Our 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 interface, ultra-reliable even-illumination shutter, and fast low-noise readout.
The Aluma series supports the 8-position FW8S-Aluma filter wheel with micron-level filter positioning. An adapter is also available for our 16-position AFW-16-36R filter wheel.
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.
Aluma Features include:
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Selection of connection power cables
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Software Included
All Aluma CCD 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).
Even-Illumination Shutter
All Aluma 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 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.
High Performance KAF-8300 Image Sensor
The Aluma 8300 uses the popular 8 megapixel ON Semi (formerly Kodak) KAF-8300-AXC sensor. The sensor has 3448 x 2574 pixels at 5.4 microns square, for a 17.96 mm x 13.52 mm chip size.
This is a high sensitivity full frame CCD sensor with low dark current and 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.
SmartCoolingTM
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. 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: Filterwheels |
Filters 36mm |
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FW8S-Aluma
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 AFW Filter Wheel
SBIG AFW Filter Wheels are ultra-thin wheels that minimize back focus distance. The standard version, which accommodates filters ranging from 1 mm to 3 mm thick, uses only 0.55″ (14 mm) back focus. The tall version, which accommodates 5 mm thick filters, uses only 0.65″ (16.5 mm) back focus. Compatible with our Full Line of SBIG Cameras. Filter Size
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36 mm Round Optical Filter
SBIG 36 mm round optical filters are compatible with FW8-8300 and FW8S-Aluma filter wheels, and the STC-428-P camera/filter wheel combo. These filters are built for SBIG to our exacting specifications. All filters are parfocal, which avoids unnecessary refocusing. They are 2mm thick. Wavelength Band:
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SPECIFICATIONS
| OAG Option |
StarChaser |
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| Peak QE |
56% |
| Antiblooming |
y |
| Sensor Size |
17.96 mm x 13.52 mm |
| Pixel Size |
5.4 μm |
| Total Pixels |
8.3 million pixels |
| Imaging / Pixel Array |
3326 px x 2504 px |
| Imaging Sensor |
KAF-8300 |
| Full Well Capacity |
25,000 e- |
| Dark Current e-/p/s |
0.15 e-/p/s typical |
| Filter Wheel Option |
y |
| Shutter |
Mechanical, Even-illumination |
| Power |
12 VDC, 5A max |
| Remote Guide Head |
y |
| Pixel Digitization Rate |
10 MPix/sec |
| OS Compatibility |
Windows 7, 8, 10 x86/x64. Contact us for Linux support. |
| Computer Interface |
USB 2.0 |
| Exposure |
0.1 sec minimum |
| Cooling Delta |
50 °C |
| Read Noise (typ) |
10 e- typical |
| A/D Converter |
16 bits |
| Weight |
2.2 lbs |
| Filter Size |
36mm / 1.25" |
| Full Frame Download |
~1 sec via USB, ~7 sec via WiFi |
| Temperature Regulation |
y |
| Binning Modes |
Horizontal 1, 2, 3, 4; Vertical 1-255 |
Product overview
Product overview of Aluma CCD series cameras.
User’s Manual
Aluma CCD Series user’s manual.
Backfocus Calculator Spreadsheet
Software
Drivers and Camera Configuration Utility
Aluma uses the DL Imaging driver package. Download the latest drivers and camera configuration utility.
DownloadASCOM Driver
Provides compatibility with many third party control applications. Please install the main driver package (above) first.
MaxIm LT Software
Camera owners can request a MaxIm LT license here (camera serial number required):
LinkTo get started immediately, request the full MaxIm DL Pro demo version here (click Demo tab):
LinkOnce 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:
LinkSoftware Development Kit
Available by request. Please post in our support forum, Aluma section:
LinkFirmware Updates
Visit our Firmware Archive here:
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