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* The Alta U4000 (USB 2.0 interface) has a large format interline Kodak KAI-4022M (monochrome) sensor with low dark current,
low noise, and high resolution.
* 2048 X 2048 pixel array @ 7.4 microns.
* Prices include Apogee TE cooled camera head, CCD, 5m cable, international power supply & ActiveX driver.
* The price shown is based on full payment at the time of order. Scroll down to read more about Apogee's rules regarding
pricing & pre-payment.
The Alta Design Team at Apogee worked hard over a two year period to bring this advanced degree of integration and performance to
the astronomy market. Alta has set new standards for imaging performance, connectivity, cooling, compactness, cost effectiveness,
and the elimination of external support electronics. Like the AP and KX series, Alta is a platform, not a CCD or specific
interface type. It is designed for a variety of CCDs, ranging from the smallest to those measuring 36mm on a side with 4096 x 4096
arrays.
The Apogee Alta U vs Alta E Series
The Apogee Alta E Series cameras connect directly to a local network or to a host computer using TCP/IP. They digitize to 16
bits. In the case of the E2V CCDs, this is at 700 kpixels/sec; in the case of the Kodak CCDs, this is at 1 MHz . First the
complete image is digitized into camera head memory, and then transferred to the host computer. The TCP/IP transfer rate is 200
kpixels/sec. (So an E2V 1K x 1K for example requires 1.5 seconds to be digitized into the head, and another 5 seconds for transfer
to the host computer.)
In contrast, the Apogee Alta U Series cameras have dual digitization, 12 and 16 bit. The E2Vs still digitize at 700 kpixels in 16
bit mode, and 2 MHz in 12 bit mode. The Kodaks digitize to 16 bits at 1 MHz, and from 5 to 10 MHz in 12 bit mode, depending on the
specific CCD. The 12 bit mode is intended primarily as a focus mode. In contrast to the E Series cameras, digitization and
transfer to the host computer are the same step. So an E2V 1K x 1K transfers to the host in 1.5 seconds in 16 bit mode, for
example.
If you are considering an Alta E Series camera because of the cable length restrictions of USB2, there are USB1 and USB2 extender
solutions available. Apogee Alta U Series cameras are USB2, but they automatically adapt to USB1, at the lower USB1 speeds (which
is 500 kpixels/sec, still much faster than the E Series considering the E Series two-step readout process). There are USB1
extenders, both using Cat5 cable or fiber, for up to 100m. For USB2, there are extenders for up to 50m as well as fiber extenders
to 10 kilometers.
Apogee Alta U Series Highlights
* USB 2.0 interface
* Resolution from 512 x 512 up to 4096 x 4096
* Wide variety of CCD architectures
* Single ActiveX driver and Linux driver for all models
* Dual 12/16-bit digitization to 32 Mbtye camera memory
* No plug in cards or external controllers
* Programmable cooling to 60C below ambient
* Precision Time Delayed Integration readout
* Programmable fan speed for zero vibration
* Runs from single 12V supply
Alta U4000 CCD Specifications...
* CCD: Kodak KAI-4020M
* Array Size (pixels): 2048 x 2048
* Pixel Size: 7.4 x 7.4 microns
* Imaging Area: 15.15 x 15.15 mm (229.7 mm sq. )
* Imaging Diagonal: 21.43 mm
* Linear Full Well (typ.): 40,000 e
* Dynamic Range: > 77 dB
* QE @ 400 nm: 45%
* Peak QE (500 nm): 55%In order to take advantage of the discounted pricing advertised on Woodland Hills Telescope's website, Apogee
requires payment in full at the time of order. This pre-payment is required regardless of whether the camera is readily available
or there is a lead-time, since WHCT is required to pay the full amount due when we place your order.
If you'd like to order this camera without prepaying, that's not a problem, but the price will be a bit higher. To find out what
the price would be, you can call WHCT at 1-888-427-8766 or email our
, and we will provide pricing and lead times, if any.
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