{"title":"Optec Alnitak Flat Panels","description":"\u003cp\u003eOptec Alnitak flat panels provide the even light source needed to shoot flat frames, which correct vignetting and dust shadows in astrophotography. The line includes the Flip-Flat 270, which combines a motorized dust cover and flat panel mounted on the front of the telescope, and the Flat-Man L and Flat-Man XL-2 large flat fielders for bigger apertures.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThey suit remote and observatory setups where flats must be taken automatically at the end of each imaging session.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"optec-alnitak-flip-flat-flat-fielder","title":"Optec Alnitak Flip-Flat 270 Flat Fielder","description":"\u003c!-- more --\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOptec has partnered with Chris White of Overcast Observatory to re-design the Flip-Flat electroluminescent calibration panel mechanical design. The new Alnitak Flip-Flat 270 design allows a full 270-degree rotation of the flat field lamp panel to rest against the side of the telescope OTA tube.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAvailable in two sizes the Flip-Flat 270 (stk# 19053) works with OTA dew shields up to 7-5\/8\" (194mm) while the Flip-Flat 270+ (stk# 19054) will cover an 8-1\/8\" (206mm) dew shield. Both include the time tested inverter electronics and 167mm EL lamp of the Gen2 Alnitak Flip-Flat.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe same mechanical design can be ordered in the Flip-Mask or Remote Dust Cover variants. In addition,\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOvercast Observatory can design custom 3D printed mounting rings to match most any telescope tube diameter. This replaces the industrial zip ties included with every Flip-Flat sold through Optec.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"text-left\"\u003eWith hundreds of Flip-Flats already in the field being used by satisfied customers, we’re confident that our product continues to meet the needs of discriminating astro-imagers around the world.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"text-left\"\u003eThe Flip-Flat employs advanced electroluminescent lamp panel technology to provide a uniform source of illumination for the production of high quality flat field frames necessary for serious astroimaging and photometric work. With the Flip-Flat, on-demand flat fields with uniformity errors less than 1% are now possible.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"text-left\"\u003eIn addition to providing excellent flat fields, the Flip-Flat protects the objective lens of the telescope from dust that typically plagues remote installations where the user cannot manually replace the lenscap after an imaging session. The Flip-Flat is easily mounted to the front of any telescope tube (or rigid dewshield) with an OTA outside diameter between 4\" (100mm) and 8-1\/8\" (206mm). The Flip-Flat is attached to the telescope OTA with industrial nylon zip straps and easily removable for transport and storage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"text-left\"\u003eA simple Windows interface provides the ability to open and close the Flip-Flat and turn on the light source. The intensity of the light can be adjusted to one of 255 levels.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"text-left\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIMPORTANT:\u003c\/strong\u003e Note that the diameter of the fully illuminated lamp for each of the Flip-Flat models is 6.7\" or 170mm, regardless of the model purchased. To accommodate the smaller 4\" to 6\" OTA's, we add a spacer to the mounting bracket which better centers the lamp over the OTA. For the larger OTA, the bracket is machined down and an oversized ring is added to block any stray light from interfering with the flat lamp.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"tab-1\"\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"text-left\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLamp Diffuser Diameter: 7.7\" (195mm)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLamp Illumination Diameter: 6.7\" (170mm)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eControl Box Dimensions: 2.25\" x 3.15\" x 4.2\" (57 x 80 x 106mm)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWeight: 1 lb. 6 oz. (0.6 kg)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLamp Pivot Arm: 6.1\" (155mm) length\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRange of Pivot Arm: 95-degrees\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePower requirements: 5VDC provided by USB interface\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMinimum OTA\/dewshield OD: 4\" (stock #19050)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMaximum OTA\/dewshield OD: 8.125\" (stock #19052)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAlnitak Software Compatibility: Windows 7 and 10.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCommand Line Program: AACmd.exe\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn the box\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAlnitak Flip-Flat\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOTA mount bracket\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIndustrial zip straps\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUSB cable\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Optec","offers":[{"title":"Up to 7-5\/8\" OTA","offer_id":44967909818653,"sku":"OTC-19053","price":804.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Up to 8 1\/8\" OTA","offer_id":44967909851421,"sku":"OTC-19054","price":833.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0753\/5280\/1565\/files\/image_30bcafc6-86c9-4bde-bca9-320279f17cc5.png?v=1764184604"},{"product_id":"optec-alnitak-flat-man-l-large-flat-fielder","title":"Optec Alnitak Flat-Man L Large Flat Fielder","description":"\u003c!-- more --\u003e\u003cp class=\"text-left\"\u003eThe Flat-Man L is the big brother of the Flat-Man, for telescopes in the 8-12.5\" range. The Flat-Man L uses the same electroluminescent technology as our other products, and can either be manually placed on the vertical OTA or hung perpendicular (using one of the #6-32 cover screw holes) to the OTA’s park position for flat field imaging.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp class=\"text-left\"\u003eOur Windows software will light and control the brightness of the Flat-Man L. Comes with USB cable and power supply. The intensity of the light can be adjusted to one of 255 levels.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp class=\"text-left\"\u003eThe Flat-Man L is an affordable means to achieve excellent flat fields for telescopes up to 12-1\/2\" diameter.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp class=\"text-left\"\u003eThe #19091 - Flat-Man L Mounting Bracket allows you to easily mount the lamp to any tripod with 1\/4\"-20 head or the bracket can be drilled for mounting on an observatory wall at yoru telescope's park position.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul class=\"text-left\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLamp Diffuser Diameter:    14\" (355mm)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLamp Illumination Diameter:    13\"  (330mm)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMaximum Recommended OTA:    12-1\/2\" (315mm)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eControl Box Dimensions:    2.25\" x 3.2\" x 4.2\" (57 x 80 x 106mm)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWeight: 3.5 lbs.  (1.6 kg)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePower requirements: 12VDC for illumination, 5VDC for control (USB provided)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMinimum OTA\/dewshield OD: None\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMaximum OTA\/dewshield OD: 14\"\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMounting Holes:  Eight #6-32 threaded holes available,\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAlnitak Software Compatibility:  Windows 7 and 10.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCommand Line Program:  AACmd.exe\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Optec","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44967909916957,"sku":"OTC-19058","price":875.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0753\/5280\/1565\/products\/Optec-Alnitak-Flat-Man-L-Large-Flat-Fielder-19058__20545.1621870636.1280.1280.jpg?v=1684346867"},{"product_id":"optec-alnitak-flat-man-xl-2-large-flat-fielder","title":"Optec Alnitak Flat-Man XL-2 Large Flat Fielder","description":"\u003c!-- more --\u003e\u003cp\u003eRe-designed and re-introduced in 2020, Optec's new Flat-Man XL-2 electroluminescent calibration panels make it easy to obtain your flat-field calibration images on demand, scaling to the largest telescopes. This product updates and replaces the Flat-Man XL which revolutionized the way flats are acquired at both professional and amateur observatories around the world.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eSignificantly improved lamps and combined inverter and power supply are coupled with Optec's DMX controller in an elegant USB interface.  Light levels can be varied in conjunction with camera exposure times to get the perfect ADU count.  With our proven Alnitak software and the new ASCOM Alpaca interface (coming soon), all the popular scripting software works great with the new XL-2 panels.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eOur testing shows that the Flat-Man XL-2 provides an exceptionally evenly illuminated field when imaged by a camera mounted to a telescope focused at infinity. Image flatness is of utmost importance for both today's millimagnitude exoplanet photometry and the extensive stretching that is being done with aesthetic astronomical imaging. For the serious observer with a large observatory mounted telescope there is now a way to guarantee excellent flats on demand. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003e\"The Flat-Man XL's are outstanding and are really a life saver for us to get customers their flats in a timely manner\"\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e - Steve Cullen, President\/CEO at LightBuckets\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp class=\"text-left\"\u003eOur Windows software will light and control the brightness of the Flat-Man XL2. The intensity of the light can be adjusted to one of 255 levels. Programs using our provided library or AACmd can use the XL2 without any changes.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp class=\"text-left\"\u003eOptec offers VESA mounting kits for television wall mounts, allowing for easy mounting of the panels in the observatory as well as tripod mounts.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul class=\"text-left\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eElectroluminescent Lamp Type:    Split-Electrode with external inverter\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFrame Material:    1\"x1\" square aluminum extrusion, anodized\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDiffuser Material:    Plexiglas Type 2447 material\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLamp Diffuser Dimensions:\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e18\" x 18\"\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e24\" x 24\"\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e30\" x 30\"\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFrame Dimensions: Lamp Diffuser + 3\"\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eController Dimensions: 9.3\" x 7.3\" x 2.9\" (236 x 185 x 74mm)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eController Weight: 3.8 lbs.  (1.7 kg)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePower requirements: 100-240 VAC (100W) for illumination, 5VDC for control (USB provided)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMounting Holes:  One top center and five along left and right sides\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMounting Options:  VESA mounting kits and tripod mounts optionally available\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAlnitak Software Compatibility:  Windows 7 and 10.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCommand Line Program:  AACmd.exe\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Optec","offers":[{"title":"18\" x 18\"","offer_id":44967909982493,"sku":"OTC-19071","price":2373.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"24\" x 24\"","offer_id":44967910015261,"sku":"OTC-19072","price":2793.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"30\" x 30\"","offer_id":44967910048029,"sku":"OTC-19073","price":4053.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0753\/5280\/1565\/products\/Optec-Alnitak-Flat-Man-XL-2-Flat-Fielder__81096.1621870879.1280.1280.jpg?v=1684346869"}],"url":"https:\/\/davidastro.com\/collections\/optec-alnitak-flat-panels.oembed","provider":"David Astro","version":"1.0","type":"link"}