Setting up an Equatorial telescope.

While surfing the web today I stumbled across this great instructional telescope setup video on YouTube from ‘OrangeTube Video Studios’

This one happens to be based around the Celestron AstroMaster 90EQ telescope but many of the setup procedures are the same for Equatorial mounted scopes. Watch out towards the end of the scopes as they show how to balance your telescope tube to get the best performance out of your scope and mount.

Matt… 

Opticron Launches the Trailfinder II Binocular

New for 2009, the Trailfinder II replaces the Countryman MC T porro prism offering similar standards of performance in a more compact roof prism body that features nitrogen waterproofing and long eyerelief on both models.
With superior specification and optical quality over entry level Oregon LE WP, the T2’s combination of 7.2° 8×42 and 6.5° 10×42 fields of view, lightweight magnesium alloy body (protected in a durable textured rubber) and positive focus system all go to create a field glass that is both reassuringly comfortable and easy to use.

Other features include;

• Fully multi-coated optical system including BAK prisms and PC phase correction coatings
• Long eyerelief, wide angle eyepieces fitted with twist type retractable eyecups
• Internal focusing with close focus to 1.5m
• 5 year guarantee

Free Collins Bird Guide with Opticron Verano BGA PC Oasis Binoculars

Any customer who purchases  a pair of  Opticron Verano binoculars before the 10th of January is eligible to claim a Free Bird guide. Cited as “The most complete field guide to the birds of Britain and Europe” providing all the information needed to identify any species at any time of the year, with detailed text on size, habitat, range, identification and voice. Accompanying every species entry is a distribution map and illustrations showing the species in all the major plumage’s (male, female, immature, in flight, at rest, feeding).

To claim your Free Collins Bird Guide book simply print and complete the Claim Form and return it together with a valid purchase receipt for your Verano BGA PC Oasis. Terms & Conditions can be found on the Claim Form.

New Swarovski EL’s Delayed

Unfortunately the planned 2009 launch of the Swarovski EL’s have been delayed. In a press release issued from Swarovski the Executive board have taken the decision to delay the launch of this binocular until the beginning or 2010.  It would seem that it has not been possible to mass produce the quantity demanded by the market, given the requirements for the manufacturing tolerances.

Therefore in order to ensure that we do not impose long delivery delays between placing orders and receipt of the binoculars by our customers, it is necessary to allow this period of time to ensure that we have the precise production technology required for mass serial production and to accumulate enough product or delivery worldwide.

Although a set back I am sure that the decision is better to make them available in 2010 rather than have endless delays with goods being on back order. So watch this space, until then we still have very good deals on the Existing superb Swarovski EL’s

Matt…

Skywathcer Sysncan AZ GO-TO computerised telescopes

The exciting new Sky-Watcher SynScan™ Alt-Azimuth GoTo Mount is a precision engineered instrument that will allow you to easily find and enjoy viewing night sky treasures, such as Planets, Nebulae, Star Clusters, Galaxies and much more. The SynScan™ AZ hand control allows you point your telescope at a specific object, or even tour the night sky at the touch of a button!! The user-friendly menu system allows automatic slewing to over 42,900+ objects. Even an inexperienced astronomer can master its variety of features in a few observing sessions.

Combined with telescope OTA’s of proven high quality, these Superb Packages are all you need to Explore the Universe to your Heart’s Content!!

Main Features:

• SynScan™ Database: Total 42,900+ Objects, including Complete M, NGC, IC & SAO Catalogues
• Alignment Method: Two-star or Brightest star alignment
• Pointing Accuracy Enhancement (PAE) feature
• Unknown Object Indentification feature
• Pointing Accuracy up to 10 arc min
• Tracking Rates: Sidereal, Lunar, Solar
• Slewing Speeds: 1.0x, 2.0x, 16x, 32x, 64x, 128x, 400x, 500x, 600x, 800x
• Tracking Mode: Dual Axis Tracking
• Quiet Operation
• Motor Type & Resolution: DC Servo Motors. Resolution 0.8923 arc sec or 1,452,425 steps/rev
• PC Compatible: can be used with popular Planetarium Software.
• SynScan Handset Firmware upgradeable via the Internet
• Power Requirement: 12v DC Power Supply (Tip Positive) or AA Batteries (not supplied)

Meade ETX 90PE & 125 PE Blue Tube

With Christmas fast approaching, the seasonal offers and deals are starting to come in now. The latest coming online are from Meade Instruments which include the ever popular ETX90 & ETX125 astronomical telescopes.
Again as with previous years a deal has been done and it is being supplied complete with the Meade S4000 eyepiece and filter kit ! Offering fantastic value.