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SBIG Aluma AC4040 Mono

by SBIG
SKU DL-AC4040-C2
Original price CA$17,679.00 - Original price CA$53,243.00
Original price
CA$17,679.00
CA$17,679.00 - CA$53,243.00
Current price CA$17,679.00
Credit available from affirm logo

Description

Availability:
Backordered
Contact us to know when we will receive our next ones!
Availability:
Backordered
Contact us to know when we will receive our next ones!
Availability:
Backordered
Contact us to know when we will receive our next ones!
Availability:
Backordered
Contact us to know when we will receive our next ones!
Availability:
Backordered
Contact us to know when we will receive our next ones!
Availability:
Backordered
Contact us to know when we will receive our next ones!
Availability:
Backordered
Contact us to know when we will receive our next ones!
Availability:
Backordered
Contact us to know when we will receive our next ones!

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More information

Our newest Scientific CMOS large format camera. 16.8 megapixel sensor with 9 micron pixels, Adaptive Optics capable, StarChaser SC-3 Guider compatible.

The SBIG Aluma AC Series represents the state-of-the-art in Advanced Scientific CMOS cameras for astronomical imaging systems. The camera’s advanced design permits high speed download via the USB 3.0 connection to the control computer. The Aluma AC4040 uses the Gpixel GSENSE4040 CMOS sensor with 16.8 million pixels at 9 microns. The sensor measures almost 37mm square. The Aluma AC series has powerful two stage cooling and supports optional water cooling. Aluma AC cameras can be operated directly from a 12VDC 8A power supply.

Design features include:

High Quantum Efficiency

Our previous flagship CCD camera, the STX-16803, had very good peak quantum efficiency at 60%. The new Aluma AC4040 improves on this significantly.

The new Aluma AC4040 standard Front-Side Illuminated (FSI) model has a peak Quantum Efficiency (QE) of 74%, and features a much broader peak that is almost flat from 450 nm through to over 900 nm. This means the overall sensitivity of the Aluma AC4040 is much higher than its CCD predecessor. The FSI camera is available with an economical Grade 2 sensor, or a premium Grade 1 sensor with fewer pixel defects.

For the most demanding applications, the Aluma AC4040BSI features a windowless Back-Side Illuminated (BSI) sensor, which has an incredible peak QE of 95%. In addition the BSI sensor features significant UV sensitivity beyond 250 nm. The BSI sensor is available in a single grade.

The Aluma AC4040BSI is available at an introductory price of $29,999.


Aluma AC4040 Quantum Efficiency

StackPro™

The Aluma AC4040 scientific CMOS camera features StackPro™, a revolutionary feature that performs image stacking inside the camera.

CMOS sensors often have more limited well depth and bit depth than their CCD predecessors. At the same time, the modern CMOS sensors have much lower read noise than the equivalent CCD. This low read noise can be used to advantage, by stacking many shorter exposures to achieve the same final result. This does however result in a lot of extra disk usage and post-processing.

StackPro™ performs the stacking automatically, inside the camera. It automatically subdivides your exposure into up to 16 individual subexposures, and stacks them inside the camera prior to download. This eliminates the excessive amounts of data cluttering up your hard drive. Stacking can also be used as an alternative to HDR mode.

HDR Mode

The sensor in the AC4040 is capable of operating in HDR mode, where high-gain and low-gain images are read out simultaneously. Our included MaxIm LT software features an HDR merge feature, which greatly simplifies the process of producing clean, highly linear images.

Superior Cooling

Proven pin heatsink design shared with industry leading STX series cameras gets the heat out while providing low vibration. Includes SmartCooling™ intelligent thermoelectric cooling and fan operation.

Water Circulation Ready

For high ambient temperature environments, the liquid cooling option improves thermal performance and helps minimize dark current.

User Rechargeable Desiccant

SBIG pioneered including a high-tech user-replaceable cartridge with ceramic filter and molecular sieve desiccant. Unlike competing cameras, which require factory service when their chamber desiccant eventually saturates out, the user can easily recharge the desiccant. This eliminates the need for costly service – not to mention the associated down-time and shipping costs. This feature is especially important in high-humidity locations.

Electronic and Mechanical Shutters

The GSENSE CMOS sensor has an electronic rolling shutter. In addition the Aluma AC series cameras include a mechanical shutter to enable convenient dark-frame subtraction for optimal performance and sensitivity. This is essential for remote/robotic operation.

Optional Seven Position Filter Wheel

The Aluma AC4040 is compatible with the SBIG FW7-STX filter wheel, utilizing 50 mm square filters.

Self-Guiding and Adaptive Optics Options Available

The available SBIG StarChaser SC-3 is an excellent low-cost option for integrated autoguiding in front of the filters, and it supports our SBIG AO-X Adaptive Optics accessory.

The AO-X 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 precise and accurate. This allows the AO-X to not only remove the effects of periodic error, drift, and wind gusts, but also reduce the effects of atmospheric seeing. When used with an Aluma AC camera, the AO-X requires the StarChaser SC-3.

For more information please see AO-X.

USB 3.0 Interface

The Aluma AC includes a USB 3.0 interface port for high speed downloads. For installations where longer cable lengths are required, the port is also compatible with USB 2.0.

I2C AUX Port

The STX cameras have a convenient auxiliary control port (also known as an I2C AUX port), which controls the filter wheel and provides optional external trigger interfaces. Unlike older SBIG models, the AUX port is not used for AO-X control, as this function is now handled by the optional SBIG StarChaser SC-3 off-axis guiding camera.

MaxIm LT Software

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

All Aluma AC cameras include a deluxe carrying case, universal power supply, Aluma AC4040 power extension cable, USB 3.0 cable, and MaxIm LT software.

Specifications

Exposure

0.001-3600 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

Full Frame Download

0.2 second

Pixel Digitization Rate

100 MHz

Weight

3.5 lbs / 1.6 kG

Filter Size

50mm Square

Read Noise

3.7 e- typical

Temperature Regulation

Yes

Computer Interface

USB 3.0

Power

12 VDC 8A

Cooling Delta

~ 40 °C typical, water cooling option included

Adaptive Optics Option

AO-X with StarChaser SC-3

A/D Converter

Dual 12 bit with HDR capability

Dark Current e/p/s at 0 C

0.3 e-/p/s typical

Full Well Capacity

74,000 e- (depends on mode)

Sensor Size

36.8 mm x 36.8 mm

Imaging / Pixel Array

4096 px x 4096 px

Shutter

Rolling electronic, Mechanical dark shutter

Self-Guiding In Front of Filters

Yes with StarChaser SC-3

Pixel Size

9 μm

Total Pixels

16.8 million pixels

Filter Wheel Option

FW7-STX

OAG Option

StarChaser SC-3

Imaging Sensor

Gpixel GSENSE4040

Sensor Grade

BSI, FSI Class 2, FSI Class 1

Downloads

Documentation

Product overview

A technical overview of the Aluma AC4040.

Download

Operating manual

Installation, and operating instructions for Aluma AC series cameras.

Coming Soon.

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 AC 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