Alnitak Flip-Flat Electroluminescent Flat Fielding Device Optec

Description

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 andRemote 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 Astrosystems’ flagship product, the Flip-Flat, is a robotic lens cap and flat field illumination source for small to medium size refractors.

With hundreds of Flip-Flats already in the field being used by satisfied customers, we’re confident that our product continues to meet the needs of discriminating astro-imagers around the world.

The Flip-Flat employs advanced electroluminescent lamp panel technology to provide a uniform source of illumination for the production of high quality flat field frames necessary for serious astroimaging and photometric work. With the Flip-Flat, on-demand flat fields with uniformity errors less than 1% are now possible.

In addition to providing excellent flat fields, the Flip-Flat protects the objective lens of the telescope from dust that typically plagues remote installations where the user cannot manually replace the lenscap after an imaging session.  The Flip-Flat is easily  mounted to the front of any telescope tube (or rigid dewshield) with an OTA outside diameter between 4″ (100mm) and 8-1/8″ (206mm).  The Flip-Flat is attached to the telescope OTA with industrial nylon zip straps and easily removable for transport and storage.

A simple Windows interface provides the ability to open and close the Flip-Flat and turn on the light source. The intensity of the light can be adjusted to one of 255 levels.

Specifications

• Lamp Diffuser Diameter:    7.7″ (195mm)
• Lamp Illumination Diameter:    6.7″  (170mm)
• Control Box Dimensions: 2.25″ x 3.15″ x 4.2″  (57 x 80 x 106mm)
• Weight:     1 lb. 6 oz. (0.6 kg)
• Lamp Pivot Arm:    6.1″ (155mm) length
• Range of Pivot Arm:  95-degrees
• Power requirements:  5VDC provided by USB interface
• Minimum OTA/dewshield OD: 4″ (stock #19050)
• Maximum OTA/dewshield OD: 8.125″ (stock #19052)
• Alnitak Software Compatiblity:  Windows XP, Vista, Windows 7 and 8.
• Command Line Program:  AACmd.exe

#19050 – Alnitak Flip-Flat, OTA size: 4″ to 6″ 
Add to CartThe #19050 Flip-Flat package includes the lamp controller, motor arm, OTA bracket to center the lamp over OTA dew shields measuring 4″ to 6″ in diameter, a pair of industrial zip straps, USB cable, and software. Fully illuminated lamp is 6.7″ (170mm) in diameter.

#19051 – Alnitak Flip-Flat, OTA size: 6″ to 7-5/8″
The #19051 Flip-Flat package includes the controller, motor arm, OTA bracket to center the lamp over OTA dew shields measuring 6″ to 7-5/8″ in diameter, a pair of industrial zip straps, USB cable, and software. Fully illuminated lamp is 6.7″ (170mm) in diameter.

#19052 – Alnitak Flip-Flat, OTA up to 8-1/8″
The #19052 Flip-Flat package includes an additional expansion ring allowing use with OTA’s having dew shields up to 8-1/8″ in diameter, a shortened OTA mount bracket to better center the lamp, a pair of industrial zip straps, USB cable, and software. Fully illuminated lamp is 6.7″ (170mm) in diameter.

IMPORTANT:  Note that the  diameter of the fully illuminated lamp for each of the Flip-Flat models is 6.7″ or  170mm, regardless of the model purchased.  To accommodate the smaller 4″ to 6″ OTA’s, we add a spacer to the mounting bracket which better centers the lamp over the OTA.  For the larger OTA, the bracket is machined down and an oversized ring is added to block any stray light from interfering with the flat lamp. 

Alnitak Software and Technical Downloads:

The Alnitak Control Software can be downloaded from our downloads page and includes the AACmd command line program for use with ACP, CCD AutoPilot, Maxim D/L and other astronomy automation programs.

Visit the Alnitak Downloads page for the latest Quick Start Guide,  Alnitak Installation Manual and Software Reference Guide, and Serial Command List.

The Flip-Flat is fully integrated into CCD Autopilot by using our command line program, AACmd. See CCD Autopilot’s Flip-Flat help page for full details.  AACmd can also be used by scripts and batch files to automatically control the Flip-Flat. See the Downloads page for additional details.