Aluma Features include:

Wide variety of imaging sensors
Light weight, compact design
Centered optical axis for optimum instrument balance
Ultra reliable even-illumination (photometric) mechanical shutter
Support for iOS, Android, Windows, Macintosh, and Linux
WiFi 802.11 b/g/n and USB 2.0 communications interfaces
Full frame image buffering eliminates readout artifacts and provides 100% reliable wireless download
2-Stage TE cooling for typical maximum -50C delta T
Twin variable speed fans
High accuracy temperature regulation
Built-in RBI Pre-flash (full frame front-illuminated sensors only)
External TTL trigger inputs and output
Included 110V / 220V power supply and optional 12VDC operation
User-rechargeable desiccant plug
Built-in 1/4-20 tripod mount
Support for high precision 8-position filter wheels
Support for external guide head, self-guiding filter wheels, and adaptive optics
Bulletproof firmware update capability – virtually impossible to “brick”

Multi-Platform Operation

Aluma is designed to operate either via USB 2.0 or WiFi 802.11 b/g/n. Designed from the ground-up to support operation on any modern computing platform, Aluma is compatible with iOS, Android, Windows, Macintosh, and Linux. Fully-documented and supported drivers are available for all platforms, including ASCOM drivers. The Aluma camera interface specification is fully documented, supporting the development of fully custom interfaces.

Software Included

All Aluma models ship with MaxIm AL for Windows – a special version of MaxIm DL specific to SBIG cameras. In addition our new Aluma software for iOS and Android is under development. Aluma also supports third-party applications through ASCOM and native SBIG drivers.

Compact and Lightweight Design

Aluma cameras measure just 4.25″ x 4.25″ x 4.0″ with handles (3.5″ without handles) and weigh just 2.2 lbs (1 kg).

Even-Illumination Shutter

All Aluma cameras include a mechanical shutter, which is used for both dark/bias calibration frames and for shuttering exposures on full frame sensors. Rather than using a complex iris shutter, which are prone to failure, the Aluma uses a twin vane shutter and direct drive motor for high repeatability, reliability, and extremely long life. The shutter is designed to be “even illumination” for the best accuracy in photometric measurements. The left image shows a flat field image taken with a camera using an iris type shutter. The right image is a flat field image taken under the same conditions using our even-illumination shutter.

Efficient 2-Stage TE cooling

The Aluma uses two-stage TE cooling, twin variable-speed fans and a heat sink design optimized using computer thermal flow simulation. This permits high performance using air cooling only.

High Performance ICX-694 Image Sensor

The Aluma 694 uses the popular 6 megapixel SONY ICX-694ALG sensor. This sensor has 2750 x 2200 pixels at 4.54 microns square, for a 14.6 mm x 12.8 mm optical format. This is a high sensitivity interline CCD sensor with extremely low dark current and very low read noise. Combining this high-performance sensor with Aluma’s high cooling performance and low readout noise results in exceptionally clean images. This sensor includes microlens technology that concentrates light on the sensitive area of each pixel. The CCD’s sensitivity peaks in the center of the visible spectrum at 550 nm, and maintains high sensitivity throughout the visible spectrum.

ICX-694 Relative Response – Peak QE Approximately 75%

Included Accessories:

MaxIm AL Software
iOS / Android software coming soon (via app store)
Deluxe carrying case
Universal power supply (110V / 220V, 50-60 Hz)
2″ Nosepiece adapter
USB flash drive containing software, drivers, and documentation
15 foot (4.5 m) USB cable
Tracking interface cable