFi 802.11 b/g/n communications interfaces
• Full frame image buffering eliminates readout artifacts and provides 100% reliable wireless download
• 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
• Support for external guide head, self-guiding filter wheels, and adaptive optics
• Bulletproof firmware update capability – virtually impossible to “brick”

Multi-Platform Operation

Aluma is designed to operate via USB 2.0 and optionally WiFi 802.11 b/g/n.  Designed from the ground-up to support operation on any modern computing platform, Aluma is compatible with Windows, Macintosh, and Linux.  Fully-documented and supported drivers are available for all platforms, including ASCOM drivers.  The Aluma camera interface specification is fully documented, supporting the development of fully custom interfaces.

Software Included

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

Compact and Lightweight Design

Aluma 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).

Mechanical Shutter

The Aluma 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 Aluma 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 extremely low dark current and very low read noise.  Combining this high-performance sensor with Aluma’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 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’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 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 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
• Tracking interface 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 left-hand 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, at 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 series works the the StarChaser SC-2 Off-Axis Guide Camera.  This provides reliable guiding with no impact from optical train flexure.  It also supports operation of the optional AO-8A Adaptive Optics accessory.

Optional AO-8A Adaptive Optics

All Aluma 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.

For more information please see AO-8A.

 

Additional Information

OAG Option	StarChaser
Antiblooming	y
Sensor Size	12.48 mm x 9.98 mm
Pixel Size	3.69
Total Pixels	9 million pixels
Self-Guiding In Front of Filters	y
Imaging / Pixel Array	3388 x 2712
Imaging Sensor	ICX-814
Full Well Capacity	15,000 e-
Dark Current e/p/s at 0 C	0.025 e-/p/s typical
Filter Wheel Option	y
Shutter	Mechanical, Even-illumination
Power	12 VDC, 5A max
Remote Guide Head	y
Adaptive Optics Option	Y
Pixel Digitization Rate	8 MPix/sec
OS Compatibility	Windows 7, 8, 10 x86/x64, MacOS 10.14 "Mojave" x86 binaries, Ubuntu 18.04 LTS x64, Raspbian Buster armhf, Ubuntu MATE arm64
Computer Interface	USB 2.0, USB 2.0 / WiFi 802.11 b/g/n
Exposure	0.001 sec minimum
Cooling Delta	~ 50 °C
Read Noise	4.5 e- typical
A/D Converter	16 bits
Weight	2.2 lbs
Filter Size	36mm / 1.25"
Full Frame Download	~1 sec via USB, ~ 8 sec via WiFi
Temperature Regulation	y
Peak QE	77%

Documentation

Product overview

Product overview of SBIG Aluma CCD cameras.

Download

User’s Manual

Aluma Series user’s manual.

Download

Backfocus Calculator Spreadsheet

This Excel spreadsheet helps you calculate backfocus distance for your system. If you do not have Excel it can be uploaded into Google Sheets.
Download

Software

Drivers and Camera Configuration Utility

Aluma uses the DL Imaging driver package. Download the latest drivers and camera configuration utility.

Download

MaxIm LT Software

Camera owners can request a MaxIm LT license here (camera serial number required):

Link

To get started immediately, request the full MaxIm DL Pro demo version here (click Demo tab):

Link

Once you receive your MaxIm LT license, simply replace your demo license using Help menu Enter License.

MacOS and Linux Drivers

Available by request. Please post in our support forum, Aluma section:

Link

Software Development Kit

Available by request. Please post in our support forum, Aluma section:

Link

Firmware Updates

Visit our Firmware Archive here:

Link