Stefan Taube

Author Archives

Posts composed by Stefan Taube

Blog Archives

EAGLE: The computer for astrophotography

September 12 2016, Stefan Taube

Why EAGLE?

Hardly any other sector of our hobby, astronomy, has experienced such a dynamic development over the last few years than astro photography. But this all comes at a price! If in the past one had to set up a Dobsonian telescope, search the eyepiece bag for the correct focal length and probably also a colour filter, the mobile astronomer of today travels with an “observatory to go”: Equatorial mount with heavy counterweights, optics, camera, guiding telescope, guiding camera, laptop and large powerpack. Is there no easier way? The EAGLE control unit makes this possible. It is a computer that is tightly connected to the tube, and it controls mount, camera and guiding camera, centrally supplies electric current, and saves images. You can operate EAGLE wirelessly via WIFI with an input unit of your choice.

No messy or torn cables

All power and data lines to the mount and peripheral equipment run centrally from EAGLE. This allows the use of short cables and to leave these cables partially connected for a quicker setup. Since the EAGLE computer performs the same tracking movements as the mount, no cables can be wound up or torn off by the mount. You can quite confidently allow your astro photographical equipment to run for hours without supervision. The only cable you need to keep an eye on is the electric power supply cable for the EAGLE. Talking of power supply: Due to the power management of the EAGLE, you only need a smaller Powertank, or you can take photos over an even longer period of time.

EAGLE generates its own WIFI

With the associated app you can use all the programs you need, wirelessly and conveniently from your garden chair. Popular software like PHD2 Guiding are pre-installed. Since the EAGLE runs under Win 10 Enterprise, you can also install other programs. The advantage of EAGLE is the fact that you can control your system with any WIFI-compatible computer and any operating system: no matter whether you use a laptop, tablet or smartphone, and no matter whether you use Windows, Android or Apple. In the field, the WIFI range is approximately 25 metres.

EAGLE saves your photos

You can have the camera images directly transferred to your tablet, laptop or smartphone via WIFI. Since you obviously take a lot of photos which need to be saved without losses, the EAGLE is equipped with an SSD memory card. Saving to a USB stick is also possible. However, there is no possibility to edit any of the photos in EAGLE. The computing power has been designed for low current consumption, which is why EAGLE also works without ventilation.

EAGLE is a fixed part of the system

The EAGLE computer is no additional accessory that you have to carry around. The small, but very stable box can stay mounted to your tube. The best way of installation probably is the installation between the tube and the guide scope rings. However, you can also mount the EAGLE box on the same prism rail that you use to fasten the telescope on the mount. This is recommended if you do not use a guiding tube. On our EAGLE product page you can see examples for this.

There is nothing you can’t do without the EAGLE control unit. However, anyone who is actively involved in astro photography on a regular basis and now and again likes to travel to good star gazing locations or telescope meetings, will quickly appreciate the EAGLE: no cable problems, no computer crash, a stable power supply, a compact system.

There is also a more powerful version available, which has been designed for large mounts and observatories: EAGLE Observatory.

Tags: Telescope Accessories, Astrophotography, PrimaLuceLab
Posted in New Products »

NexDome: Observatories for unbeatable prices!

August 29 2016, Stefan Taube

The Hit Product of the Year 2016:

The Canadian manufacturer NexDome has launched a revolutionary design of observatory domes. The highlight is the modular design with two essential benefits: Low transport costs and easy installation in just a few hours. Never before has a top-class observatory been so affordable!

Astroshop.eu is the distributor for NexDome in Europe. From our warehouse, we deliver inside Germany for only 60 Euro and within Europe for just 150 Euro. You can, obviously, also benefit from our consultancy and service of NexDome Observatories.

The advantages at a glance:

Space for a C14 with unrestricted view to the zenith.

The internal diameter of 2.2 meters provides sufficient space for a 14-inch Schmidt-Cassegrain or a refractor with a focal length of 1400 millimetres.
The shutter can be opened far beyond the zenith.
Due to its light weight, being made of ABS-plastic parts, the cupola can be turned by hand, but can also be motorized for a reasonable price. Matching motors and controls are available from us.
You can freely choose the number of nooks for accessories. Up to six of such compartments are possible and provide a lot of storage space!
Should a part of the observatory become damaged, it can be individually replaced at a reasonable price, thanks to the modular design.
The Solarkote® coating protects against UV-radiation and ensures excellent weather resistance of all parts.

–

All ABS-parts are covered by a 5 year warranty! You can find further information about NexDome observatories here at Astroshop.eu.

Tags: Nexdome, Observatories
Posted in New Products »

New: Celestron Powertank Lithium 86 Wh

August 8 2016, Stefan Taube

The Powertank portable, rechargeable batteries are an easy and economical way of ensuring power supply to the motorized mounts. With its lithium-vivianite rechargeable battery, the manufacturer, Celestron, has introduced a new Powertank to the market: the Celestron Lithium 86 Wh.

Celestron Powertank Lithium LiFePO4 84Wh

This new Powertank combines the advantages of lithium technology – high power density, cycle life, better environmental compatibility – with a well thought-out design. Using the supplied Velcro tape, the Powertank Lithium 86 Wh can be simply fastened to the tripod leg.

It not only provides a 12 Volt output voltage for the telescope mount, but is also equipped with charging sockets for your tablet and smartphone.

A cable with utility plug connects the telescope with the Powertank. This standard originating from the cigarette lighter in a car has become well established. Most mounts include a corresponding cable in their scope of delivery. You can, however, also buy the cable separately here.

The Celestron Powertank Lithium 86 Wh also has a torch (flashlight) function, optionally with white or red light. All switches and sockets are protected by hinged lids, making sure that they stay free of dirt or dust during long-term storage.

Talking of storage: There is a problem with the classic Powertanks, in that they will fail, if not used for a long time. They suffer self-discharge, which is accompanied by a loss of storage capacity. Starting to use a telescope again after an extended period of not observing the night sky may result in a very unpleasant surprise indeed. In this area – the so-called storage life – the new Powertank Lithium 86 Wh is also superior to its predecessor!

Tags: Powertank, Celestron
Posted in New Products »

3D eyepieces: discover the third dimension!

August 1 2016, Stefan Taube

The use of binocular attachments (bino viewers) or astro binoculars with eyepiece connection makes for a stunning view of celestial bodies. The surfaces of the Moon or the planets, or even star clusters appear to be three-dimensional. It has been proven – and you can easily see this for yourself – that it takes two to see one: Looking through the optics with both of your eyes is a much more relaxing experience, and the processing of signals in the brain results in a much brighter, higher contrast impression. Even the colours of planets seem more vibrant.

3D Astronomy L-O-A 21mm 1,25″ Set

The new eyepieces from 3dastronomy dramatically enhance this effect! They come with an integrated Lederman Optical Array (L-O-A). This is a component in one of the two eyepieces of the set, which was developed by Russ Ledermann, the well-known optician.

This component consists of five square glass plates, which are mounted on the field lens. Used in both eyepieces of a binocular attachment or binoculars, it provides a crisp, three-dimensional image. By turning one of the two eyepieces, you can adjust whether the centre of the celestial object should be in the foreground or in the background.

What causes this effect? In this context, please read the product test report in the journal Astronomy Magazine, which you can find under the “Downloads” tab on the eyepieces product page.

The set consists of two eyepieces, which can be used in a binocular attachment or binoculars with a 1.25” connection. On the eyepieces product page you will also find a video, taken on the occasion of a meeting of telescope enthusiasts.

We will continue to test the eyepiece set in detail and report on our experiences in this Astro-Blog.

Tags: 3dastronomy, Telescope Accessories, Eyepiece
Posted in New Products »

The AZ Pro mount from iOptron: GoTo made easy!

July 11 2016, Stefan Taube

iOptron simply calls it “level and go”, and refers to the very simple routine for aligning the AZ Pro mount in the sky. With this latest innovation, viewing the sky with a computer controlled mount is almost as spontaneously possible as it is with a Dobsonian telescope: No need to exert yourself by going through an arduous procedure, until you can finally start observing!

iOptron Mount AZ Pro GoTo

Just place the AZ Pro mount down horizontally – the integrated spirit level helps you to do so – and switch it on. With the integrated GPS and the sensors, the mount will automatically recognize date, time, location and orientation. Just give the computer approximately two minutes, the mount will then move to a bright object in the sky. Then centre the object in your eyepiece. There is even no need to know the name of the object, a fact that is particularly convenient in twilight. It goes to show how quickly and simply the mount is to align to the sky! You can now choose your observation targets from a huge database, to be sought out by the mount.

With its compact form, the retractable counter weight bar and the stable aluminium housing the AZ Pro mount from iOptron is an ideal travel mount. With the integrated GPS, the “level and go” routine can be executed at any point around the globe. The mount comes with an installed lithium-ion powerpack, suitable for 10 hours running. No need to take another power supply with you, which reduces any additional cable chaos.

–

Another positive aspect is the smooth and quiet running of the stepper motors. Your neighbours will be grateful!

The AZ Pro has admittedly been optimized for mobile use, but is still a high quality mount, able to carry large aperture telescopes for visual observation. For photographic purposes this mount can be used for moon and planet photography.

In the field of portable, azimuthal GoTo-mounts the AZ Pro from iOptron currently meets the highest standard.

Tags: iOptron, telescope
Posted in New Products »

Now available: Stargate Dobsonian with 508 millimetre mirror!

June 20 2016, Stefan Taube

With Dobsonian telescopes its the size that matters! These telescopes serve the sole purpose of observation and not photography. The size of the light gathering mirror surface therefore is the decisive criterion. Dobsonian Telescopes from Skywatcher have been very popular for years. The Stargate series from Skywatcher stands for giant Dobsonians with light tube in metal truss tube design.

Telescopes with a high WOW factor!

The first model of this series was the Stargate-450P-Dobsonian, which we can currently offer for €4599.-. You save € 400.- compared with the recommended retail price!

Skywatcher Dobson telescope N 458/1900 StarGate-450P DOB

New to this series is the currently added GoTo variant Stargate-450P with ynscan and its big brother: The Stargate-500P with Synscan – a GoTo telescope with an 0.5 meter primary mirror! In order to be able to fully utilize this big opening, you should be mobile: Two stargazers will be able to conveniently transport and assemble this giant sky eye quickly under a dark sky.

Make use of the night!

The Synscan GoTo system helps you to quickly focus on the desired object without having to search for a long time. For this purpose you can choose from more than 42,000 sky objects in the extensive Synscan database! The motors not only move to the object, they also keep it in the eyepiece. Neither of the two Stargate series Synscan models needs to be manually guided to follow the rotation of the sky.

“Freedom-Find”-Dual-Encoder

The possibility to move quickly from one object to the next and to make large panning movements in the sky is one of the major attractions of all Dobsonian telescopes. This is also no problem with the motorized Stargate models: Simply decouple the motor from the mount with a twist and you will be able tow slew the mount by hand: This is soundless, quick and prolongs the lifetime of the powerpack. Due to the installed Encoders the alignment will not be lost by such a manual movement. Even if you have moved the telescope by hand, the integrated computer will still know to which object the mirror had been aligned.

With the Stargate series Skywatcher offers portable Dobsonian telescopes in a new dimension. Use Stargate to enter into new galaxies!

Tags: Skywatcher, Dobson, telescope
Posted in New Products »

Special offer: The popular SkyTracker with tripod and bag

June 6 2016, Stefan Taube

Celestial photography with digital reflex camera is gaining in popularity Why not use your excellent photo equipment to photograph the night sky? There is a vast variety of photographic mounts available for this purpose. You convert your camera to an astronomical telescope, which is then tracks the rotation of the night sky.

iOptron Mount SkyTracker tracking unit for astrophotography, white

A well proven and very popular photographic mount is the SkyTracker from iOptron. Just add this solid, compact accessory to your photo equipment and you are ready for taking photos of the night sky.

We now offer you the SkyTracker as a set with all necessary accessories: Ball head, tripod and tripod bag. The bag not only provides space for the tripod, but also for the SkyTracker and further accessories.

With the SkyTracker set you save €145.- when compared with the sum of all prices per item!

We will receive the SkyTracker set at the beginning of June from iOptron, USA. Reserve your SkyTracker set now for € 494.-!

You can choose from two colour variants: black or white.

Celestial photography with the digital reflex camera (DSLR) is an economical and very mobile variant in astrophotography, which quickly gives beginners the feeling of success.

By the way: We also offer DSLR and other system cameras which have been specially modified for astrophotography. These cameras are more sensitive in the red spectral range and thus much better for taking photos of emission nebulae.

Tags: iOptron, Mount
Posted in New Products »

Astrophotography: New cameras from ZWO

May 30 2016, Stefan Taube

The cameras from ZWO, which can be recognized by their distinct red housing, have taken astrophotography by assault. Based on the big success of the low-priced planet cameras ASI-120, ZWO now extends its product range bit by bit and now also offers advanced cameras with USB 3.0 and CMOS-sensors.

We are able to offer you two new series of these cameras:

ZWO Camera ASI

ASI-290: A very good all-purpose camera with small pixels, high image frequency and low read-out noise. The camera is equipped with the CMOS-sensor IMX290 from Sony. This chip is particularly light-sensitive because it is exposed from the back. Such sensors are elaborate in production, but now they are available to hobby astronomers for a reasonable price.
ASI-1600: This camera is equipped with a huge 16 megapixle CMOS-sensor with 21.9 millimetre diagonal. The sensor is normally installed in Olympus cameras. With this camera you can fill a large field of view.

–

All camera models are available as colour or black and white variants, but also with or without active cooling. I.e. there are four versions each for you to choose from.

Black and white cameras have the advantage of a higher sensitivity and resolution when compared with colour cameras. However, it takes a higher effort to successfully shoot colour images: You need colour filters and a fllter wheel.

A cooled camera allows for longer exposure times, because the sensor noise is suppressed. However, you need a separate electric power supply and, for long exposure times, a suitable mount with tracking control. Due to the increasingly high sensitivity of the sensors, uncooled cameras also become more and more popular for the photography of low-luminosity DeepSky objects. Beginners and casual photographers are therefore already very well equipped with the uncooled models of the ASI-290 series.

Tags: ZWO, camera, Telescope Accessories
Posted in New Products »

Meade ETX: The camping telescope!

May 23 2016, Stefan Taube

The series ETX from Meade offers very compact travel telescopes with state-of-the-art technology. These are telescopes you would like to have with you on any journey. Especially during camping holidays we experience dark night skies, unknown to us from home. Wouldn’t is then be nice to have a small telescope with high-quality optics in your luggage?

Meade Maksutov telescope MC 90/1250 ETX-90 Observer AZ/EQ GoTo

The ETX telescopes are carried by a strong equatorial fork mount and are equipped with a modern computer control (GoTo), which makes the objects of the night sky also available for beginners. Electric power is provided by the integrated battery compartment.

The latest model of this series is the ETX-90: With its true colour representation at large focal lengths this compact reflector telescope is highly suitable for viewing the moon, the planets and also nature. With its 90 millimetre opening it is relatively big for a compact travel telescope and thus luminously strong enough to show you bright DeepSky objects.

For this instrument the handbox not only contains the GoTo control, but also the new AudioStar from Meade. AudioStar speaks to you in English through the integrated speakers and informs you about anything worth knowing with respect to the most popular celestial objects.

For even better transport of the ETX-90 the tube can be lifted out of the fork. The ETX-90 comes with a sturdy tripod with steel tube legs. The tripod can be conveniently transported in the attached bag.

If you are looking for an even more portable and reasonable telescope should decide on the model ETX-80. The telescope even fits into a transport bag. Since the ETX-80 is a refractor, there is no shading caused by a secondary mirror. With respect to its luminous intensity it is almost as good as the Maksutov. However, the colour-related fault and the small focal length of the refractor considerably impair the fun when watching moon and planets. For this reason and also because of its better tripod the ETX-90 is is far superior and really worth its money!

Tags: MEADE, telescope
Posted in New Products »