Altair 60mm Guide Scope and Vixen Bar + 462M2 Mono Camera COMBO

Guide Scope Information

The Altair MiniGuider 60 or MG60 System is based on the very popular Altair 60mm Finder. This package includes a 60mm finder optical tube assembly, a special precision locking focuser for guide cameras, and a Vixen / Arca Swiss compatible dovetail.

The new "red trim" version has a variable length tube with heavy duty locking ring allowing more cameras to come to focus.

A good choice for autoguiding with scopes of 1.3m focal length, and more. The product is designed to provide you with a stable guiding optic to attach your guide camera such as Altair GPCAM or others, without having to use a separate heavy telescope. The package is ideal for astro-imagers who have a wide field portable imaging system. By keeping weight down, you're putting less demand on your mount, making it easier to balance, therefore tracking accuracy is improved. There are no plastic parts to warp, bend or flex.

The precision locking focuser* preserves the focal point, so you can remove your camera and re-insert it without losing focus. The result is quicker setup time. 3x Thumbscrews are spaced around the 1.25" barrel, so the camera body will not deflect during guiding. The barrel has a compression ring so that your camera will not be scratched or marred unlike cheaper guide scopes. The 60mm objective has a focal ratio of f3.75 and a focal length of 225mm. 

The included Vixen/ Arca Swiss compatible dovetail bar allows you to attach the guidescope to an inverted clamp, or bolt it directly to your scope tube rings. two 1/4" UNC photo-threaded holes are included between the 3x slots for more flexibility in mounting.
The adjustable tube rings are light, yet rigid to stay in perfect alignment for autoguiding up to 1.3m focal length. The rings cannot twist or rotate because the dovetail bar they sit upon has a slight channel profile. The screws have special tips to avoid scratching the durable high quality and moisture resistant powder coat on the 60mm aluminium optical tube. 

The objective lens is fully anti-reflection coated and the tube and dewshield are internally blackened to increase contrast. The high quality F3.75 achromat objective performs at the resolution limit.
 
* The precision locking focuser is available separately as an upgrade for customers who already have the Altair 60mm Finder, and who would like to use it for autoguiding with a webcam or autoguider head such as the Altair GPCAM, QHY5/Orion USA Starshoot, or in fact any other autoguiding camera with a 1.25" barrel. 

Camera Information

The Altair GPCAM3 462M Mono camera features extremely high red and NIR sensitivity for autoguiding. 

High sensitivity in the far red regions make this camera suitable for use with red filters, which combat the effects of atmospheric seeing that affect guiding accuracy. The front 1.25" filter thread allows easy attachment of a red filter.

Autoguiding friendly form factor: No more struggling to gain focus. The extra long camera body allows the camera to be inserted further into 1.25" accessory ports on telescopes and accessories such as Off-Axis-Guiders (OAGs).

Reliable USB auto-guiding: The camera's USB2.0 format offers a stable low bandwidth data consumption, perfect for autoguiding.

Sony STARVIS BSI sensor: The full well capacity, high dynamic range, high sensitivity, and low readout noise are features of the latest Sony STARVIS BSI CMOS sensor technology. The camera is a good choice for video astronomy using the live stacking features in AltairCapture or SharpCap. Being particularly sensitive to red light, this camera is a great starter EAA or "Video Astronomy" camera, picking up the faint red light of nebulae emissions in the Hydrogen Alpha wavelength.

Feature summary Altair 462M2:

• 1920 x 1080 Resolution IMX462 Sensor
• 2.9 um Square Pixels
• 1/2.8-inch sensor format
• 5.57mm x 3.13mm sensor size
• Low Read Noise: 0.76 to 2.6e- 
• Frame Rate 18.3 FPS (8 bit) 9.1FPS (12 bit).
• 12-bit ADC, Frame buffer for smoother data transfer when guiding.
• HCG (High Conversion Gain) and LCG (Low Conversion Gain modes.
• Binning from 1x1 to 8x8 in either brightness stacking or averaging modes.
• USB-C format rear port with USB2.0 data connection, providing power to the camera.

In the box: 

• Altair 462M2 Camera with AR coated optical window for full transmission of UV and IR.
• 1.4m USB C Cable
• 2m ST4 Guide Cable
• Silicon Dust Cap
• 1.25" x 20mm length nosepiece with 1.25" filter thread on the front for astro filters.
• C-Mount adaptor (5mm) to connect C-Mount lenses (camera is already compatible with CS-Mount lenses).
• Software CD (register and download latest updates 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 allows full control of the camera in high speed video or still mode. Live stacking, stitching, dark-frame and flat field correction are supported. Image enhancements including contrast, gamma, black level, gain and colour balance are included. AltairCapture has extensive automation, auto capture and file management features, with support for all the major file imaging and video formats used for astro imaging and professional scientific imaging in RAW 12bit or 8bit mode such as .FITS, .TIFF, .JPEG, .PNG, .SER Video, MP4 and .AVI Video. Basic versions are also offered for Linux and Mac OS.

The popular PHD Guiding, SharpCap PRO, APT and NINA are supported. ASCOM drivers are also available for download at www.altairastro.help, where you can also get regular updates.

Autoguiding ST4 port: 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, Russian, 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.

Included in the box:

• Camera body.
• 1.5m USB-C 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.)
• Clear AR Coated Front optical glass filter with Anti-Reflection coatings. (Removable for sensor cleaning or swappable).
• Plastic dust cap 1.25".
• Silicon dust cap for sensor.
• Software CD (Instructions online at www.altairastro.help )

Camera Back-focus & Adapter compatibility:

• Cover glass is removable for cleaning and can be swapped with another clear AR Coated or UV/IR blocking glass as required. Choose Product code: OW-GP-UVIR or Product code: OW-GP-CLEAR.
• CS-mount lens compatibility: C-Mount male threaded lens with 12.5mm back-focus (or flange-distance) requirement.
• C-mount lens adapter 5mm extension: Optional
• C-mount lens compatibility: C-Mount male threaded lens with 17.5mm back-focus (or flange-distance) requirement.
• Astro filter thread adapter: Included, 1.25" OD and 2 OD (optional), Female thread
• 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: 37 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:

• Drivers & AltairCapture Windows software download: www.altairastro.help (opens new window). 
• Camera direct support: ASCOM, PHD2, AltairCapture, SharpCap, NINA, APT, Firecapture.
• AltairCapture OS support: Win 11, Win 10 
• NOTE: Windows 10 is recommended for best USB performance, 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 Astro Premium 1.25" CLS-CCD Filter with UV/IR Block & AR Coating (Code: F125CLSCCD) for imaging emission nebulae in light polluted urban environments.
• Altair Astro Premium 2" CLS-CCD Filter with UV/IR Block & AR Coating (Code: F200CLSCCD) for imaging emission nebulae in light polluted urban environments. 

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 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.