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IMPORTANT: Our store is located in Canada. All orders that include products manufactured outside of Canada or USA will be subject to tariffs and duties, regardless of the order value. US customers are responsible for all applicable duties and tariffs, and those will be billed by the carrier, except for the Lacerta upgrade kit, for which we collect them at checkout.
Shelyak Alpy 200 Switch Module
Shelyak Alpy 200 Switch Module
Shelyak Alpy 200 Switch Module

Shelyak Alpy 200 Switch Module

by Shelyak
SKU SHK-SE0276
$681.00 - $681.00
$681.00
$681.00 - $681.00
$681.00
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  • Converts an Alpy 600 system for low-resolution spectroscopy
  • Resolving Power: R ~130 with a 23µm slit
  • Optimized for F/4 telescope systems
  • Tool-free installation with 6 knurled screws
  • Enables spectral acquisition of very faint targets
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  • Description
  • FAQ
  • Specifications
  • In the Box
  • Downloads
  • Warranty

  • Alpy 200 Switch Module

    The Alpy 200 Switch Module lets you convert your existing Alpy 600 setup for low-resolution spectroscopy, achieving a resolving power of R ~130 with a 23µm slit. Designed for telescopes working at an F/4 aperture, this module enables a rapid, tool-free swap to capture spectra from faint targets that are inaccessible to higher-resolution systems.

    From R~600 to R~130: A 2-Minute Spectrograph Swap

    This module is engineered for observers who already own the Alpy 600 guiding and spectrograph assembly. It allows you to quickly adapt your instrumentation to the target at hand, swapping from high to low resolution in a matter of minutes. The exchange is purely mechanical; simply undo the 6 knurled screws by hand, lift out the Alpy 600 module, and drop the Alpy 200 in its place.

    Alpy 200 vs. Alpy 600: Prioritizing Signal for Faint Targets

    The choice between the Alpy 600 and Alpy 200 is a direct trade-off between detail and depth. While the Alpy 600 provides higher resolution for detailed analysis of bright stars, the Alpy 200's R ~130 resolving power spreads the target's light over far fewer pixels. This concentration of photons is essential for successfully recording a signal from extremely faint objects like supernovae, distant quasars, and faint comets.

    Critical Workflow: Slit Selection and Recalibration for the F/4 System

    To maintain data integrity, it's crucial to take new reference frames—specifically flats and calibration lamp spectra—after swapping modules. Note that this is the Alpy 200 module body only and is sold without a slit. You must order the appropriate slit for your telescope and camera configuration separately to complete the spectrograph.

  • Why would I use the Alpy 200 switch module instead of just my Alpy 600?

    The Alpy 200 module is for capturing spectra of very faint targets. Its low resolving power (R ~130) concentrates starlight, allowing you to get a usable signal on objects that would be too dim for the higher-resolution Alpy 600. It turns your existing system into a dual-purpose instrument.

    Does the Alpy 200 switch module come with a slit?

    No, the Alpy 200 switch module is sold as the module body only. You must purchase a slit separately that matches your telescope and camera setup. This allows you to customize the instrument for your specific needs.

    How long does it take to swap the Alpy 200 module into my Alpy 600 setup?

    The swap is designed to be very fast, typically taking only a few minutes. The module is secured by 6 knurled screws that can be loosened and tightened by hand, requiring no tools for the exchange.

    I want to capture the spectrum of a faint supernova with my C11 at F/10. Is the Alpy 200 module the right choice?

    Yes, absolutely. A faint supernova is a perfect target for the Alpy 200 module. Its low resolving power is specifically designed to maximize the signal-to-noise ratio on such faint point sources, where simply detecting and classifying the spectrum is the primary goal.

    Can I use the Alpy 200 switch module on a fast F/4 Newtonian to study cometary spectra?

    Yes, the Alpy 200 is optimized for an F/4 aperture, making it an excellent match for fast Newtonian astrographs. This combination is ideal for studying the faint, diffuse spectra of comets, allowing you to capture the entire coma within the slit.

    Do I need a separate camera for the Alpy 200 switch module?

    A separate camera is not required, as you can move your existing acquisition camera from the Alpy 600 to the Alpy 200 module. However, having a dedicated camera for each module makes the switch even faster and simpler, as you would not need to refocus the camera each time.

  • Resolving Power R ~130 (with 23µm slit)
    Native Aperture F/4

    • Alpy 200 Switch Module

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  • Shelyak 1-Year Warranty