Astrolumina ALccd12 Color CCD Camera - 28.5 mm sensor - 5,12 µm

ALccd cameras are designed for the requirements of ambitious and advanced amateur astro photographers.

It is recommended for those who want to step up from a standard DSLR camera to a "real" astro CCD camera without the need of changing the whole accessory system. Because of the similar sensor sized, field corrector systems and other accessories can be kept.

The ALCCD12 has very small pixels - only 5,12 µm. This camera is perfect for fast tele objektives, Newtonians with ASA Corrector or very sharp APO refractors - all these are instruments with a high photographic resolution.

The main difference between the ALccd and DSLR cameras is: The Astrolumina camera does not share their disadvantages. DSLR cameras have an IR cut filter in order to deliver sharp and colour-balanced images. For astro photography, blocking near IR is normally not wanted and the result is that H-alpha emitting objects like many gas nebulae can be captures with much less integration time.

Nearly all standard DSLR camera have a data depth of 12 bit (4096 levels of grey). For astro imaging, this is not optimal. ALccd cameras work with 16 bit - the advantage is obvious. You gather more contrasty pictures and a fainter limiting magnitude.

Choice of two different sensor filters (please specify when placing your order):

You can choose between a multi-coated clear glass filter (for pure mirror systems) or an astro-optimized IR cut filter (for telescope systems containing lenses). The price is the same and the filter can also be changed by the user at a later time.

Cooling, shutter and suppression of icing:

Caused by the strong TEC and specialized electronics, temperaturen control and dark frames are normally not necessary (thermal noise is very low). The design of the ALccd prevents sensor icing by a dew trap.

The progressive scan sensor reading system makes a mechanical shutter unnecessary.

Good storage is an important preventive measure against dew and also extends the service life:

After use, put the camera straight into the TS Protect Case and add some silica gel. During storage, the silica gel absorbs the moisture from the camera. At the same time, the penetration of moist room air is prevented. Dry storage can even partially regenerate the small desiccant tablets in cooled cameras. Your camera or accessories are always ready for you in optimum condition. You can find the silica gel and the case in our product recommendations.

The cameras are not airtight, so if the camera remains on the telescope, it is exposed to moisture. The small amount of desiccant in the camera can protect the sensor and the inside of the protective glass from moisture for the duration of the exposure, but not for days on end. Moisture problems can be the result. A simple trick is to stretch a plastic bag around the focuser to which the camera is attached so that no air can get in. Silica gel is placed in a small cloth bag inside the plastic bag. This will also create a "dry climate zone" for the camera on the telescope. This allows you to leave the camera on the telescope for a few days for an imaging session lasting several days.

In the medium and long term, however, this is no substitute for proper storage in an airtight case with silica gel.

Safety informations: PDF Download