• PrimaLuceLab's ALTO-1 is a peripheral device accessory for the GIOTTO Flat Illuminated covers up to 220mm for telescopes used by astro imagers.
• ALTO-1 functions as a motor for remotely opening and closing telescope covers, making it easier and quicker for users to execute flat calibration frames without needing to be physically present at the telescope.
• Supplied with USB and 12V power passthrough plugs and Cable Locking Clips (CLC) for improved cable management and simplified telescope setup.
• No need for external power units.
• ALTO-1 is a great complementary accessory for the GIOTTO, which is an essential tool in astrophotography for correcting uneven illumination of the camera's sensor via flat calibration process, which can remedy vignetting and dark streaks caused by dust in final results.
• Includes an integrated control system that allows for convenient connection to an EAGLE or regular Windows computer via a USB-C port, enabling control through PLAY software or third-party astrophotography software that supports ASCOM CoverCalibrator.
• To connect ALTO-1 with a telescope, users can use the PLLMORVLP PLUS dovetail clamp as an optional accessory, which can connect ALTO-1 to any Vixen or Losmandy style dovetail bar that are commonly screwed into the vast majority of telescopes on the market.
• It is important to note that using GIOTTO with ALTO-1 cannot seal the telescope front opening, so it is not recommended to use them to record dark calibration frames and instead recommended for a dark library.

PrimaLuceLab has created a peripheral device accessory called ALTO-1, which functions as a motor for the GIOTTO Flat Illuminated covers up to 220mm for telescopes used by astro imagers. With ALTO-1, users can remotely open and close their telescope cover, making it easier and quicker for them to execute flat calibration frames without needing to physically be at the telescope at all times.

ALTO-1 comes with USB and 12V power passthrough plugs that can directly connect to the GIOTTO, as well as Cable Locking Clips (CLC) that can improve cable management and simplify telescope setup. ALTO-1 is designed to run off a 12V power source, eliminating the need for external power units.

As a great complimentary accessory for the GIOTTO, making flats is an essential yet easy step in astrophotography that helps to correct for the uneven illumination of the camera's sensor caused which can result in vignetting and dark streaks caused by dust. When doing long exposure at a wide field of view, astrophotographers will be grateful to have both ALTO and GIOTTO at their fingertips to assist in this crucial step!

The ALTO device has an integrated control system that allows for convenient connection to an EAGLE or regular Windows computer via a USB-C port, enabling control through PLAY software or third-party astrophotography software that supports ASCOM CoverCalibrator. To top it off, it also has WiFi capability, enabling remote control using a smartphone or tablet via the Virtual HandPad app. ALTO doesn't require a separate power unit, as it operates using a 12V power source, which is easily accessible and can be powered together with the astrophotography telescope.

To connect both ALTO and GIOTTO devices to a control computer, there is no need to separately connect USB and power cables to each device. ALTO offers USB and 12V power passthrough plugs that make cable management more efficient. The user can connect short USB and power cables from GIOTTO directly to ALTO, and then only need to connect a USB and a 12V power cable from ALTO to the computer. The computer will identify GIOTTO and ALTO as distinct devices in the device manager, enabling separate control of both devices through the software at all times.

To connect ALTO with a telescope, the imager can use the PLLMORVLP PLUS dovetail clamp as an optional accessory, which can connect ALTO to any Vixen or Losmandy style dovetail bar that are commonly screwed in to the vast majority of telescopes on the market. If the telescope has a short dovetail (which is the case in some optical designs), the user can add a longer dovetail bar to clamp ALTO just above or below the front end of the OTA. By doing this, it allows the user to adjust the positions of GIOTTO and ALTO for optimal opening and closing of the telescope tube. In the lower part of the ALTO body, there are several M6 threaded holes that attach the ALTO to the telescope without the PLUS clamp. However, in this case, the imager must also find a way to fix ALTO on the telescope to allow GIOTTO rotation. It is important to note that using GIOTTO with ALTO cannot seal the telescope front opening, so it is not recommended to use them to record dark calibration frames. Instead, it is suggested to record a dark library.

Difference between dark calibration frames and dark library?

While the end goal is identical, that is, both dark calibration and dark library remedy the issues caused by camera noise, they differ in how and when they can ordinarly be used.

In the case of dark calibration frames, these are exposures that are executed when the telescope tube (or camera lens) is covered, and no light enters the camera sensor. This produces an image data of only the camera's internal noise, which can be subtracted from other images taken during the same imaging session, thus eliminating the effects of it. Dark calibration frames are specific to each individual camera and imaging session, as the amount and type of noise can vary depending on factors such as temperature and exposure time.

On the other hand, a dark library is a collection of pre-calculated dark frames that can be applied to any image. A dark library is created by taking multiple dark calibration frames at various temperatures and exposure times, then averaging them to create a representative sample of the camera's internal noise. This library can then be used to subtract the noise from other images, regardless of when or where they were taken. This is why it is recommended to use this method when using GIOTTO in conjuction with ALTO since the optical tube cannot be fully sealed. Another option is using a dark frame filter as a substitute, especially if using a camera without a mechanical shutter.

ALTO can be managed using the PLAY astrophotography software, which is designed not only to operate PrimaLuceLab devices but also to make astrophotography as seamless and smooth as possible. With the software's unique wizard, the user can quickly adjust the opening and closing position of ALTO and GIOTTO on their telescope, and then remotely control it. For user's who want to use different software, they can use any other third party software as long as it is compatible with ASCOM CoverCalibrator driver.

The PrimaLuceLab ALTO motor can be operated without the use of a computer by connecting a smartphone or tablet to its WiFi network, allowing access to the controls through the Virtual HandPad feature, allows to remotely open or close the telescope cap without requiring a computer, essentially having a tablet or phone serve as a hand controller. Settings can also be saved and reused later.