Jump to content

Banner.jpg.b89429c566825f6ab32bcafbada449c9.jpg

New Camera from Altair Astro

Spacedout

By Spacedout
in Discussions - Cameras

Recommended Posts

Spacedout

Spacedout

Posted
Posted

Hello Folks,

Has anyone seen this new camera and software from Altair Astro yet?  Looks interesting and the solar image is spectacular!  I'm wondering if this would make a great partner for a Quark and I'm pretty sure it would be a nice Lunar cam.  More importantly however, it looks like another quality company entering into the VA market  :grin:

http://www.altairastro.com/xcms_entry.php?xcmsentryid=20

Link to comment
Share on other sites
  • Replies 47
  • Created
  • Last Reply
Dave In Vermont

Dave In Vermont

Posted
Posted

Price? looks pretty nice.

They hid the price pretty well, didn't they? £135.

Looks like it may well be a competent newbie in the field. Me thinks a day is coming where astronomy will surge as a new crop of amateurs discover they can now watch what their telescopes are doing by turning on their TV-set.

Not sure if this is good, or bad..... :grin:

Dave

ps: Ooops! I didn't see your post there, Spacedout. No matter.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
Red-Dwarf82

Red-Dwarf82

Posted
Posted

M57_1

Image: M57, single unprocessed 90 second exposure, 5" f5 Newtonian mounted on an Alt/Az mount (not-tracking).

Skies where clear last night so managed a quick practice session with the GP-CAM to familiarise myself with the Altair Capture software. Just quickly set up a small portable Alt/Az setup I have and popped the camera on with very rough focus. Results look promising. Will be testing on an equatorial portable setup in the coming weeks probably at f3. Although, even at f5 it seems to be doing well.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
Red-Dwarf82

Red-Dwarf82

Posted
Posted

Altair software is okay, not fantastic. I didn't set the save location to start with and have no idea where the first saved images went. Also, it seems to default to .ser video format. However, it doesn't seem to be able to read this format - glad I switched to .avi before the end of the session.

I've not yet worked out how to record single images which would be my preference for deepsky. Assume there are some ASCOM drivers for the camera so may swap to Astro-Art for capturing deepsky images.

However, last night was the first time I have used the camera so need more time using the camera and the Altair software so very much still feeling my way around with it all. More time needed with the software before giving any real comment.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
JamesF

JamesF

Posted
Posted

I wonder if that might be a typo.  I can't find any reference for that sensor that doesn't appear to be just a cut'n'paste job from another document.  I can't find any reference to such a model on the Aptina (now On Semi) website.

James

Link to comment
Share on other sites
JamesF

JamesF

Posted
Posted

There are some differences between all these cameras.

Touptek and Mallincam claim to use the AR0130 for both mono and colour.  Opticstar only do a colour model and assuming it is a typo then they also use the AR0130.  ZWO and Altair use the MT9M034 for mono and the AR0130 for colour.  QHY appear to use the MT9M034 for both mono and colour.

The AR0130 sensor is I think about 10% more sensitive than the MT9M034.  I believe ZWO wanted to use it for the ASI120MM but couldn't get supplies.

Makes me wonder though whether the Touptek or Mallincam wouldn't be the better choice (all other things being equal) if you want a mono camera, and the Touptek, Mallincam, ASI, Opticstar or Altair be the better choice for colour.

With the exception of the ZWO camera which is a different design both internally and externally perhaps all the other cameras originated with Touptek and the differences in sensors are down to what was available at the time.

James

Link to comment
Share on other sites
shirva

shirva

Posted
Posted

Think there is more clarity of information coming from mallincam. If you ask rock a question you have a very good chance of finding out what you needed to know.

its stated though the cameras originated from touptek the software is not compatible. . Mallincam to touptek models more info appearing in mallincam new forum

Link to comment
Share on other sites
Spacedout

Spacedout

Posted
  • Author
Posted

Davy, I am fairly certain if you visit the Altair website you will find all the information you need and if not I'm sure Altair will be only to happy to help if you ask.  I know how good Mallincam is and the service as I actually owned two of their cameras but it is a little unfair to give the impression you won't get the same service elsewhere or that somehow Altair are lacking clarity, really?  

Personally I'm not interested where the cameras or components are sourced just as long as it works well and it is affordable.  For arguments sake, lets say the Mallincam and Altair cameras are identical and the only difference is the badge.  Altair costs £135 and can be delivered next day.  The Mallincam AG costs £130, you then have delivery cost, VAT and import duties to consider not to mention several weeks wait.  Again, I loved my Mallincam cameras and I would highly recommend them no question.   However, if we are genuinely interested in helping "the advancement of video astronomy" then we need to encourage these companies with a recent interest in VA (like Altair or Atik) and not bash them just for the sake of it.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
Dave In Vermont

Dave In Vermont

Posted
Posted

I'm not familiar with these UK-based outfits, but I am with MallinCam. Rock Mallin is readily available to answer technical questions about his products (he actually signs each camera) - and even questions about other gear as well. I was recently engaged in exchanging emails with him pertaining to a mystery-dongle that came with a StellaCam II back in 2003. And he drops into the Yahoo Mallincam Group quite often.

He's got my respect,

Dave

Link to comment
Share on other sites
shirva

shirva

Posted
Posted

Hi karl. .I dont have either camera..what I was saying when altair made it public I.e they put up images questions were asked on the tech side..what scope ect was used it wasn't till they were pushed by another sgl member who`s posts were removed first time round that they put the info up..my personal view was that they didn't want to divulge the info..I think it's great we are getting new cameras on the scene but if it's going to be advertised we should have all the facts.you wouldn't buy a new car just because you liked the colour

Link to comment
Share on other sites
Dave In Vermont

Dave In Vermont

Posted
Posted

Hello Dave, please read my post again and you will see the pains I went too to say how much I like Mallincam!  Lets not miss the point here and turn a thread about one company into a thread about another.  

Not my intention. I was trying to be re-assuring to anyone from this side of the pond wondering about these fine pieces of work. I also am noting the similarities between the many cameras of this genre. I wonder if the Altair is available over here. I'll take a look.

It looks like these would make excellent guiding-cams as just one application.

Be still my beating wallet,

Dave

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

Go to topic listing

  • Recently Browsing   0 members

    • No registered users viewing this page.
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

We have placed cookies on your device to help make this website better. You can adjust your cookie settings, otherwise we'll assume you're okay to continue. By using this site, you agree to our Terms of Use.