saxon 9.7” LCD Phase Contrast Infinity Digital Microscope

The saxon 9.7” LCD Phase Contrast Infinity Digital Microscope
combines cutting-edge technology and convenience, featuring a built-in 5-million-pixel camera and advanced optical performance. Ideal for professional and educational applications, this microscope offers precision, versatility, and durability at an affordable price.

Key Features:

• Magnification: Optical 10x, 100x, 400x, 1000x
• Coarse & Fine Focusing: Ensures detailed observation.
• Siedentopf Trinocular Head: 30° inclined tubes and diopter adjustments.
• Infinity Objectives: 4x/0.10, 10x/0.25, S40x/0.65, S100x/1.25 oil
• Condenser for bright field: Adjustable Abbe N.A. 1.25 condenser for brightfield microscopy.
• Illumination: In-built adjustable brightness 3W LED Light

Applications:

• Biological research
• Industrial inspection
• Educational purposes in schools and universities.

saxon Polarizing Rotating Stage Microscope 40x-630x

The saxon Polarizing Rotating Stage Microscope is a cost-effective trinocular polarizing microscope ideal for specialized applications. Equipped with an integrated Bertrand Lens, four strain-free plan objectives, and one WF 10x/18mm eyepiece with 0.1mm cross micrometer crosshair scale.

Key Features:

• Magnification: 10x, 100x, 400x, 630x
• Coarse & Fine Focusing: Ensures detailed observation.
• Circular Stage and Bertrand Lens: Facilitate the observation and analysis of birefringent materials.
• Illumination: In-built adjustable brightness LED Light

Applications:

• Forensic Science: Identifying trace evidence like fibers, hairs, glass, and paint.
• Gout Diagnosis: Examining synovial fluid to identify urate crystals that cause gout.
• Material Analysis: Measuring the birefringence of materials that transmit light.

The saxon Polarizing Rotating Stage Microscope is an indispensable equipment for industrial and research professionals seeking precise and efficient material analysis.

saxon Metallurgical Inverted Industrial Microscope 100x-1250x

The saxon Metallurgical Inverted Industrial Microscope is specifically designed for the precision examination of metallic and industrial samples. With a powerful magnification range of 100x to 1250x, it delivers detailed insights into microstructures and surface features.

Key Features:

• Magnification: 100x/ 125x/ 200x/ 250x/ 400x/ 500x/ 1000x/ 1250x for high-detail observations
• Inverted Design: Ideal for large or mounted samples
• Illumination: In-built adjustable brightness LED Light

Applications:

• Material Analysis: Study grain structures, coatings, and inclusions
• Industrial Use: Perform quality control and failure analysis
• Research: Advance metallurgy and material science studies

The saxon Metallurgical Inverted Industrial Microscope is an indispensable equipment for industrial and research professionals seeking precise and efficient material analysis.

saxon SmartOne Pro WiFi Stereo Microscope 10x-80x

The SmartOne Stereo Pro WiFi Microscope is a versatile and high-performing optical instrument, ideal for hobbyists, educators, and professionals in fields such as repairers, electronics, and gemology. Designed for precision and ease of use, this microscope provides sharp, three-dimensional views of specimens for detailed examination. 

Key Features:

• Magnification: 10x, 15x, 20x, 30x, 40x, 60x, 80x
• In-build WiFi Camera: This allows you to view the tiny details of the specimens through your phone and tablet.
• Binocular Viewing Head: Provides a comfortable, ergonomic experience during prolonged use.
• Objectives: Equipped with 1x, 2x, and 4x objectives for adjustable focus and clarity.
• Eyepieces: Includes 10x, 15x and 20x wide-field eyepieces for enhanced viewing flexibility.
• Stage: Comes with a Black/White Contrast Plate and a Frosted Glass Plate for enhanced sample visibility.
• Illumination: Bright and even LED illumination for detailed observation.

Applications:

• Education: Ideal for home schooling, schools, and universities.
• Industrial Use: Ideal for inspecting circuit boards, small parts, and precision engineering.
• Gemology & Hobbies: Perfect for jewelry inspection, coin collection, and crafting.

The saxon SmartOne Pro WiFi Stereo Microscope combines quality optics, a robust design, and ease of use, making it an excellent choice for both professionals and enthusiasts.

RC20’s Key Features

Large Aperture and Ritchey-Chrétien Optics

The RC20 features a purely reflective Ritchey-Chrétien optical system, which includes high-quality mirrors with enhanced coatings. This setup minimizes chromatic aberration and ensures excellent light throughput, providing superb image fidelity and contrast. This optical design shines when making observations, primarily on-axis, and wide-field imaging is not a concern.

Mechanical Structure

Constructed from lightweight yet durable materials, including a dual carbon-fiber truss design, the 20-inch Ritchey-Chrétien ensures structural integrity and reduces the overall weight. This makes it easier to handle and mount on various telescope mounts.

Thermal Management

Equipped with three cooling fans at the back of the telescope, the RC20 achieves thermal equilibrium quickly. This feature helps to reduce air turbulence inside the telescope tube, minimizing thermal distortions and maintaining optimal imaging conditions.

Application-Specific Benefits

Astrophotography

The large aperture and precision optics of the 20-Inch Ritchey-Chrétien enable astrophotographers to capture detailed and crisp images of celestial phenomena, making it an excellent tool for capturing faint galaxies, nebulae, and star clusters.

Astronomy Research

With its reliable performance and detailed imaging capabilities, the 20-inch Ritchey-Chrétien is a valuable asset for universities and research observatories that engage in complex studies such as stellar classification, photometric research, and other scientific investigations.

Optical Systems

Secondary Mirro

Primary Mirror

• The Hedrick focuser designed by PlaneWave is a heavy duty no-slip focuser capable of handling an imaging payload of up to 20lbs.
• Occupies 3″ of backfocus with the focuser fully racked in, and 4.2″ when fully racked out.
• Focuser travel range of 30mm (30000 microns/1.2″)
• The focus tube runs on 5 bearings and is driven by a leadscrew so there is no chance of slipping.
• Focus may be automated through a computer using PlaneWave’s EFA Kit and PWI3 software.
• The focuser comes with pre-installed motor that can be controlled with the EFA hand controller or PWI3 software.

The Paramount ME II Dec Axis to Versa-Plate Spacer is mounted between the top of the Paramount ME II declination axis and the bottom of the Versa-Plate.

When the Versa-Plate is in the standard orientation (see the Paramount User Guide for details about Versa-Plate attachment options):

• A recessed channel in the top of the Dec axis provides sufficient space to route the standard through-the-mount cabling to the Instrument Panel that is attached to the Versa-Plate.
• This spacer can be used to separate the top of the Dec axis from the bottom of the Versa-Plate to make room for routing custom through-the-mount cables to the telescope.

This unit is included in the Multi OTA Mounting Kit

Introducing the new members of iOptron strain wave gear mount family - AZ/EQ dual mount HAE29 and HAE29EC! These light weight, high payload little titans will deliver an astronomy experience like never before. Imagine a mount head weighing in at 8 lbs with a payload capability 29.7lbs, without needing a cumbersome counterweight or shaft. Applying iOptron’s multi-decade experience creating precision mounts, the HAE29 brings this vision to reality.

Utilizing state of the art strain wave gear technology for the both RA and DEC movement, the HAE29s deliver unparalleled weight to payload efficiency. Its black anodized all metal CNC machined body is not only appealing to the eye, it’s a rugged platform that will perform at the highest level for many years to come. Unique features such as an electronic friction brake and power down memory allow the mount safely stop and resume a GoTo slew or continue tracking even after an abrupt power loss (No need to realign and start from the beginning).

An HAE29 mount can be controlled by a computer, either via ASCOM/Commander for a Windows PC or a third party INDI driver for a MacOS software; a SmartPhone/Tablet via iOptron Commander Lite or an App like SkySafari; or a Raspberry Pi device via INDI driver.

Features

• Advanced strain wave gear system technology
• Payload capacity of 13.5 kg (29.7 lbs) with the mount weight of 3.7 kg (8.15 lbs, include dovetail saddle)
• CNC machined
• Unique friction brake on both RA and DEC to safely stop movement during a planned or unplanned power interruption
• 360 second gear period
• Go2Nova® hand controller with ~212,000 object database
• Customer cable management system ready
• Dual saddle (Vixen and Losmandy-D styles)
• Built in zero position search and locator
• Power down position and location memory
• Integrated ST-4 autoguiding port
• Built-in Wi-Fi (via hand controller)
• USB port for firmware upgrade and computer control
• Carrying case
• Two year warranty

Specifications

* 200mm, with payload center of gravity to the RA rotation axis. Or an OTA size of ~220mm.

Introducing the new members of iOptron strain wave gear mount family - AZ/EQ dual mount HAE43 and HAE43EC! These light weight, compact, medium payload titans will deliver an astronomy experience like never before. Imagine a mount head weighing in at less than 13lbs with a payload capability 44lbs, without needing a cumbersome counterweight or shaft. Applying iOptron’s multi-decade experience creating precision mounts, the HAE43 brings this vision to reality.

Utilizing state of the art strain wave gear technology for the both RA and DEC movement, the HAE43s deliver unparalleled weight to payload efficiency. Its black anodized all metal CNC machined body is not only appealing to the eye, it’s a rugged platform that will perform at the highest level for many years to come. Unique features such as an electronic friction brake and power down memory allow the mount safely stop and resume a GoTo slew or continue tracking even after an abrupt power loss (No need to realign and start from the beginning).

An HAE43 mount can be controlled by a computer, either via ASCOM/Commander for a Windows PC or a third party INDI driver for a MacOS software; a SmartPhone/Tablet via iOptron Commander Lite or an App like SkySafari; or a Raspberry Pi device via INDI driver.

The HAE43EC features a high precision RA axis encoder that delivers incredible tracking accuracy, enough that many will choose to image “sans” guiding.

Features

• Advanced strain wave gear system technology
• Payload capacity of 20 kg (44 lbs) with the mount weight of 5.8 kg (12.8 lbs, include dovetail saddle)
• CNC machined
• Unique friction brake on both RA and DEC to safely stop movement during a planned or unplanned power interruption
• 270 second gear period
• Go2Nova® hand controller with ~212,000 object database
• Customer cable management system ready
• Dual saddle (Vixen and Losmandy-D styles)
• Built in zero position search and locator
• Power down position and location memory
• Integrated ST-4 autoguiding port
• Built-in Wi-Fi (via hand controller)
• USB port for firmware upgrade and computer control
• Aluminum carrying case
• Two year warranty

Specifications

* 200mm, with payload center of gravity to the RA rotation axis. Or an OTA size of ~220mm.

Native 16 bit A/D: The new Sony sensor has native 16-bit A/D on-chip. The output is real 16-bits with 65536 levels. Compared to 12-bit and 14-bit A/D, a 16-bit A/D yields higher sample resolution and the system gain will be less than 1e-/ADU with no sample error noise and very low read noise.

BSI: One benefit of the back-illuminated CMOS structure is improved full well capacity. This is particularly helpful for sensors with small pixels. In a typical front-illuminated sensor, photons from the target entering the photosensitive layer of the sensor must first pass through the metal wiring that is embedded just above the photosensitive layer. The wiring structure reflects some of the photons and reduces the efficiency of the sensor. In the back- illuminated sensor the light is allowed to enter the photosensitive surface from the reverse side. In this case the sensor’s embedded wiring structure is below the photosensitive layer. As a result, more incoming photons strike the photosensitive layer and more electrons are generated and captured in the pixel well. This ratio of photon to electron production is called quantum efficiency. The higher the quantum efficiency the more efficient the sensor is at converting photons to electrons and hence the more sensitive the sensor is to capturing an image of something dim.

Zero Amplify Glow: This is also a zero amplifer glow camera.

TRUE RAW Data: In the DSLR implementation there is a RAW image output, but typically it is not completely RAW. Some evidence of noise reduction and hot pixel removal is still visible on close inspection. This can have a negative effect on the image for astronomy such as the “star eater” effect. However, QHY Cameras offer TRUE RAW IMAGE OUTPUT and produces an image comprised of the original signal only, thereby maintaining the maximum flexibility for post-acquisition astronomical image processing programs and other scientific imaging applications.

Anti-Dew Technology: Based on almost 20-year cooled camera design experience, The QHY cooled camera has implemented the fully dew control solutions. The optic window has built-in dew heater and the chamber is protected from internal humidity condensation. An electric heating board for the chamber window can prevent the formation of dew and the sensor itself is kept dry with our silicon gel tube socket design for control of humidity within the sensor chamber.

Cooling: In addition to dual stage TE cooling, QHYCCD implements proprietary technology in hardware to control the dark current noise.

Multiple Readout Modes

Multiple Readout Modes are special for QHY 16-bit Cameras (QHY600/268/461/411). Different readout modes have different driver timing, etc., and result in different performance. See details at “Multiple Readout Modes and Curves” Part.

Random change thermal noise suppression function

You may find some types of thermal noise can change with time in some back-illuminated CMOS cameras. This thermal noises has the characteristic of the fixed position of typical thermal noise, but the value is not related to the exposure time. Instead, each frame appears to have its own characteristics. The QHY600/268/461/411 use an innovative suppression technology that can significantly reduce the apparent level of such noise.

UVLO Protection

UVLO（Under Voltage Locking) is to protect the electronic device from damage caused by abnormally low voltages.

Our daily life experience tells us that the actual operational voltage of an electrical device must not significantly exceed the rated voltage, otherwise it will be damaged. For such precision equipment as cameras, long-term work at too low input voltage can also be detrimental to the working life of the camera, and may even make some devices, such as power manager, burn up due to long-term overload. In the all-in-one driver and SDK after 2021.10.23 stable version, the camera will give a warning when the input voltage of the camera is below 11V.

Optimizing USB Traffic to Minimize Horizontal Banding

It is common behavior for a CMOS sensor to contain some horizontal banding. Normally, random horizontal banding can be removed with multiple frame stacking so it does not affect the final image. However, periodic horizontal banding is not removed with stacking so it may appear in the final image. By adjust the USB traffic in Single Frame mode or Live Frame mode, you can adjust the frequency of the CMOS sensor driver and it can optimize the horizontal banding appeared on the image. This optimized is very effective to remove the periodic banding in some conditions.

A typical Periodic Horizontal Noise under certain USB_TRAFFIC values.

After Adjusting the USB Traffic to avoid the periodic horizontal noise.

Reboot the camera by power off and on

The camera is designed to use the +12V to reboot the camera without disconnecting and reconnecting the USB interface. This means that you can reboot the camera simply by shutting down the +12V and then powering it back on. This feature is very handy for remote controlling the camera in an observatory. You can use a remotely controlled power supply to reboot the camera. There is no need to consider how to reconnect the USB in the case of remote control.

Specifications

Camera Curves

With the advantage of low readout noise and high-speed readout, CMOS technology has revolutionized astronomical imaging. A monochrome, back-illuminated, high-sensitivity, astronomical imaging camera is the ideal choice for astro-imagers. The QHY600M-L uses the latest SONY back-illuminated sensor, the IMX455, a full frame (35mm format) sensor with 3.76um pixels and native 16-bit A/D. This sensor is available in both monochrome and color versions. The QHY600 ends the days of non-16bit CMOS cameras and it ends the days non-full frame (and larger) monochrome CMOS cameras.

The QHY600M-L has extremely low dark current (0.002e/p/s@-20C) using SONY’s Exmor BSI CMOS technology. QHY600M-L is also a zero amplifer glow camera. The QHY600M-L has only one electron of read noise at high gain and full resolution and 4FPS readout speed. One electron of read noise means the camera can achieve a SNR>3 at only 4 to 6 photons. This is perfect performance when conditions are photon limited, i.e., short exposures, narrow band imaging, etc., making this large area sensor ideal for sky surveys, time domain astronomy, fluorescence imaging, DNA sequencing and microscopy.

Models

QHY600 Series have mutiple models which covers both photographic and scientific using. Below list different types of QHY600 PH (photographic) series:

QHY600PH : Standard version for amateur astrographers;

QHY600PH-SBFL (Short back-focal length version) ：specially designed for DSLR lens users or those who has special requirment of short back focal length. This version has a special front part version which has 14mm B.F.L only (The B.F.L consumed equals 12.5mm when connecting QHYCFW. About the defination of “BFL Comsumed” and our adapter system please view: https://www.qhyccd.com/astronomical-camera-adapter-bfl-solution/). QHY600SBFL can easily match Canon/Nikon lens even with filter wheel. On the side of this adapter there is a 4mm hole to connect air pump through plastic pipe in case of the dewing glass when necessary.

QHY600L : a lite, shorter and cheaper version. Compared with QHY600PH, QHY600PH-Lite has the following features compared with previous models: QHY600L only has mono version; The body length becomes shorter, which is about 112mm, and its price is lowered compared with QHY600PH; The Built-in DDR3 Buffer (memory storage) is adjusted to 1GB compared to 2GB of QHY600PH/Pro. Other specifications of QHY600L keep the same with QHY600PH except the body length and weight.

With the advantage of low readout noise and high-speed readout, CMOS technology has revolutionized astronomical imaging. A monochrome, back-illuminated, high-sensitivity, astronomical imaging camera is the ideal choice for astro-imagers. The QHY600M-L uses the latest SONY back-illuminated sensor, the IMX455, a full frame (35mm format) sensor with 3.76um pixels and native 16-bit A/D. This sensor is available in both monochrome and color versions. The QHY600C-PH ends the days of non-16bit CMOS cameras and it ends the days non-full frame (and larger) monochrome CMOS cameras.

The QHY600C-PH has extremely low dark current (0.002e/p/s@-20C) using SONY’s Exmor BSI CMOS technology. QHY600C-PH is also a zero amplifer glow camera. The QHY600C-PH has only one electron of read noise at high gain and full resolution and 4FPS readout speed. One electron of read noise means the camera can achieve a SNR>3 at only 4 to 6 photons. This is perfect performance when conditions are photon limited, i.e., short exposures, narrow band imaging, etc., making this large area sensor ideal for sky surveys, time domain astronomy, fluorescence imaging, DNA sequencing and microscopy.

Models

QHY600 Series have mutiple models which covers both photographic and scientific using. Below list different types of QHY600 PH (photographic) series:

QHY600PH : Standard version for amateur astrographers;

QHY600PH-SBFL (Short back-focal length version) ：specially designed for DSLR lens users or those who has special requirment of short back focal length. This version has a special front part version which has 14mm B.F.L only (The B.F.L consumed equals 12.5mm when connecting QHYCFW. About the defination of “BFL Comsumed” and our adapter system please view: https://www.qhyccd.com/astronomical-camera-adapter-bfl-solution/). QHY600SBFL can easily match Canon/Nikon lens even with filter wheel. On the side of this adapter there is a 4mm hole to connect air pump through plastic pipe in case of the dewing glass when necessary.

QHY600L : a lite, shorter and cheaper version. Compared with QHY600PH, QHY600PH-Lite has the following features compared with previous models: QHY600L only has mono version; The body length becomes shorter, which is about 112mm, and its price is lowered compared with QHY600PH; The Built-in DDR3 Buffer (memory storage) is adjusted to 1GB compared to 2GB of QHY600PH/Pro. Other specifications of QHY600L keep the same with QHY600PH except the body length and weight.

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:

Specifications:

• CCD type: ICX814AQ (colour) Exview CCD with ultra low dark current and vertical anti-blooming.
• CCD Full resolution pixel data: Pixel size: 3.69uM x 3.69uM, Image format: 3388 x 2712 pixels
• CCD Image area: 12.49mm (Horizontal) x 9.99mm (Vertical).
• CCD quality: Grade 1 or better – No bad columns, no dead pixels, no more than 50 ‘hot’ pixels (saturated in <10 seconds).
• Spectral Response: QE max at 580nM (~77%), 50% roll-off at 360nM and 770nM.
• Readout Noise: Typically only 3 electrons RMS.
• Well depth – 15,000e
• System gain – 0.25e / ADU
• Image download time – 5 seconds in 1 x 1 binning mode
• Anti-blooming: Overload margin greater than 800x.
• Dark current: Less than 0.002 electrons/second @ – 10C CCD temperature.
• Data format: 16 bits.
• System gain: 0.25 electrons per ADU
• Computer Interface: Built-in USB 2.0 compatible interface.
• Power requirements: 115VAC / 240VAC @ 12VA, or 12VDC @ 900mA max.
• Cooling system: Regulated set-point cooling supply with thermoelectric cooler to give a minimum CCD temperature of approximately -40C below ambient.
• Size: 75 x 70mm black anodised aluminium barrel with 42mm ‘T2’ thread at the CCD window end & input/output plugs at rear. CCD alignment screws are provided for setting the chip parallel to the focal plane.
• Weight: approx. 450g

• The Delta T controller is an optional accessory for dew prevention on CDK14 through CDK24 OTAs and the CDK700 system.
• CDK12.5 to CDK24 and CDK700 telescopes come with primary and secondary mirror dew heating pads (CDK700 adds tertiary mirror heating), which are ready to accept the Delta T controller.
• Controlled via PWI3 software for CDK12.5 through CDK24 OTAs (PWI2 for the CDK700).

With Delta T you can:

• Have Full Control of Primary and Secondary Heater using PlaneWave Interface (PWI3) Software.
• Monitor current temperature of primary mirror, secondary mirror and surrounding ambient temperature.
• Automatically maintains mirror temperature set point as outside temperature changes.
• Displays real time graph of all temperature sensors.

Tube Rings come with the purchase of the APO200FL F/8, and the APO250FL F/8.8. Additional sets of Tube Rings are available for purchase.

TEC Tube Rings are extremely lightweight and durable, with a set of two rings for an APO200FL F/7 . The Tube Rings are CNC machined for clean edges with black anodized aluminum that is scratch resistant. They are outfitted with adjustable stainless-steel latches and are able to fit the TEC Dovetail Plates, Losmandy Plates, and AP Plates for secure mounting. Each Ring contains an upper base, an adjustable latch, and a lower base. The upper base of the Tube Rings also connects to the TEC Carry Handles for easy transport.

Our largest portable refractor, the APO180FL F/7 allows the observer to delve deep into the beauty of space.

• The APO180FL F/7 features an oil-spaced apochromatic-triplet objective with a Fluorite (CaF₂) middle element, resulting in color correction that is optimized for visual use and imaging. This oil-spaced triplet design in combination with multi-layer coatings on all surfaces of the objective ensure maximal light transmission.
• The objective is housed in an aluminum cell, providing for excellent thermoregulation properties while remaining lightweight and strong.
• The optical assembly sits in a lightweight aluminum tube that utilizes anti-reflective coating and sharp-edged baffles throughout the interior and forget about collimation – after the scope leaves TEC, no adjustment is required.
• Further, the crisp all white assembly projects the elegant, handcrafted quality that TEC is known for. Expect deep contrast and rich, natural color out of this compact and timeless design.
• Each APO180FL F/7 comes equipped with a Starlight Instruments FTF#3545 Feather Touch Focuser that was designed in collaboration with TEC. This is Starlight Instruments’ largest rotating focuser with coarse and fine focusing 9:1 Planetary Reduction Assembly.
  • The APO180FL F/7 can be fitted with to other focuser models by request. Please contact TEC to confirm whether the desired focuser will fit with the desired TEC model
• The 2” locking metal collet is insensitive to temperature fluctuations and holds loads with high precision and concentricity.
• It also comes equipped with a Focuser wheel for easy mount installation and direction.
• Available for purchase as a Binocular Telescope. This requires the purchase of 2 APO180FL F/7.
• Able to accommodate a wide variety of eyepieces and mounts.

In classic refractor fashion, the TEC APO180FL F/7 is a no compromise, no frills design that lets the wonders of nature speak for themselves. Please know that ALL PRICES AND AVAILABILITY ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE.

Recommended Accessories;

• 12” Dovetail Plate and Carry Handle facilitate easy transportation and fit seamlessly with most mounts. The larger size fits effortlessly with our larger models.
• Precision adjustable Tube Rings.
• Focal Reducer Corrector converts the F/7 Ratio to F/6.2 with a 115mm back focus.
• 180mm Field Flattener prevents vignetting and ensures high quality imaging.
• 10×60 Baader Vario Finderscope with a TEC Finder Bracket and Base for Telescope mounting.
• 7×50 Vixen Finderscope with a TEC Finder Bracket and Base for Telescope mounting.
• Gutekunst Compact Atmospheric Dispersion Corrector (ADC).

Testing and Quality Assurance

TEC Telescopes go through rigorous testing to ensure top quality performance. Newtonian Rings are used throughout the glass production process and we then use an interferometer to correct any remaining imperfections. Every telescope is then tested vigorously to reach the most optimum Strehl ratio possible. Rest assured that your telescope has been optimized to be as optically perfect as possible. If the objective does not reach Yuri’s expectations, the telescope will not be shipped. As a strict policy, TEC will not release telescope test reports.

While the objectives are fine-tuned under interferometrical control to meet the highest optical standards, cosmetic imperfections may exist in the objective and the tube assembly. Please rest assured that any imperfection in the telescope has been determined not to affect the optical performance.

TEC Tube Rings are extremely lightweight and durable, with a set of two rings for an APO140FL F/7 weighing under 750g. The Tube Rings are CNC machined for clean edges with black anodized aluminum that is scratch resistant. They are outfitted with adjustable stainless-steel latches and are able to fit the TEC Dovetail Plates, Losmandy Plates, and AP Plates for secure mounting. Each Ring contains an upper base, an adjustable latch, and a lower base. The upper base of the Tube Rings also connects to the TEC Carry Handles for easy transport.

An extension of the highly popular APO140FL, the APO160FL F/7 allows the observer to delve deeper into the beauty of space.

• The TEC APO160FL F/7 features an oil-spaced apochromatic-triplet objective with a Fluorite (CaF₂) middle element, resulting in color correction that is optimized for visual use and imaging. This oil-spaced triplet design in combination with multi-layer coatings on all surfaces of the objective ensure maximal light transmission.
• The objective is housed in an aluminum cell, providing for excellent thermoregulation properties while remaining lightweight and strong.
• The optical assembly sits in a lightweight aluminum tube that utilizes anti-reflective coating and sharp-edged baffles throughout the interior and forget about collimation – after the scope leaves TEC, no adjustment is required.
• Further, the crisp all white assembly projects the elegant, handcrafted quality that TEC is known for. Expect deep contrast and rich, natural color out of this compact and timeless design.
• Each APO160FL F/7 comes equipped with a Starlight Instruments FTF#3545 Feather Touch Focuser that was designed in collaboration with TEC. This is Starlight Instruments’ largest rotating focuser with coarse and fine focusing 9:1 Planetary Reduction Assembly.
  • The APO160FL F/7 can be fitted with to other focuser models by request. Please contact TEC to confirm whether the desired focuser will fit with the desired TEC model.
• The 2” locking metal collet is insensitive to temperature fluctuations and holds loads with high precision and concentricity.
• It also comes equipped with a Focuser wheel for easy mount installation and direction.
• Available for purchase as a Binocular Telescope. This requires the purchase of 2 APO160FL F/7.
• Able to accommodate a wide variety of eyepieces and mounts.

In classic refractor fashion, the TEC APO160FL F/7 is a no compromise, no frills design that lets the wonders of nature speak for themselves.

Please know that ALL PRICES AND AVAILABILITY ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE

Recommended Accessories;

• Precision adjustable Tube Rings
• 12” Dovetail Plate and Carry Handle facilitate easy transportation and fit seamlessly with most mounts. The larger size fits effortlessly with our larger models.
• Focal Reducer Corrector converts the F/7 Ratio to F/6.2 with a 115mm back focus.
• 160mm Field Flattener with an 85mm back focus.
• 7×50 Vixen Finderscope with a TEC Finder Bracket and Base for Telescope mounting.
  

Testing and Quality Assurance

TEC Telescopes go through rigorous testing to ensure top quality performance. Newtonian Rings are used throughout the glass production process and TEC then use an interferometer to correct any remaining imperfections. Every telescope is then tested vigorously to reach the most optimum Strehl ratio possible. Rest assured that your telescope has been optimized to be as optically perfect as possible. If the objective does not reach TEC's expectations, the telescope will not be shipped. As a strict policy, TEC will not release telescope test reports.

While the objectives are fine-tuned under interferometrical control to meet the highest optical standards, cosmetic imperfections may exist in the objective and the tube assembly. Please rest assured that any imperfection in the telescope has been determined not to affect the optical performance.

Light and durable, the TEC Compact Case will keep its cargo safe, while being easy to transport. Made in the USA and in coordination with Tenba, this nylon exterior case was built with the APO160FL in mind. Weighing only 6 lbs (2.2 kg), this case is a perfect addition to the observer’s arsenal. The exterior dimensions (40″ x 9″ x 9″) fits airline checked luggage dimensions and the interior (39″ x 8″ x 8″) gives the APO160FL a snug fit with enough extra space for accessories. The hard sides and nylon exterior protect your telescope from all manner of wind, rain, and abrasions. The zippered access pockets in the interior of the case allow for greater customization in the wall padding of the case. An adjustable shoulder strap and hand straps make carrying your telescope comfortable and easy. The TEC Compact Case can also be lifted from the lengthwise handles on either side and features a front pocket for extra storage.

The ATIK LRGB 2" filter set consists of Luminance, Red, Green and blue filters, that have been designed for CCD cameras to image deep sky objects, galaxies and stars in their natural colour. Take advantage of our special offer. Get 50% off any filter set (or both filter sets), when you buy any Atik mono camera (with the exception of the Atik GP).

If a natural colour representation is what you want from you deep-sky imaging, an LRGB filter set should be your first choice. With OIII emission overlapping on the blue and green filters to allow high efficiency and natural colour imaging of all deep-sky objects. The gap between green and red filters serves to block out the light pollution line at 589nm and improves the colour of your images.

ATIK LRGB 2" Specifications

Transmission: Average 95%
Size: 2”
Coating Wavelength: 300-1050nm
Transmitted Wavefront RMS: λ/4
Parallelism (arcsec): 30s

SKU: ATK-0164

ATIK 36mm Narrowband Filter Set

The Atik 36mm Narrowband filter set is designed with a band pass of 7 nm to aid in capturing all a nebula’s photons while the vast majority of the broad band light pollution is stopped. The result is a much higher signal to noise revealing faint details in nebulas. The Narrow band filter set comprises of Hydrogen-Alpha (Ha), Sulphur (SII) and Oxygen (OIII). Take advantage of our special offer. Get 50% off any filter set (or both filter sets), when you buy any Atik mono camera (with the exception of the Atik GP).

The Atik Narrowband 36mm filter set is compatible with our filter wheels and allows astrophotographers to capture deep-sky objects in spectacular narrow band. This filter set is commonly used to image objects in the Hubble pallet.

Atik Narrowband 36mm Filter Set Specifications:

Bandwidth:

• SII 7nm
• Ha 7nm
• OIII 7nm

Peak Transmission: minimum 80%

CWL (centre of wavelength):

• Ha 656.3nm
• SII 671.6nm
• OIII 500.7nm

Size: 36mm unmounted
Transmitted Wavefront RMS: λ/4
Parallelism(arcsec): 30s

SKU: ATK0204

The ATIK LRGB 36mm set consists of Luminance, Red, Green and blue filters, that have been designed for CCD cameras to image deep sky objects, galaxies and stars in their natural colour. Take advantage of our special offer. Get 50% off any filter set (or both filter sets), when you buy any Atik mono camera (with the exception of the Atik GP).

If a natural colour representation is what you want from you deep-sky imaging, an LRGB filter set should be your first choice. With OIII emission overlapping on the blue and green filters to allow high efficiency and natural colour imaging of all deep-sky objects. The gap between green and red filters serves to block out the light pollution line at 589nm and improves the colour of your images.

ATIK LRGB 36mm Set Specifications

Transmission: Average 95%
Size: 36mm
Coating Wavelength: 300-1050nm
Transmitted Wavefront RMS: λ/4
Parallelism (arcsec): 30s

SKU: ATK0163

Like their predecessors, the C261A3 is designed with portability in mind, weighing in at only 4.5kg it can support up to a 12kg payload an incredible 2.6 mount weight to payload ratio. The key to enable such ratios is the CEM design focuses the mount and payload weight directly on the center of the tripod rendering “natural stability”.

Building on the legacy of earlier CEM models we have added features for convenience and functionality. A positive lock gear engagement system (easy to use even when wearing gloves), Built-in Wi-Fi enabling unparallel connectivity and recordable permanent periodic error correction (PPEC) to repeat optimal PEC training sessions. Regarding functionality the C261A3 delivers precise pointing and accurate tracking. The CEM26 sets the new standard for compact equatorial mounts.

The center-balanced design mount puts the weight of the payload at the center of gravity allowing for greater natural stability. Other features include an adjustable counterweight bar to prevent obstruction with the tripod. And polar aligning is quick and accessible all the time since the polar scope is not blocked by the declination shaft.

The C261A3 is equipped with the latest advanced GOTONOVA® GOTO technology, making it one of the most powerful and accurate GOTO mounts available. Its database includes over 212,000+ objects. The Go2Nova® Hand Controller is intuitive to use and its large 4-line LCD screen simplifies the process of setting telescopes and locating objects.

The CEM26A mount has an integrated electronic polar finder scope known as the iPolar. This tool ensures the accurate alignment of a telescope, even when the pole star is obscured. It comes with a 1.5" heavy duty stainless steel tripod and an aluminum carrying case.

Shipping Box #1: C261A-CEM26 Head w/ iPolar/Tray (C261A)
Shipping Box #2: 8283-CEM26/GEM28 LiteRoc Tripod w/o Tray (C26/G28 LiteRoc)

Features

• Unique design, center-balanced equatorial mount (CEM) for maximum payload and minimum mount weight
• Ideal for both visual observation and astrophotography
• Low periodic error (< ± 10 arc seconds)
• Payload of 12 kg (26 lbs) with the mount-only weight of 4.5 kg (10 lbs)
• CNC machined and cast metal body
• Spring loaded gear system
• Large easy to use quick-lock gear clutches
• 0º latitude operation with optional adapter
• Stepper motor with low power consumption
• Integrated iOptron iPolar^TM electronic polar scope
• Polar alignment routine for those who can’t see the Pole Star
• Go2Nova® 8409 controller with Advanced GOTONOVA® GOTO Technology
• Integrated ST-4 autoguiding port
• Built-in Wi-Fi
• USB port for firmware upgrade and computer control
• LiteRoc heavy-duty stainless steel tripod w/ vibration suppression pads (7.5kg)
• Die-cast metal tripod spreader with accessory tray
• Optional 32-channel Global Positioning System (GPS)
• Optional hard carrying case
• Optional iGuider^TM autoguiding system #3360

Supplied with an American power supply from factory

Specs

Compact travel binoculars for sports, nature, the theatre or even the opera!

The Vixen APEX II Binoculars fold for additional space-savings

Bright and clear visibility with special coatings

Multi-coated on the front of the lens. In addition, the prisms use a phase coating that reduces halation and increases resolution, and a high reflection coating that increases image brightness. These coatings reduce light loss and provide bright and clear vision. It is especially effective in a dark theatre or at dusk.

Waterproof design and special rubber coatings are perfect for outdoor use

Waterproof design with inert nitrogen gas filling keeps your binoculars dry and prevents fogging. Safe even near water or in bad weather. It also has a special rubberized exterior that can withstand harsh outdoor use.

Soft mesh bag included

A soft case with high cushioning and breathability is included. Protects your binoculars without added bulk or weight.

Specifications

QHY5III174M uses a 1/1.2-inch, 2.3 Megapixel, SONY Exmore IMX174 CMOS sensor with global shutter. Available in both monochrome and color. The large sensor size is a great choice for solar imaging and the large pixel size and high QE makes it excellent for deep-sky imaging as well. Typical of all models in the QHY5III Series, this camera produces a high frame rate with the USB 3.0 interface, 138 frames per second at full resolution, up to 490 FPS at selected ROI.The QHY5-III series cameras are USB3 super-speed cameras and guiders. They can be used in a standard 1.25-inch eyepiece holder. All QHY5III series cameras come in a very small but powerful package!

Specifications QHY5III174M

PlaneWave CDK 12.5 Fused Silica

Capturing the most stunning astrophotographs possible is something our team is passionate about. From design to manufacture, our goal with the Corrected Dall-Kirkham (CDK) 12.5″ telescope was centered around performance and ease of use. The PlaneWave CDK 12.5 Fused Silica is an incredible breakthrough in telescope technology and produces no off-axis coma and no off-axis astigmatism. Additionally, the PlaneWave CDK 12.5 Fused Silica provides a perfectly flat field so your astrophotographs will have stunning clarity from corner to corner of the image without field curvature degrading the photos. Offering the simplicity of single-mirror collimation, the stray light control of advanced baffles, structural performance created through finite element analysis (FEA), and decades of telescope design experience, the CDK12.5 is an exceptional diffraction-limited telescope. CDK12.5 users can experience pinpoint stars edge-to-edge and a 70 x 70 arcminute field of view when using large camera sensors. When equipment fades into the background and simply performs, the astrophotography experience becomes even more fun and rewarding!

The PlaneWave CDK 12.5 Fused Silica is a 12.5 inch (0.32 m) f/8 Corrected Dall-Kirkham Astrograph telescope. The telescope has a closed carbon fiber tube, with 3 cooling fans ejecting air from the back of the telescope. The PlaneWave CDK 12.5 covers a 52 mm field of view without any field curvature, off-axis coma, or astigmatism. The instrument weight is 21kg and comes standard with the large capacity 2.75 inch Hedrick focuser.

Technology

The CDK Optical Design

The CDK telescope is based on a new optical design developed by Dave Rowe. The goal of the design is to make an affordable astrographic telescope with a large enough imaging plane to take advantage of the large format CCD cameras of today. Most telescope images degrade as you move off-axis from either coma, off-axis astigmatism, or field curvature. The CDK design suffers from none of these problems. The CDK is coma free, has no off-axis astigmatism, and has a flat field. The design is a simple and elegant solution to the problems posed above. The CDK consists of three components: an ellipsoidal primary mirror, a spherical secondary mirror and a lens group. All these components are optimized to work in concert in order to create superb pinpoint stars across the entire 52mm image plane.

Optical Performance

Shown are two simulations showing the CDK’s stunning performance. The first is a diffraction simulation and the second is a spot diagram. In both simulations the small squares are 9×9 microns, about the size of a CCD pixel. In the diffraction simulation the star images on axis and off-axis are nearly identical. In the spot diagram 21mm off-axis the spot size is an incredible 6 microns RMS diameter. This means stars across a 52 mm image circle are going to be pinpoints as small as the atmospheric seeing will allow.

Both of the simulations take into consideration a flat field, which is a more accurate representation of how the optics would perform on a flat CCD camera chip. For visual use some amount of field curvature would be allowed since the eye is able to compensate for a curved field. The diffraction simulation was calculated at 585nm. The spot diagram was calculated at 720, 585, and 430nm. Many companies show spot diagrams in only one wavelength, but you cannot see the chromatic performance with only one wavelength.

Comparison: CDK vs. Ritchey Chrétien

The simulations shown compares the optical performance of the CDK design to the Ritchey Chrétien (RC) design. The Ritchey design was popularized as an astroimaging telescope due to its use in many professional

observatories. Although very difficult and expensive to manufacture and align, the Ritchey is successful in eliminating many of the problems that plague many other designs, namely off-axis coma. However the Ritchey does nothing to eliminate the damaging effects of off-axis astigmatism and field curvature.

The CDK design tackles the off-axis coma problem by integrating a pair of correcting lenses into a two mirror design. The beauty is that this design also corrects for astigmatism and field curvature. Because the lenses are relatively close to the focal plane (unlike the Schmidt corrector plate found in various Schmidt Cassegrain designs), and because these lenses work together as a doublet, there is no chromatic aberration. The CDK offers a wide aberration-free, flat field of view that allows the user to take full advantage of the very large imaging chip cameras in the market place today.

Having an aberration free telescope design means nothing if the optics cannot be aligned properly. Many Ritchey owners never get to take full advantage of their instrument’s performance because the Ritchey is very difficult to collimate. Aligning the hyperbolic secondary mirror’s optical axis to the optical axis of the primary mirror is critical in the Ritchey design, and the tolerances are unforgiving. The secondary mirror of the CDK design is spherical. It has no optical axis and so the centering tolerance of the CDK secondary mirror is comparatively huge. With the help of some very simple tools, the CDK user will be able to set the secondary spacing, collimate the optics and begin enjoying the full performance potential the instrument has to offer within a few minutes.

The drastic difference in performance between the CDK and the RC is apparent. The biggest component that degrades the off-axis performance of the RC is the defocus due to field curvature. In many diagrams shown by RC manufacturers, the diagrams look better than this because they are showing a curved field. This is fine for visual use because the eye can compensate for some amount of curvature of field. But CCD arrays are flat and so in order to evaluate the performance a spot diagrams and/or diffraction simulations requires a flat field as shown.

PlaneWave CDK 12.5 Specifications

OPTICAL SYSTEM

SECONDARY MIRROR

PRIMARY MIRROR

LENS GROUP

SHIPPING

INCLUDED ACCESSORIES

Collimation and Spacing Instructions