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

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

This lightweight but steady tripod matches perfectly with the Sky-Watcher Star Adventurer GTi GOTO telescope mount.

The Celestron Dew Heater Ring is the ideal dew prevention solution for your Celestron telescope. This must-have accessory will improve your observing or imaging nights year-round. The Dew Heater Ring permanently mounts to your 6" Celestron Schmidt-Cassegrain optical tube, replacing your retaining ring, so you'll never be caught without it. The installation process is quick and easy (follow the manual for instructions).

How it works

The Dew Heater Ring replaces the plastic retaining ring on your Schmidt corrector lens for efficient heating across the lens. The ring is constructed of lightweight, durable aluminum. Its rigid frame supports the cable circuity and the telescope's Schmidt corrector lens. Unlike other heating bands or strips that inefficiently heat the lens cell to warm the glass, the Celestron Dew Heater Ring heats the corrector glass directly, providing the most efficient transfer of heat to prevent dew formation.

Simply plug the ring into an external 12V DC power source for consistent, continuous heat that will prevent dew from forming even under heavy dew conditions. The Dew Heater Ring features two storage clips to keep the power and thermistor jacks secure when not in use while accommodating the telescope's dust cover.

The Dew Heater Ring also comes with a cable management clip that connects to the telescope's front cell. Corral the power and thermistor jack to prevent them from dangling and reduce unwanted pulls on the cable connection to the rings.

The Dew Heater Ring comes complete with:

• Dew Heater Ring
• Cable management clip
• Power jack extension cable
• Paper installation shield

Enhance your setup

To achieve the highest level of dew prevention while maximizing power efficiency, we strongly recommend pairing the Dew Heater Ring with a Smart DewHeater Controller (sold separately). The controller uses the ring's built-in thermistor and its internal environmental sensor to provide just the right amount of heat to the corrector to prevent dew based upon the ambient temperature, ambient humidity, and temperature of the Schmidt corrector, which can dramatically reduce the ring’s power draw, greatly increasing battery life. The ring also includes an extension cable for connecting the ring directly to one of the controllers’ heater output ports, or to a third-party controller’s heater output port. (Note: the ring’s integrated thermistor is only compatible with the Celestron Smart DewHeater Controllers).

We also recommend adding a dew shield to your setup. While not mandatory, a shield will cut down on the amount of power the Dew Heater Ring needs to keep the optics clear.

Collapsible pier tripod for Sky-Watcher EQ8 mounts including:

• EQ8
• EQ8-R
• EQ8-Rh

The Celestron 1.25inch Star Diagonal slides into the focuser (1.25”) of your refractor or catadioptric telescope and accepts standard 1.25” eyepieces, allowing you to view objects more comfortably. A diagonal that is angled at 90º helps avoid neck strain when looking through the eyepiece.

Please note that a 90º diagonal will display images that are right side up, but left to right orientation will be reversed (mirrored).

2 Years Warranty

SKU: 94115-A

Farpoint Bahtinov Mask RASA 8" designed for the Celestron 8 inch RASA telescope, is an ingenious way to easily focus a telescope. Pavel Bahtinov, a Russian amateur telescope maker and astronomer, created this simple, very intuitive method and the device has universally been named after him: The Bahtinov Mask.

Farpoint Bahtinov Mask RASA 8"

Farpoint Bahtinov Mask RASA 8" is an ingenious way to easily focus a telescope. Pavel Bahtinov, a Russian amateur telescope maker and astronomer, created this simple, very intuitive method and the device has universally been named after him: The Bahtinov Mask.

Attach a camera to the telescope, center a fairly bright star and achieve rough focus. Then place the mask over the front aperture of your telescope by “hanging” it on the plastic screws from the front dew shield. Take a short exposure. The image of the star will show diffraction spikes. The “center” set will most likely be shifted to one side or the other. This is showing the defocus.

Adjust the focus of the telescope and re-expose the star, once again showing the diffraction spike pattern. Iterate the process until the central diffraction spike is centered against the star and the other spikes. When a symmetrical pattern is achieved, the best possible focus is then reached. Simply remove the mask, center the target object and take amazing, sharp images!

Farpoint manufactures this "lifesaving" astrophotography tool out of virtually indestructible ABS plastic, which comes in two major types and in a range of sizes. In addition to Bahtinov masks for telescopes, Farpoint also makes Bahtinov masks for DSLR camera lenses.

Farpoint Bahtinov Masks Are one of the best tools for manually focusing your telescope available to astrophotographers. In 2005, Pavel Bahtinov, a Russian amateur telescope maker and astronomer detailed a way to easily focus your DSLR, CMOS or CCD camera for astrophotography by adding a mask that matches the diameter of your telescope.

Bahtinov mask are a less expensive method of getting focus on objects in the night sky compared to a standard motor focuser.

With the right mask and setup it’s easy to get crystal clear focus on a star in less than 90 seconds.

How it works

The slits in the mask are the focus assist, when the star is in focus it will appear on your screen display as an “X” with a line through the center (see above).

These masks will work equally as well on the end of a scope or on the end of a dew shield on top of that the mask itself does not need to be perfected centered on the scope this is due to the angle of the slits themselves.

Select a bright star, this will be your guiding object. Place the Bahtinov focusing mask on your telescope’s lens and secure it into place using the provided rubber tabs.

The slits in the mask design create a set of diffraction spikes on the star that will assist in the accuracy of our focus. It will appear on your DSLR display screen or computer as an “X” with a line through the center (when in focus).

SKU: FP410-R

Take a tour of the night sky and the wonders of the Universe with this fascinating guide. Look up to the stars and observe the wonders of outer space with this beautifully illustrated, inspirational, and accessible introduction to astronomy.

Visit other planets in our solar system, steer a course through the constellations, and head away from our galaxy to unlock the secrets of interstellar space.

Take a tour of the night sky and the wonders of the Universe with Astronomy for Curious Kids. Travel through time and space from the Big Bang to black holes, and study solar eclipses, shooting stars, supergiants and supernovas for a journey that is literally out of this world. 

• Beautifully illustrated, accessible guide to the world of astronomy
• Explains how stars are born and how they die
• Learn how to navigate the night sky using constellations
• Explores the Big Bang, black holes, solar eclipses, shooting stars, supergiants, and supernovas
• Discover the Milky Way and the solar system

What's inside

Welcome to Astronomy
Chapter 1: How to Be an Astronomer
Chapter 2: the Story of Astronomy
Chapter 3: Discovering the Solar System
Chapter 4: Secrets of the Stars
Chapter 5: the Milky Way and Beyond
Chapter 6: the Story of the Universe
Glossary
Index

Reading level varies from child to child, but we recommend this book for ages 8 to 12.

Authors

Giles Sparrow is a freelance author and editor, specializing in popular science, astronomy, and space technology. He studied astronomy at University College, London, and is a Fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society. He has gone on to have books about space published by many esteemed children’s publishers.

Nik Neves is a Brazilian graphic artist, illustrator, and comic author specializing in illustrated maps, sketchbooks, visual diaries, and music. Nik works with clients across the globe and regularly contributes to international publications including Lonely Planet, National Geographic, and Arte Magazine. He lives and works in Berli

ISBN: 9781486318384 | 128 pages | 280 x 225 mm
Publisher: CSIRO Publishing
Colour illustrations

Farpoint Bahtinov Mask- 5.5 Inch to 8.5 Inch Telescopes is an ingenious new way to easily focus a telescope. Pavel Bahtinov, a Russian amateur telescope maker and astronomer, created this simple, very intuitive method and the device has universally been named after him: The Bahtinov Mask.

Adjustable Bahtinov focus mask for telescopes with dew shield or front end diameter from 5.5" to 8.5".

Attach a camera to the telescope, center a fairly bright star and achieve rough focus. Then place the mask over the front aperture of your telescope by “hanging” it on the plastic screws from the front dew shield. Take a short exposure. The image of the star will show diffraction spikes. The “center” set will most likely be shifted to one side or the other. This is showing the defocus.

Adjust the focus of the telescope and re-expose the star, once again showing the diffraction spike pattern. Iterate the process until the central diffraction spike is centered against the star and the other spikes. When a symmetrical pattern is achieved, the best possible focus is then reached. Simply remove the mask, center the target object and take amazing, sharp images!

Like their predecessors, the C262A3 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 C262A3 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 C262A3 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.

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
• Hard carrying case
• Optional 32-channel Global Positioning System (GPS)
• Optional iGuider^TM autoguiding system #3360

Supplied with an American power supply from factory

The First Astronomers is the first book to reveal the rich knowledge of the stars and the planets held by First Peoples around the world.

The Celestron Dew Heater Ring is the ideal dew prevention solution for your Celestron telescope. This must-have accessory will improve your observing or imaging nights year-round. The Dew Heater Ring permanently mounts to your 9.25" Celestron Schmidt-Cassegrain and EdgeHD optical tube, replacing your retaining ring, so you'll never be caught without it. The installation process is quick and easy (follow the manual for instructions).

How it works

The Dew Heater Ring replaces the plastic retaining ring on your Schmidt corrector lens for efficient heating across the lens. The ring is constructed of lightweight, durable aluminum. Its rigid frame supports the cable circuity and the telescope's Schmidt corrector lens. Unlike other heating bands or strips that inefficiently heat the lens cell to warm the glass, the Celestron Dew Heater Ring heats the corrector glass directly, providing the most efficient transfer of heat to prevent dew formation.

Simply plug the ring into an external 12V DC power source for consistent, continuous heat that will prevent dew from forming even under heavy dew conditions. The Dew Heater Ring features two storage clips to keep the power and thermistor jacks secure when not in use while accommodating the telescope's dust cover.

The Dew Heater Ring also comes with a cable management clip that connects to the telescope's front cell. Corral the power and thermistor jack to prevent them from dangling and reduce unwanted pulls on the cable connection to the rings.

The Dew Heater Ring comes complete with:

• Dew Heater Ring
• Cable management clip
• Power jack extension cable
• Paper installation shield

Enhance your setup

To achieve the highest level of dew prevention while maximizing power efficiency, we strongly recommend pairing the Dew Heater Ring with a Smart DewHeater Controller (sold separately). The controller uses the ring's built-in thermistor and its internal environmental sensor to provide just the right amount of heat to the corrector to prevent dew based upon the ambient temperature, ambient humidity, and temperature of the Schmidt corrector, which can dramatically reduce the ring’s power draw, greatly increasing battery life. The ring also includes an extension cable for connecting the ring directly to one of the controllers’ heater output ports, or to a third-party controller’s heater output port. (Note: the ring’s integrated thermistor is only compatible with the Celestron Smart DewHeater Controllers).

We also recommend adding a dew shield to your setup. While not mandatory, a shield will cut down on the amount of power the Dew Heater Ring needs to keep the optics clear.

Like their predecessors, the CEM26 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”.

The Atik 2" narrowband filter set are 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 2" narrowband 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.

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: 2” mounted
Transmitted Wavefront RMS: λ/4
Parallelism(arcsec): 30s

SKU: ATK0205

Take the guesswork out of using third-party heating bands or straps and increase your power efficiency with the Celestron Thermistor for Smart DewHeater Controllers. This accessory allows the Smart DewHeater Controller (sold separately) to deliver just the right amount warmth for to your telescope’s corrector to prevent dew without wasting battery. 6’ cable length accommodates a wide variety of configurations.

How it works

Connect the heating band to your telescope and place the Thermistor's sealed probe tip under the heating band. Plug each cable into its corresponding port of the Smart DewHeater Controller.

NOTE: This thermistor is not required if you are using a Celestron Dew Heater Ring because the ring already contains a built-in thermistor.

NOTE: Heating Band Not included.

Enhance your setup

We also recommend adding a dew shield to your setup. While not mandatory, a shield will cut down on the amount of power your dew heater needs to keep the optics clear.

Iconic Design
The Leica TRINOVID 8x40 binoculars are a tribute to the iconic glass of the 1960s. Shapely, slim and elegant in classic binocular design featuring black leather, they are a statement and a tiemless accessory.

Modern Premium Optics
The precise, powerful premium optics give you an impressive overview, while intuitive operation ensure that you can comfortably observe even the smallest details. The latest glass types and coatings guarantee brilliant, natural colours and high-contrast and bright images from edge to edge.

Made for Generations
Protected by an ultra-light aluminum housing and state-of-the-art materials, theLeica TRINOVID 8x40 binoculars are rugged, weatherproof and splash-proof. They are up to any challenge, even under harsh conditions, making them the perfect companion for trips, on hiking tours, or at events.

The Essentials:

• Iconic design, sleek and elegant with classic black leather trim
• Modern premium optics for impressive viewing experiences with brilliant, natural colors and high-contrast, bright images
• High quality and durable aluminum housing
• Outstanding overview thanks to the largest field of view with high edge sharpness
• More details can be seen even at dusk
• Quiet, shake-free overview of the scenery

The Celestron Dew Heater Ring is the ideal dew prevention solution for your Celestron telescope. This must-have accessory will improve your observing or imaging nights year-round. The Dew Heater Ring permanently mounts to your 11" Celestron Schmidt-Cassegrain (manufactured 2006 or later), EdgeHD, and RASA optical tube, replacing your retaining ring so you'll never be caught without it. The installation process is quick and easy (follow the manual for instructions).

How it works

The Dew Heater Ring replaces the plastic retaining ring on your Schmidt corrector lens for efficient heating across the lens. The ring is constructed of lightweight, durable aluminum. Its rigid frame supports the cable circuity and the telescope's Schmidt corrector lens. Unlike other heating bands or strips that inefficiently heat the lens cell to warm the glass, the Celestron Dew Heater Ring heats the corrector glass directly, providing the most efficient transfer of heat to prevent dew formation.

Simply plug the ring into an external 12V DC power source for consistent, continuous heat that will prevent dew from forming even under heavy dew conditions. The Dew Heater Ring features two storage clips to keep the power and thermistor jacks secure when not in use while accommodating the telescope's dust cover.

The Dew Heater Ring also comes with a cable management clip that connects to the telescope's front cell. Corral the power and thermistor jack to prevent them from dangling and reduce unwanted pulls on the cable connection to the rings.

The Dew Heater Ring comes complete with:

• Dew Heater Ring
• Cable management clip
• Power jack extension cable
• Paper installation shield

Enhance your setup

To achieve the highest level of dew prevention while maximizing power efficiency, we strongly recommend pairing the Dew Heater Ring with a Smart DewHeater Controller (sold separately). The controller uses the ring's built-in thermistor and its internal environmental sensor to provide just the right amount of heat to the corrector to prevent dew based upon the ambient temperature, ambient humidity, and temperature of the Schmidt corrector, which can dramatically reduce the ring’s power draw, greatly increasing battery life. The ring also includes an extension cable for connecting the ring directly to one of the controllers’ heater output ports, or to a third-party controller’s heater output port. (Note: the ring’s integrated thermistor is only compatible with the Celestron Smart DewHeater Controllers).

We also recommend adding a dew shield to your setup. While not mandatory, a shield will cut down on the amount of power the Dew Heater Ring needs to keep the optics clear.

Leica Camera AG, Wetzlar, presents a new generation of the Leica ULTRAVID 10x42 binoculars. The prisms of the new binoculars are made from specially formulated SCHOTT glasses with exceptional transmission characteristics. The significantly increased light transmission, particularly in the blue-violet band, ensures not only higher image brightness, but also better color transmission and considerably improved twilight vision.

The essentials:

• 12 precise glass lenses of SCHOTT HT™ (High Transmission) for amazingly natural color rendition and increased brightness
• Improved geometry of lens surfaces for never-before achieved edge to edge image sharpness.
• High-temperature plasma deposition lens coatings for perfectly balanced light transmission throughout the entire wavelength range of visible light
• New eyepiece design for longer eye-relief, nearer close focus, and wider field of view
• Light-weight, high strength magnesium body with patented hardness Class 8 surface coating for superior corrosion protection
• Superior sealing and nitrogen purged for the highest rated water/fog proof performance in any environment – submersible to 16 feet
• Rubber armoring for sure grip, added impact protection, and comfortable ergonomics
• High mechanical precision focusing system for properly metered focusing speed

The Leica NOCTIVID 10X42 glasses are compact in size, stylish, and elegant, but nevertheless unbelievably robust and resilient. Ideal for every walk of life, the Leica Noctivid binoculars set standards alone with their design. The optical and mechanical systems of the Leica Noctivid family of binoculars unite the best of the latest and most innovative technologies to create a pinnacle of excellence.

The optical engineers have integrated no less than 12 glass lens elements in the Leica Noctivid models to achieve viewing excellence that fulfills even the most stringent demands. Schott HT™ (High Transmission) glasses ensure amazingly natural color rendition. The Leica NOCTIVID 10X42 binoculars take advantage of a high-temperature plasma deposition process for highest-quality lens coatings that guarantee perfectly balanced transmission characteristics throughout the entire wavelength range of visible light, which results in a breathtakingly bright and color-neutral viewing image.

The essentials:

• Best detail recognition thanks to 10x magnification
• Excellent stray light suppression and high contrasts allow the observation of the finest structures under the most difficult conditions
• Fatigue-free, relaxed observation thanks to its compact design and ideal weight distribution

The essentials:

• Bright thanks to 50 mm lens diameter
• The generous exit pupil allows a quick and safe insight
• Ideal binoculars for night observation with compact dimensions and low weight

Iconic Design
The Leica TRINOVID 10x40 binoculars are a tribute to the iconic glass of the 1960s. Shapely, slim and elegant in classic binocular design featuring black leather, they are a statement and a timeless accessory.

Modern Premium Optics
The precise, powerful premium optics give you an impressive overview, while intuitive operation ensure that you can comfortably observe even the smallest details. The latest glass types and coatings guarantee brilliant, natural colours and high-contrast and bright images from edge to edge.

Made for Generations
Protected by an ultra-light aluminum housing and state-of-the-art materials, the Leica TRINOVID 10x40 binoculars are rugged, weatherproof and splash-proof. They are up to any challenge, even under harsh conditions, making them the perfect companion for trips, on hiking tours, or at events.

The Essentials:

• Iconic design, sleek and elegant with classic black leather trim
• Modern premium optics for impressive viewing experiences with brilliant, natural colors and high-contrast, bright images
• High quality and durable aluminum housing
• Outstanding overview thanks to the largest field of view with high edge sharpness
• More details can be seen even at dusk
• Quiet, shake-free overview of the scenery

Leica Sport Optics NOCTIVID 10x42 binoculars have set a new standard in wildlife observation, and to celebrate this, the premium German brand has now unveiled this innovative model in olive green armor casing.

Available in 8x42 and 10x42, the Leica Noctivid features compact dimensions, as well as stylish and elegant design, while also being incredibly robust and resilient. Extremely versatile, whatever their use, the Leica NOCTIVID 10x42 sets new standards in looks as well as in optics and mechanics. This family of binoculars unites the latest state-of-the-art and most innovative technologies at the highest level.

Leica’s engineers have achieved a quality in observation that meets the highest demands. Thanks to Schott HT™ (high transmission) glass, the Noctivid features astoundingly natural colors. In addition, premium coatings have been applied on the lenses in a high temperature plasma processes, guaranteeing a perfectly balanced light transmission across the entire wavelength range, ensuring astoundingly bright color rendition to the point of color neutrality.

Meanwhile, innovative baffle systems for stray-light suppression produce the best possible reflection reduction as well as maximum contrast. Thanks to the modification of the radii at the lens surfaces, the sharpness towards the periphery of the field of view has been improved significantly. The AquaDura® coating developed by Leica ensures a crystal-clear view in any weather and protects the lenses from scratches and abrasion. The coating also means dirt and fingerprints can be wiped off easily.

The essentials:

• Best detail recognition due to 10x magnification
• Excellent stray light suppression and high contrasts allow the observation of the finest structures under the most difficult conditions
• Fatigue-free, relaxed observation thanks to its compact design and ideal weight distribution
• Limited edition

Work smarter, not harder, when it comes to combating dew. The Smart DewHeater and Controller 2x prolongs your battery life by optimizing power usage for up to two dew heaters. The controller gathers and analyzes information in real time to warm your optics just enough to prevent dew.

The Smart DewHeater and Controller comes with two ports to control two dew heaters at once. You can use one port to heat your optical tube while the other warms a second optical tube, a guide scope, an eyepiece, or another accessory. The controller also features an additional 12V DC output port so you can power another 12V DC device, such as your mount.

The Smart DewHeater and Controller works seamlessly with Celestron’s Dew Heater Rings, which have a built-in thermistor to provide temperature readings of the corrector lens. Third-party dew heater bands or straps are also compatible; you simply need to add Celestron's Thermistor for Smart DewHeater Controllers (sold separately).

Smart Controls

At the heart of the controller is a powerful microprocessor that gathers information from the sensors, computes the data, and automatically adjusts your dew heaters. The controller monitors the ambient temperature and humidity using its integrated environmental sensor and monitors the heaters’ temperatures using thermistors.

You can run the Smart DewHeater and Controller 2x as a standalone accessory. Or, if you want to view data from the controller and make manual adjustments, you can connect it to your Celestron telescope’s hand control or your PC. The controller works with NexStar+ or StarSense hand controls running the latest firmware or Celestron CPWI telescope control software, included with every Celestron mount.

Power

The Smart DewHeater and Controller 2x runs on a 12V DC battery (like our PowerTank Lithium Pro or PowerTank 17) and can handle a maximum power of 120W (10A max current @ 12V DC). The controller also features a 12V DC output port. You can use this extra port to power another device, like your mount. This way, you can power your entire setup from a single source. Resettable electronic fuses prevent damage if input or output current draw becomes too high.

NOTE: If you are using two dew heaters in heavy dew conditions and powering a 12V DC device, the controller may be operating near its power limit. In this case, one PowerTank Lithium Pro or PowerTank 17Ah will not have enough capacity to run your setup all night; you'll need a larger capacity battery or multiple batteries.

Unique Industrial Design

The Smart DewHeater and Controller 2x features a heavy-duty metal housing. Inside, a cooling fan protects the controller’s electronics.

The Bridge – On top of the controller, you will find the bridge, which is home to the device’s status LEDs and environmental sensors. It also helps with cable management. We have positioned the temperature and humidity sensors here, away from the control box and other components that could generate heat. Unlike competitor products, our sensors do not require additional cables to obtain accurate readings.

The LED lights on the bridge indicate the device’s current status. The LEDs provide warnings if the controller is drawing more current than your power source can supply or if the battery charge needs recharging. You can dim the lights if you are under dark skies.

Mounting – The Celestron Smart DewHeater and Controller 2x mounts on your CGE or CG-5 dovetail with the integrated dovetail clamps. If you prefer to mount the controller on your tripod leg, use the included strap.

Smart DewHeater and Controller 2x comes complete with:

• Smart DewHeater and Controller 2x
• Tripod leg strap
• Controller power cable
• Power cable for external 12V DC device
• AUX cable for connecting to Celestron mounts
• Thermistor extension cable to attach to Celestron’s Dew Heater Ring

Enhance your setup

We highly recommend pairing this controller with Celestron Dew Heater Rings. They fit seamlessly on your Schmidt corrector lens and will improve your observing or imaging year-round.

For the highest level of dew prevention, we also suggest adding a dew shield to your setup. While not required, a dew shield will cut down on the amount of power the controller needs to provide to the dew heater rings to keep your optics clear.

The essentials:

• Balanced ratio of magnification and light intensity
• Good twilight performance
• Binoculars for extended observation: high detail recognition even in the most adverse lighting conditions, during the day and at late twilight

The Leica ULTRAVID 8x32 HD-Plus models are unequalled in their compact form, high optical performance and easy focusing. The 8x32 HD-Plus model is the perfect companion for long hikes or nature observation in difficult terrain. On city tours, the large field of view provides you with the necessary overview when the distance to the observed object is short. The Leica ULTRAVID models are ideal for daylight use and are available with a magnification factor of 8x or 10x. The 8x magnification offers a larger field of view.

The essentials:

• Large field of view of 135 m for a good overview of the terrain
• Compact, light and powerful

The Leica Ultravid 32 HD-Plus models are unequalled in their compact form, high optical performance and easy focusing. The 8x32 HD-Plus model is the perfect companion for long hikes or nature observation in difficult terrain. On city tours, the large field of view provides you with the necessary overview when the distance to the observed object is short. The Ultravid 32 models are ideal for daylight use and are available with a magnification factor of 8x or 10x. The 10x magnification offers insights into the finest details, even at long distances. The 8x magnification offers a larger field of view.

The essentials:

• Brilliant, detailed observation experiences, especially during daytime observation
• The small, compact and lightweight companion for safaris and adventure trips: for a detailed view over long distances

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