Alnitak 270+ Case Upgrade

***This is not a complete flat field device.  It is an upgrade kit for existing Anitak Flip Flat owners***

Are you sick of your Flip Flat only opening 90 degrees, catching wind and reflecting stray light?  Say goodbye to 90 degrees and say hello to 270!

Introducing the official upgrade kit for the OPTEC Alnitak to allow your device to open a full 270 degrees, where the panel will store down along the OTA tube out of the wind and where it can't reflect moonlight into your images.  I’ve worked with OPTEC engineers to modify the firmware and drivers to allow 270 degree rotation and partnered with OPTEC to be the recommended upgrade path for your existing OPTEC Alnitak product.

In addition to having your Flip Flat open 270 degrees, this product includes a solution to allow you to stop using a zip tie style mounting and replace it with a custom dew shield mounting ring to securely hold your device in place.  If you have more than one scope that you will use your Flip Flat with, you can order additional mounting rings for easy swapping between scopes.

Produced out of a carbon fiber infused PET the Alnitak 270 is light and durable, withstands high temperatures as well as moisture, and has the fit and finish of a premium product.  Simply put, the Alnitak 270 is beautifully made.  I used one in my backyard for over a year and now have one deployed with my remote imaging rig in New Mexico. 

You'll love this upgrade!

Please note:  The wires for the lamp need to be extended for this new board/panel/motor configuration.  If you are mechanically inclined, you can purchase the kit and perform the service yourself.  I do include step by step instructions if you choose to do this yourself.  If you want a full-service upgrade, you can send your Flip Flat to me and I will move the parts into the new housing and splice in lamp wire extensions.  I will perform the service, test out the unit and return with firmware updated and the unit will be turn-key ready.

Please see this YouTube video: Alnitak 270 Upgrade in Action

Included in this kit:

• Alnitak 270 Case Upgrade
• Lamp wire extension
• Wire clip and screws
• Custom dew shield ring for your telescope

The custom dew shield ring is also produced out of PET-CF and has a softer TPU liner glued in to protect your dew shield where it clamps on.  The ring is removable from the Alnitak 270 case, which allows you to buy more scope rings easily swap your device from one scope to another.

Ordering notes:

1. For the custom ring, I may need some measurements if I have not done that model before.  Let me know what your scope is and I will follow-up via email.
2. Turnaround time is generally about one week to ship, however, scheduling does fluctuate so if your project is time sensitive, please let me know!

Sofware notes:

You will need to update your firmware and driver.  If I perform the upgrade service for you, you may skip to step 7.

Visit OPTEC to download the latest driver release: https://optec.us/resources/download/Alnitak/download.html

Here are the steps:

Step 1-  Download and install the ASCOM driver

Step 2- Open the Alnitak Controller app

Step 3- Connect Flip Flat

Step 4- Click File à Update Firmware

Step 5- Click Auto Download

Step 6- Update FW

Step 7- Close and Go Back to Alnitak Controller app and click Setup

Step 8- Toggle the Reverse Motor Setting

Now you are ready to use the Alnitak 270 Upgrade Case!