Altair 174M OAG Guide Camera

The Altair 174M Mono Guide camera is intended for use with OAGs (Off Axis Guiders) or long focal length guide-scopes. 

Ideal for use with an OAG:

• Large sensor area with large 5.86 micron pixels - maximum guide star choices within your OAG field of view.
• The small light body is better than "pancake" camera designs, preventing interference with filter wheels.
• 1.25" length tube with 12.5mm sensor to flange distance, allowing the sensor end to be inserted far into OAG's for maximum flexibility. (20mm length extension included).

Feature summary Altair 174 Mono OAG Guide Camera:

IMX174 Mono CMOS Sensor 

• Resolution: 1920x1200 pixels (2.3 Megapixels)
• 5.86μm x 5.86μm pixel size
• 1/1.2-inch optical format
• Global shutter technology
• 12-bit ADC
• Built-in frame buffer
• G Sensitivity: 825 mv, 1/30s
• Low Noise: ~4 to ~6.5e⁻
• 18 FPS at all pixel readout 8-bit
• Maximum SNR: 45 dB
• Dynamic Range: 72.0 dB 
• FWC. 32.4ke⁻
• Peak Quantum Efficiency: >89%
• USB2.0 interface with USB-C socket
• Built-in ST4 autoguider interface
• AR coated optical window, 380-1110nm transmission
• Flange to sensor distance (backfocus) = 12.5mm

Included in the box:

• Camera body.
• 1.5m USB cable.
• 1.25 inch x nosepiece with female 1.25" Astronomy filter thread on the front.
• (Optional 2" OD Nosepiece with dual 2 and 1.25" filter threads is available, code GPCAM-2IN)
• CS-Mount insert (12.5mm back-focus) is pre-installed on camera. (Optional 5mm extension adapter is available for C-Mount lenses requiring 17.5mm back-focus.)
• UV-IR Blocking or Clear AR Coated Front optical glass filter with Anti-Reflection coatings depending on camera model. (Removable for sensor cleaning or swappable).
• Plastic dust cap 1.25".
• Silicon dust cap for sensor.
• Software CD (Instructions online at www.altairastro.help )

Included software: The well featured intuitive AltairCapture software is included in a CD ROM, and can also be downloaded from www.altairastro.help. AltairCapture is a stable 64 bit Windows application, which allows full control of the camera in high speed video or still mode. It includes extensive automation features, and supports all the major file formats useful for astro imaging and professional scientific imaging in 12bit or 8bit modes.

Furthermore, the popular PHD Guiding, SharpCap PRO, APT and NINA are also natively supported. ASCOM drivers are also available for download at www.altairastro.help. The installation process is easy, and unlike with cheaper cameras, you don't need to be a computer expert to make your camera work. Just install the software, plug in the camera, and that's it.

ST4 port for Autoguiding: The camera has an ST4 auto-guiding port, and can be used to auto-guide with mounts from all the major manufacturers supporting ST4 format, including iOptron, Celestron and Skywatcher. 

Support & warranty: Altair delivers proper on-shore English-speaking UK & EU support with a 2 year manufacturer warranty against defects in materials and workmanship. New users should check out the Altair Astro Facebook Group where you can get answers to technical questions, as well as sharing tips and techniques. AltairCapture software interface supports most European languages including English, German, French, Indonesian, Japanese, Korean, Polish, Chinese, Spanish, Thai, and Turkish.
 
File formats: The camera can be fully controlled in AltairCapture and SharpCap to output uncompressed .AVI and .SER video files for solar system imaging, as well as all common still image formats such as .JPEG .PNG .TIFF .BMP, and .FITS (for deepsky imaging) to mention just a few. Common astronomy file format information here.

Camera Back-focus & Adapter compatibility:

• Cover glass is removable for cleaning and can be swapped with a clear or UV/IR blocking glass as required. Choose Product code: OW-GP-UVIR or Product code: OW-GP-CLEAR.
• CS-mount lens with 12.5mm back-focus (flange-distance) requirement: Lens can be screwed directly into the front of the camera's optical window housing.
• An Optional 5mm extension allows C-mount lenses (with 17.5mm flange distance) to be attached.
• Astro filter thread adapter: Included on the 1.25" OD nosepiece. A 2" OD extension is available separately).
• Sensor surface distance from flat end of CS-mount adapter: 12.5 mm.
• Sensor surface distance from flat end of 1.25" / M42 Astro adapter: 32.5 mm

Windows PC Hardware Requirements:

• Minimum PC: Equal to Intel i3 4GB+ RAM Windows 10 OS with separate graphics card.
• Recommended PC: ( 2013+ i5 4GB RAM Intel 1.0x USB Host Controller preferable with separate graphics)
• USB port compatibility: USB2.0 High-speed Port or USB3.0 High-speed Port
• (computers manufactured in 2013 or later give best USB speed).
• Monitor Display: 17" or Larger recommended.
• Software updates: Downloaded online at www.altairastro.help

Software & Operating System compatibility:

• ASCOM Driver & AltairCapture Windows software download: www.altairastro.help (opens new window). 
• Camera direct support: ASCOM, PHD2, AltairCapture, SharpCap, NINA, APT, Firecapture (requires ASCOM driver).
• AltairCapture OS support: Win 11, Win 10 
• NOTE: Windows 11 is recommended for best USB connectivity performance. If using Win10 cameras work best with 2013 or later USB host controller v1.0 or later.
• SharpCap (a 3rd party application) is also fully supported and tested with native drivers.
• USB Port & Cable: 3.0 USB Cable, 1.5m cable (USB2.0 also supported at low frame rates).
• ST4 Port & Cable: Standard ST4 Opto-Isolated, 1.5m cable, iOptron, Celestron, Skywatcher SynScan GOTO.
• Camera Quick Start & AltairCapture instructions online at www.altairastro.help 

Optional Accessories:

• 2 inch x 22mm nosepiece with dual 1.25" and 2 filter thread, code GPCAM-2IN. See associated products.
• C-Mount 5mm extension adapter for C-Mount lenses requiring 17.5mm back-focus.
• Spare Clear AR coated or UVIR coated optical windows available as spares.
• Altair OAG range.

Operating environment conditions:

• Max operating temp: 50 °C
• Lowest operating temp: -10 °C
• Max operating humidity: 80 % RH
• Power source in Volts: 5V DC (via USB cable)

Camera Quick Start & AltairCapture instructions online at www.altairastro.help 

Worldwide Warranty: 2 years manufacturer RTB warranty against defects in materials and workmanship. Return to point of purchase. Warranty is not transferable.
 
Availability: If out of stock, click the "Notify when in stock" button above to receive an email when product is ready to ship.
 
Note: Altair Astro and resellers reserve the right to change the product specification and/or price at any time without notice.