FlatMaster CCD Lightboxes
FlatMaster CCD I Lightboxes are availble in sizes that fit small refractors to large reflectors and standard SCTs such as Celestron and Meade Schmidt Cassegrain Telescopes, but we make custom sizes too, just contact us.
CCD imagers must frequently acquire flat frame
images, pictures of all the dust and vignetting elements in the optical path of
the telescope and camera. Subtracting these flat frames from the original data
cleans images of most of this type of "noise". The resultant images are free of
dust donuts and spurious variations in background intensity. The absolute
requirement for excellent flat field frames is even illumination of the field.
FlatMaster CCD Lightboxes are designed to produce this even illumination by the
use of two oblique angled LED light sources, a unique reflection chamber and two
large diffusion screens.For Most CCD cameras, flat field exposure times for non-filtered (luminous) images average 0.5-2 seconds for 1/3 to 1/2 saturation levels.
FlatMasters utilize a 110VAC-6VDC switching power supply for constant reliable voltage and
current. All box edges are reinforced with moldings for edge protection and fitted with corner bumpers. They are light in weight as well (even the 14" weighs less than 7.5 lbs.) FlatMasters come in standard sizes from 8" to 16" to fit Celestron and Meade
Schmidt Cassegrain telescopes. Other scope sizes can be accomidated as well,
just let us know your requirements (generally we'll need to know your scopes'
OTA outside diameter measured to the nearest 1/16"). Remember too, that should
you desire to use your FlatMaster I CCD Lightbox with any smaller scopes,
AstroHandy Accessories can build you Adapter Rings that will fit into the
docking opening (shown on the 3rd image down from the top of this page).
Why Purchase a FlatMaster CCD Lightbox?
- Ultra even illumination of the field made possible by the unique FlatMaster design.
- Lightweight (most FlatMaster light boxes are under 7.5 lbs in weight).
- Strong construction, edge and corner protection to survive trips to dark sites.
- Attach and detach easily from your scope.
- Redundant light sources mean you are never without a good flat frame.
- Reliable 110VAC to 6VDC switching power supply.
- Adapter rings can be purchased that will allow you to use your
FlatMaster I CCD
Lightbox with smaller scopes.
Pricing
| Celestron | FlatMaster Model# | weight (lbs.) |
Dimensions (in) |
Price ea. | Buy Now |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8" | CM-8 | 3.0 | 14" x 15" x 12" | $279.99 | |
| 9.25" | C-925 | 3.7 | 16" x 17" x 12" | $299.99 | |
| 11" | C-11 | 4.4 | 16" x 17" x 12" | $319.99 | |
| 14" | C-14 | 5.5 | 20" x 21" x 12" | $349.99 |
| Meade | FlatMaster Model# | weight (lbs.) |
Dimensions (in) |
Price ea. | Buy Now |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8" | CM-8 | 3.0 | 14" x 15" x 12" | $279.99 | |
| 10" | M-10 | 4.8 | 16" x 17" x 12" | $299.99 | |
| 12" | M-12 | 6.4 | 18" x 19" x 12" | $319.99 | |
| 14" | M-14 | 7.5 | 20" x 21" x 12" | $349.99 |
Refractor pricing
| FlatMaster Model# | weight (lbs.) |
Dimensions (in) |
Price ea. | Buy Now | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| *All 3" to 7" refractors |
2.7 lbs. | 12" x 13" x 12" | $259.99 |
Contact us for FlatMaster I CCD
Lightbox sizes not specified here
| FlatMaster Adapter Rings | All Dimensions (in) |
Price $49.99 ea. | Buy Now |
|---|
*Customers who purchase refractor light boxes must send an email to AstroHandy Accessories specifying the dew shield diameter dimension measured to a tolerance of +- 1/16". If you don't have a PI tape or a pair of calipers, simply cut 1" wide strips of computer printing paper, tape them end to end, and wrap it aroud the outside diameter of the dew shield. Mark the location where the strip overlaps. Lay the strip out flat and measure it with a suitable ruler, yardstick or tape measure. Divide this mesurement by PI (3.14159...) and that's all we need to build a FlatMaster I CCD Lightbox for your refractor.
