A Crescent and a Bubble by Tony Hallas – Aluma CCD694 image. 

Aluma CCD694 – Incredible Sensitivity

The ICX-694 CCD is one of the best optical sensors ever produced, with peak quantum efficiency over 75%, very broad spectral sensitivity, and extraordinary blue sensitivity.   It also has very low read noise, large dynamic range, and extremely low dark current.  This combination of high sensitivity and very low noise means you get cleaner, deeper images – faster.

“This camera is crazy…
in 60 seconds it can show the blue jet in IC 1182…
now that is blue sensitive…!!!”
Tony Hallas

Thanks to our supply agreement in place with the manufacturer, we can continue to purchase new sensors through 2025.

Aluma CCD Features include:

• High-performance CCD imaging sensors currently manufactured by SONY and Teledyne E2V
• Light weight, compact design
• Centered optical axis for optimum instrument balance
• Ultra reliable even-illumination (photometric) mechanical shutter
• USB 2.0 interface
• Full frame image buffering eliminates readout artifacts
• 2-Stage TE cooling with typical -50C from ambient
• Twin variable speed fans with SmartCooling^TM technology
• 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
• Works with StarChaser SC-2 off-axis guide camera and AO-8A adaptive optics
• Bulletproof firmware update capability – virtually impossible to “brick”

Software Included

All Aluma CCD models ship with MaxIm LT for Windows – a special version of MaxIm DL specific to our cameras. Aluma CCD also supports third-party applications through ASCOM and native drivers.

Compact and Lightweight Design

Aluma CCD 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).

Mechanical Shutter

The Aluma CCD694 has electronic shuttering, for a minimum exposure of 0.001s.  In addition it has a high reliability mechanical shutter, which facilitates accurate dark/bias calibration frames.

High Performance ICX-694 Image Sensor

The Aluma CCD694 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 chip size.

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 CCD’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.  The ICX-694 is particularly good in the blue compared to other sensors on the market.

SmartCooling^TM

All Aluma CCD cameras include our powerful new SmartCooling technology. The two-stage cooler, powerful fans, and advanced heat sink designed using thermal flow simulation combine to produce typical cooling delta from ambient of -50C.  This is quite a feat considering the Aluma CCD’s very compact and lightweight package.

SmartCooling automatically adjusts the fan speed to optimize cooler performance and power consumption.  The camera’s firmware is constantly monitoring the sensor and heat sink temperatures, as well as controlling the cooler power.  When full cooling power is needed – when ramping down or running near full power – the fans ramp up to their maximum speed, resulting in the strongest possible cooling.  When less cooling power is needed the fans automatically slow to reduce noise levels and power consumption. SmartCooling also prevents any possibility of overheating by backing off power if the heat sink gets too hot – so you don’t need to worry if your camera is baking in a hot observatory during the day.

Advanced Software Included

All Aluma CCD cameras come with our MaxIm LT software – a $249 value!  MaxIm LT is a special version of our venerable MaxIm DL software that provides complete control of your camera, filter wheel, and autoguider, plus advanced image processing capabilities.  If you wish you can upgrade to MaxIm DL Pro to get complete observatory integration and even more processing and analysis capabilities.

Included Accessories

Each Aluma CCD camera package includes:

• MaxIm LT software – please use this form to request your license
• 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

Optional Micron-Precision Filter Wheel

The optional FW8S-Aluma 8-position filter wheel includes a positive centering mechanism that precisely centers each filter in the exact same position every time. This single-pixel accuracy completely eliminates ghost images of dust spots and other artifacts after flat-fielding.

Positive detent mechanism provides single-pixel filter position accuracy

Precision flat-fielding with utlra-accurate indexing

The left-hand image shows a dust spot on the filters.  A flat-field calibration frame was taken, then the filter wheel was rotated several times before taking a second picture, which was flat-field calibrated, at right.  No evidence of the dust spot is visible.  This high precision results in the highest quality images and excellent photometric accuracy.

The Aluma wheel holds standard 36 mm filters, and inserts are available for 1-1/4″ filters, which are suitable for smaller format CCD sensors.

The Aluma filter wheel replaces the camera’s front plate, resulting in the minimum possible back-focus, ensuring that the camera / filter wheel combination will reach focus on the widest possible variety of optical systems.

Optional 16 Position Filter Wheel

The optional AFW-16-36R filter wheel, attached via AFW to Small Format Camera Adapter, provides for a full sixteen 36 mm filters.  Please note that the AFW wheels work with large format accessories, and do not accommodate screw-in 1-1/4″ filters due to their height.

Optional StarChaser SC-2 Off-Axis Guide Camera

For astronomical imaging the Aluma CCD series works the the StarChaser SC-2 Off-Axis Guide Camera.  This provides reliable guiding with no impact from optical train flexure.  It also supports operation of the optional AO-8A Adaptive Optics accessory.

Optional AO-8A Adaptive Optics

All Aluma CCD models can operate with the AO-8A Adaptive Optics accessory.  The AO-8A uses a tip-tilt window to quickly and precisely adjust the image position in response to autoguider feedback.  With Adaptive Optics there is no backlash, stiction, or lag, and the movements are extremely precise and accurate.  This allows the AO-8A to not only remove the effects of periodic error, drift, and wind gusts, but also reduce the effects of atmospheric seeing.

For more information please see AO-8A.

Download Product Data Sheet

Technical Specifications

In the Box

Each Aluma CCD camera package includes:

• MaxIm LT software – please use this form to request your license
• 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