SBIG Aluma CCD77-00

Product Description

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 – 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 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 16 Position Filter Wheel

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.

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