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Posts Tagged 'accessories'

Order the new version of the OCAL collimator now!

October 18 2023, Stefan Taube

The OCAL PRO collimator has revolutionised precision collimation of reflector telescopes since its introduction in 2021! Now you can get an improved version of the collimator: OCAL V3.0 electronic collimator

Transportation and general usage can cause telescopes to lose their collimation. This is because the scopes’ primary and secondary mirrors shift position. The instrument can no longer show off its capabilities. An abundance of collimation accessories help to redress this.

The OCAL V3.0 uses a camera for this. This makes it unbeatably precise.

The OCAL V3.0 has an entirely new design:

Inside, it has an in-built, light-sensitive CMOS sensor. This makes collimation easier in poor light conditions.
Exposure time is also now only 1/20, compared to previous models.
The OCAL V3.0 has a much bigger lens than both of its predecessors.
The new OCAL V3.0 can achieve considerably higher resolutions. This makes images clearer, even in critical conditions and improves the precision of the results.
The new version comes with different adaptors.

You can find further information, price and purchase options using the following link: OCAL V3.0

Tags: OCAL, noctutec, accessories, collimation
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The remote-controlled eagle – PrimaLuceLab Eagle

September 5 2023, Bengt Lindqvist

A comprehensive, intuitive to use WiFi and remote-control unit, no matter where, how, or what you need to control. No other system offers such a wide range of configurations, regardless of whether it is for controlling a camera, focuser motor, automatic flatfield box, or even the rotator. Operate two imaging devices simultaneously? It’s happy to help. Various connection options are available depending on the Eagle model you choose. The entire power supply runs via the Eagle and can therefore also be controlled and regulated. Tilt angle and motion sensor, absolutely no problem. From the Eagle 5 version onwards, these functions are fully available to you, not to mention the Eye sensor, which permanently measures the quality of the sky in the direction that your telescope is pointing. Windows or IOS – sure thing! N.I.N.A. or SharpCap, but of course! Put simply: if your preferred software is Windows-compatible, then the Eagle also supports it, without restrictions. It’s an open platform for the end customer.

Special features of the Eagle LE

You’re not keen on a Sesto Senso 2 motor focuser, and would rather work with a device of your own choosing? Happy to oblige. You will be able to connect it to the Eagle. In addition, you can use any software you choose. There are no limits here. We’ve all been there before. The camera freezes and will not deliver an image, what now? Pull out the plug? But let’s do that digitally. You can switch the Eagle and/or USB ports on or off remotely which can be tremendously helpful in tricky situations.

Even CPU-intensive image processing can be carried out on the fly thanks to powerful processors and a large memory, piggybacked on the imaging device of course! A full-feature, controllable Windows computer that leaves nothing to be desired, apart from the external power supply. 12 volts are required (max. 16 amperes), no matter whether power supply, power bank, or battery, and probably also the only downside. GPS, inclinometer, or even a humidity sensor; for the correct choices, depending on your requirements and setup, the following function and overview list should be a huge help. Should you still be unsure, our consultants will be happy to help you by telephone or e-mail.

Eagle series features

Key features depending on the Eagle model

WiFi – wireless connection
Ethernet – wired control
Remote On/Off – external access to turn the Eagle on and off
Remote On/Off USB – External access to turn the USB ports on and off
GPS sensor – location detection
Eye sensor – to monitor sky quality
Inclinometer
Motion detector
DARK mode– disables all LEDs on the Eagle
Industrial grade SSD/RAM
ECCO2– optional module to control dew heater temperature For automatic real-time monitoring, over and above the standard Eagle functions, equipped with a humidity sensor and an air pressure sensor.

Tags: PrimaLuceLab, Astro Photography, Focuser, accessories, power supply, Software, GPS
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New telecentric from Baader: TZ-4S Sundancer II

August 8 2023, Stefan Taube

Like a Barlow lens, a telecentric extends a telescope’s focal length. However, the telecentric generates a parallel optical beam. This is particularly important when using etalon filters for solar observation in H-alpha light.

The new Telecentric TZ-4S from Baader is perfect for use with the Sundancer II H-alpha filter. It replaces the integrated telecentric which has a 3x focal length extension. Thanks to the 4x focal length extension created by the TZ-4S, the ideal aperture ratio of f/30 is achieved, even with f/7 to f/8 optics.

The achromatic Telecentric TZ-4S is designed for the entire visible spectrum, and can therefore not only be used with H-alpha systems.

You can find more information here in our shop.

Tags: accessories, solar observation
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New version: the Polarie U star tracker mount from Vixen

October 28 2021, Stefan Taube

A few years ago, the Japanese manufacturer Vixen launched the Polarie, the first tracking unit for cameras that can fit in every photographer’s bag. The tracking device, also called a star tracker, compensates for the celestial rotation. With it, a camera remains aligned with a section of the night sky for many minutes, and can gather light from faint stars, the Milky Way and cosmic nebulae.

Vixen now offers a new version of its successful star tracker mount, the Polarie U Star Tracker.

Polarie U star tracker mount with camera and optional ball head

Compared to the classic Polarie, the new Polarie U is significantly lighter whilst at the same time having a higher load-bearing capacity. The distance between the two bearings supporting the rotating shaft is approximately four times that of its predecessor. This has led to a higher load-bearing capacity despite a 20% weight reduction. It can carry 2.5kg for wide-field astrophotography using lenses with a short focal length. The optional mounting accessories comprising a prism rail and counterweight can be used to increase the load capacity to 6.5kg, so that the star tracker mount can also carry cameras with large lenses.

In addition, the Polarie U creates its own WLAN. You can connect your smartphone to the mount and control it using a free app. With a suitable cable release from the Polarie U accessory selection, you can also control the camera itself via the app, for example to set a series of exposures. This is not only convenient, but also very useful thanks to the hands-free operation.

The Polarie U can of course also be converted for use in the southern hemisphere. The lightweight mount is therefore ideal for your next expedition south of the equator.

Tags: Vixen, Mount, Astrophotography, accessories
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Baader SunDancer II for observation and solar photography

October 7 2021, Stefan Taube

The Baader SunDancer II sun filter transforms smaller refractors quickly and simply into telescopes for solar observation using H-alpha spectral lines. In this wavelength, you can see the Sun’s chromosphere with dark filaments, bright radiation bursts and spectacular solar prominences!

Baader Sonnenfilter SunDancer II H-alpha 2"/1,25"

Baader SunDancer II H-alpha 2″/1.25″ solar filter

Simply position the SunDancer II between the diagonal mirror and the eyepiece and connect it to a power source. The filter is then automatically brought to the optimal operating temperature so that no adjustments are required during longer observations.

The SunDancer II can be safely used on refracting telescopes with apertures up to 80 millimetres. An additional energy rejection filter is only required in front of the telescope for objective apertures upwards of 80 millimetres; alternatively, the telescope can be dimmed using an optional 80mm screen in front of the lens.

Telescopes with secondary mirrors, such as Newtonian, Maksutov or SCTs, always require an additional energy rejection filter, regardless of their size.

The complete solar disc can be seen in telescopes with apertures of up to 600mm.

The T2 thread beneath the eyepiece clamp facilitates easy adaptation for larger cameras:

SunDancer II with DSLR camera

A power supply unit is included. For mobile observation, a powerbank can also be used.

You can find further information on this particularly high-quality H-alpha filter for the eyepiece side here in our shop.

Tags: accessories, Baader, Filter
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New: Deluxe equatorial wedge for Omegon MiniTrack

August 27 2021, Marcus Schenk

Using the latest deluxe equatorial wedge, aligning the MiniTrack with the north celestial pole is easier than ever. The advantages? Spherical stars all night long.

How do you align your MiniTrack and other astrotrackers without an equatorial wedge? In theory, this is possible using a tripod head but the alignment and the fixed support sometimes resemble weather forecasting, in a word: uncertain. And yet, the photography session is meant to be a success.

The right tools for success

Thanks to the deluxe equatorial wedge, you can simply and precisely align your MiniTrack with the north celestial pole. It’s easy peasy lemon squeezy!
A robust locking mechanism provides permanent polar alignment, even when you are continuously focusing your camera on new targets.

In our set-up, we use an Omegon 32mm carbon tripod, the deluxe equatorial wedge and a MiniTrack 3 with pole finder.

Simple installation on any tripod

Using the 3/8 inch thread, you can attach the polar wedge to any camera tripod. To do so, you simply need a mini Vixen-style rail, such as the Omegon 55mm prism rail, which can be used with the MiniTrack. You can then connect and align your astrotracker easily.

Quality made in Portugal

The equatorial wedge is manufactured to the highest quality and consists of CNC components and stainless-steel screws. It is produced in small batches in Portugal and checked for quality.

The ideal addition to your MiniTrack: view the Omegon Deluxe equatorial wedge in the shop now.

Tags: Astrophotography, accessories
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Build your own OpenAstroTech mount!

June 11 2021, Stefan Taube

A photo mount allows you to track the rotation of the night sky on a camera equipped with a photo lens or a small telescope. This allows for long exposure shots of large areas of the night sky.

The manufacturer OpenAstroTech now offers a very functional, yet particularly inexpensive variant of a photo mount. The OpenAstroTracker is a mount you can build yourself!

Der OpenAstroTracker mit Kamera und optionalem Autoguider

The OpenAstroTracker with camera and optional autoguider

Building the mount yourself is not only fun and educational, you also get a powerful GoTo mount at an extremely low price thanks to the DIY approach!

Some of the features:

GoTo: The mount comes with full, computer-control functionality. The electronics are compatible with commonly used astronomy software.
Suitable for DSLR cameras with a maximum total length of 35cm (camera body with lens). The maximum recommended focal length without autoguider is 200mm.
High-precision stepper motors: GoTo positioning accuracy of approx. 1 arcmin, tracking accuracy of 25 arcsec, guided accuracy of approx. 1 arcsec.

What you will need: A USB power bank able to deliver at least 5V 1A

The OpenAstroTracker is available in different latitude setting versions. We will supply you with a set that allows you to set up the mount for a latitude of either 35° to 45° or 45° to 55°.

The OpenAstroTracker kit

No need to worry: The electronic components are all designed for easy use. No soldering is necessary.

A matching DIY autoguider is also available as an option: OpenAstroGuider V2

Tags: Mount, accessories, OpenAstroTech, photo mount
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Astronomik MaxFR: Narrow band line filter for fast scopes

March 25 2021, Stefan Taube

The new filters in the MaxFR range are optimised for astrophotography using very fast telescopes, such as the Celestron RASA scopes or the Takahashi Epsilon astrographs.

Astronomik has made these filters available for the three most important spectral lines, namely OIII, H-alpha and SII, each available in half widths of 12 and 6 nanometres.

An H-alpha clip filter for Canon cameras from the MaxFR range

When you observe beneath brightened skies, astrophotography with line filters provides you with the best opportunties to capture successful images. Generally, an H-alpha filter is the first sensible purchase: Using this filter, you can effortlessly capture detailed images, even during the full Moon or beneath heavily brightened skies! It is also the correct filter for all nebulae which emit red light.

The OIII filter significantly increases your options as it enables all green/blue structures to be captured in detailed and high-contrast images. Planetary nebulae and star formation regions are especially rewarding targets!

The SII filter then completes your filter set, and enables you to create the same colour photographs as the Hubble Space Telescope using the three channels!

Which half width is right? In short, the use of 12 nanometre filters is ideal for DSLR cameras and all dark-current-limited cameras. Further suppressing the sky background using a narrower half width does not create more detail with these cameras. The 6 nanometre filters are the right choice for locations with more light pollution and for cameras with extremely low dark current, for example cameras with very good cooling. Especially in very starry regions of the Milky Way, the 6nm filter can also capture weak objects in high-contrast without them becoming lost in the mass of stars.

You can find an overview of all filters in the range here.

Tags: Filter, Astronomik, accessories
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Explore Scientific: Guidescope and finderscope in one

February 9 2021, Stefan Taube

Small telescopes which are mounted parallel to the telescope fulfil two purposes: as a finderscope, they help the observer to navigate the night sky, whilst as a guidescope, they help with the astronomical mount’s precise tracking.

Explore Scientific Guidescope 8x50 Helikal

Explore Scientific 8×50 helical guidescope

The manufacturer, Explore Scientific, has produced two models which superbly meet the requirements for both of these:

Both scopes are equipped with a removable eyepiece. Without this eyepiece, they can be used as a guidescope with a helical focuser. They use a guiding camera with a mating dimension of 1.25”. With the aid of the guide sleeve clips, the guidescope can be aligned to a guide star. The camera keeps this firmly in view and corrects minute mount errors using drive pulses.

Using the eyepiece, small telescopes are converted into high-quality finderscopes, producing images vastly superior to standard finderscopes. The eyepiece is fitted with an illuminated crosshair.