Xtreme

XTREME

Sensor is thermo-electrically cooled

Capable of exposures >60sec

Camera outputs analog video

Well suited to observing Deep Sky Objects

Well suited to observing Solar System Objects

PC controllable via serial cable

"Our flagship camera. You simply won't find a more capable camera for observing Deep Sky Objects."

optional HDX2 shown for information only

MSRP: Xtreme with ICX418 CCD sensor: $1299.99 USD, Xtreme EX with ICX428 EXview HAD CCD sensor: $1399.99 USD,
Options: monochrome sensor add $100.00 USD, Class 0 sensor add $139.95 USD

Image of Messier 27 "Dumbbell Nebula" by Chris Appleton (Toronto, ON, Canada): Celestron 9.25 @ f/5 using MFR5, 420 sec exp with no AGC (CCD mode), 3 clicks of digital zoom, single video frame.

The MallinCam XTREME colour video camera is handcrafted in Ottawa Canada with the finest components from the best suppliers from around the world. Back in 2003, MallinCam was the first in the world to develop a LIVE COLOUR Video CCD Camera for astronomical work, with extended shutter and mild cooled CCD sensor. The Xtreme is fully loaded with features not available on any other brands of video camera in its price class.

MallinCam has been in the business of astronomical video CCD cameras since 1995, the longest and most experienced in the industry. When you buy one of our cameras you are buying a very high quality, high performing instrument that was designed specifically for video astronomy.

The handcrafted MallinCam Xtreme colour astronomical video CCD camera as the new fourth generation Hyper Circuit, allowing the user a choice of a variable shutter from 1/12,000 seconds to 100 minutes – all with an automatic refresh! The menu of the Xtreme can be fully controlled from the camera, or from a PC using a PC control cable and MallinCam control software. Exposure time can also be fully controlled via the software. Preset exposure times of 7, 14, 28, and 56 seconds can be selected (like the former MallinCam Hyper Plus), or custom exposure time can be selected. There is also a “CCD Mode” for those who want to experiment with astro-imaging. Although the Xtreme is designed primarily as a live observing camera, it can take nice images when all of the standard CCD imaging techniques are utilized such as image calibration, etc.

Xtreme w/ optional Wireless Exposure Controller & optional HDX2 + cooling fans

The control software contains a video control interface that works in conjunction with the user supplied video capture device. The available video control options in the software are limited by those supported by the capture device. Options usually include: BRIGHTNESS, CONTRAST, GAIN, GAMMA, HUE, SATURATION, SHARPNESS and WHITE BALANCE. Since PC control is through the RS-232 auxiliary port on the camera, over 300 feet of cable can be used for remote operation. This is far superior to the 15 feet limited range provided by USB supported cameras. When PC control is not utilized, for example when out in the field at a Starparty, the optional Wireless Exposure Control (WEC) module can be used with the fully integrated On Screed Display (OSD). For those wanting to easily adjust the menu in the field instead of having to manipulate the menu using the five on-camera buttons, an optional wired menu keypad is available. The Wireless Exposure Controller is FCC approved. Although approval range is limited to 265 feet (80m), it has been tested at 500 feet in the open. Since the Wireless Exposure Controller works on RF radio waves, the signal is able to penetrate walls, unlike IR controllers. To guarantee interference free operation with other MallinCam users in the field, 100 channels are selectable. Both the transmitter and the receiver have large numeric displays making it easy to set and monitor the exposures. The Wireless Exposure Controller has a “bulb” setting making it possible to set exposures from 3 seconds to 99 hrs 59min 59sec.

The Peltier cooler has been adjusted to help minimize warm pixel formation during the longer exposures. A optional dual heat dissipater (HDX2) has been developed and it is recommended for use on the Xtreme due to the additional heat generated by the CCD sensor during extended long exposures. Along with the HDX2, the use of an optical window, MFR-3 or MFR-5 focal reducer is recommended for wider field of view.

click images below to enlarge

Specifications:

Computerized adjustable mild Peltier thermoelectric cooler (TEC)
Hand picked Class 1 CCD sensor (Grade A). (Class 0 CCD Sensor available as an option - when available, $139.95 Extra) (EXview HAD CCD Sensor with greater sensitivity available as option )
RS 232 interface offering complete PC camera control using the Control Cable and FREE MallinCam Control Software. A Serial Port is needed on the PC, and if one is not available, a USB to Serial Adapter can be utilized.
Full Shutter Speed Adjustment including OFF, 1/100, 1/120, 1/180, 1/250, 1/350,1/500, 1/750, 1/1,000, 1/1,500, ½,000, 1/3,000, ¼,000, 1/6,000, 1/8,000, and 1/12,000 second making it possible for Lunar, Planetary and Solar (with the proper USER supplied H-Alpha or White Light Filters). There is no need to use an aperture mask to reduce the telescope’s light gathering ability.
Long exposure modes including 2X, 4X, 6X, 8X, 12X, 16X, 24X, 32X, 48X, 64X, 96X, and 128X or 1/32th of a second to 2.1 seconds
Hyper Mode with 3.3 Second to 100 Minute Exposure Times – all with Full Automatic image Refresh.
On Board Title Generator that allows for the placement of the name of the object being viewed on the monitor. This is excellent for group viewings at museums, planetariums, educational facilities and star parties or while broadcasting over the Night Skies Network.
Programmable Back Light Compensation Mode (BLC)
FULL AGC Adjustment (GAIN) in Auto Mode, Manual Mode (for Deep Sky targets) and OFF (for Deep Sky targets, and Lunar, Planetary, and Solar observing)
Full White Balance Control (W/B). Chose between Fully Automatic White Balance Control (AWC), Auto Trace White Balance Control (ATW), or Manual White Balance Control including presets for 5600K, 3200K (Infrared) or User Defined Blue and Red Color.
Two Fully Independent Video Outputs - High Resolution S-Video and 75 Ohm Composite (Both can be used simultaneously!)
Four Programmable Mask Functions – allow for the creation of Electronic Cross Hairs or other Manual Guiding Functions
Positive and Negative Image Selection
Horizontal Image Inversion (mirror effect)
Vertical Image Inversion (mirror effect)
Freeze Image Function
Sensitivity Priority Function
Gamma Selection (0.45 or 1.00)
APC Function (Advanced Pixel Control to eliminate all stars artifacts or enhance DSO details)
High Light Adjust Function (Electronic Coronagraph and Electronic Stellar Coronagraph)
Color Bar Generator
Full Digital Zoom (Up to 2X in 16 steps)

In the Box:

Every MallinCam Xtreme comes standard with:

1- MallinCam Xtreme colour camera with Class 1 ICX418AKL-A video CCD sensor (B&W optional)
1- Regulated Power Supply 120 volts to 12 Volts D/C Adapter (PAL export version comes with 220 Volts to 12 Volts D/C Adapter
1- 25' (8 Meters) High Grade Dual Shielded Power/Composite Video Cable Combination
1- High Precision 1.25" Eyepiece Adapter / Heat Transfer Unit Custom Made for the MallinCam
1- BNC Male to RCA Female Adapter 11.50 ounces (326 grams)
1 Year warranty. (Excluding the ccd sensor)
Made in our Ottawa Canada Facility

The four available models of the Xtreme differ from each other as follows:

MallinCam XTREME Deluxe: Comes with the standard package listed above plus a 25 foot RS-232 PC cable, the side socket is wired for the Wireless Exposure Controller, and comes with rear Yellow LED Peltier status indicator. $1499.99 USD

Warning: The use of any other wireless exposure controller will void the warranty on the MallinCam camera. Our Wireless Exposure Controllers are made to our specification by the company who produce them for us. The Receiver contains the necessary stable circuit to allow proper operation and long life of your MallinCam.