Alnitak Astrosystems Devices
Optec acquired Alnitak Astrosystems in 2011 and has
been manufacturing and refining the Alnitak EL lamp and controller ever
since. With the introduction of the Flip-Mask and
Remote Dust Cover, we're proud to continue the Alnitak
tradition of offering astrophotographers and photometrists the finest in flat-field calibration systems along
with new and innovative remote devices not currently found in the
astronomy marketplace.
Featuring a USB connection, our Alnitak Astrosystems Control application automatically recognizes any attached device and allows 256 levels of brightness adjustment. For those seeking to automate their flat-field acquisition process, the Alnitak software package also include a serial command-line interface allowing full integration into the latest versions of astronomy automation programs such as ACP, CCD Autopilot, and Maxim DL.
Alnitak Flip-Flat Electroluminescent Flat Fielding Device
Alnitak Astrosystems' flagship product is the
Flip-Flat, designed as a combination dust cover and flat field
calibration lamp. Utilizing a remotely controlled motorized arm
and electroluminescent lamp, the Flip-Flat provides convenience and
precision calibrations for refractors up to 6-inch (155mm) diameter
OTA's.
"I have one of your Flip-Flats that I use with my AP 130GT. I love it."
-Ashton K.
See Charlie Warren’s review of the Flip-Flat in the Fall '09 issue of Amateur Astronomy magazine. Click here for more information on the Flip-Flat.
Alnitak Flip-Mask Remote Bahtinov Focusing Aid
Building upon the success of the Flip-Flat, the
Flip-Mask provides robotic control of a
Bahtinov Mask focusing aide for remote telescope installations.
Available with Bahtinov Masks up to 12-inch diameter the
Flip-Mask can be configured for most amateur
sized Optical Tube Assemblies.
Bahtinov Masks display a unique diffraction pattern that provides irrifutably proof that the very best focus within the Critical Focus Zone has been achieved. Click here to learn more about the Flip-Mask.
Alnitak Flat-Man Electroluminescent Flat Fielding Device
For those on a budget who don’t need the robotic features of the Flip-Flat, the
Flat-Man is an excellent choice.
Employing the same EL lamp technology as in the Flip-Flat and powered by a single USB cable, the
Flat-Man is simple to use. The
Flat-Man is manually placed on the vertically
oriented OTA and the lamp brightness levels can be controlled via
the attached PC.
OTA's up to 6-inch (155mm) are supported with the
Flat-Man. For larger scopes, the
Flat-Man L is available for manual or remote
flat field calibrations.
Click here for more information or to order the Alnitak Flat-Man.
Alnitak Flat-Man L Large-Size Electroluminescent Flat Fielding Device
For
owners of medium size telescopes with OTA's in the 8-13" range, the
Flat-Man L will fit your needs. It can either be placed on the vertical OTA,
or hung on an observatory wall perpendicular to the parked telescope OTA to
obtain great flats. As with all Alnitak flat fielding devices, the brightness can be controlled via our custom Windows
controller, or with a command line program that can be used in scripts.
The Flat-Man L requires an external power supply (included in the package) in addition to the USB communications cable, but is easily used with any OTA up to 12-1/2 inches. Click here for more information or to order the Alnitak Flat-Man L.
Alnitak Flat-Man XL Extra-Large Electroluminescent Flat Fielding Device
The
Flat-Man XL is our research-grade, observatory-class
flat-field calibration panel for the most demanding applications.
The larger Flat-Man XL40 has been in use for several years by Adam Block
at the Mt. Lemmon SkyCenter. Hundreds of our
XL panels have been mounted in amateur and professional oservatories
alike. With sizes ranging from 18" x 18" to 47" x 47", Optec
manufactures an XL Flat-Fielding lamp system to suite nearly any
observatory and OTA size.
"We use our Flat-Man XL’s whenever we’re taking pictures or doing research. They work great and we’re thrilled with them! No observatory should be without them! Excellent quality, reasonable price, the best flat-fielding we’ve ever done! Thanks for a superb product!"
Dave Bradstreet
Eastern University Astronomy Program Director
Only 1" deep, the Flat-Man XL lamp panel mounts directly to the observatory wall perpendicular to the telescope park position. The Alnitak Astrosystems command-line program is fully integrated into ACP, CCD Autopilot, Maxim D/L using scriptable command line interface for automated operations.
Alnitak Remote Dust Cover
Following
the suggestions of several satisfied Alnitak Astrosystems customers,
Optec has modified the Flip-Flat motor controller to allow a
light-weight Remote Dust Cover to be
installed on telescope OTA's up to 24-inch diameter. Using a
unique lightweight corrugated poly-propylene material, we can fabricate
Remote Dust Covers for unattended
operation in nearly any size required.
For best fit, measure the outside diameter of your OTA (optical tube assembly) and add 1-inch. Click here to learn more or to place your order today.
