pages 5-31 January 09.e$S:1 - Astronomy Technology Today

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INDUSTRYNEWSMALLINCAMMaking Final Touches on New VideoFinderMallinCam is putting the final toucheson what promises to be a whole newconcept in finding our way around thenight sky. The new MallinCamVideoFinder combines a highly sensitivevideo camera and a newly developedlens system to produce a live-image,wide-field “finder” view that is easilyaligned with the optical axis of any telescopeor wherever else a super-sensitivefinder is needed.The unique lens system is fullyadjustable from 5 to 50 mm at f/1.4 withmanual iris, manual zoom function andmanual focus. Plus, when the camera’s electroniczoom is activated, an effective focallength of 100 mm is possible.The camera is equipped with a 1/3-inch EXview HAD Sony black and whiteCCD sensor with spectacular sensitivity.When coupled with the MallinCam HighGain Circuit, the camera is capable ofachieving a sensitivity of 0.008 Lux in normalvideo mode and up to 0.0001 Lux inextended shutter mode of up to 2 secondsintegration, making it possible to actuallysee many deep-sky objects live.The MallinCam VideoFinder will befully controllable via RS-232 and will bedelivered complete with all cables neededand ready to install on most telescopes.MallinCam anticipates a release datefor the MallinCam VideoFinder of Early2009. For more information go towww.mallincam.tripod.com.14 <strong>Astronomy</strong> TECHNOLOGY TODAY
INDUSTRYNEWSASTRODONAdds ASCOM Driver to TAKometer Camera RotatorDEEP SKY PRINTINGAstro-Photo Printing ServicesAstrodon recently added anASCOM driver to its popularTAKometer Camera Rotator. TheTAKometer is designed to provideremote camera rotation forTakahashi refractors that feature 4-inch focusing tubes as currently usedon the FSQ106, FSQ-ED,TOA130F and TOA150F.The motor plate clamps to the4-inch focusing tube and a large gearclamps to the Camera AngleAdjustor (CCA). A timing belt connectsthe two and is driven by TechnicalInnovations’ ROBO-FOCUS system witheasy-to-use Astrodon software. This systemcan also be adapted with special connectorsto attach to other telescopes, such as SCTs.Seasoned astrophotographers havelong used remotely controlled rotators forcameras mounted on large telescopes tobetter frame targets, such as elongatedgalaxies, galaxy clusters or extended emissionnebulae. Also, a slight rotation mayhelpful in bringing a guide star onto theguide detector. Rotation is, of course, thekey for this.Now that growing numbers ofastrophotographers control their imagingsystems remotely, even when only in thebackyard 50 feet away, having a remotelycontrolled rotator becomes important,especially on cold winter nights. TheTAKometer was specifically designed toprovide this capability for users ofTakahashi’s popular Apo refractors. Theaddition of an ASCOM driver now makesthis valuable tool compatible with manypopular telescope control programs.The TAKometer clamps onto theCAA and focusing tube and adds only 1/2inch backfocus (critical for the FSQ106). Itis easily installed at home, can be operatedelectronically at the telescope, and offers 18steps per degree of rotation. It includes atiming belt and pulley gear with tensioner,ROBO FOCUS motor and relay box.It comes with Astrodon TAKometer ControlSoftware and an ASCOM driver and issupported by CCDAutoPilot, CCDCommander, and can be used withAstrodon MonsterMOAG.For more information, please visitwww.astrodon.com.We are pleased to announce a newresource that combines years of professionalphoto finishing experience with specializationin astrophotographs to provide a uniquelyeffective photo-printing service to astrophotographers.Deep Sky Printing is a division ofPrintmakers, Inc., a professional photo finishinglab that works directly with astrophotographersto offer specialized services that bestcapture the essence of their images.Each image is personally analyzedon state-of-the-art Kodak DP2 productionsoftware and printed on Kodak metallicpaper. Metallic paper retains the full blacknessof night, while displaying the remarkableshimmer of stars. You may upload imagesthrough Deep Sky Printing’s EFTP at anyhour of the day.Deep Sky Printing offers metallicenlargements ranging in size from 7x10 to24x100. The surface of its standard metallicpaper is glossy and the metallic flecks glimmerin the light, providing a uniquely beautifulpresentation of astro images. Deep SkyPrinting also offers high-resolution scans fromnegatives, transparencies or photographs (upto 11x14), mounting, pro-edging and GicleeCanvases, as well as processing of any filmthat is C41 process, including any color andBW negative film that is labeled for C41processing.For more information please visitwww.deepskyprinting.com.Now OfferingHyperTuning Services!HYPERTUNE• Mounting HyperTune Service• HyperTune Kits• HyperTune DVD’s for:Celestron ASGT, CGEMeade LXD55, LXD75Orion Atlas, Siriuswww.telescopestabilitysystems.comMOUNTS & ACCESSORIES• StableMax Tripod• MountMate Adaptor System• V and D Series Dovetails and Saddles• Atlas and Sirius HD CW shaftsCheck Out LXD55.COMand LXD75.COM<strong>Astronomy</strong> TECHNOLOGY TODAY 15
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