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PrimaLuceLab GIOTTO 285 Smart Flat Field Generator

PrimaLuceLab GIOTTO 285 Smart Flat Field Generator

by PrimaLuceLab
SKU PLL-PLLGIOTTO285
CA$931.00 - CA$931.00
CA$931.00
CA$931.00 - CA$931.00
CA$931.00
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  • Smart flat field generator for uniform calibration frames
  • Integrated LEDs with a Sun-like color temperature
  • Adjustable brightness controlled via software
  • USB-C and WiFi connectivity for remote operation
  • Control via PLAY software, ASCOM driver, or Virtual HandPad app
  • Upgradable to a fully remote, motorized telescope cover with optional ALTO motor
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  • Description
  • FAQ
  • Specifications
  • In the Box
  • Downloads
  • Warranty

  • PrimaLuceLab GIOTTO 285 Smart Flat Field Generator

    The PrimaLuceLab GIOTTO 285 is a smart flat field generator designed to create perfectly uniform calibration frames, eliminating vignetting and dust shadows from your astrophotography. By integrating a multi-LED array at a solar color temperature with a specialized diffuser, GIOTTO provides an even field of illumination for telescopes. It features comprehensive remote control via USB-C or WiFi, allowing you to manage brightness and operation from a PC, smartphone, or tablet without touching your imaging setup.

    Smart Illumination for Flawless Flat Frames

    Capturing high-quality flat frames is critical for removing optical train artifacts like dust motes and vignetting. The GIOTTO 285 uses an array of LEDs with a color temperature similar to the Sun, ensuring accurate calibration across different filter passbands. A specially designed diffuser panel guarantees the light is perfectly even across the entire illuminated surface, a non-negotiable requirement for deep-sky imaging.

    The unit securely attaches to the front of your telescope tube using non-marring plastic thumbscrews. This eliminates the need to hold the panel by hand or re-point the telescope, ensuring a consistent and repeatable calibration process every time.

    Remote Control via WiFi, USB, and ASCOM

    The GIOTTO 285 offers multiple pathways for remote control, integrating seamlessly into any modern imaging workflow. Connect it to a PrimaLuceLab EAGLE or any Windows computer via its USB-C port for full control through the included PLAY astrophotography software or a dedicated ASCOM driver for use with third-party applications.

    For even greater flexibility, built-in WiFi connectivity allows you to control GIOTTO wirelessly from a smartphone or tablet. Using the Virtual HandPad, you can turn the light on, adjust brightness, and save presets for different filters, all without a physical connection to a computer.

    Automated Operation with the Optional ALTO Motor

    While the GIOTTO 285 is a powerful manual tool, its capabilities expand significantly with the addition of the optional ALTO telescope cover motor. This upgrade transforms GIOTTO into a fully remote, motorized dust cover and flat field generator. From your control software, you can command the ALTO to open and close the GIOTTO, protecting your optics when not in use and preparing for flat frames automatically.

    This system is ideal for remote observatories or anyone seeking to fully automate their imaging sequence. The ability to take flats at the beginning or end of a session without being physically present at the telescope is a significant step towards a completely hands-off setup.

  • What is the primary function of the PrimaLuceLab GIOTTO 285?

    The GIOTTO 285 is a smart flat field generator. Its purpose is to provide a perfectly uniform, dimmable light source for capturing flat calibration frames. These frames are essential in astrophotography processing to correct for optical artifacts like vignetting (darkened corners) and shadows cast by dust on your sensor or filters.

    How do I control the brightness of the GIOTTO 285?

    You have several options for remote control, all managed through software. There are no manual knobs on the unit itself.

    • USB-C Connection: Connect to an EAGLE or Windows PC to control brightness using PrimaLuceLab's PLAY software or the ASCOM driver.
    • WiFi Connection: Connect your smartphone or tablet to GIOTTO's WiFi network and use the Virtual HandPad to adjust brightness and save presets.

    Can I use the GIOTTO 285 with software other than PLAY, like N.I.N.A. or SGP?

    Yes. PrimaLuceLab provides a dedicated ASCOM driver for the GIOTTO 285. This allows it to be controlled by any ASCOM-compliant astrophotography software, including popular applications like N.I.N.A. (Nighttime Imaging 'N' Astronomy) and Sequence Generator Pro (SGP).

    How does the GIOTTO 285 become a motorized cap for my 10" Meade ACF telescope?

    To enable motorized operation, you must add the optional ALTO telescope cover motor. The ALTO clamps onto a Vixen or Losmandy-style dovetail bar on your telescope. It then physically attaches to the GIOTTO, allowing it to motorize the opening and closing of the panel. This effectively turns the GIOTTO into a remote-controlled dust cover that can also be activated for taking flats automatically.

    I image the Veil Nebula (NGC 6960) with LRGB and narrowband filters. Can the GIOTTO 285 streamline my calibration?

    Absolutely. Because different filters require different exposure times for flat frames, the GIOTTO's software control is a major advantage. Using the Virtual HandPad via WiFi, you can create and save brightness presets for each of your filters (L, R, G, B, Ha, OIII, SII). When it's time to take flats, you can simply recall the correct preset for each filter, ensuring consistent and optimal ADU targets without manual guesswork.

    What kind of power supply does the PrimaLuceLab GIOTTO 285 require?

    The GIOTTO 285 is powered by a standard 12V DC power source, the same type used by most astronomy mounts and cameras. It does not require a separate or proprietary power unit, making it easy to integrate into the power distribution system of your existing astrophotography rig.

  • PrimaLuceLab 1-Year Warranty