Adds approx. 200mm of tripod extension.

This Skywatcher M48 T-Ring is designed specifically for attaching Canon DSLR Camera into any of the Skywatcher 0.85x Focal Reducer/Correctors. These M48 T-Rings are different than the standard T-rings and are mainly utilized for larger image formatting.

Skywatcher M48 T-Ring is designed specifically for attaching Nikon DSLR Camera into any of the Skywatcher 0.85x Focal Reducer/Correctors. These M48 T-Rings are different than the standard T-rings and are mainly utilized for larger image formatting.

Normally available for pickup or shipping approx. 2-3 business days from your order

Open your Sky-Watcher GOTO mount to an entire new world of advanced planetarium and telescope control software with the SkyWatcher USB-Adapter

The Sky-Watcher Synscan Hand Controller is great - but wait until you see what your telescope can do once connected to a PC with this low-cost connector.

The Sky-Watcher USB PC Direct Connector allows PC control of most Sky-Watcher mounts via a simple USB B cable.

This replaces your Synscan Hand Controller and let’s a PC to control your telescope instead.

It retrofits the PC-Direct mode feature being rolled in new Sky-Watcher mounts such as the new Sky-Watcher EQ8-R series to older Sky-Watcher mounts.

The Sky-Watcher USB-Adapter plugs into almost any Sky-Watcher mount in place of the Syncan Hand Controller. It doesn’t provide any new connectivity functionality compared to other third party solutions already available, however it solves these connection hassles with a single, easy to use Sky-Watcher device.

Both Sky-Watcher EQ mounts as well as AZ mounts like the Sky-Watcher Goto Dobsonian telescopes are supported.

The Synscan Hand Controller offers a wide range of functions aimed to telescope control and guiding for both visual use and imaging. There is also a vast range of third-party astronomy apps that the Sky-Watcher USB PC Direct Connector gives you easy access to.

Most of these apps communicate through a standard interface called ASCOM. (https://ascom-standards.org/)

Some of the app that run on a Windows PC connected to a Sky-Watcher include:

Planetariums:

• Cartes du Ciel
• Stellarium
• STAR Atlas:PRO Planetarium
• Starry Night family
• TheSky Astronomy Software
• EasySky Pro Planetarium and Astrometry
• The Earth Centered Universe

Observing planning:

• AstroPlanner
• Hyperion PRISM
• Deep-Sky Planner
• SkyTools

Guiding:

• Open PHD Guiding
• SkyGuider Pro

INDI for Linux and Mac

The Sky-Watcher USB PC Direct Connector is also supported by the INDI Library telescope and device control platform. A list of supported clients can be found here:

https://indilib.org/about/clients.html

SkyWatcher USB-Adapter Specifications:

Included: 1 x Sky-Watcher USB PC Direct Connector, 2 x link cable (1 x 6 pin RJ45, 1 x 8 pin RJ 45)

Output: USB “B” connector (The same type as a common USB printer cable)

Supported mounts:

HEQ5, AZ/EQ5, EQ6, NEQ6, EQ6 R, AZ/EQ6, EQ8, EQ8 R Pro, EQ8 RH Pro.

Note: If you have a newer version 5 Synscan Hand Controller with a USB C connector of the bottom of the unit, you do not need this USB Connector. (See tech note here on using the Synscan PC-Direct mode)

Please note, does not include hand controller cable.

The SkyWatcher V5 hand controller includes new features such as: Firmware-updatability via the internet, pointing accuracy enhancement (PAE) and ability to store star alignment data.

SynScan handset with USB for SkyWatcher goto Telescopes & Mounts, the latest version fully updatable via the SkyWatcher website.

Accepts GPS Mouse.

SkyWatcher V5 hand controller Specification

• Alignment Method: One-Star Alignment, Two-Star Alignment, Three-Star Alignment.
• Pointing Accuracy: Up to 1 arc min.
• Object Catalogues: Messier, IC, NGC, Caldwell.
• 13740 Object Database: Including Planets, Named Stars, Double Stars, Variable Stars & User-Defined Objects.
• Backlash compensation.
• Periodic Error Correction.
• Premium PC Interface: ASCOM compatible, Nexstar-5i compatible protocol and command set
• User-tunable LCD contrast
• LED backlight and buzzer volume.

Please not this does not include a connecting cable.

Contact us for the correct one for your mount. 

Wave 100i Mount Features:

• Working Mode: EQ or AZ
• Dual saddle capability.
• Mount weight: 4.3kg
• Payload without Counterweight: 10kg
• Payload with Counterweight: 15kg
• Transmission Mode: Stepper motor + belt drive and harmonic reducer
• RA Harmonic spec: 17-100
• DEC Harmonic spec: 14-100
• Total transmission ratio: 300:1
• Latitude adjustment range: continuously adjustable from 0 to 90 degrees
• RA has a clutch-locking function, easy to adjust balance when installing a counterweight
• Wifi and Bluetooth function
• Working power: 12v DC
• Standby current: 0.4
• Go-to current: 2A
• Highest rate: 2400x (10 degrees/s)
• RA has power-off braking function
• RA and DEC home limits position function
• Cable management function
• Red LED lighting for latitude scales and bubble level

Benefits of Strainwave Designs
The Sky-Watcher 100i is a strain wave design, commonly referred to as a harmonic drive. These types of mount mechanics come packed with a number of advantages for astrophotography, including very accurate precision tracking which is ideal for longer exposure imaging, zero backlash and smoother motion for stable tracking, compact designs for easier transport and a relatively high payload to weight ratio to accommodate a much wider range of equipment.

10kg Payload Capacity
The Sky-Watcher Wave 100i weighs only 4.3kg, yet it can handle a payload capacity of 10kg without counterweights and up to 15kg with a counterweight.

Tripod

There's a number of tripod options for the Sky-Watcher Wave 100i mount. We highly recommend the Benro Fibre Mach3 Tripod - this $549 tripod is lightweight and very stable.

Transmission R>Tatio of 300:1 Ensures Smooth Slewing and Tracking
The Wave 100i has a transmission ratio of 300:1, resulting in a high level of tracking and slewing accuracy since motor torque and rotation is divided into smaller increments, lessening any impact of jolts between rotations that could be apparent the longer exposures become. The maximum slew rate of the 100i is 2400x (10° per second).

Works at any Latitude
The Sky-Watcher Wave 100i has a working latitude range of 0° to 90°, meaning it can be operated successfully at any latitude and doesn’t suffer from limitations on more traditional gear mounts with counterweight obstruction and zenith out of range.

Supports Multiple Tracking
The Wave 100i supports sidereal, lunar and solar tracking. This means it can be reliably used for night-time astrophotography, moon capture and stunning solar imaging!

SynScan Features:

• Database with 42,900+ objects
• Messier, Caldwell, NGC, IC & SAO catalogues, Named Stars, Double Stars, Variable Stars, Named Stars
• One, Two and Three Stars or Brightest Star Alignment
• Autoguiding feature for astrophotography
• Pointing Accuracy Enhancement feature (PAE)
• Permanent Periodic Error Correction (PPEC)
• Unknown Object Identification feature
• Pointing accuracy up to 10 arc min
• Tracking rates: Sidereal, Lunar, Solar
• Slewing speeds: 1x, 2x, 16x, 32x, 64x, 128x, 400x, 500x, 600x, 800x (3.4°/sec)

The exceptional SynScan Go-To system allows full control of both R.A. and Dec. axes with 9 slew speeds and 5 arcminute pointing precision, allowing you to quickly and accurately locate objects across the night sky. The Go-To system can automatically slew the telescope on command toward planets, stars, nebulae, galaxies, clusters and much more. The SynScan has 42,900 memorised celestial objects for an amazing journey in the night sky. The Deep Sky Tour function suggests a list of the most interesting deep sky objects currently visible, so even the novice astronomer can easily observe faint objects at the touch of a button.

Wave 150i Mount Features:

• Working Mode: EQ or AZ
• Mount weight: 5.8kg
• Payload without Counterweight: 15kg
• Payload with Counterweight: 25kg
• Transmission Mode: Stepper motor + belt drive and harmonic reducer
• RA Harmonic spec: 17-100
• DEC Harmonic spec: 14-100
• Total transmission ratio: 300:1
• Latitude adjustment range: continuously adjustable from 0 to 90 degrees
• RA has a clutch-locking function, easy to adjust balance when installing a counterweight
• Wifi and Bluetooth function
• Working power: 12v DC
• Standby current: 0.4
• Go-to current: 2A
• Highest rate: 2400x (10 degrees/s)
• RA has power-off braking function
• RA and DEC home limits position function
• Cable management function
• Red LED lighting for latitude scales and bubble level

Benefits of Strainwave Designs
The Sky-Watcher 150i mount uses astrain wave design, commonly referred to as a harmonic drive . These types of mount mechanics come packed with a number of advantages for astrophotography, including very accurate precision tracking which is ideal for longer exposure imaging, zero backlash and smoother motion for stable tracking, compact designs for easier transport and a relatively high payload to weight ratio to accommodate a much wider range of equipment.

15kg Payload Capacity
The Sky-Watcher Wave 150i weighs only 5.8kg, yet it can handle a payload of 15kg without counterweights and up to 25kg with a counterweight.

Transmission Ratio of 300:1 Ensures Smooth Slewing and Tracking
The Wave 150i has a transmission ratio of 300:1, which represents a relatively high level of tracking and slewing accuracy since motor torque and rotation is divided into smaller increments, lessening any impact of jolts between rotations that could be apparent the longer exposures become. The maximum slew rate of the 150i is 2400x (10° per second).

Works at any Latitude
The Sky-Watcher Wave 150i has a working latitude range of 0° to 90°, meaning it can be operated successfully at any latitude and doesn’t suffer from limitations on more traditional gear mounts with counterweight obstruction and zenith out of range.

Supports Multiple Tracking
The Wave 150i supports sidereal, lunar and solar tracking. This means it can be reliably used for night-time astrophotography, moon capture and stunning solar imaging!

SynScan Features:

• Database with 42,900+ objects
• Messier, Caldwell, NGC, IC & SAO catalogues, Named Stars, Double Stars, Variable Stars, Named Stars
• One, Two and Three Stars or Brightest Star Alignment
• Autoguiding feature for astrophotography
• Pointing Accuracy Enhancement feature (PAE)
• Permanent Periodic Error Correction (PPEC)
• Unknown Object Identification feature
• Pointing accuracy up to 10 arc min
• Tracking rates: Sidereal, Lunar, Solar
• Slewing speeds: 1x, 2x, 16x, 32x, 64x, 128x, 400x, 500x, 600x, 800x (3.4°/sec)

The exceptional SynScan Go-To system allows full control of both R.A. and Dec. axes with 9 slew speeds and 5 arcminute pointing precision, allowing you to quickly and accurately locate objects across the night sky. The Go-To system can automatically slew the telescope on command toward planets, stars, nebulae, galaxies, clusters and much more. The SynScan has 42,900 memorised celestial objects for an amazing journey in the night sky. The Deep Sky Tour function suggests a list of the most interesting deep sky objects currently visible, so even the novice astronomer can easily observe faint objects at the touch of a button.

The Slik 504QFII Video Tripod shares its leg set with the ABLE 300 DX, but it comes complete with a solid SLIK 2-way fluid pan head incorporating an easy to grip pan handle with full angle adjustments. The panhandle is long enough to give excellent leverage for smooth panning. There is a bubble level built into the base of the head quick leveling after set up. The head also has a video quick release plate for fast mounting and un-mounting of the camera.

The legs of the SLIK 504QF II set up and fold down securely. Simply loosen and tighten the leg lock knob to extend or shorten them. 3 position leg locks make for easy set up on uneven ground or steps. Combine it with the 504 QF II/300 DX Short Column and it lowers to 14 inches (350 mm) for low angle or macro videography.

This lightweight video tripod weighs 5.6 lbs and folds down to 27 inches. It’s an excellent tripod to take on location.

Specifications

The SLIK 504 QF-II head has a solid 2-way fluid pan head incorporating an easy to grip pan handle with full angle adjustments. The panhandle is long enough to give excellent leverage for smooth panning. The built-in bubble level at the base of the head allows quick and accurate leveling. The head also has a video quick release plate for fast mounting and un-mounting of the camera.

The Slik Quick Release Plate 6027 (618-735) is the replacement 1/4 20″ thread QR plate for the Pro 340 QF, 504QF and 504QF II.

The all metal plate includes the industry standard  1/4 20″ threaded screw for mounting to video and digital cameras. It also includes a registration pin for video cameras when needed. The durable cork pad creates a solid slip free connection between the plate and camera to prevent camera drift. The plate also uses a tool free mounting design so you do not need a coin or screwdriver to securely attach the plate to your camera.

Products Compatible with the QR Plate 6027

• PRO 340QF Complete Tripod
• 504QF-II video head
• 504QF video head
• 502 QF video head
• 503 QF video head
• 512 QF video head
• 523 QF video head

At a glance

• Load Capacity: 3kg (6.6 lb)
• Max Height: 1630mm (64.2") , Min Height: 124.5mm (4.9")
• Folded Length: 541mm (21.3")
• Leg Sections: 3, Weight: 0.95kg (2.1 lb)
• Carbon Fiber Legs
• Twist Locks, Rubber Feet
• 3-Position Leg Angle Locks
• Reversible, Rapid Column
• Reversible 1/4"-20 and 3/8"-16 Mount

The SLIK PRO CF-633 weighs only 900g making it an easy backpacking companion. It extends to a height of 1,630mm and folds down to a compact 540mm for travel. This tripod handles up to 3kg easily. Use it with high-end mirrorless cameras or professional camera bodies with a variety of lenses.

All 600 series carbon fiber tripods have legs made up of carbon fiber material that is actually comprised of 8 layers of inter-woven carbon strands that are then bonded together in a sealed, high-pressure furnace producing strong, light weight carbon fiber. The legs also feature A.R.S (Anti-Rotational System) is designed into the leg locks and do not allow the individual legs sections to rotate inside each other. Each leg also has an independent lock that sets in one 3 angles to vary the height and stance of the tripod. The three setting are for maximum height, waist level or low angle photography close to the ground.

The three leg sections are secured and loosened with twist locks. Because the legs are non-rotating, you can unlock all of a leg’s stages at once by twisting the three large rubber grips with one hand. This enables fast setup.

Specifications

At a glance

• Load Capacity: approx 4.95 kg
• Max Height: 165, Min Height: 18cm
• Folded Length: 48cm
• Leg Sections: 4, Weight: 1.4 kg

The Slik PRO CF-734 is a full size tripod extending to over 1.6m and folds down to a compact 47cm. Though lightweight (1.4kgs) the PRO CF-734 handles up to 5kgs. This makes it a great hiking and backpacking tripod to match with advanced enthusiast and professional camera bodies and/or heavy lenses in the field.

All 700 series carbon fiber tripods have legs made up of carbon fiber material that is actually comprised of 8 layers of inter-woven carbon strands that are then bonded together in a sealed, high-pressure furnace producing strong, light weight carbon fiber. The legs also feature A.R.S (Anti-Rotational System) is designed into the leg locks and do not allow the individual legs sections to rotate inside each other. Each leg also has an independent lock that sets in one 3 angles to vary the height and stance of the tripod. The three setting are for maximum height, waist level or low angle photography close to the ground.

The four leg sections are secured and loosened with twist locks. Because the legs are non-rotating, you can unlock all of a leg’s stages at once by twisting the three large rubber grips with one hand. This enables fast setup.

At a glance

• Fluid Video Head
• 4kg (8.8 lb) Load Capacity
• Arca-Compatible Quick Release Plate
• Flat Base with 3/8"-16 Thread
• 3/8"-16 to 1/4"-20 Bushing Adapter
• 360° Pan, Pan Handle
• Spring-Loaded Tilt Counterbalance

Arca Compatible Platform

SVH-520 has "viselike" clamping style Arca-type quick release platform that accommodates with any Arca style quick release plate, L-bracket or backpack "clip" design plate.

Reversible video boss plate

Most of video camera have a1/4" set screw, as well as a video boss hole to prevent a camera side sliding. The reversible Video Boss Plate can be easily removed and flipped over when attaching a scopes or photographic cameras that does not have a hole.

Curved Pan Handle

In order to delicately panning and tilting the video head, it is important that the pan bar is easy to grip. A slightly curved pan bar allows the videographer to place the grip in the most comfortable position.

Specifications

These 1.50″ (3.81 cm) bore counterweights are compatible with all 1.5″ counterweight shafts included with the Paramount MX+ and Paramount MYT model mounts, as well as the legacy Paramount ME and Paramount MX.  The Paramount ME IIincludes a 1.875″ counterweight shaft, but is also thread-compatible with the 1.5″ counterweight shaft.

• The Paramount MYT includes one 9 kg (20 lb.) counterweight. If the total weight of the instruments attached to the Paramount MYT exceeds about 13.5 kg (30 lb.), additional counterweights may be required.
• The Paramount MX and ME included two 9 kg (20 lb.) counterweights. If the total weight of the instruments attached to the Paramount ME exceeds about 32 kg (70 lb.), additional counterweights may be required.
• The Paramount MX+ includes two 9 kg (20 lb.) counterweights. If the total weight of the instruments attached to the Paramount ME exceeds about 32 kg (70 lb.), additional counterweights may be required.
• The Paramount ME included two 9 kg (20 lb.) counterweights. If the total weight of the instruments attached to the Paramount ME exceeds about 32 kg (70 lb.), additional counterweights may be required.
• The Paramount ME II includes a 1.875″ diameter counterweight shaft and two 1.875″ bore, 30 lb (13.6 kg) counterweights.
• The height of the counterweight is approximately 7.3 cm (2.9 in.)*

Specifications*

• Weight: 9 kg (20 lb.)
• Height: 7.3 cm (2.9 in.)
• Diameter: 15.2 cm (6 in.)
• Bore diameter: 3.8 cm (1.5 in.)

*Due to minor variations in the size of the stainless steel blanks, the exact outer dimensions of individual counterweights may vary, and the final weight may vary by +/-5 percent.

The 1.5-inch diameter Counterweight Shaft Extension Bar (sold separately) is compatible with the following counterweight shafts:

• Paramount MYT Standard Counterweight Shaft
• Paramount MX/MX+ Standard Counterweight Shaft
• Paramount ME Standard Counterweight Shaft

Specifications

• Length: 17.8 cm (7 in.)
• Diameter:  3.8 cm (1.5 in.)
• Weight: 1.4 kg (3 lb.)
• Capacity: Up to 2 additional counterweights.

This extension provides a longer counterweight balance arm, and more total counterweight capacity.

The Paramount MX Base to Pier Adaptor Plate is an optional accessory to the Paramount MX Robotic Telescope Mount that allows the Paramount MX to be mounted on an existing tripod or pier.

SKU: SB-10215

NEVER view the SUN directly, even during a partial eclipse and especially not through sunglasses, photographic films, slides, x-rays, etc… It is strongly advised using glasses for solar eclipses which are certified “CE” by an approved laboratory empowered to carry out the test of conformity relating to personal protective equipment. These are appropriately certified for the European Standard for personal eye equipment (EN 1836:2005+A1:2007)

How many planets orbit the Sun? What are the rings of Saturn made of? Did you know that Sun is more than a million times bigger than Earth? These and other questions will be answered in this book, dedicated to the secrets of the solar system, which contains 10 fabulous pop-ups. Planets, Sun, Earth, the hot planets and the cold ones, the solar system told through numerous colourful illustrations, enriched with spectacular pop-ups. In addition, to deepen the different subjects, there are many curious and interesting short stories, which make this volume a stimulating read and a precious opportunity for fun.

AGES: 3 plus

AUTHOR:
David Hawcock studied art in York, UK, majoring in graphic design. He opened a design studio in Bath specialising in children's books. He has designed and produced many successful pop-ups, which have sold hundreds of thousands of copies, including The Amazing Fold-Out Pop-Up Body in a Book and the Journal of Inventions: Leonardo Da Vinci.

Written by Anne Jankéliowitch
Illustrated by Annabelle Buxton

Guide children on a fact-packed journey through stickers! With 350+ reusable stickers, this interactive companion to Barefoot Books Solar System includes 24 pages of information and activities about our solar system. Learn about the planets, stars, space exploration, and more! 

44 pages, perfect for 6 to 8 year old young astronomers

From bestselling author and British astronaut Tim Peake, an inspirational human history of space travel, from the Apollo missions to our future forays to Mars. The Right Stuff for a new generation.

'This book is brilliant - once in a blue moon. A book for the whole family.' Chris Evans, Virgin Radio

'The most wonderful book ... Tim Peake is a historian and encyclopaedia of space.’ Rory Stewart

'An extraordinary book. For anyone - even if you’re not interested in Space. If you’re interested in human stories and the human character - this is delightful.' BBC Breakfast

'A fascinating, detailed, playful book drawn from extensive research – Peake met seven Apollo astronauts, Russian cosmonauts and various other space technicians – as well as his considerable personal experience. Lifts the lid on what space is like: the dedication and sacrifice; the politics and pantomime; the practicalities and the peril; the glory and fame; the adjustment back to normal life.' iPaper

'A thrilling human history of space' Daily Mirror

'The bible of space travel' Chris Moyles, Radio X

As seen in the major TV series Secrets of Our Universe with Tim Peake.

Only 628 people in human history have left Earth. This is their story.

Astronaut Tim Peake traces the lives of the remarkable men and women who have forged the way for humanity beyond Earth, from Yuri Gagarin to Neil Armstrong, from Valentina Tereshkova to Peggy Whitson.

Full of fascinating insight into our greatest pioneers and unsung heroes, and astonishing detail only an astronaut would know, Peake's book is the first of its kind to chronicle the human evolution of space exploration over sixty years, from our first forays to now. In the process, Peake reveals what spaceflight is really like: the wondrous view of Earth, the surreal weightlessness, the extraordinary danger, the surprising humdrum, the unexpected humour, the new-found perspective, the years of training, the psychological pressures, the gruelling physical toll, the thrill of launch and the trepidation of re-entry.

In the next few years, NASA will send the first woman and the first person of colour to step on the lunar surface. What will separate these upcoming moonwalkers from the legendary Apollo crews? Does it still take a derring-do attitude, super-human fitness, intelligence, plus 'the right stuff' - a fabled grace under pressure? And how will astronauts travel even further - to Mars and beyond?

Space: The Human Story reveals all.

'Space enthusiasts will snap up Peake’s compelling book in their droves, but his account of courage,
camaraderie and the determination to go where few have gone before deserves to be read by a much wider audience too' – Daily Express

Embark on another cosmic adventure and discover the striking artistry of NASA’s mission patches and logos. This beautifully illustrated book offers a visual tour of NASA’s heritage symbolism from the early Mercury missions of the 1960s to the rovers, orbital telescopes and brand-new lunar capsules of the 2020s.

The countdown is underway! NASA’s first Moon landing since 1972 is now on the near horizon and this follow-up to the popular Space: Posters & Paintings is the perfect way to prepare for take-off. Celebrating the achievements of the men and women who dared to venture into the beyond, Space: The Mission Patches uncovers the story of the space administration through the indelible artwork of their historic insignias. Perfect for space aficionados, design enthusiasts and kids old and young, this meeting of art and exploration is the definitive testament to the enduring legacy of NASA’s trailblazing journeys to the unknown.

AUTHOR:
For over 25 years, Bill Schwartz has been involved in the production, distribution, licensing and branding of high-profile entertainment content on a global basis. Along with licensing or acquiring thousands of hours of feature films, television series and documentaries, Bill has created and produced 20 broadcast documentaries, including Terror On The Titanic, Howard Hughes: The Real Aviator and Valkyrie: The Plot To Kill Hitler. Of all of Bill’s productions, his passion project was Journey to Mars, a documentary about NASA’s Viking Pathfinder, the first vehicle to explore the surface of Mars. The story, the trust and the investment required gave a true insight to the drama and courage of the people and technology at NASA.

Space Shuttle: A Photographic Journey is a captivating visual celebration of NASA’s pioneering spacecraft and is one the most well stunning books to arrive at BINTEL in a long time.

Commemorating 30 years of space shuttle exploration, this beautifully crafted photography book, now in a revised format, curates the finest NASA space shuttle images into one inspirational collection.

Arranged in thematic chapters ranging from the following:
• Launch Pad
• Lift-Off
• In Space
• Landings

From the launch pad through to the launch sequence, to the missions themselves and the dramatic conclusion of the return flight and landing, this is a fascinating photographic history of the world's first reusable spacecraft. Space Shuttle: A Photographic Journey pays tribute to the five pioneering orbiters built by NASA: Columbia, Challenger, Discovery, Atlantis and Endeavour. It was developed by author Luke Wesley Price through an exhaustive study of the NASA archives and painstaking post-production processing of images to enhance their visual impact, all guided by correspondence with inspirational shuttle pilots such as the late Bruce McCandless.

The book tells the story of the space shuttle through extraordinary moments in a selection of NASA's 135 shuttle missions. Beautifully reproduced photographs capture the drama and danger of the hazardous launch sequences and vividly depict the techniques and challenges of mission tasks, including space walks, in-flight maintenance work and docking with the International Space Station. The book also collates the details of every space shuttle mission flown, including launch dates and lists of crew, alongside a gallery of the 135 exquisitely designed mission patches.

Highly recommended for anyone with an interest in human space exploration.

AUTHORS:
Luke Wesley Price is a British graphic designer of over 20 years’ experience in branding, advertising and imagery, who founded his own design agency in 2008. He has had a lifelong interest in America’s space history, from Project Mercury through to Gemini, Apollo, Skylab, and beyond. As a child growing up in the 1980s, the space shuttle program was always the highlight and central thread of this passion, and in his research for this book he fulfilled the ambition of corresponding regularly with the shuttle pilots who had been his heroes. When not working in the world of design, Luke travels the world as a bass guitarist in bands including his own musical project RenattaJane. Luke lives in Essex.

Christopher J. Ferguson is a former NASA astronaut who was commander of the Space Shuttle Atlantis for flight STS-135, the final mission of the Space Shuttle program. Previously, on his first space mission (STS-115) in September 2006, he had been the pilot of Atlantis, and he commanded STS-126 aboard the Space Shuttle Endeavour in 2008. He retired from NASA in 2011 and is now director of Crew and Mission Operations for Boeing’s Commercial Crew Program.

The Star Adventurer Mount is an ultra portable equatorial mount kit ideal for small telescopes or for astrophotography with camera lenses up to 200-300mm in focal length. It fits on most astronomical, photo, or video tripods via its 1/4″ and 3/8″ adaptor. The mount satisfies all the needs of the astrophotographer; with a simple turn of the dial select lunar, solar, or star tracking modes, or four speeds from 0.5x to 12x to create interesting time-lapse videos with your DSLR. Moreover, it contains pre-programmed parameters assisting your DSLR via the optional shutter release cable. The Star Adventurer mount features a V-style dovetail saddle for compatible accessories and optical tube assemblies. The mount can be supplied with 4 AA batteries or via mini USB port.

To fit a camera to the Star Adventurer, either a tripod Ball Head is required (not supplied) or the Dovetail L-Bracket. The Dovetail L-Bracket, used in conjunction with the optional counterweight shaft/counterweight also allows small telescopes (e.g. Maksutov 90mm), with a 1/4″-20 tripod fitting, to be used with the Star Adventurer. A small telescope and camera (using a ball head, not supplied) can be mounted simultaneously on the Dovetail L-bracket. Using just the dovetail bar from the Dovetail L-Bracket, two cameras can be mounted at the same time using two tripod ball heads (not supplied).

In the Box:

• Star Adventurer 2i Mount Head – White
• Built-In Wifi
• Advanced Firmware features
• Adjustable dovetail L-Bracket with declination fine adjustment
• Polar scope

NOT INCLUDED:

• Counterweight Kit
• EQ Wedge
• 3/8" Ball Head Adapter

Please note - due to Australian govt restrictions on the sale of products which include button batteries, the polarscope illuminator is not included in this package.

SPECIFICATIONS

Star Analyser 100

Since its launch in 2005, the Star Analyser 100 has introduced thousands of amateur astronomers worldwide to the fascinating field of spectroscopy. Over this period, the equipment used by amateurs has evolved with larger aperture telescopes, bigger camera sensors and close coupled filter wheels becoming more common.

For most users the SA100 is expected to continue to be the model of choice, particularly for those using cameras with small sensors, giving optimum performance for example with the SA100 mounted on the camera nosepiece.

Professional Astronomers routinely use the power of spectroscopy to reveal the secrets of the universe. Now the STAR ANALYSER can do the same for the amateur imager at an affordable price with this simple telescope attachment.

Used like a conventional 1.25 inch filter, it is the ideal accessory for today's low cost astronomical imaging cameras, webcams and video cameras.

SA 100 instructions

Star Analyser 200

Since its launch in 2005, the Star Analyser 100 has introduced thousands of amateur astronomers worldwide to the fascinating field of spectroscopy. Over this period, the equipment used by amateurs has evolved with larger aperture telescopes, bigger camera sensors and close coupled filter wheels becoming more common. The Star Analyser 200 model has been developed with these users in mind.

Using the same Paton Hawksley high efficiency blazed diffraction grating technology as the SA100, but with double the line density. The SA200 is designed for applications where it is difficult to achieve the optimum spacing needed for the SA100. The SA200 gives the same length of spectrum at half the spacing compared with the SA100.

Specifications

The guide camera images a star through an off-axis guider (OAG), either supplied with the AO Unit as an optional extra, or through an OAG built into a filter wheel such as the MIDI or MAXI filter wheels from SX. The software calculates the centroid of the guide star rapidly and accurately, and if the guide star moves, the optical window can be adjusted to compensate for the movement of the guide star. As the guide camera and imaging camera are looking through the same optical system, any corrections made for the guide star are automatically translated through to the main imaging camera.

The optical corrections are controlled by 4 stepper motors, so the small amount of movement, combined with the lightweight mass of the optical window, allows the corrections to be implemented very quickly and much more accurately than the mount drive system is capable of achieving.

Ideally suited to longer focal lengths optical systems, the benefits of the Active Optics on the final image can also be seen with shorter focal length systems on less accurate mounts.

• Image tracking and stabilisation using a high speed tip-tilt optical window.
• Fast tracking speed of 5mS per increment.
• Overcomes rapid gear errors to stabilise even difficult mounts.
• Mount control output for correcting large drive errors while maintaining AO stabilisation.
• Image shift factor independent of optical system or camera back-focus spacing.
• Off-axis guider assembly for use with a Lodestar Pro/Ultrastar Pro guide camera.
• May be used to image stabilise many other makes and types of camera, given suitable control software.
• Clear aperture of 60mm for up to 35mm full-frame size chips.
• Short optical length – 74mm with OAG, 44mm without (add 6mm if front end adaptor is used).
• Very low light loss (~2%) from the multicoated optics.
• Filter threads for adding 48mm narrow band. IR blocking or pollution rejection filters without affecting the guide camera sensitivity.
• USB or Serial RS232 control via the computer.
• Low power consumption. Less than 600 mA at 12v DC when moving – 50mA quiescent current.
• Compact and lightweight – only 132mm in diameter x 44mm long – less than 750 grams load on the ‘scope.
  The SXV-AO-USB should be used with the off-axis guider assembly for the best results with most optical systems.

This combination uses ideally suited to using the LodestarPRO or Ultrastar PRO to view the edge of the telescope field via a 10mm square prism and provides accurate positional feedback to the control software. Unlike cameras with an integrated guider chip, the OAG puts the guide camera ahead of any filters that the user fits into the camera ring recess and so its sensitivity is always at maximum. The guide camera mounting is designed to be parfocal with a SX camera when used in this combination – fine focus adjustment is provided by moving the threaded guider mount along the prism tube. If you do not need the OAG barrel (e.g. when using a filter wheel such as the MIDI or MAXI filter wheel by SX which has a built in OAG or a camera with a built-in OAG or guide chip), you can fit the 72mm or T adaptor directly onto the rear of the AO assembly.

Specifications

The guide camera images a star through an off-axis guider (OAG), either supplied with the AO Unit as an optional extra, or through an OAG built into a filter wheel such as the MIDI or MAXI filter wheels from SX. The software calculates the centroid of the guide star rapidly and accurately, and if the guide star moves, the optical window can be adjusted to compensate for the movement of the guide star. As the guide camera and imaging camera are looking through the same optical system, any corrections made for the guide star are automatically translated through to the main imaging camera.

The optical corrections are controlled by 4 stepper motors, so the small amount of movement, combined with the lightweight mass of the optical window, allows the corrections to be implemented very quickly and much more accurately than the mount drive system is capable of achieving.

Ideally suited to longer focal lengths optical systems, the benefits of the Active Optics on the final image can also be seen with shorter focal length systems on less accurate mounts.

• • Image tracking and stabilisation using a high speed tip-tilt optical window.
  • Fast tracking speed of 5mS per increment.
  • Overcomes rapid gear errors to stabilise even difficult mounts.
  • Mount control output for correcting large drive errors while maintaining AO stabilisation.
  • Image shift factor independent of optical system or camera back-focus spacing.
  • May be used to image stabilise many other makes and types of camera, given suitable control software.
  • Clear aperture of 60mm for up to 35mm full-frame size chips.

• Short optical length – 74mm with OAG, 44mm without (add 6mm if front end adaptor is used).
• Very low light loss (~2%) from the multicoated optics.
• Filter threads for adding 48mm narrow band. IR blocking or pollution rejection filters without affecting the guide camera sensitivity.
• USB or Serial RS232 control via the computer.
• Low power consumption. Less than 600 mA at 12v DC when moving – 50mA quiescent current.
• Compact and lightweight – only 132mm in diameter x 44mm long – less than 700 grams load on the ‘scope.
  The SXV-AO-USB should be used with the off-axis guider assembly for the best results with most optical systems.

This non-OAG (off-axis guider) version of the SXV-AO-USB is designed to work with either a filter wheel with a built in OAG such as the MIDI filter wheel or MAXI filter wheel or a main imaging camera that has a built in OAG.

Combine this with the incredibly sensitive Lodestar PRO or Ultrastar PRO auto guide cameras, finding a guide star and tracking through the Active Optics system works absolutely seamlessly.

PRODUCT MANUAL Handbook-for-the-Starlight-Xpress-SX-AO-USB

Examples

Some examples of the AO in use.

No processing was applied, other than cropping, so that the images are essentially ‘raw’. The mount used was a Celestron CI700 with a C11 SCT at F10

A 2x enlarged clip from an SXV-H9 image. Ten minutes with a C11 at F10 using mount guiding only.

Another clip taken a few minutes later with the AO switched on and operating at 3 updates per second.

Here are some ‘extreme’ images from an Ultima 2000 on a fork mount with poor polar alignment and rapid gear errors. The camera was an SXV-M8C and the images have been resampled to 50% of full size for display.

Without AO correction.

With the AO switched on. (The short coloured spikes on the bright stars were produced when the AO switched off for image download)

The Lodestar utilises a very sensitive Sony ‘ExView’ CCD (the ICX829AK) with an array of 752 x 580 pixels in a ‘half-inch’ format. Although the chip is not cooled, it has a very low dark signal and very little readout noise, so it can be used to guide on faint stars that are beyond the reach of webcams and CMOS chip based guide cameras.

Specification

• • CCD type: ICX829AK Sony Exview interline CCD with low dark current and vertical anti-blooming.
  • CCD Full resolution Pixel data: Pixel size: 8.6uM x 8.3uM, Image format: 752 x 580 pixels
  • CCD Image area: 6.4mm (Horizontal) x 4.75mm (Vertical).
  • Colour filter grid array: YMCG secondary colour filters.
  • CCD quality: Grade 1
  • Spectral Response: QE max at 620nM (~65%), 35% at 400nM and 770nM.
  • Readout Noise: Less than 15 electrons RMS – typically only 10 electrons.
  • Full-well capacity: Greater than 50,000 e- (unbinned)
  • Anti-blooming: Overload margin greater than 1000x.
  • Dark current: Dark frame saturation time greater than 1 hour. Less than 0.1 electrons/second @ + 10C ambient.
  • Data format: 16 bits.
  • System gain: 0.9 electrons per ADU
  • Computer Interface: Built-in USB 2.0 compatible interface.
  • Image download time: Typically 0.2 seconds at full resolution using USB 2.0.
  • Power requirements: USB powered.
  • Cooling system: Ambient air cooling.
  • Size: 32 x 72mm black anodised aluminium barrel with 25 x 0.75mm ‘C mount’ thread at the CCD window end & input/output plugs at rear.
  • Weight: approx. 50g.

  Here is a rear view of the guider:

The original Lodestar used the ICX429 Exview chip from Sony and offered excellent sensitivity. However, the Lodestar X2 and the Lodestar PRO utilise Sony’s upgraded version of the CCD, the ICX829, with considerably improved QE and read noise. This new ‘Exview 2’ chip approximately doubles the Lodestar sensitivity and adds nearly a full star magnitude to the minimum guide star brightness.

It also features redesigned the boards so that a standard RJ12 guide socket can be used. This will please many users who have found the small ‘ZH’ cable socket to be too delicate.

Specifications:

• CCD – Sony ICX829AL ExView2 monochrome CCD
• Pixel count – 752(H) x 580(V)
• Pixel size – 8.6 x 8.3uM
• Optical size – 6.47 x 4.81 mm
• Read noise – Typically 5.5 electrons
• Gain – 0.4 e/ADU
• Barrel size – 31.75mm dia. x 85mm long (1.25 inch eyepiece push fit size)
• Barrel thread – 25.4mm x 0.75mm ‘CS’ mount lens thread
• Computer connection – ‘Mini B’ USB socket for USB2.0
• Output connection – Standard RJ12 autoguider socket
• Output type – Opto-isolated 4 lines (N,S,E & W) pull down with common return line
• Download rate – Approx. 10 frames per second in binned 2×2 mode (recommended)