Altair Astro

GPCAM3 178C USB3 Monochrome Guide / Imaging / EAA Camera The Altair GPCAM3 178M Monochrome camera has the sought-after Sony IMX178 Mono CMOS sensor, with extremely low read noise, wide dynamic range, and 6.3mp resolution (over 4K!). SPECIAL OFFER! FREE 1 YEAR SharpCap PRO License with all Altair GPCAM3 Cameras! Click here for more SC PRO feature info. Just download the latest SharpCap, connect your camera, register when the screen pops up and sign up for your free license. Sharpcap PRO has the amazingly accurate guidescope polar alignment routine, focus assistance, live flat field subtraction and many more great features to make deepsky, EAA or solar system imaging that much easier. Download SharpCap now to take advantage of this special offer. Solar system imaging: The GPCAM3 178M is also capable of solar. lunar, or planetary imaging (video capture) allowing detailed images with refractors of less than 3 metres focal length, where small pixels (only 2.4x2.4um), high frame rates, and low read noise get the most detail. The ROI (Region of Interest) feature can be used for even higher frame rates when imaging the planets, sun or moon at high magnification. EAA & Video Astronomy: The GPCAM3 178M is particularily attractive for Electronically Assisted Astronomy / Video Astronomy because of it's high 6.3 Megapixel resolution and high sensitivity thanks to Sony STARVIS back-side-illumination (BSI) and Exmor-R technology. Using the Live Stacking features in the free AltairCapture software or SharpCap PRO). Time-lapse all-sky imaging and video is fully supported, and the camera can be used with a DSLR lens to image large areas of sky. Deepsky astro-photography: Camera has amp glow suppression, and you can effectively remove any remaining amp glow by using the "Live" darkframe subtraction in AltairCapture or SharpCapor, or with with darkframes during processing as usual. To get an idea of what this camera is capable of, click here to view a lunar image by UK customer Neil Phillips (with Hypercam using same sensor).(Opens new window, compressed .JPEG file) To sum it up, the most desirable features of the IMX178M sensor are: Large 6mp sensor 7.37 x 4.92mm SONY STARVIS and Exmor R Technology with a sensitivity of 2000 mV or more per 1µm² Low read noise, approx. 0.9- 2.2e electrons (e-) or more. Saturation (full well) capacity approx. 15Ke- electrons (e-) High Dynamic Range with 14 bit ADC for high image quality in both light and dark (high contrast) areas. Speed and reliability in one camera: USB3.0 and on-board memory buffering give much faster transfer speeds than the GPCAM USB2.0 series, pushing the USB3.0 format to the limit, yet within a stable envelope. Memory buffering almost completely eliminates dropped frames and corrupted video files, a common problem with USB cameras, and enables faster more consistent frame rates, even with less powerful notebook computers. Consistency and stability is improved for video capture sequences - especially desirable for scientific applications. QUALITY software and drivers included: Unlike cheaper cameras, Altair Astro has spent considerable time developing the extensively featured and intuitive AltairCapture software, which can be downloaded from cameras.altairastro.com. AltairCapture is a stable 64 bit Windows application, which allows full control of the camera in high speed video or still mode. It includes extensive automation features, and supports all the major file formats useful for astro imaging and professional scientific imaging in 14bit or 8bit mode. Furthermore, the popular PHD Guiding, SharpCap PRO , APT and NINA are also natively supported. ASCOM drivers are also available for download at cameras.altairastro.com where you can also get regular driver updates. The installation process is easy, and unlike with cheaper cameras, you don't need to be a computer expert to make your camera work. Wide compatibility: Although the GPCAM3 is a USB3.0 camera, it is also fully compatible with USB2.0 ports when a longer cable and less speed are required, for example in deepsky or video astronomy using the live stacking features in AltairCapture or Sharpcap. Windows 7 to Windows 10 software is widely supported by AltairCapture in 64bit mode (see technical info for details). Autoguiding: The camera has an ST4 auto-guiding port, and can be used to auto-guide with mounts from all the major manufacturers supporting ST4 format, including iOptron, Celestron and Skywatcher. The sensor is more than sensitive enough for autoguiding. Support & warranty: Altair delivers proper on-shore English-speaking UK/EU support with a 2 year manufacturer warranty against defects in materials and workmanship. Now just try that with a Chinese camera! New users should definitely visit the Altair Astro Google User Group where you can get answers to technical questions, as well as sharing tips and techniques, to get the best out of your camera. The AltairCapture software interface supports most European languages including English, German, French, Indonesian, Japanese, Korean, Polish, Russian, Chinese, Spanish, Thai, and Turkish. File formats: The camera can be fully controlled in AltairCapture and SharpCap to output uncompressed .AVI and .SER video files for solar system imaging, as well as all common still image formats such as .JPEG .PNG .TIFF .BMP, and .FITS (for deepsky imaging) to mention just a few. The IMX178 Sensor supports 8bit or 14bit ADC output. The 14 bit output mode can be used for deep sky imaging with less frames needing to be stacked and a wider pixel intensity range. The sensor sensor is extremely sensitive and a good candidate for video astronomy, especially with small refractors (final .FITS file is stretched to 16bit for post processing compatiblility). Find out more about bit depth here. Find out more about video & file formats here. What’s different about the GPCAM3 platform compared to the GPCAM1 and GPCAM2? GPCAM3 has additional electronics for USB3.0 support, and to make space for the FULL SIZE USB3.0 connector. (We feel USB micro connectors are not a good idea for imaging because they don't maintain a reliable connection and wear easily, so we used full-size dual port connectors on this camera). Better control with Trigger Mode: "Trigger Mode" is fully supported to make long exposures of over 5 seconds easier to control. With most CMOS cameras, in normal video mode, the camera controls are "locked up" during a long exposure, so you have to wait for the exposure to complete before the camera will accept any commands. So you have to wait to abort a frame if a cloud covers the view, or make routine changes, say gain (ISO), exposure duration, re-aligning or refocusing on the object. However in "Trigger Mode", you can now stop the camera instantly (even if you are half way through a long 30 second exposure) change the settings, and re-start the camera looping again. For long exposures "Trigger Mode" is essential. Of course you can use normal video mode at up to 5 second exposures for video astronomy and solar system imaging. The GPCAM3 also has improved circuitry to improve data transfer stability at high frame rates (reducing dropped frames) and to increase compatibility with a wider range of PCs. This gives a more consistent data transfer rate over USB buses on laptops or desktop PCs. Included in the box: Camera body. 1.5m High-speed USB3.0 cable. 1.5m ST4 guide cable. 1.25 inch x nosepiece with female 1.25" filter thread on the front. (Optional 2" OD Nosepiece with dual 2 and 1.25" filter threads is available, code GPCAM-2IN) CS-Mount insert (12.5mm back-focus) is pre-installed on camera. (Optional 5mm extension adapter is available for C-Mount lenses requiring 17.5mm back-focus.) UV-IR Blocking Filter with Anti-Reflection coatings. (Removable for sensor cleaning). Plastic dust cap 1.25". Silicon dust cap for sensor. Note: This camera does not come with software in the box. To operate the camera you will need to download the latest camera drivers at cameras.altairastro.com (opens new window) Specifications: Sensor type: 1/1.8 CMOS IMX178 Horizonal Resolution: 3040 Pixel Vertical Resolution: 2048 Pixel Pixel: 6Mpx Pixel size: 2.4µm x 2.4µm Bitrate: 8bit/14bit Connections: USB 3.0 Power Supply: with USB Connection to telescope: 1.25 Inch Maximum exposure length: 5s, with Triggermodus 16 Min. Software: download

Item condition: new and original packed

Altair Hypercam 26C Color Pro TEC

Item condition: new, but not original packed

Altair QuadBand is the new trend in light pollution filters for deep-sky imaging of emission nebulae with colour CMOS, CCD, and DSLR cameras. Altair V2 Filter Technology produces even better blocking of unwanted wavelengths, higher transmission, and no halos. The result is a better signal to noise ratio for imaging emission nebulae with a DSLR or CMOS Astro camera. The 35nm passband not only makes the QuadBand V2 compatible with fast focal ratio lenses and telescopes, but also allows visual use with a relatively small telescope in urban locations. Brighter emission nebulae can be observed in urban conditions with a darker background. This is the new QuadBand V2 Coating technology which includes: Anti-Halo coating on both surfaces to reduce reflection artefacts from reducers and camera lenses. Increased blocking of UV, IR and unwanted visual range wavelengths. UV OD7 (T0.00001%) Visual OD5 (T0.001%) and IR OD4 (T0.01%) for the ultimate in skyglow blocking. An order of magnitude better than foreign filters. Higher transmission % of desired wavelengths Ttop 95% (Average 5% higher transmission of desired wavelengths). Ha and Oiii wavelengths at 35nm FWHM for with less tail-off to reduce unwanted light pollution. It's even compatible with fast scopes, like Altair F6 refractors which operate at F4.8 with reducers, and the F2 Celestron RASA and Hyperstar. Includes UVIR blocking for both modified and un-modified DSLR cameras, plus an anti-reflection coating to reduce halos as much as possible. Narrowband Bi-Colour imaging is a growing new trend in astrophotography, especially popular in light polluted areas, or for imaging in rural areas in moonlight. Now you can capture the two main emission nebulae bands at the same time, whilst suppressing light pollution, moonlight, and airglow. Capture more data in less time, and open up your imaging time window - even into the summer months. Altair QuadBand light pollution filters work by isolating the primary nebulae emission zones in the red and blue/green wavelengths, and separating them into two main "zones" with a wide separation for easy capture with a colour camera - all in one exposure! Not only is capture very convenient, but processing is easy too, thanks to the wide separation of the green/blue and red "zones". Light pollution control is extremely effective and LED light is also significantly reduced, thanks to the effects of Rayleigh scattering. Sensitive OSC or "One Shot Colour" CMOS cameras like the #Hypercam183C capture these wavelengths very efficiently, and allow them through the Bayer matrix. The filters also work with DSLRs (APS-C sensor size modified cameras are best, but normal ones will also work). When you have the complete stack of exposures, processing is relatively easy because of the large separation in colour. You can also use the Quad band and Tri-Band filters as a "super luminance filter" for imaging nebulae with Mono cameras. A quick overview of the Altair Filter family: QuadBand Filter - combines Sii AND Ha into a red zone, and H-beta + Oiii into a green/blue zone. (Recommended for moderate light pollution and skyglow, used with colour cameras). TriBand Filter - combines Ha into a red zone, and H-beta + Oiii into a green/blue zone. (Recommended for higher light pollution, used with colour cameras). DualBand Filter - separates the red Ha and blue Oiii channels even more distinctly with even deeper blocking. (Recommended for severe light pollution such as within built-up areas such as cities. Used with colour cameras). NarrowBand mono camera filter - these isolate single bands, so you only capture one wavelength per filter such as Oiii or Ha or Sii, and they are mostly used with mono B&W astronomy cameras. Separate sets of exposures are required with each filter. Filter Specifications: 1st band, CWL495nm FWHM35nm 2nd band, CWL 660nm FWHM 35nm 1.85mm thick optical glass with 30 arc sec parallelism. UVIR Block and Anti-Reflection Coating. Scope of Delivery: Filter 2"

Item condition: new, but not original packed

Product description Altair QuadBand is the new trend in light pollution filters for deep-sky imaging of emission nebulae with colour CMOS, CCD, and DSLR cameras. Altair V2 Filter Technology produces even better blocking of unwanted wavelengths, higher transmission, and no halos. The result is a better signal to noise ratio for imaging emission nebulae with a DSLR or CMOS Astro camera. The 35nm passband not only makes the QuadBand V2 compatible with fast focal ratio lenses and telescopes, but also allows visual use with a relatively small telescope in urban locations. Brighter emission nebulae can be observed in urban conditions with a darker background. This is the new QuadBand V2 Coating technology which includes: Anti-Halo coating on both surfaces to reduce reflection artefacts from reducers and camera lenses. Increased blocking of UV, IR and unwanted visual range wavelengths. UV OD7 (T0.00001%) Visual OD5 (T0.001%) and IR OD4 (T0.01%) for the ultimate in skyglow blocking. Higher transmission % of desired wavelengths Ttop 95% (Average 5% higher transmission of desired wavelengths). Ha and Oiii wavelengths at 35nm FWHM for with less tail-off to reduce unwanted light pollution. It's even compatible with fast scopes, like Altair F6 refractors which operate at F4.8 with reducers, and the F2 Celestron RASA and Hyperstar. Includes UVIR blocking for both modified and un-modified DSLR cameras, plus an anti-reflection coating to reduce halos as much as possible. Narrowband Bi-Colour imaging is a growing new trend in astrophotography, especially popular in light polluted areas, or for imaging in rural areas in moonlight. Now you can capture the two main emission nebulae bands at the same time, whilst suppressing light pollution, moonlight, and airglow. Capture more data in less time, and open up your imaging time window - even into the summer months. Altair QuadBand light pollution filters work by isolating the primary nebulae emission zones in the red and blue/green wavelengths, and separating them into two main "zones" with a wide separation for easy capture with a colour camera - all in one exposure! Not only is capture very convenient, but processing is easy too, thanks to the wide separation of the green/blue and red "zones". Light pollution control is extremely effective and LED light is also significantly reduced, thanks to the effects of Rayleigh scattering. Sensitive OSC or "One Shot Colour" CMOS cameras like the #Hypercam183C capture these wavelengths very efficiently, and allow them through the Bayer matrix. The filters also work with DSLRs (APS-C sensor size modified cameras are best, but normal ones will also work). When you have the complete stack of exposures, processing is relatively easy because of the large separation in colour. You can also use the Quad band and Tri-Band filters as a "super luminance filter" for imaging nebulae with Mono cameras. A quick overview of the Altair Filter family: QuadBand Filter - combines Sii AND Ha into a red zone, and H-beta + Oiii into a green/blue zone. (Recommended for moderate light pollution and skyglow, used with colour cameras). TriBand Filter - combines Ha into a red zone, and H-beta + Oiii into a green/blue zone. (Recommended for higher light pollution, used with colour cameras). DualBand Filter - separates Ha and Sii even more distinctly with even deeper blocking. (Recommended for severe light pollution such as within built-up areas such as cities. Used with colour cameras). NarrowBand mono camera filter - these isolate single bands, so you only capture one wavelength per filter such as Oiii or Ha or Sii, and they are mostly used with mono B&W astronomy cameras. Separate sets of exposures are required with each filter. Filter Specifications: QuadBand OSC filter CWL: 1st band, CWL495nm FWHM35nm 2nd band, CWL 660nm FWHM 35nm 1.85mm thick optical glass with 30 arc sec parallelism. UVIR Block and Anti-Reflection Coating. Delivered with: Filter

Item condition: new and original packed

The Altair 395nm NUV filter selectively passes light of the two main Calcium wavelengths emitted by the sun: CA-K line at 393.37nm, and the CA-H line at 396.85nm. A specially developed multilayer interference coating results in transmission of approximately 75% at 395nm NUV wavelength. Bandwidth is approximately 7nm (FHWM), resulting in extremely high contrast in the selected wavelength with efficient blocking of unwanted wavelengths. Remaining UV and IR light between 400-1100nm is blocked at OD3 0.1%, and visible light between 400-700nm at OD4 0.01%. Imaging the sun: The filter is to be placed in front of a high speed CMOS video camera for displaying detail in the upper solar atmosphere, at the boundary between the photosphere and the chromosphere. Structures which cannot normally be seen by the human eye or cameras are revealed, including fast-evolving Ellerman bombs (micro-flares) and Plages, (bright networks near sunspots). Solar granulation is also enhanced, as well as umbral detail around sunspots. Imaging the planet Venus: The planet Venus also benefits greatly from higher contrast in the upper cloud layers, showing features normally invisible in white light. The high transmission allows fast frame rates. IMPORTANT: The 395nm wavelength is harmful and almost invisible to the eye, therefore the NUV filter is intended for photographic use ONLY. A pre-filter of at least OD3.8 is required to reduce radiation damage to the filter. A Herschel Wedge, such as the Altair Imaging-Ready Solar Wedge can be used, or solar film, provided the manufacturers instructions are followed correctly. Refractors are usually employed for solar imaging, however reflectors can be used, provided they have a large blocking filter over the front aperture (usually solar film or glass filter because Hershel Wedges cannot be used with reflector telescopes). Imaging requires a monochrome CMOS camera. A typical example with false colour and selective contrast processing is shown opposite (HDR filter, Photoshop). Specification: NUV transmission band, CWL 395nm FWHM 7nm Filter substrate: 1.85mm thick BK7 optically polished glass with 30 arc sec parallelism UVIR blocking: UV and IR light between 400-1100nm is blocked at OD3 (0.1%) Visible light blocking: Visible light between 400-700nm at OD4 (0.01%) Scope of Delivery: Filter Specifications: Cell: Aluminium Type: Interference filter Filter thread / size: 1.25"

Item condition: new and original packed

This is the filter for imaging in moonlight or light pollution with a colour CMOS camera - or even in dark-sky conditions if you want total isolation and control over your channels, narrowband-style.

Altair DualBand 6nm ULTRA Filter Features:

• Capture two main emission nebulae bands at the same time, per filter, whilst suppressing light pollution, moonlight, and airglow.
• Acquire more data in less time, opening up your imaging window, even into the summer months when it isn't quite dark.
• If you have the 6nm Sii Oiii Ultra filter and the Ha Oiii filter combo, you can capture twice the Oiii data in each imaging session and combine them for true SHO Hubble style imaging with a colour camera!
• Extremely steep bandpass yields maximum contrast in extreme light pollution: 6nm FHWM centred on 500.7nm Oiii wavelength, 5.5nm FHWM centred on the Sii and Ha wavelengths.
• Halo suppression. We have not had any reports of halos caused by this filter in testing.
• Can be used with One Shot Colour (OSC) CMOS or mono astronomical cameras for luminance data.
• Includes UVIR blocking for both modified and un-modified DSLR cameras, plus an anti-reflection coating for the ultimate in contrast.
• Best performance at focal ratios at F4.8 or slower, however can be used as fast as F3.6, with minimal contrast impact (conservative estimate - faster may be possible). Like any dichroic filter, contrast increases as focal ratio number increases. More info about light pollution filter performance and focal ratio here.
• Available in 1.25" or 2" standard astronomy filter sizes. The filters have standard Astronomy compatible filter threads, and fit inside the Altair Magnetic Filter holders (with appropriate slider), and standard astronomy filter wheels. Choose the 2" version for use with the Altair Canon / Nikon DSLR lens to astro CMOS adaptors. For Hypercam 183C and 533C or 533M, 585C and smaller sensors choose the 1.25" filter. For larger sensors choose the 2" version.

This is the filter for imaging in moonlight or light pollution with a colour CMOS camera - or even in dark-sky conditions if you want total isolation and control over your channels, narrowband-style.

Altair DualBand 6nm ULTRA Filter Features:

• Capture two main emission nebulae bands at the same time, per filter, whilst suppressing light pollution, moonlight, and airglow.
• Acquire more data in less time, opening up your imaging window, even into the summer months when it isn't quite dark.
• If you have the 6nm Sii Oiii Ultra filter and the Ha Oiii filter combo, you can capture twice the Oiii data in each imaging session and combine them for true SHO Hubble style imaging with a colour camera!
• Extremely steep bandpass yields maximum contrast in extreme light pollution: 6nm FHWM centred on 500.7nm Oiii wavelength, 5.5nm FHWM centred on the Sii and Ha wavelengths.
• Halo suppression. We have not had any reports of halos caused by this filter in testing.
• Can be used with One Shot Colour (OSC) CMOS or mono astronomical cameras for luminance data.
• Includes UVIR blocking for both modified and un-modified DSLR cameras, plus an anti-reflection coating for the ultimate in contrast.
• Best performance at focal ratios at F4.8 or slower, however can be used as fast as F3.6, with minimal contrast impact (conservative estimate - faster may be possible). Like any dichroic filter, contrast increases as focal ratio number increases. More info about light pollution filter performance and focal ratio here.
• Available in 1.25" or 2" standard astronomy filter sizes. The filters have standard Astronomy compatible filter threads, and fit inside the Altair Magnetic Filter holders (with appropriate slider), and standard astronomy filter wheels. Choose the 2" version for use with the Altair Canon / Nikon DSLR lens to astro CMOS adaptors. For Hypercam 183C and 533C or 533M, 585C and smaller sensors choose the 1.25" filter. For larger sensors choose the 2" version.