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Optec Alnitak Flip-Flat 270 Flat Fielder
Optec Alnitak Flip-Flat 270 Flat Fielder
Optec Alnitak Flip-Flat 270 Flat Fielder

Optec Alnitak Flip-Flat 270 Flat Fielder

by Optec
SKU OTC-19053
CA$804.00 - CA$833.00
CA$804.00
CA$804.00 - CA$833.00
CA$804.00
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  • 170 mm uniform electroluminescent illumination panel
  • 270-degree motorized arm for fully remote operation
  • Fits telescope tubes and dew shields up to 206 mm
  • 256 levels of software brightness control
  • ASCOM and Alpaca drivers for full automation
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Dust Distance Finder

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Load a flat and find whether the dust is on the sensor, the camera window or a filter.

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  • Description
  • FAQ
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  • In the Box
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  • Optec Alnitak Flip-Flat 270 Flat Fielder

    The Optec Alnitak Flip-Flat 270 provides a complete, automated solution for capturing calibration frames and protecting your optics. Its 170 mm electroluminescent panel delivers a uniform light source, while the 155 mm pivot arm swings through a full 270-degree range to move completely out of the light path. Brightness is set in 256 levels by software, and the unit is powered by 5 VDC through its USB connection. Two available sizes ensure a secure fit for telescope dew shields up to 194 mm or 206 mm in diameter.

    170mm Electroluminescent Panel with 256 Brightness Levels

    At the core of the Flip-Flat is a 170 mm diameter electroluminescent (EL) lamp that provides a uniform source of illumination for the flat field frames used in astroimaging and photometric work. The lamp sits behind a 195 mm diffuser.

    With 256 distinct brightness levels adjustable from 0 to 255 via software, you can set the illumination for each filter. Use the low end of the range for wideband filters and the upper end for narrowband filters such as Ha, OIII and SII, aiming for mid-range ADU values (around 30000 for a 16-bit camera) with short exposures.

    270° Motorized Arm: From Dust Cover to Flat Fielder

    The "Flip" in Flip-Flat is enabled by a robust, 155 mm motorized pivot arm. With a full 270-degree range of motion, the arm swings the EL panel from its closed, protective position completely clear of the telescope's aperture, so it rests against the side of the optical tube.

    This mechanism gives the Flip-Flat a dual purpose. When closed, it works as an automated dust cover, protecting the front of the telescope from dust between imaging sessions, useful in remote installations where nobody can replace the lens cap. When commanded open, it becomes a precision calibration instrument, ready to take flats at the beginning or end of the night without any manual intervention.

    Dual-Size Fitment for Tubes Up to 206mm OD

    The Alnitak Flip-Flat 270 is available in two distinct sizes. The standard Flip-Flat 270 model is designed for telescope tubes or dew shields with an outer diameter up to 194 mm (7-5/8 inches). For larger instruments, the Flip-Flat 270+ model supports outer diameters up to 206 mm (8-1/8 inches).

    Both models share the same 170 mm lamp and weigh 0.6 kg. The unit is fastened to the dew shield or optical tube with the two included mounting straps.

    ASCOM & Alpaca Integration for Full Remote Control

    The Flip-Flat 270 is controlled and powered over the included 5-meter USB 2.0 cable connected to the 135 x 107 x 69 mm control box. This eliminates the need for separate power supplies and simplifies cable management at the telescope. Optec's software runs on Windows 10 and later, and its Alpaca driver on Linux.

    Optec provides the native Alnitak Control software for direct manual operation. For automated sequences, Optec's ASCOM and Alpaca drivers let ASCOM- or Alpaca-compatible software control the Flip-Flat. You can script commands to open the cover, close it, and set the lamp to any of the 256 brightness levels as part of your imaging plan.

  • How is the Optec Alnitak Flip-Flat 270 powered and controlled?

    The Flip-Flat 270 is powered and controlled entirely through a single 5-meter USB cable connected to a Windows or Linux computer. It requires no separate DC power supply. All functions, including opening/closing the cover and adjusting the lamp's 256 brightness levels, are managed via software using Optec's software, ASCOM or Alpaca drivers.

    Which Flip-Flat 270 model do I need for my 8-inch SCT?

    The choice depends on the outer diameter of your dew shield, not the telescope's aperture. You must measure the diameter of the tube or shield where you plan to mount the unit.

    • The standard Flip-Flat 270 fits outer diameters up to 194 mm (7-5/8 inches).
    • The Flip-Flat 270+ fits outer diameters up to 206 mm (8-1/8 inches).

    Measure your dew shield before ordering.

    Can I automate flats with my narrowband filters using the Alnitak Flip-Flat 270?

    Yes, this is a primary function of the Flip-Flat. The ASCOM driver allows your automation software to set a different lamp brightness for each filter. Use the low end of the brightness range for wideband filters and the upper end for narrowband filters such as Ha, OIII and SII.

    What software is required to use the Optec Alnitak Flip-Flat 270?

    For manual control on a Windows PC, you can use the Alnitak Control application from Optec. For integration with imaging sequencers and observatory control software, Optec provides both ASCOM drivers for Windows (10 and later) and Alpaca drivers for cross-platform compatibility, including Linux.

    How does the Flip-Flat 270 mount to the telescope tube?

    The Flip-Flat 270 attaches to the outside of your telescope's optical tube or a rigid dew shield. The package includes two mounting straps that wrap around the tube and secure the unit's base firmly in place. This method is simple, secure, and non-permanent.

  • Illuminated Diameter 170 mm (6.7 in)
    Lamp Diffuser Diameter 195 mm (7.7 in)
    Brightness Control 256 levels (0 to 255)
    Pivot Arm 155 mm (6.1 in), 270-degree range
    Fits Dew Shield / Tube OD Flip-Flat 270: up to 194 mm (7-5/8 in)
    Flip-Flat 270+: up to 206 mm (8-1/8 in)
    Control Box Dimensions 135 x 107 x 69 mm (5.3 x 4.2 x 2.7 in)
    Weight 0.6 kg
    Power 5 VDC via USB
    Software Compatibility Alnitak Control and ASCOM driver (Windows 10 and later), Alpaca driver (Linux)
    Fits Outer Diameter Up to 7-5/8" OTA: up to 194 (7-5/8 in dew shield); Up to 8 1/8" OTA: up to 206 (8-1/8 in dew shield)

    • Alnitak Flip-Flat 270 lamp with dust cover

      × 1

    • USB 2.0 A-B cable, 5 m

      × 1

    • Mounting strap

      × 2

    • Quick start guide

      × 1

    • Sky & Telescope flat-field article reprint

      × 1

  • Optec 1-Year Warranty