9-31 issue 26.qxd:1 - Astronomy Technology Today

NEWPRODUCTSUNIHEDRONIntroduces New SQM-LU Sky Quality MeterIn its quest to help amateurastronomers find out how good theirviewing conditions really are, Unihedronhas introduced its latest product, theSQM-LU, a USB enabled sky qualitymeter for night-time sky brightness monitoring.The SQM-LU is an affordable meterfor continuous, computer-connectedmeasurement of sky brightness forastronomers and dark-sky enthusiasts.Like its predecessors, the SQM-LUreports the brightness of the night sky inmagnitudes per square arcsecond. Theunit is similar to the Ethernet-enabledSQM-LE model in that it allows access toraw measurement data and calibration settingsas well as in-place firmware updates.Software is included for obtainingreadings from computers using Windows,Mac OS X, and Linux operating systems.Full specifications for the communicationsprotocol are provided, and examplesoftware interface allows for user-customizations.The SQM-LU is compact at only3.6-inches x 2.6-inches x 1.1 inches andprovides precision readings at even thedarkest sites. The maximum light samplingtime is 80 seconds and the minimumlight sampling time is 1 second. Asmentioned earlier, sky brightness isreported in visual magnitudes persquare arcsecond and the infraredblocking filter restricts measurement tovisual bandpass.The SQM product line provides ahost of opportunities for owners. Thisincludes the ability to compare the skybrightness at different sites quantitativelyand determine which nights show thegreatest promise for finding the 'faintestfuzzies'. Users can document the evolutionof light pollution in an area by monitoringsky brightness through the night,night-to-night, and year-to-year. TheSQM can be used to calibrate the effect ofsky brightness on qualitative measuressuch as the Bortle Scale as well as to investigatehow sky brightness correlates withthe solar cycle and month-to-monthsunspot activity. Users can also set planetariumdome illumination tomimic the skies people are likelyto experience elsewhere in thecity. CCD images can make acorrelation between the SQMreadings and when the backgroundreaches a specific ADClevel.Included with the SQM-LUis a user’s manual, CD with PDFmanual and example software,15-foot USB cable, and a calibrationsheet that indicates the unit’sUSB serial number, and calibrationvalues. The SQM-LU ispriced at $189.99US.There is a host of more informationabout the SQM-LUavailable on the Unihedron websiteat www. unihedron.com.Astronomy TECHNOLOGY TODAY 21

NEWPRODUCTSDEEP SKY INSTRUMENTSAccepting Pre-Orders for RC14C Ritchey-Chrétien AstrographDeep Sky Instruments first introducedits RC10 and RC10C Ritchey-Chrétien Astrographs in 2008 as the firstin its TrueRC astrograph series featuringoptics by Paul Jones of Star Instruments.It is now taking pre-orders for its secondTrueRC astrograph, the RC14C.The RC14C is based on the designof RC10 which utilizes a 10-inch primarymirror that provides Ritchey-Chrétien performance free fromcoma, spherical aberration andfirst-order astigmatism. TheRC10C adds a corrector/fieldflattener to remove third-orderastigmatism and flatten the fieldfor excellent star images on eventhe largest CCD cameras.The RC14C offers a larger14.625-inch primary mirrorwhich delivers 14.25-inches ofusable aperture, roughly twice that of theRC10C. Back focus is increased to 12-inches (8.5-inches usable behind theback plate) for more flexibility with rotatorsand other accessories. A carbon fibertube with integral dovetail plates increasesrigidity and thermal stability.For more information on orderingthe RC14C please visit www.deepskyinstruments.com.M82, M27, M51 and M16 – Single, unprocessed 14 second frames taken by JohnnyHardwick at the Joshua Tree Video Astronomy Fest using his 15" ObsessionSole Authorized US and International DistributorMallinCam Video CCD Observational System✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯SkyShed POD RetailerTaking Video Astronomy to the Next Level!The MallinCam VSS• B&W or Color • Internal Mild Peltier Cooler• High QE Class 1 CCD Sensor • Reliable HandAssembled Quality • Upgradeable • Dual Video Outputs• 1/12,000th to 112 Seconds • Integrated On ScreenMenu Containing An Extensive List of Video OutputEnhancement Features • Computer Controllable MenuCall or Write for Our MallinCam/PODPackage Discounts!985-863-2165 • www.WaningMoonII.com22 Astronomy TECHNOLOGY TODAY

NEWPRODUCTSMALLINCAMIntroduces the Mallincam VSS Color (Variable Shutter System)Rock Mallin has gained quite a reputationfor his video CCD cameras and why not,each Mallincam is hand crafted by Rock himself.During assembly, every step is tested andretested to deliver high performance resultsfrom each and every camera made in his shop.Having such a close relationship with hisproducts and customers has kept Rock keenon continuously improving the cameraswhich has resulted in several significantimprovements in the new VSS Mallincam.As Jack Huerkamp, the US distributorfor Mallincam products told us, “Instead ofhaving fixed exposure times (7, 14, 28 and 56seconds in the HYPER PLUS), the VSS hascontinuously variable exposures from 3.3 to56 seconds using the knob on the side of thecamera, and exposures up to 112 secondsusing the menu to double the exposure set onthe knob. Also, instead of the new computerizedPeltier cooler being either on or off, itworks by detecting dark current noise. Oncenoise is detected, it turns the cooler on for apreset time period (10, 30 or 60 seconds) toreduce the noise. It can also be turned off ifdesired.”He continued, “For those wanting to setup the VSS in an observatory and observeinside (due to mosquitoes in the summer orcold in the winter), the camera can be controlledvia a cable and freeware. Cables up to50-feet in length are available for a nominalcost and longer ones can be made if desired.All menu functions can be adjusted from a PCas well as three exposure times. The variableexposure time function is not availableremotely; however for most users, having theability to select short, intermediate and longexposures remotely is all they will need.”The new VSS utilizes a new third generationhyper circuit to allowing users the choiceof variable shutter and also has a fully integratedon screen menu which simplifies operatingthe camera. The new VSS utilizes class 1CCD sensors (grade A) which are hand pickedand a Class 0 CCD Sensor is available as anoption.The VSS offers full shutter speed rangingfrom Off, 1/100, 1/120, 1/180, 1/250, 1/350,1/500, 1/750, 1/1000, 1/1500, 1/2000,1/3000, 1/4000, 1/6000, 1/8000, 1/12000seconds or the choice of fullyvariable adjustment makingit possible to view planets,lunar, and solar with appropriateH Alpha or WhiteLight Filters. It features a fullintegration mode of 2X, 4X,6X, 8X, 12X, 16X (1/4 sec.exposure) 24X, 32X (1/2 sec.exposure) 48X, 64X (full onesecond integration) 96X,128X (full 2.1 seconds integration)and new hypermode of 3.3 seconds tounder 2 minutes exposuremode with full automaticrefresh.The on board title generator allows forwriting of the object being viewed which isexcellent for group viewing at museums, planetariums,and star parties.The VSS Mallincam features a programmableback light compensation mode (BLC),full AGC adjustment in auto mode, manualmode (deep sky targets) and off (deep sky targets,lunar, planetary, solar mode). The fullwhite balance control (W/B) allows for theuser’s choice of fully automatic white balancecontrol, auto trace white balance control, ormanual white balance control including presetsfor 5600K, 3200K (infrared) or userdefined blue and red color.Other included features are two full independentoutputs, high resolution S-VHS output,and 75 ohm composite output. The fourprogrammable mask function provides forelectronic cross hair or other manual guidingfunctions. Also included are positive and negativeimage selection, horizontal image inversion(mirror effect), vertical image inversion(mirror effect), freeze image function and sensitivitypriority function.Included with the Mallincam VSS systemis the camera, regulated power supply 120volts to 12 volts d/c adapter (the PAL exportversion comes with 220 volts to 12 volts d/cadapter), a 25-foot (8 meters) high grade dualshielded video/power cable combination, ahigh precision 1.25-inch eyepieceadapter/heat transfer, a BNC male to RCAfemale adapter, owners manual and a quickstart sheet.The Mallincam VSS is available inCanada from Lire la Nature/Astronomie Plus(www.lirelanature.com) and Khan ScopeCentre (www.khanscope.com). It is availablein the US and overseas from Jack’s AstroAstronomy TECHNOLOGY TODAY 23

NEWPRODUCTSiOPTRONIntroduces Versa 108 ED APO Doublet Refractor and MAK 152mmImage 1iOptron continues to build upon itsimpressive product line with the introductionof two new telescopes.The Versa 108 ED APO f/6.1 AirspacedDoublet Refractor is an apochromaticOTA with a 660mm focal length thatrecently received a 2010 S&T Hot Productsdesignation. This double air-spaced108mm refractor offers a versatile platformthat delivers exceptional performance forboth visual observing and astrophotography.With outstanding color correctionand crisp imaging, owners willbe able to view beautiful imagesthrough an eyepiece, CCD camera, orDSLR camera.The telescope (Image 1) is attractivelydesigned with precisionCNC machined all-metal constructionand high quality powerpainted finish. Included in the Versapackage is a Crayford dual speed 2-inch 360 degree rotatable focuser,114-mm tube ring, 1.25-inchadapter, high quality aluminum case,brass compression ring, andretractable dew shield. And to makethe package complete for theastrophotographer, a standard field flatteneris also included.The field flattener is made with highaccuracy machining and features an externalanodized gloss finish and internal surfacematte finish for reduced glare. It featuresa fully multi-coated two element lens,Image 2T-ring thread for 35mm cameras and issuitable for a 2-inch filter.Also introduced is the new iOptronRumak-type 152mm Maksutov-Cassegrainwhich is designed for the serious amateurastronomer who wants apochromaticrefractor-type performance at an affordableprice.The precision design and engineeringof the optics produces images you wouldnot expect in such a light tube. The MAK152mm (Image 2) from iOptron comeswith a dual speed focuser. Also included isan attachable twist-lock aluminum dewshield—rare for a MAK—for betterperformance in cold temperatures.The tube length is 21 3/4-inch withoutdew shield and 27 1/8-inch with dewshield. The tube weight is 13.4 lbs. andthe gross weight is 20.2 lbs. The visualadaptor is 2-inch to 1 1/4-inch and aT-ring adapter is included for attachinga camera. Also included is an 8x50 finderscopewith finder ring and a light reducinglens cover.Both scopes are available throughiOptron dealers and more information isavailable at www.ioptron.com.24 Astronomy TECHNOLOGY TODAY

NEWPRODUCTSVIXEN OPTICSNew AXD Mount and High Definition Star Book TenKnown for offering products thatexcel in both performance and greatlooks, Vixen has stepped up the bar withits AXD Mount which offers a sleekdesign and innovative gearing for superiorperformance. The new mount will beavailable this spring.Controlled by Vixen's new StarBook 10, the AXD combines all the featuresthat owners come to expect from aVixen mount. Features includePermanent PEC, Night Vision Mode,and a 270,000 Database. The mountoffers a 70lb load capacity, 70 tooth(135mm dia.) RA wheelgear, 216 tooth(108mm dia.) DEC wheelgear, steppingmotors with 21 bearings, and a heavyduty tripod.Coupled with the Star Book 10,users don't need a computer. Popularobjects appear on the high definitionscreen and the AXD "see to" technologyshows users the sky before the GO-TOsends them there. It offers a 5-inch colorHD LCD screen, 32 bit, 324 MHzCPU, Lunar, Solar, Planet, Comet andSatellite tracking modes, registration ofuser defined objects, PC connectionwith LAN port, auto guider port, andmuch more.For more information please visitwww.vixenoptics.com.The Largest Telescope & Binocular Dealerin the New York Metropolitan Area• Get your Televue Ethos today!• Complete line of Orion products Buy directfrom us at reduced shipping charges!• Dew-not heaters• Baader Solar Filters• Feathertouch Focusers in stock!• DIGITAL CAMERA ADAPTERS• DESERT STORM COVERS ARE BACK!• Celestron BIG Binos at a small price tag!• CCTS Twist Pack Eyepiece CasesFast DeliverySame Dayon ManyProductsWe travel coast to coast to over 20 star parties and events a year - check out our website for the schedule.We’ll see you there! Or Visit us at 10 South Ocean Ave Patchogue, NY 11772 • 631-475-1118CCTSwww.cameraconcepts.comAt CCTS, the owners, Jeff and Greta, take a hands-on approach tocustomer service. Call them direct at 631-335-1279YOU NAME IT…WE HAVE IT!ADM AccessoriesAntaresAstronomy Technology TodayAstro SystemsAstroGizmosAstrovid (Adirondack Video Astronomy)AstrozapBlue Storm ProductionsBob's KnobsBushnellCanonCelestronCoronadoDayStar FiltersCAMERA CONCEPTS & TELESCOPE SOLUTIONSDelkin DevicesDenkmeierDiffraction Limited (Maxim DL)DoskocilFarpoint Astro ProductsHowie GlatteriOptronJim's Mobile (JMI)KendrickLeicaLightWedgeLosmandyLumeneraLumiconManfrottoMeadeNikonOptecOrionPelicanPentaxPeterson EngineeringRigel SystemsSBIGSirius TechnologiesSky & TelescopeSky EngineeringSoftware BisqueSolarscopeStarGPSStarlight InstrumentsStarry Night (Imaginova)TakahashiTamracTelevueTelradThousand Oaks OpticalUnihedronVectorWilliam OpticsNEED WESAY MORE?Arcturus OpticsA CCTS Exclusive!Astronomy TECHNOLOGY TODAY 25

NEWPRODUCTSORION TELESCOPES & BINOCULARSContinues to Release a Multitude of New ProductsOrion continues to show that it is aleader in introducing new products to theastronomy industry and this issue certainlyproves that point. In fact there are so manynew Orion products, we had to use severalpages to include them all!10x42 MonocularGood viewing opportunities don't usuallycome with advance warnings. When anexciting event occurs, and you need to beable to see it up close quickly, a monocularis a nice option. Orion's 10x42 Monocularis small, light, easy to use, and gives brilliantviews through fully multi-coated optics.Being able to make objects 10x bigger is justthe beginning. It's rugged, rubber-coatedshock-absorbing design can take a beatingand it includes a removable carrying strap.At just 6-inches long, it will suit anyonelooking for convenience and portable performancein any weather and its price of$49.95US is perfect for any budget.8-inch f/4 NewtonianAstrograph ReflectorThe new 8-inch f/4 NewtonianAstrograph Reflector offers wide field, deepspaceimaging performance designed toallow users to the capture faint galaxies andnebulas with short photographic exposure,all at a very affordable cost.The reflector is perfect for beginningand intermediate imagers, and is a great secondtelescope for more advanced imagerswho want more portability, without sacrificingfeatures and quality. That meansbright, detailed images for APS-C sizedCCD or DSLR cameras. As with any fastNewtonian reflector, an optional coma correctoris recommended to achieve the26 Astronomy TECHNOLOGY TODAY

NEWPRODUCTSsharpest images. With an optional eyepiece,this telescope doubles as a fine visual instrument.At only 16 lbs. and just 28-inches long,the scope is easily supported on a mid-sizedmount. The 200-mm aperture parabolicprimary mirror is made from high-qualityBK-7 optical glass. Enhanced aluminummirror coatings with greater than 91%reflectivity deliver more light to the focuser.A cooling accelerator fan is included,mounted on the back of the primary mirrorcell for rapid equilibration to ambient temperature.Included is a modified, all-machined 2-inch dual-speed Crayford focuser thatincorporates a special linear-track bearing.This advanced focuser design providessuperior camera support and eliminates thedrawtube flexure inherent in some Crayfordfocusers. The dual-speed feature allows bothcoarse and very fine (10:1) focusing precision.Other standard accessories include apair of hinged tube rings and an 8x50 finderscope. It comes with a one year limitedwarranty and is priced at $449.95US.VersaGo II HDAltazimuth MountThe new VersaGo II HD AltazimuthMount is an ultra-stable, easy-to-operatealtazimuth “grab-and-go” tripod for smallto medium sized telescopes up to 6-inchesin aperture. It offers a 15 lb. load capacitywith a beefy tripod featuring chromed steeltubular legs of 1.75-inch diameter for maximumstabilitywith heavierinstrumentsin fieldconditions.The sturdydie-cast aluminumheadfeatures adovetail saddlefor quicktelescope attachment and removal and itsslanted arm design allows an instrument tobe pointed to zenith, and the lateral armoffset puts load directly over the center ofthe tripod for maximum stability. It is availablefor $249.95US.SteadyStar AdaptiveOptics GuiderOrion’s SteadyStar Adaptive OpticsGuider (AO) makes any imaging-capablemount, even if a modest one, perform moreeffectively. Precise tracking is one of themost critical facets of astrophotography andtracking is limited to the accuracy of themount, plus external factors like wind andatmospheric seeing conditions. TheSteadyStar AO Guider overcomes theselimitations and challenges and takes controlwith super fast and accurate guiding.The SteadyStar AO Guider can easilymake several tracking corrections in onesecond without lugging the weight andinertia of the whole telescope. Rather thanmove all that weight, the Guider moves asmall on-board lens, allowing for quick andprecise movements several times faster thantraditional autoguiders. This refractive correctionis capable of making extremely fastmovements to overcome even the mostsevere tracking errors. The SteadyStar AOGuider is capable of correcting motionmore than 40 times per second, dependingon guide star brightness and computerspeed. This means users will overcome amount’s periodic error, wind, and evencompensate for some of the negative effectsof turbulent seeing conditions.With theGuider attached,even a modestlypriced mountcan perform likea high-endexpensivemount. TheSteadyStar’sbroad compatibilitywith imaging cameras and autoguidersmakes it even more attractive. It workswith any Orion CCD camera and autoguider,as well as other popular imaging camerasincluding DSLRs.The SteadyStar AO Guider wasdesigned to fit right in with other gear,requiring only 90-mm of inward focus travelwhen used with Orion imaging cameras.In fact, users can add up to 30-mm worthof accessories, such as a filter wheel, to theSteadyStar without adding to the totalbackfocus.continued on next pageAstronomy TECHNOLOGY TODAY 27

NEWPRODUCTSOrion New Products Continued FromPrevious PageThe 40-mm diameter on board lenssupports APS-C format sensors includingDSLRs and amply sized CCD cameras.SteadyStar software is included for fullguiding control to both the mount and theAO Guider, and it can communicate withMaxim DL to enable advanced imagingfeatures as exposure sequences and dithering.It is Windows XP, Vista 32/64 bitWindows 7 and ASCOM compatible.A hard carry case is included as well asa 10-foot USB cable, 10-inch autoguidingcable, and 12 volt DC power cable. theSteadyStar AO Guider is priced at$1,799.95US and comes with a one-yearlimited warranty.The SteadyStar AO is also availablewith a built-in Field Rotator which allowsuser to move the SteadyStar’s off-axis prismto locate a guide star, or to change theimaging camera orientation. It also enableslong exposure imaging with motorizedaltitude-azimuth mounts. And with thefast adaptive optics guiding, it turns anyimage capable mount (Alt-Az or EQ) intoa more effective one, yielding better tracking.The SteadyStar AO Guider with FieldRotator not only makes rapid and accuratetracking corrections to deliver pinpointstars, it also allows users to rotate the cameraand off-axis guider without disturbingthe focus. That makes finding a guide starmuch easier. Additionally, the SteadyStarAO Guider with Field Rotator is an idealsolution for imagers with fork altitudeazimuthmounts, including those usedwith popular catadioptric telescopes. SinceAlt-Az mounts cannot move in arcs tomatch the apparent movement of the sky,the field rotator will do that for you. Thereis no need to purchase a heavy equatorialwedge for your fork mount.The SteadyStar is available for$2,499.95US.Parsec AstronomicalImaging CamerasOrion has introduced its next generationof premium CCD imagers, the ParsecAstronomical Imaging Cameras featuringa full-frame 8.3 megapixel (8.5 effective)Kodak CCD chip. The cameras offeramazing results and the highest resolution,all for a modest investment.The Parsec provides all the cuttingedge technology and features that today’sCCD imager demands, such as regulateddual-stage cooling, internal shutter,internal full-frame 32 megabyte memorybuffer, and more. Its compact size(4x4-inch wide, 3-inch long) provides asleek fit for virtually any imaging telescopeconfiguration. The high performanceParsec is built around the CCD chip’ssquare 5.4 micron x 5.4 micron pixel sizefor superior resolution using Kodak’smicrolens technology for maximum sensitivity.Regulated dual-stage thermoelectriccooling (TEC) and adjustable fan dramaticallyreduces thermal noise. Accurate darkframes can be taken automatically. Andthanks to the internal shutter there’s noneed to cover the telescope. The internalfull-frame memory buffer ensures reliableimage downloads every time, through aUSB-2.0 connection. A 10-foot USB cableand 10-foot power cable compatible with12 volt DC cigarette lighter sockets isincluded.The Parsec 8300M features a monochromeimaging CCD chip and the Parsec8300C features a color imaging CCDchip. Both feature standard T-threads onthe camera body, removable 2-inch nosepiecethreaded for filters, an included customhard carrying case, and a free full version30-day trial of Maxim DL Pro softwarefor camera control and image processing.Parsec cameras feature 16 bit A/Dconversion and are Windows XP, 7 andVista 32 bit and 64 bit compatible and areASCOM compatible. The Parsec is a smallpackage (32 oz.) that packs a big imagingwallop..085x Reducer-FlattenerOrion has made it easier to get betterimages from its Orion 80mm ED ApoRefractor telescope with its new .085xReducer-Flattener which reduces the effectivefocal length to create shorter exposuretimes that result in better, brighter images.Designed exclusively for use with the80mm ED (not compatible with the EON80ED) and optimized for photography28 Astronomy TECHNOLOGY TODAY

NEWPRODUCTSwith DSLR cameras, the reducer-flattenerfeatures three-element optical assemblyand is fully multicoated. It reduces thescope’s effective focal length from 600mmto 510mm (f/7.5 to f/6.3) and can be usedwith DSLR cameras with chips as large as36mm x 24mm. It offers fully multi-coatedoptics (all air-to-glass surfaces are multilayercoated) and T-threads on camera sidefor attachment of a camera T-ring. Itthreads onto the focuser drawtube for ahighly secure fit and provides critical55mm distance from optics to sensor. It ispriced at $199.95US.And for astro-photographers seekingeven better performance from their Orion100mm ED Refractor Telescope, Orionhas introduced a new 0.85x Reducer-Corrector for that scope as well. Designedspecifically for use with this telescope anda DSLR camera, it reduces the scope'seffective focal length to produce a fastersystem, which allows shorter exposuretimes. It reduces the focal length from900mm to 765mm (f/9.0 to f/7.65), producinga faster system for improvedastrophotography. It is also offered at$199.95US.For owners of the Orion 120mm EDrefractors there is a new 0.85x Reducer-Corrector for them as well. . It is designedfor use with either the EON 120ED or theoriginal 120ED refractors, since both havethe same focal length which is shortenedfrom 900mm to 765mm (f/7.5 to f/6.38).It is offered at $199.95US.2-inch Extra-NarrowbandOxygen-III, Sulfur-II, andHydrogen Alpha FilterFor users of monochrome CCD cameras,Orion has introduced a specializedline of filters which are the perfect complementfor producing striking, high-contrastcolor CCD astrophotography of emissionnebulae.Orion’s new 2-inch Extra-NarrowbandOxygen-III Filter is one of a set of three filtersdesigned to bring you bright and beautifulimages of emission nebulae in monochromeastrophotography. Orion’s newOxygen-III filter has a full-width half maximum(FWHM) bandpass of just 7nm,ensuring high-contrast images, even inheavily light-polluted or brightly moonlitskies. It offers bright, bold views highlightingblue/green Oxygen-III wavelength featuresof emission nebulae and transmits90% of light at 500.7nm wavelength.The new 2-inch Extra-NarrowbandSulfur-II Imaging Filter also has a full-widthhalf maximum (FWHM) bandpass of just7nm, ensuring high-contrast images. Ithighlights deep red sulfur II wavelength featuresof emission nebulae and transmits90% of light at 672.4nm wavelength.Rounding out the filter line is the 2-inch Hydrogen-Alpha Filter which isolatesthe Hydrogen-Alpha Spectrum for superiorcontrast CCD astrophotos. It transmits90% of light at 656.3nm wavelength (Halpha)and its full width half-maximum(FWHM) bandpass is 6.7nm or less.Each of these filters can be used separatelyor in combination with a filter wheelfor advanced tri-color imaging of emissionnebulae. Each includes a protective plasticcase, a one-year limited warranty, and ispriced at $359.95US and pricing for the setis $969.95US.LaserMate Pro HeavyDuty Collimation KitOrion’s LaserMate Pro Heavy DutyCollimation Kit was designed for the fumblefingers in all of us. Dropped it into yourbag, don't worry. Accidentally bang it? Noproblem. The “hardened” design helpsensure the alignment of the collimatinglaser for a lifetime.Achieve quick collimation with laserprecision in a simple two-step process.continued on next pageAstronomy TECHNOLOGY TODAY 29

NEWPRODUCTSOrion New Products Continued FromPrevious PageFirst, insert the LaserMate Pro into astandard 1.25-inch eyepiece holder andadjust the secondary to center the redlaser dot on the primary mirror. For 2-inch eyepiece holders, use a 1.25-inch to2-inch expansion adaptor or Orion’sPrecision Centering Adapter for greatestaccuracy. Then, use the includedCheshire eyepiece for final collimationby tilting the reflector's primary mirror.Illustrated instructions and centeringdots are included. The LaserMate Pro isbuilt of durable metal in gunmetal greyand has a lifetime guarantee and is pricedat $99.95US.Monster Series of DobsFinally, and no this is not a misprint,Orion has introduced its “Monster”series of Dobsonian telescopes includinga 36-inch, 40-inch, and 50-inch modelall with full GOTO and tracking functionality.The folks at Orion must havereally been bitten by the “bigger is better”bug!Let’s start with the 36-inch version.The Orion 36 swallows over 1,000square inches of light at a time andweighs in at just under 400 pounds. Itcan be disassembled for transport to darksky locales and at home, it uses removablewheels to get it outside and backfrom a garage or storage shed. If you planon parking a car you’ll need at least atwo-car garage, because the 36-inchMonster Dob takes up an entire parkingspace when assembled.The fast f/ratio of f/4 produces animpressive 144-inches of focal length.The hand-figured optical system startswith a honeycomb low-expansion glassmirror blank, which allows fast cooldownand maintenance of thermal equilibrium.This maintains great imagequality all night long at the eyepiece,which will be a little over 12 feet aboveground at zenith. You’ll need a good ladder!The premium optics have a qualitythat rivals any other commercialDobsonian - 1/8 wave or better, diffractionlimited, star-tested optics, razorsharp and hand figured in NorthAmerica by Master Optician NormandFullum.The huge mirror uses a sturdy eightpointwiffle-tree edge flotation to supportthe edge of the primary mirror,which is supported by a 27-point flotationmirror cell. Primary and secondarymirror coatings are 96% enhanced aluminum(dielectric coatings available asan option on the secondary) which makethe most of the monstrous light grasp.The sleek Mount is lightweight butstrong and stiff. The rocker box, azimuthbearings, and ground board areconstructed of premium furniture-qualityRussian Birch and laminated withaluminum plate to make a super strong,yet lightweight composite structure.The hardware is stainless steel and thestruts are strong and light carbongraphite.Included standard are ServoCATTracking and GoTo and Argo-Navis digitalsettings circles that automaticallylocate and track more than 29,000 targets.The GoTo system can be run froma laptop planetarium program.The second member of Orion’sMonster Dob family is a 40-inch giantthat offers almost 25% more light thanit’s little (if you can call it that) 36-inchbrother. The Orion 40-inch shares thesame advanced design, features and componentsas the other members of theMonster Dob family - the honeycombmirrors are low-expansion borosilicateglass hand figured by Normand Fullumand the scope also features the sameflotation as the 36-inch. Enhanced opticalcoatings on the primary and secondarymirrors and ServoCAT Tracking andGoTo and Argo-Navis digital settingscircles are also standard. When pointingstraight up, the huge 160-inch focallength puts the telescope’s eyepiece about30 Astronomy TECHNOLOGY TODAY

NEWPRODUCTS14 feet off the ground; and the fast f/4optics deliver bright, crisp images.The advanced structural componentsand lightweight mirror keep thesize and mass of the scope surprisinglysmall and provide a robust, yet compactand stable platform to study the sky.While Orion’s 36-inch model isdesigned to be truly transportable,the 40-inch can bedisassembled for transit,however the additional mirrorsize and inherentweight will make the 40-inch Monstera more sedentary creature. Orion recommendsyou plan on creating a backyardobservatory, and at the very least, plan towheel it in and out of your garage. Theincluded pneumatic wheels are meant tobe used on level pavement, not crosscountry.At the top of the Orion Dobfood chain is the 50-inch Monster. Itfeatures almost2,000 squareinches oflight-gatheringpowerwhich isalmost 33,000times morelight than what theeye can gather (assuminga dark adapted 7-mmpupil). With a limiting stellarmagnitude that is approximately+17.4 and a theoreticalresolving power under a tenth ofan arc second (seeing conditions limited,of course) owners of this monsterare going to be catching details in the‘faint-fuzzies’ up there that no one elsecan. The fast f/3.75 focal ratio givesbright images, and 187.5-inches of focallength. Low-expansion borosilicate glass,molded honeycomb mirror blank,36-point flotation mirror support andfive cooling fans assure owners get all theperformance the enormous aperture candeliver.The telescope is designed to be lightfor its size and very stiff - so that collimationis maintained as you sweep acrossthe sky. The top cage is aluminum withcarbon graphite spacers between the topand bottom rings. The main struts arealso carbon graphite with Moonlite connectorsfor easy disassembly, should youwant to transport it. The scope is engineeredto be light, yet strong usingincredibly robust 1.5-inch diameter carbongraphite truss poles and compositestructural components. As with the otherMonster Dobs, the side bearings, rockerbox and ground board are constructed ofan engineered composite of RussianBirch with aircraft-grade aluminumepoxy bonded to both sides of the birchcore, making exceptionally strong butsurprisingly light structural components.Premium components and exceptionalattention to detail are used throughoutthe construction of the scope, includingall stainless steel fasteners, a Moonlitedual-speed, fine adjustment 2-inchfocuser and custom secondary cage lightbaffle.The 36-inch retails for $55,600US,the 40-inch for $80,000US and the 50-inch is $123,000US. Some customizationoptions and installation services areavailable at an additional expense. AnOrion Sales Representative can provideadditional information. See the Orionweb site, www.telescope.com, for specialterms and conditions and special orderinformation.Astronomy TECHNOLOGY TODAY 31

NEWPRODUCTSSCOPE STUFFSeveral New Product OfferingsScopeStuff continues to be a leader inoffering all of the accessories you need tosupport your astro gear arsenal. For example,their new Wireless Goto Connection forMeade LX200 ACF, LX200 GPS & Classic,RCX400, Celestron and ServoCat gives controlof a telescope wirelessly from computer.The Bluetooth wireless adapter is easy toinstall for a reliable link between a PC andgoto telescope. No batteries are required forthe wireless adapter, it derivespower from a scope's externalpower source of 11 to 18volts DC and draws less than100 ma. The wireless adapterrequires no additional driversor software on the PC, andeach adapter has a uniquePIN number so there's nointerference from others onthe field.Just plug the adapterinto a scope's power andRS232 jacks, and plugthe scope power supplyinto the adapter.ScopeStuff pre-configuresthe adapter for ascope type, so installation at the scope is asnap. The power and data cables are 20-feetlong so the adapter can be mounted on atripod leg, pier, scope base, etcwith supplied velcro and cableclips.The Dual Finder MountingPlate with Base Feet is designedfor mounting two finders on asingle finder shoe. This blackanodized aluminum dual findermounting plate comes with areversible bottom rail that hasboth an Orion/Synta/Vixentype foot and an Antarestype foot. The top of theplate accepts eitherOrion/Synta/Vixen typeshoes or Antares typeshoes at either end. Byreversing the base foot railand/or the plate, the finders can be shiftedforward and back for balancing or preference.It weighs .47 lbs, is 6-inches wide andthe plate is 1/4-inch thick. Black anodizedaluminum.ScopeStuff's Mounting Adapter ForMeade DSI Camera holds the DSI securelyin piggyback and stand-alone installationsand allows the use of a cooling fan. It isgreat for autoguider and wide-angle applicationsthat can be difficult due to the lackof any mounting method, other than hangingthem by the T-threads. Made fromstrong but light weight 1/4-inch solventweldedlaser cut acrylic the mounting holesand slots accept M6 or 1/4-inch mountinghardware. The camera and 40-mm fanattach to the mounting adapter with suppliedstainless steel hardware. The optionalball-bearing 40-mm fan is quiet and has a5.5/2.1mm power connector.ScopeStuff continues to add all kindsof accessories and its website is continuouslyupdated. For more information visitwww.scopestuff.com.32 Astronomy TECHNOLOGY TODAY