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Optec Alnitak Flat-Man XL-2 Large Flat Fielder

Optec Alnitak Flat-Man XL-2 Large Flat Fielder

by Optec
SKU OTC-19071
CA$2,373.00 - CA$4,053.00
CA$2,373.00
CA$2,373.00 - CA$4,053.00
CA$2,373.00
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  • Three sizes to cover large apertures: 18x18, 24x24, or 30x30 inch diffusers
  • 255 discrete brightness levels for precise flat-field calibration
  • USB control with Optec's Alnitak software (Windows 10 and later)
  • ASCOM and Alpaca drivers for automated flats
  • 1 x 1 inch anodized aluminum frame
  • Optional VESA mounting kits and tripod mounts
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  • Description
  • FAQ
  • Specifications
  • In the Box
  • Downloads
  • Warranty

  • Optec Alnitak Flat-Man XL-2 Large Flat Fielder

    The Optec Alnitak Flat-Man XL-2 Large Flat Fielder delivers uniform, on-demand illumination for calibrating large-aperture instruments, available in 18x18, 24x24, or 30x30 inch diffuser sizes. Brightness is precisely managed across 255 levels through a dedicated controller powered by 5VDC USB, allowing you to achieve the perfect ADU count for your flat frames. The panel is built into a rigid 1x1 inch square aluminum extrusion frame, while the separate 1.7 kg controller box handles the 100-240 VAC lamp power and data interface.

    Split-Electrode Lamp and Plexiglas Diffuser

    At the heart of the Flat-Man XL-2 is a split-electrode electroluminescent lamp paired with a Plexiglas Type 2447 diffuser. Together they provide an even field of light for flat frames. The panel is housed in a 1 x 1 inch anodized aluminum frame that is 3 inches larger than the diffuser.

    255-Level Brightness Control via USB, ASCOM, and Alpaca

    The included 1.7 kg controller box connects to your PC via USB, giving you command over the panel's 255 distinct brightness levels. Using the Alnitak Control software, you can set the intensity to suit your camera's exposure times. For automated observatories, Optec's ASCOM driver (Windows 10 and later) and Alpaca driver (Linux) let ASCOM- or Alpaca-compatible sequencing software take flats as part of a scripted imaging run.

    Observatory Integration with Optional VESA Mounts

    The Flat-Man XL-2 frame has mounting holes: one at the top center and five along each side. Optional VESA mounting kits (sold separately) allow the panel to be attached to television wall mounts in the observatory, and tripod mounts are also available.

  • Which size Alnitak Flat-Man XL-2 do I need for my telescope?

    To select the correct size, measure the outer diameter of your telescope's dew shield or front cell. Choose an Alnitak Flat-Man XL-2 with a diffuser size larger than this measurement. Remember that the outer frame is 3 inches larger than the lamp diffuser, so an 18x18 inch model has a total frame size of 21x21 inches.

    How is the Optec Alnitak Flat-Man XL-2 powered?

    The Flat-Man XL-2 has a dual power system. The electroluminescent lamp itself is powered by 100-240 VAC (100 W) mains electricity via the controller box. The control logic, brightness adjustment, and communication are handled via a separate 5 VDC circuit powered directly from your computer's USB port.

    Can I automate the Alnitak Flat-Man XL-2 with imaging software?

    Yes. The Optec Alnitak Flat-Man XL-2 is supported by Optec's ASCOM driver for Windows 10 and later. This allows it to be fully controlled and automated by any ASCOM-compliant software, enabling you to script your flat-field acquisition as part of your nightly imaging plan.

    What mounting options are available for the Optec Alnitak Flat-Man XL-2?

    The panel frame includes one mounting hole at the top center and five along each side. Optec also offers optional VESA mounting kits, which attach the panel to television wall mounts, and tripod mounts.

    How do I adjust the brightness on the Alnitak Flat-Man XL-2?

    You can control the brightness across 255 discrete levels using Optec's Alnitak Control software for Windows. This allows you to dial in the exact illumination needed for your specific filter and camera settings to achieve an ideal ADU count without saturating pixels. The brightness can also be set via ASCOM or Alpaca scripts.

    Is the Alnitak Flat-Man XL-2 compatible with Linux?

    Yes. Optec provides an Alpaca driver for Linux systems. Optec builds it for AMD64, armhf and aarch64 Linux, tested on Raspberry Pi OS and Ubuntu.

  • Lamp Diffuser Size 18 x 18 in, 24 x 24 in or 30 x 30 in (by version)
    Frame Size Lamp diffuser + 3 in
    Lamp Type Split-electrode electroluminescent, external inverter
    Frame Material 1 x 1 in square aluminium extrusion, anodized
    Diffuser Material Plexiglas Type 2447
    Controller Dimensions 236 x 185 x 74 mm (9.3 x 7.3 x 2.9 in)
    Controller Weight 1.7 kg (3.8 lb)
    Power Requirements 100-240 VAC (100 W) for illumination, 5 VDC for control (USB)
    Brightness Control 255 levels
    Mounting Holes One top center and five along the left and right sides
    Mounting Options VESA mounting kits and tripod mounts (optional)
    Software Compatibility Alnitak Control and ASCOM driver (Windows 10 and later), Alpaca driver (Linux)

    • Alnitak Flat-Man XL-2 panel

      × 1

    • Controller / power supply

      × 1

    • USB cable

      × 1

  • Optec 1-Year Warranty