The ATT team is always humbledwhen confronted with evidence that thismagazine has become a truly internationalpublication and such was again the casewhen subscriber Attila Madai wrote onOctober 27 to announce a new productline. Madai serves as CEO of MDA-TelesCoop LLC, headquartered in theBudapest suburb of Erd, Hungary, whichhas developed an innovative solution to tel-escope-mount tracking control.

Madai says of the new Telescope DriveMaster that, “This device does not justreduce, but does completely eliminate all ofthe periodic and non-periodic tracking errorof your equatorial mount. You do not needto have a conventional autguider system;you do not need to spend valuable observ-ing time with unproductive guide-starhunting; just expose, expose, and expose allthe night...”

One of the most difficult problems in

astrophotography and sci-entific CCD measuringtechniques of “instrumen-tal” astronomical observa-tions is the sufficientlyaccurate tracking ability ofvarious mounts. Even themost precise mountsdesigned especially foradvanced amateurs havesome periodic and non-periodic trackingerrors. As a result, photograph exposurelengths must be limited. These limitationsobviously depend on other factors as well,such as focal length of the telescope, hori-zontal altitude of the object observed due tograduation of atmospheric refraction, cor-rect polar alignment of the mount, etc.Moreover, these factors have rather complexinterrelations to each other; e.g. you can useshorter focal lengths to reduce star trailingon the surface of the CCD sensor to com-

pensate for mount tracking errors.To mitigate such factors, the most

common solution is “auto-guiding.”Another tool often used to reduce the effectof the periodic tracking error is PEC(Periodic Error Correction) software.Although both can remarkably improve thetracking accuracy of your mount, each pres-ents specific challenges. For example, it issometimes quite laborious to find a guidestar that is located in the observed object’sregion in the sky and that is also brightenough for accurate tracking processes.More difficult is finding two tracking peri-ods with exactly the same shapes such asrequired for optimum efficiency of the PECalgorithm.

The bottom line: the better the track-ing accuracy of your mount, the better theimaging possibilities you have. TheTelescope Drive Master (TDM) promisesan improved solution to drive accuracy andis applicable to almost any mass-producedequatorial mount. The TDM consists oftwo parts: (1) a high-precision encoder unitthat attaches directly to the RA shaft of themount and (2) an electronic controller thatreceives signals from the encoder unit andsends control instructions to the mount’sdriver via its auto-guider input connector.The system is reported to produce trackingaccuracy of approximately 1.0 acr-second,depending on the mechanical features of thespecific mount and the tracking-correctionspeed of its driver.

The TDM is compatible with any con-troller unit that has a standard auto-guiderinput and its tracking correction speed canbe set at 0.5x sidereal speed, or lower. Thesystem includes mechanical adapters for

22 Astronomy TECHNOLOGY TODAY

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NEWPRODUCTS

Astronomy TECHNOLOGY TODAY 23

The Boren-Simon 2.8-8 EDPowerNewt Astrograph was designed solelyfor fast imaging using DSLR or CCD cam-eras. Utilizing Boren-Simon’s PowerNewtReducer Corrector (PRC), the 8-inch scopeclocks in at a blazing f/2.8.

The package includes the 2.8-8 EDPowerNewt Astrograph Optical TubeAssembly (OTA); 8x50 finder scope andbrackets; a low-profile dual-speed focuser; apair of tube rings; 2-inch extender for visualuse; 1.25-inch collimation cap; Vixen-styledovetail; built in mirror cooling fan; batteryholder for the mirror fan; and PowerNewtReducer Corrector (disassembled from thefocuser) packed with 2 plastic caps.

The scope features an oversized second-

ary mirror, 1/12 wave mirror optics, and a 4-element corrector. The corrector andfocuser/drawtube have been modified andthen integrated to seamlessly work together.Field correction of more than 25-mm diam-eter allows ASP-C size chips (Canon EOS)to be corrected to the edge of the field.Canon EOS DSLRs are plug-and-shoot -no adapters nor any special preparations areneeded. The 55-mm distance from the cor-rector to the camera can be used for a filter-wheel or other accessories.

Collimation is achieved with the 2.8-8ED just as with any Newt, using whatevermethod the user is comfortable with.Corrector out, collimator in, and you're allset.

For visual used the Boren-Simon 2.8-8ED can be used as an f/4 (corrector out) orf/8 using the optional 2-inch Barlow lens.

The Simon’s PowerNewt ReducerCorrector also serves as a focal reducer,which dictates accurate distances set upbetween the focal plane and main mirror.The focuser is made to size and is fit with theright dents placing the PowerNewt RC atexactly the correct location, while keeping itfrom any accidental fall into the OTA.There is a possibility that the PowerNewtReducer Corrector might work with anoth-er Newt, but chances are that it won't.

For more information visit please visitwww.powernewts.com.

BOREN-SIMON 2.8-8 ED PowerNewt Astrograph

SPECIFICATIONSAperture 8-inch/200mmFocal Length 22.36-inch/568mmFocal Ratio f/2.84Mirrors > 93% ReflectivityMirror Optics 1/12 Wave OpticsCorrector 4 Element Multi-Coated Focuser 10:1 dual speed

50-mm travelOTA Weight 16.7 lbs/7.6kgOTA Length 27.55-inch/70cmOptical Tube Rolled Steel Enamel

FinishFinderscope 8x50 Crosshaired

With BracketTube Rings Steel, Hinged,

Felt-linedWarranty 1 year warranty

attachment of the encoder unit to a grow-ing list of equatorial mounts, including Sky-Watcher EQ6, Orion Atlas EQ-G, Sky-Watcher HEQ5, Orion Sirius EQ-G,Celestron CGE and Advanced GT, Astro-Physics 1200, Losmanday G11, MeadeLX200GPS and LX200 Classic, MeadeLXD 75, Vixen GP-DX and GP-D2, andany type of Fornax mount.

A second version of the TDM wasmore recently introduced that facilitatesoverwriting autoguider pulses with theTDM so that the TDM merely assists inkeeping the tracking speed strictly on side-real or average King rate. This approach

allows the user to select a relatively dimguide star and still maintain accurate track-ing. On the other hand, the autoguider canstill assist the TDM counter atmosphericrefraction encountered during long expo-sures. The result is an ideal symbiosis formaintaining accurate tracking. TDM v2also allows reduction of correction speedsfrom the 0.25x minimum provided byTDM v1 to an even finer 0.15x.

The TDM is available exclusively over-seas through Meade Europe/Bresser andExplore Scientific in North America. Formore information, visit www.telescope-drivemaster.com.

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Gerd Newman’s new version of theAurora Flatfield Panels is an advance-ment of the well known EF flatfield foilswhich have been designed to facilitateflatfield needs for astrophotography.

What are Aurora Flatfield Panels?They are a light source for taking flatfieldimages. They feature a thin electrolumi-nescence foil which emits light after anexternal voltage is applied to it.

The benefits of Aurora FlatfieldPanels include a perfectly even illuminat-ed surface; broad, continuous spectrum(can be used with emission line filters);and are lightweight and easy to handle. Apower inverter for 12V and 110/240V isavailable. The panels are well suited forstationary and mobile use.

The flatfield panels are mounted in avery rigid frame which consists ofunbreakable plastic with an extra protec-tion around the edge. The panel is per-fectly sheltered during transport andtravel. The opaque front plate provideseven more uniform brightness than thefoil alone. For very fast systems users canreduce the brightness by placing sheets ofpaper in front of the foil which are keptvery stable by the flatfield panel’s rigidframe.

The Aurora Flatfield Panels areoffered in round diameters which arematched to the many sizes of commer-cially available telescopes. Standard sizesinclude: D 160mm - for instruments upto 6-inch; D 220mm - for instrumentsup to 8-inch; D 315mm - for instru-ments up to 12-inch; and D 420mm -for instruments up to 16-inch. Custom,larger foils up to 60cm are available uponrequest. Gerd can also fabricate panels upto 1.5m diameter.

The light from the panel looksblueish/white. Some foils from othersources appear to be white to the humaneye, but the light is made of discreteemission lines which can reduce effec-

tiveness for narrowband emission line fil-ters. The Aurora panels do not utilizeemission lines and offer very broad, con-tinuous emission across the whole spec-trum which enhances their effectivenessusing narrowband emission line filters.

The Aurora Flatfield Panels are wellsuited for the work with DSLR andcooled CCD cameras, working withBroadband or RGB. The brightness ofthe panels is matched to the work withfilters. When working with light fromthe whole spectrum (no filter or onlyUV+IR blocker) the brightness of thepanel will need to be reduced. Thebrightness can be controlled electronical-ly by reducing the input voltage of theinverter (12V inverter only). If the panelis still too bright for a user’s setup (veryfast instruments and/or very sensitivecamera), one or more sheets of paper canbe placed into the frame between thewhite plexiglass and the foil. The bright-ness is very even across the whole surface.The panel works well for the most criti-cal observations, even photometry orspectroscopy.

The Aurora Flatfield Panels are

shipped as complete ready-to-use sets.Each set consists of the mounted foil, thematching inverter, all cables and a print-ed manual.

For more information please visitwww.gerdneumann.net.

GERD NEWMANAurora Flatfield Panels

NEWPRODUCTS

Astronomy TECHNOLOGY TODAY 25

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Orion’s latest combination of big-aperture performance and convenientportability comes to life in the form ofthe Orion SkyQuest XX12g and XX14gGoTo Truss Tube Dobsonian telescopes.Orion’s most advanced Dobsonians yetare geared up for extensive exploration ofthe night sky, with fully motorized GoToand tracking drives providing automatedpointing to any of the over 42,000 celes-tial objects in the hand controller's data-base.

Orion designed the scopes’ opticaltube and base with portability in mind.The truss tube can be divided into asmall front tube section including thesecondary mirror and focuser, rear tubesection housing the primary mirror andcell, and the four truss-pole pairs. Orionhas made the base collapsible for easy no-tools-required disassembly into four sep-arate, smaller pieces for easier transport.The separated component pieces of thescopes’ tubes and bases can be storedwithout taking up an excessive amountof space in the home, and can be trans-ported in virtually any standard-sized carto that favorite dark-sky observing site.

Both scopes feature telescope opticaltubes which employ a rigid 8-pole trussdesign that virtually eliminates flexureobserved in 6- and 3-pole designs.Stability of the assembled Dobsonianbase is enhanced by its 1-inch thick com-

posite wood base panels, which are lami-nated with water-resistant blackmelamine.

GoTo and tracking motors are pre-installed on the base panels, makingassembly easy. Once the tube and baseare assembled, the optical tube attachesto the base with a dovetail trunnion andlocks securely in place with a single cap-tive hand knob. Since all base and truss-tube hardware is captive, owners don’thave to worry about leaving a screwbehind after a long night of viewing inthe field.

The scopes’ GoTo systems automati-cally slews the telescopes to any of theover 42,000 celestial objects offered fromthe hand controller’s intuitive menus,once a simple alignment process is com-pleted. Altitude and azimuth motorsautomatically track the motion of thetarget object so it stays put in the eye-piece field of view for extended visualstudy.

For anyone who has spent an eveningmanually tracking objects with aDobsonian this is a welcome upgrade.Forgiving of bumps and nudges, thescopes feature closed-loop electronicsallowing manual repositioning or slewingof the telescope tube without losingalignment of the GoTo system. In fact,depending on a users’ preference, ownerscan choose to operate the telescope in

either GoTo or auto-tracking mode. The XX12g features 12 inches

(305mm) of aperture and a fast f/4.9focal ratio. The 12-inch diffraction-lim-ited parabolic primary mirror is craftedfrom low thermal expansion glass forspeedy ambient temperature acclimationand optimal visual performance. Theincluded cooling accelerator fan helpshasten temperature acclimation of theprimary mirror (requires 8 D-cell batter-ies or other 12V power source, notincluded). The primary mirror featuresenhanced reflectivity aluminum coatingswhich provide 94% reflectivity and aprotective quartz overcoat.

The XX14g offers 14 inches(356mm) of aperture and a fast f/4.6focal ratio. It features an innovative con-vex-back diameter primary mirror and anewly engineered mirror cell, whichweigh 10 lbs. less than Orion’s standard14-inch mirror and cell, yielding fasterambient temperature equilibration timesso owners get optimal visual results morequickly. The mirror cell accepts six spe-cially designed threaded counterweights(included) to optimize balance.

The XX12g and XX14g are outfittedwith a thorough set of included accessories. A 35-mm DeepView 2-incheyepiece provides wide 56-degree viewsand a 12.5-mm illuminated Plossl 1.25-inch eyepiece helps optimize GoTosystem alignment. A collimation cap,removable eyepiece rack, 12V DC powercable and RS-232 cable are also included.A 12V power supply (sold separately) isrequired for use of the GoTo system and tracking motors. A 12V battery packis included (requires 8 D-cells: notincluded) to power the CoolingAccelerator Fan. Also included is a complimentary Starry Night SpecialEdition software CD-ROM andSkyTheater DVD. The dual-speed

NEWPRODUCTS

26 Astronomy TECHNOLOGY TODAY

ORION TELESCOPES & BINOCULARS SkyQuest XX12g and XX14g GoTo Truss Tube Dobsonians

NEWPRODUCTS

Astronomy TECHNOLOGY TODAY 27

2 - i n c hCrayfordf o c u s e r ,with its 11:1 fine-focusratio, allows forprecise details of any celestial denizen.Both 2-inch and 1.25-inch telescope eyepiecescan be used, thanks to theincluded 1.25-inch step-downadapter.

Available accessories includea specially designed Light Shroudwhich significantly enhances theviewing experience by blockingdistracting peripheral light fromentering the light path, opti-mizing contrast and brightness.

An optional custom OrionPadded Case Set is availablefor the optical tube. Itincludes a padded case for thetop tube section including asecondary mirror cover, apadded case for the bottom tubesection, and a roll-up case to safely hold

the truss-pole assemblies. The total assembled weight (includ-

ing accessories) for the XX12g is 118 lbs.The assembled optical tube is 56-inch-

es long by 14-inches wide and weighs49.5 lbs. The bottom tube section

is 26-inches long by 14-incheswide and weighs 34.3 lbs. The

top tube section is 8-incheslong by 14-inches wide

and weighs 9.6 lbs. Thefour truss pole assem-

blies are 24-incheslong by 4.6-inch-

es wide by1.75-inches

high. Thet o t a l

weightof the

four

truss pole assemblies is 5.6 lbs. The baseis 28-inches wide by 33.5-inches highand weighs 71 lbs.

The XX14g assembled weight(including accessories) is 140 lbs. Theassembled optical tube is 61-inches longby 16.5-inches wide and weighs 65.5 lbs.The bottom tube section is 26-incheslong by 14-inches wide and weights 35.4 lbs. The top tube section is 8.5-inches long by 16.5-inches wide andweighs 9.4 lbs. The four truss poleassemblies are 33.5-inches long by 4.5-inches wide by 1.75-inches high.Total weight of the 4 truss pole assemblies and captive assembly is 6.95lbs. The assembled base is 30.5-incheswide by 31.50-inches high and weighs75.5 lbs.

The scopes come with a one-yearlimited warranty. The XX12g is offeredfor $1,899.95US and the XX14g is$2,399.95US.

For more information visit www.ori-ontelescopes.com.

Deep Space Products has announcedthat it is now the exclusive dealer in NorthAmerica for the new T-REX Apex Alt-Azimuth T-Mount.

The T-Rex was developed Barry Gooley,owner of Kokusia Kohki in Kyoto, Japan, It isthe a excellent visual observing platform forrefractors, reflectors, and SCTs. The T-REXhas its basic design rooted in the more simpleT-mount designs that are popular as grab-and-go mounts for smaller OTAs, primarilyrefractors. However, the T-REX offers anenhanced level of functionality as a smart,strong, precise and well-made mount thateasily supports many types of OTAs up to thepopular Celestron C-11.

While the basic T-REX is ready to useout of the box, because of the built-inencoders owners can initially order or easilyadd digital setting circles to provide the abili-ty to select from thousands of items to which

the T-REX can precisely point. Slow motioncontrols on each axis allow the ability to panthe telescope’s field of view with precision andcontrol, without shaking the telescope. Forlonger sweeps of the sky, a quick release of theclutch handle on each axis allows the tele-scope to move freely by hand to any point inthe sky, while the DSC is keeping track of

where the telescope is pointing.The T-REX features very smooth dual

axis 360 degree slow motion gears controlledby long and easy to grip aluminum handles,built in and well protected 4096 count inter-nal encoders, Vixen style dovetail compatiblesaddle plate with oversized locking knobs, andTakahashi-compatible mounting hole spac-

28 Astronomy TECHNOLOGY TODAY

NEWPRODUCTS

DEEP SPACE PRODUCTST-REX Apex Alt-Azimuth T-Mount

ing. The high profile “pier” body design helpsraise a telescope’s focuser to a comfortableviewing height.

The mount is available in black or whiteexterior finishes and is available with a strongstainless steel tripod (if purchasers have anAtlas or CGEM mount or a Vixen SX-HAL-130 tripod, they can use the tripod theyalready if they choose to do so).

Deep Space Products offers the followingupgrades with the T-REX including SkyCommander XP4 Flash, Argo Navis DSC,NGC-MAX DSC, 55-cm flexible slow-motion handles, ADM dualLosmandy/Vixen style saddle plate, 20-cmtripod pier extension tube, 3/8-inch tripodadapter plate, and a soft carrying case thatholds the T-REX on the tripod so that disas-sembly is unnecessary.

The T-REX alt azimuth mount head ismanufactured with high precision in Japanwith great attention to detail throughout andis designed for a long working life of low-maintenance dependability. Enhanced DSCobject acquisition accuracy is an added bene-

fit of the precision manufacturing and, cou-pled with accurate placement of DSC initial-ization marks at 0 degrees and 90 degrees onthe altitude axis, means that users can spendmore time finding and observing objects, notsearching for them.

The T-REX is simple to use and designedto be virtually maintenance and adjustmentfree. The T-REX mount attaches to (andreleases from) the tripod with just one hand-tightened lock bolt. Any telescope with aVixen compatible dovetail plate (or aLosmandy compatible dovetail plate if theADM dual saddle is used) easily mates to theT-REX`s saddle plate, locking in place bytightening two hand bolts. The mount isquickly balanced in the altitude axis simply bymoving the OTA forward or backward asnecessary.

Simply plug the (optional) digital settingcircle readout module into the altitude andazimuth encoder jacks on the side of the T-REX body, initialize it on start up takingadvantage of the initialization markers, andthe DSC is then good to go. The 4096 step

encoders are direct coupled for a 1:1 gear ratio[T-REX`s encoder parameters are (azimuth)AZ -04096 and (altitude) AL+04096]. Thissimple data input (along with any additionalinputs required by the particular DSC used)is all that is needed for the readout module toaccurately find objects.

The tension applied to each axis of the T-REX as it rotates is controlled by a clamphandle on each axis. Slightly tightening theclamp handles compensates for small balancevariations. As conditions require, the clamphandles can be left completely unclamped forfast manual slewing, or cinched down tightlyto firmly lock that axis in a set position. Witheach axis 1/8 to 1/4 clamped, the slow motioncontrols engage to apply precise and smoothslewing during medium and high magnifica-tion observing sessions. Gear tension is facto-ry adjusted to provide smooth rotation undermost conditions, but users can also adjust it toprovide slightly more or less tension.

Pricing for the T-Rex varies upon config-uration. For more information please visitwww.deepspaceproducts.com.

Astronomy TECHNOLOGY TODAY 29

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30 Astronomy TECHNOLOGY TODAY

NEWPRODUCTS

As the chips of modern CCD camerasbecome larger and larger it can becomedifficult to align the chips exactly perpen-dicular to the optical axis and parallel tothe focal plane. In some cases, the sensormay not be mounted perfectly in the cam-era housing which can result in a sharppart of the field with less sharp areas onone or both sides.

The new Astronomik Camera TiltingUnit (CTU) will help solve this problem asit allows users to adjust the tilt of the focalplane very easy and precisely. Some othersimilar units have three pairs of push/pullscrews at 120 degrees which can be diffi-cult to adjust.

At the heart of the Astronomik CTUare three radial screws with a very lightcone in the front. There is a very smallamount of separation between these conesin the two parts of the CTU. A whole turnof a screw corresponds to a separation ofonly 0.2mm. Due to this fine movementand the large outer diameter of the CTU,it is quite easy to adjust the position of thesensor to less that 1/100mm.

The overall tightness of the CTU isvery high and both sides of the CTU areheld together with three strong sets of disksprings. These springs provide a verystrong force and keep everything together.When mounting a camera with a weightof less than 3kg to the CTU, users should-n’t have to tighten the set crews (two for

each radial adjustment screw). For usewith heavy imaging outfits the set screwsare available, but it is unlikely that evenheavy camera assemblies will need them.

The CTU will solve virtually all prob-lems with a tilted focal plane of a cameraor scope. The CTU comes in two sizes.The large CTU-2.7AP has female 2.7-inch Astro-Physics threading on bothsides, and the smaller CTU-M48 whichhas female M48x0.75 threads on bothsides. A wide variety of adapters are alsoavailable.

Technical details of the CTU includeminimum thickness of 17.3mm, maxi-mum travel of 1mm (both versions), anouter diameter of 119mm (CTU-2,7AP)and 99mm (CTU-M48).

For more information please visitwww.astronomik.com.

ASTRONOMIKNew Camera Tilting Unit (CTU)

Astronomy TECHNOLOGY TODAY 31

NEWPRODUCTS

Lunt Solar Systems upcomingLS230THa/PT (Pressure Tuned) is acomplete and dedicated Hydrogen-alphasolar telescope with an image scale of3,366. Soon to become the largest aper-ture solar telescope currently available,Lunt plans for the scope to offer thehighest level of performance ever pro-duced in a solar scope.

The LS230THa/PT is a precisionaligned refractor with a fully unobstruct-ed 230-mm aperture. The 100% unob-structed system will perform to the high-est level at both low and high magnifica-tions. Utilizing advanced hi-contrastcoatings and the new Lunt Doppler TruePressure Tuning system, the user will beable to experience an unparalleled levelof visual and imaging performance.

The system is designed as a dedicat-ed Hydrogen-alpha telescope. Unlike the smaller LS152THa, the system is not modular. The LS230THa/PT speci-fications include: 230-mm optical aperture (unobstructed); internal <0.7angstrom etalon; Lunt Internal PressureTune (Doppler True Tuning); image scaleof 3,366; focal length of 1610mm; f/7 ratio; and weighs in at approximately70 lbs.

The system requires the B3400straight-thru blocking filter installed inthe focuser. Package accessories include a

L u n tZ o o mEyepiece,Tele Vue SolSearcher SunFinder, 2-inchStarlight InstrumentsFeather Touch Focuser,mounting rings with 12-inch Losmandystyle plate and carrying handle, and analuminum finished hard case with fittedfoam.

Pricing is $15,999US. Lunt will beproducing a limited run of LS230Ts inthe first part of 2011. Lunt has plans to release a DSII (internal double-stack)version and will release description, specifications, and pricing as it becomesavailable.

Advancing the intermediary catego-ry of daytime solar observing, Lunt Solar Systems’ new LS80T pressure-tuned hydrogen-alpha telescope is a pre-cision aligned ED refractor with a fullyunobstructed 80mm optical aperture.Featuring Lunt’s Doppler True Tuningtechnology for fine adjustment of the center wavelength, the new LS80T allows for research of the Sun’sdisk and surface details at increasedimage scale.

The LS80Tha offers an internal etalon system with pressure tune

adjustment that allows an internal<0.7 Angstrom bandpass and has a focallength of 560mm and f/7 focal ratio. Itoffers an image scale of 408 which is cal-culated by the effective image size at thefocal plain and the clear aperture of thescope

The LS80T package is fully upgrade-able with several options including thenew Dual Internal Stack Etalon System(DSII). The DSII eliminates the need foran external doublestack etalon reducingcost and eliminating obstructions. Thesystem is 100% unobstructed and thebandpass is reduced to <0.5 Angstroms.The LS80T can be internally doublestacked at time of purchase or anytimethereafter. Doublestacking provides atruly enhanced high-definition view ofthe Sun’s surface details. The LS80T doesnot need to be returned to the factory fordoublestacking. The LS80T is pricedaccording to the configuration andordered accessories.

For more information please visitwww.luntsolarsystems.com.

LUNT SOLAR SYSTEMS New LS230THa/PT and LS80T

Farpoint Astronomical Research hasadded two new product to its growing sta-ble of astronomical accessories.

Farpoint recently introduced the Dri-Shield replacement end cap for all 8- to 16-inch Meade and Celestron Schmidt-Cassegrain Telescopes (SCT). Each preci-sion-formed ABS-plastic Dri-Shield incor-porates a fully-rechargeable desiccant insertto absorb moisture that is often trappedbetween the stock end cap and the correc-tor plate.

If you are like most SCT users, you’veoccasionally had to cap an SCT while some

dew-deposited moisture was still evident onthe corrector. You try to remember to allowthe scope to dry before storing it, but it’sjust too easy to forget to perform that crit-ical step. Enter the Dri-Shield. The durablereplacement cap will not break, dent, orwobble off of the front of your scope andits desiccant insert provides added protec-tion against the dreaded effects ofentrapped moisture.

Farpoint’s new Dew-Shield line of flex-ible dew shields rounds out its commit-ment to moisture prevention and protec-tion. It’s made from the same tough ABS

plastic as Farpoint’s popular Bahtinovmasks and features increased thickness ofthe interior flocking and a higher-qualitydampening pad for greater durability andlonger life. As with its new Dri-Shield, theFarpoint Dew-Shield is produced in sizes tofit Meade and Celestron SCTs in aperturesranging from 8 to 16 inches and is availablewith or without notches to accommodatedovetail and accessory plates.

Farpoint Astronomical Research prod-ucts are available from a growing list ofworldwide retailers. For more information,please visit www.farpointastro.com.

32 Astronomy TECHNOLOGY TODAY

NEWPRODUCTS

FARPOINT ASTRONOMICAL RESEARCH Announces Two New Dew-Control Accessories

Garrett Optical has recently updatedtheir popular Gemini 25x100 WP-IFbinocular introduced as the all-new MarkII version which benefits from numerousdesign improvements.

These are heavy-duty giant astronomybinoculars. The attractive rubber armoringand hefty all-metal CNC-machined andcast aluminum construction will last formany years to come. The optical qualitymeasures up to that of the precisionmechanics, which makes these excellentinstruments for binocular astronomy.

Enhancements over the last generationinclude a new, advanced optical design fea-turing a 5-element eyepiece and f/4.65focal ratio that yields better edge correctionand center sharpness than the previous

model. The second-generation design alsonow utilizes superior multi-coatings forgreater-than-90% total light transmission -that's more than 99.5% light transmissionper surface.

The improved mechanical design fea-tures more-precisely machined individualfocusers with built-in 1.25-inch filterthreads on the outside of the eyepiece,which allows the observer to use virtuallyany standard telescope moon, nebula, orlight pollution filters.

Larger prism clusters than the previousdesign mean the Gemini 25x100 WP-IFMark II has a wider interpupilary range of55mm to 73mm to accommodate moreobservers. Perhaps the biggest improve-ment is in the subjective “feel” of the binoc-ular. Overall fit and finish is noticeablyenhanced over the previous generation.

Eyeglass wearers will appreciate thegenerous eye relief of 17mm. Collimationcan be adjusted by experienced users, ifnecessary. Keep in mind that these 18-inchlong 25x100 binoculars and their resulting11-pound weight will require a heftymount, though the awe-inspiring perform-

ance will be worth it.An added perk is that every Gemini

Waterproof astronomy binocular comeswith a deluxe heavy-duty carrying case withdurable PVC armoring and aluminumtrim. The cases are lined with soft, “egg-crate”-style foam for maximum protection.

The Gemini 25x100 WP-IF Mark IIbinocular is available now for the holidayseason for just $399.95. Each binocular iscovered by a two-year warranty and 30-dayreturn policy.

For more information visit www.gar-rettoptical.com.

GARRETT OPTICAL Gemini 25x100 WP-IF Mk II – Binocular