astro hutech - Astronomy Technology Today

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The Companies And
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Have Made Our
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without whom this magazine would
not be possible. When making a
decision on your next purchase, we
encourage you to consider these
advertisers’ commitment to you by
underwriting this issue of
Astronomy Technology Today.
20/20 Telescopes and
Binoculars
www.2020telescopes.com
page 19
Adirondack Astronomy
www.astrovid.com
page 52
Agena AstroProducts
www.agenaastro.com
page 45
Amateur Astronomy Magazine
www.amateurastronomy.com
page 44
Astro Domes
www.astrodomes.com
page 41
Astro Gizmos
www.astrogizmos.com
page 50
Astro Hutech
www.hutech.com
page 10
AstroPhoto Insight Magazine
www.skyinsight.net
page 35
Astro Physics
www.astro-physics.com
page 31, 63
AstroShorts
www.astroshorts.com
page 38
AstroSky
www.astrosky.homestead.com
page 24
AstroTrac
www.astrotrac.com
page 38
ATS Piers
www.AdvancedTelescope.com
page 51
Backyard Observatories
ww.backyardobservatories.com
page 46
Blue Planet Optics
www.blueplanetoptics.com
page 72
Bobs Knobs
www.bobsknobs.com
page 30
Catseye Collimation
www.catseyecollimation.com
page 37
Celestron
www.celestron.com
page 2, 28, 71
Clickodometer
www.clickodometer.com
page 12
Cloudy Nights
www.cloudynights.com
page 44
CNC Supply
www.cncsupplyinc.com
page 59
Durango Skies
www.durangoskies.com
page 42
Equatorial Platforms
www.equatorialplatforms.com
page 51
FAR Laboratories
www.farlaboratories.com
page 17
Farpoint Astronomical
Research
www.farpointastro.com
page 62
Fishcamp Engineeering
www.fishcamp.com
page 21
Glatter Collimation
www.collimator.com
page 56
Great Red Spot Astronomy
www.greatredspot.com
page 23
Jack’s Astro Accessories
www.waningmoonii.com
page 66
JMI Telescopes
www.jmitelescopes.com
page 13
Khan Scope Centre
www.khanscope.com
page 48
Meade Instruments
www.meade.com
page 4, 69
Moonbeam Website Development
www.moonbeam.scopetrader.com
page 48
Obsession Telescopes
www.obsessiontelescopes.com
page 61
Oceanside Photo and Telescope
www.optcorp.com
page 27, 70
Optec
www.optecinc.com
page 22
Optical Wave Laboratories
www.opticwavelabs.com
page 15
Ostahowski Optics
www.ostahowskioptics.com
page 24
Peterson Engineering
www.petersonengineering.com
page 48
ProtoStar
www.fpi-protostar.com
page 59
Rigel Systems
www.rigelsys.com
page 18
Round Table Platforms
www.roundtableplatforms.com
page 37
Scope Stuff
www.scopestuff.com
page 48
Scope Trader
www.scopetrader.com
page 12
SkyShed Observatories
www.skyshed.com
page 24
Starizona
www.starizona.com
page 11
Stark Labs
www.stark-labs.com
page 35
Starlight Instruments
www.starlightinstruments.com
page 53
Stellarvue
www.stellarvue.com
page 56
Teton Telescope
www.tetontelescope.com
page 23
Thousand Oaks Optical
www.thousandoaksoptical.com
page 59
Van Slyke Instruments
www.observatory.org
page 20
Woodland Hills Telescopes
www.whtelescopes.com
page 14
William Optics
www.williamoptics.com
page 3
Zeke’s Seats
foxworks@netscape.com
page 49
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ASTRONOMY
TECHNOLOGY TODAY
WEBSTER TELESCOPES
C22 22-inch No Ladder Dob
Webster Telescopes has announced
the latest addition to its line of
large aperture instruments, a
22-inch “No Ladder” Dob.
Utilizing a 22-inch f/3.6
primary mirror from
master optician
Steve Kennedy,
the C22 has a
lower eyepiece
height at zenith
than many 16-inch
telescopes.
“Steve Kennedy
and I spent quite a
few weeks discussing
this new scope,” said Eric
Webster. “Steve was hesitant
about returning to the manufacture of
smaller aperture mirrors again. I kept coming
back to the fact that the C22 really was
the largest telescope that one could spend
95% of the night with both feet on the
ground. Steve finally agreed that it would
be a unique product and began the tooling
process.”
“It has always been said that once you
exceed 20 inches in aperture, you start to
feel that there is no object beyond your
reach.” Eric continued, “Combine all of
that resolution with the wide fields of view
provided by the short focal length and, of
course, the appeal of not needing a ladder
and I think this may be many people’s idea
of the perfect telescope.”
For more information, please visit
www.webstertelescopes.com.
Priced at $9,299.00
the C22 f/3.6 features:
• Kennedy Optics 22-inch primary
mirror
• Spherical bearing steel mirror cell
• Dovetail construction
• Black anodized aluminum trusses
and hardware
• Feather Touch dual-speed focuser
with draw tube brass compression
rings and deluxe leveling base
• Roadex scratch proof rockerbox
covering
• Telrad finder
• RipStop light shroud
• Wheelbarrow handles and 10-inch
pneumatic tires
• CatsEye reflective collimation triangle
NEW! QuikAdapt
$79.95
Universal digital camera adapter for Astrophotography.
for both eyepiece projection & prime focus. Works with
digicams and DSLRs. One handed easy-on & easy-off,
easy camera alignment, rigid durable aluminum.
PulsGuide + 12.5 mm Guiding Eyepiece
PulsGuide pulses reticle illumination
to let eye rest between pulses, for
increased contrast between reticle &
faint guide stars. The result Easier
guiding. Eyepiece has excellent eye
relief & sharp double cross hairs.
nFOCUS + focus motor
nFOCUS controller fits in the palm
of your hand and provides two
directions at low & high speeds with
only two buttons using advanced
logic & high torque 12V pulse.
For GSO, Stellarvue, WO &Televue.
nFOCUS alone. $49.95 nFOCUS + DC Motor $129.95
www.rigelsys.com
$119.95
Rigel Systems
Skylite & Starlite mini
Our original astro flashlight, much imitated
but never duplicated, is back! More
compact at only 3.5 inches long. Skylite
switchable between white and red,
Starlite is red only. Skylite mini $24.95 Starlite mini $20.95
$299.95
NEW! RS-Spectroscope
Attaches to a eyepiece to spreadlight from
stars and nebulae into a rainbow of colors,
colors that provide a whole new way to
enjoy astronomy. Works with most
digital cameras.
QuikFinder
$39.95
Compact reflex sight. One tenth the size and
weight of the other "reflex" sight, makes aiming
your telescope easy with its wide-open right-side-up
view. Projects 1/2 and 2 degree red circles, Pulsed
or continuous illumination of reticle.
18 Astronomy TECHNOLOGY TODAY

NEWPRODUCTS
BAADER PLANETARIUM AND SBIG
Introduces Narrowband CCD Filters
WILLIAM OPTICS
Offers Field Flattener III
Santa Barbara Instrument Group
(SBIG) and Baader Planetarium have
announced a new line of Narrowband
Filters designed specifically for CCD
imaging. The filters are formulated to
deliver the optimum transmission of
important narrow wavelengths
from emission
nebula and sharp cutoff
of unwanted frequencies
necessary to
getting the most from
CCD applications. Options
include a 7-nm passband H-
alpha, an 8.5-nm passband H-beta,
an 8.5-nm passband OIII, and an 8-nm
passband SII. Special versions include an
IR pass filter and an Ultraviolet “Venus”
filter.
The filters are available in 1.25-inch
threaded cells to fit SBIG’s CFW8A,
CFW9 and CFW10 filter wheels for the
ST series cameras, and a 50.8 mm diameter
unmounted version for use in SBIG’s
STL camera line. This unmounted version
accommodates easy drop-in installation
in SBIG’s 5 and 8 position filter
wheels, permitting the maximum clear
aperture required for SBIG’s large 11000
CCDs. The filters are of the same thickness
as SBIG’s standard LRGBC set,
insuring that they are parfocal with those
existing options in the STL applications.
Each Baader filter utilizes finely
polished, flat, highest optical
quality substrates and ion beam
hardened coatings designed
to withstand a lifetime
of use and cleaning.
The substrates selected
by Baader are striae
free and flat to within
1/4 wave across the entire surface,
with planes parallel to within 30 seconds
of arc. These features add significantly
to production costs, but are necessary
to ensure that optimum wavefront
quality is delivered to the sensor.
SBIG is making the most commonly
used versions available in sets at a significant
discount from prices if purchased
individually. The 1.25-inch set of the H-
alpha, OIII and SII versions is less than
$400, while the same filters in the 50.8
mm unmounted version are less than
$900.
For more information, visit
www.sbig.com.
William Optics’ new 0.8x Field
Flattener III is now available. The large,
50-mm clear aperture lens system is recommended
specifically for the William
Optics 80-, 90- and 110-mm Apos. Full
antireflection multi-coatings on every
optical surface ensure optimum transmission
of the flat wavefront to the eyepiece
or imaging sensor.
The unique design of the Field
Flattener III permits 360-degree
instrument rotation with simple set-screw
locking, while the large 50-mm aperture
virtually eliminates vignetting. The Field
Flattener III is currently priced at only
$199.00.
For more information, please visit
www.williamoptics.com.
Astronomy TECHNOLOGY TODAY 21

NEWPRODUCTS
ASTRO HUTECH
Now Offers Canon 40DH
Our September issue featured
an announcement of
coming additions to Astro
Hutech's Spectrum
Enhanced DSLR options.
Astro Hutech has since
announced the addition of
Canon's new 40D to its
Spectrum Enhanced line.
The new camera, carrying
the designation
“40DH,” which retains
full self-cleaning sensor
functionality, is available
now with a Type1b astronomical
filter (Model EOS044) and in
early November with a clear, wideband
multicoated filter (EOS045). Both
options are priced at $1,795.00 with
standard Canon accessories.
The 40DH is available with Astro
Hutech’s new front filter holder,
permitting temporary and exchangeable
front filter installation of UV/IR
Blocking, Light Pollution Suppression,
Nebula, Daylight, and Infrared filters,
as well as a clear, multicoated dust
protector.
The Canon EOS 40D features its
10.1 megapixel CMOS sensor and a
3-inch LCD with Live View mode.
When in Live View mode, the
3-inch LCD displays a real-time image,
including a selectable grid overlay and
live histogram that simulates
image exposure. The Live
View function also permits 5x to 10x
magnification of the image to assist
achieving optimum focus and reduces
vibration by lifting the reflex mirror in
advance of the exposure.
The 40D incorporates the sensor
self-cleaning function introduced in the
Canon Rebel XTi, using ultrasonic
vibration to remove dust from the filter
that covers the sensor front surface,
trapping it in adhesive at the base of the
sensor housing. The cleaning cycle is
activated when the camera powers up or
shuts down, or when activated by the
operator.
Please visit www.hutech.com for the
latest information on the 40DH.
FARPOINT ASTRONOMICAL
RESEARCH
Announces Accessories for
Meade LightBridge
Farpoint Astronomical Research has
announced several new products designed
to optimize the performance of Meade's
popular LightBridge Series Truss
Dobsonians. The first to be brought to
market is a counterweight set that replaces
the “push” or locking collimation screws of
the primary mirror cell. The “core” counterweight
set consists of three one-pound
weights designed to effectively counter the
additional weight of large 2-inch eyepieces
or optical finders. This counterweight set
is now available and priced at $59.00.
Farpoint will also soon release clamp
ring weights designed to work in
conjunction with the core counterweight
described above. Details of the clamp ring
weight sets will soon be available at
www.farpointastro.com.
22 Astronomy TECHNOLOGY TODAY

NEWPRODUCTS
RON WODASKI
The NewAstro Zone System for Astro Imaging
Our own recent attempts at untutored
mastery of Photoshop’s phenomenal
capabilities found us largely unsuccessful
and in search of easy to follow
instruction for applying Photoshop to
astro image processing. Among the best
sources our search uncovered is Ron
Wodaski’s newest work, The NewAstro
Zone System for Astro Imaging. The perfect
companion to Wodaski's The New
CCD Astronomy, The Zone System, which
includes contributions by Russell
Croman, is as comprehensive as it is
comprehensible.
Ron reports, “The Zone System grew
out of the CCD Imaging Camps I held
for the last several years in New Mexico.
It is based on painstaking research into
how Photoshop works – and why it
works the way it does. You won't just
learn some useful ways to use Curves;
you’ll learn the type of curve to use, the
correct way to integrate Curves and
Levels, and more. The most important
thing you’ll learn, however, is how to take
the guesswork out of processing astronomical
images.”
The resulting tutorials are indeed
remarkably effective, but one of the
aspects of the book we most enjoyed was
its extensive use of color throughout.
The “every page in color” format is very
expensive to implement, so at $99.95 the
book is surprisingly inexpensive. Not
only are the full color photographs stunning,
multi-color text and screen samples
more effectively highlight and communicate
concepts.
The Zone System fulfills Wodaski’s
goal quite well. It breaks Photoshop steps
into their fundamentals and organizes
those steps in the way that is most appropriate
for astro image processing. Stepby-step,
start to finish, the book clearly
demonstrates the basics, while also conveying
new approaches to color, signal-tonoise
ratio, and other critical topics.
Get the most out of your images
with The Zone System. For more information,
please visit www.newastro.com. The
NewAstro Zone System for Astro Imaging is
available in print and on DVD from
many astronomy retailers.
Great Red Spot
ASTRONOMY PRODUCTS
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APM refractors/Intes Micro Makustovs/Giro mounts
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Includes: 2 in. Format Crayford Style
Dual-Speed Focuser, 2 in.-1.25 in.
Eyepiece Adapter, 32mm 2 in. Format
Wide Field and 1.25 in. 9mm Plossl
Eyepieces, Zhumell 1.25 in. Laser
Collimator, 5 in. muffin fan with power
source! These extras alone are worth
over $200 if purchased separately!
www.greatredspot.com
Astronomy TECHNOLOGY TODAY 23

NEWPRODUCTS
SCOPESTUFF
Compression Ring Visual Back For Orion Crayford Focusers
Parabolic & Spherical optics
Elliptical Diagonal Flats
Complete interferometric data
27 years (full-time) experience
www.ostahowskioptics.com
fineoptics@dishmail.net
951-763-5959
Astro Sky
Telescopes & Piers
Precision Truss Dobsonian
Telescopes and Piers
Built by James Grigar
www.astrosky.homestead.com/Astrosky.html
You’ve upgraded your existing Orion
Newtonian to, or purchased a new Orion
telescope that features, Orion’s value
priced Crayford focuser, but would prefer
a compression ring visual back rather
than the standard set-screws with which
the focuser comes equipped.
Once again, Scope Stuff comes to
the rescue. Scope Stuff’s $39.00 (including
shipping) black anodized aluminum,
brass compression ring equipped, visualback
is a simple screw-on replacement
for the Orion stock unit.
In addition to this and other focuser
visual-back upgrades and adaptors,
ScopeStuff carries a complete line of
Dobs, refractors, diagonals, eyepieces,
filters, finders, focusers, chairs, flashlights,
and much more.
For more on ScopeStuff’s products
go to www.scopestuff.com.
24 Astronomy TECHNOLOGY TODAY

NEWPRODUCTS
CHRONOSMOUNT AND OPT
Develops New Harmonic Drive Mounting System
ChronosMount, Inc. and Oceanside
Photo & Telescope have announced a new
telescope mount system based on harmonic
drive gearing. Using harmonic drive
gearing instead of worm-and-wheel gearing,
the new mounts, named Chronos,
offer many exciting breakthroughs.
Harmonic drives are used extensively
in high-precision applications such as
robotics, integrated circuit wafer manufacturing,
integrated circuit component loading
and satellite antenna pointing.
Harmonic drives are on the rovers on Mars
and keep the adaptive optics aligned on
Mauna Kea.
Chronos eliminates the need for
counterweights. Astronomy, and particularly
CCD imaging, requires a stash of
counterweights necessary to keep the
mount balanced. If a change is made to
attached instrumentation, (cameras or
additional telescopes), then a change to the
counterweights is also required. This often
involves disengaging the gears. With
Chronos, it is possible to switch between
visual and CCD imaging, with all of its
component parts changes, while the
mount is still being autoguided.
Counterweights also reduce the total load
capacity of a mount because the mount’s
components must carry both the instruments
and the counterweights. The
Chronos design offers the opportunity for
more metal in the mount structure because
of the lack of counterweights.
The mount offers zero backlash.
Conventional worm-and-wheel and spur
gearing, integral to all astronomical
telescope mounts up until now, have
experienced backlash. Elaborate systems
have been invented to counteract this.
The use of spring-loading and the practice
of purposely unbalancing the mount to
keep one side of the teeth in contact are
the most common methods of
work-around.
One-third of the 320 teeth of a harmonic
drive are engaged at all times, while
on worm-and-wheel and spur gearing,
there is a maximum of three teeth engaged.
This results in extremely smooth operation
over the full 360 degree of rotation compared
to conventional gearing.
The Chronos also eliminates the need
for clutches, which on a telescope mount
can introduce a number of opportunities
for drive inaccuracies. Clutches can slip,
causing a loss of position. As the clutches
are opened and closed, the relationship
between the optical path and the gears
changes. The specific teeth you used last
night are not the same teeth you use
tonight to look at the same object. When
permanently mounted, the same harmonic
drive teeth are always in the same position
as the optical path.
Pricing for Chronos mounts starts
at $11,995.00. For more information
go to www.chronosmounts.com and
www.optcorp.com.
Features
• No counterweights.
• No clutches.
• Zero backlash.
• Ability to move from horizon to
horizon without doing a
“meridian flip.”
• Ability to support all locations
on Earth.
• No limitations in latitude.
• Higher accuracy in pointing and
movement.
• No need for a polar alignment scope.
• Ability to act as both a German
Equatorial and an Alt-Azimuth
mount.
• Home and park; soft limits; optional
hardware limits.
• Reduced mount weight for a given
payload capacity.
• Higher rigidity; lower vibration.
Payload
Model
HD20
HD32
HD45
HD65
Capacity
125lbs
250lbs
600lbs
1,000lbs
Chronos Model HD20 with Celestron
Chronos Model HD20 in equatorial
configuration.
Chronos Model HD32 in equatorial
configuration.
Astronomy TECHNOLOGY TODAY 25