NEW PRODUCT SHOWCASE
skyandtelescope.com• FEBRUARY 2020 73pBINOCULAR COMPENDIUM
Retired Navy Chief Opticalman William J. Cook releases
new book for binocular afi cionados: Understanding & At-
taining 3-Axis Binocular Collimation ($19.95). Cook, whose
previous book Binoculars: Fallacy & Fact we reviewed in
the August 2018 issue on page 57, dispels common myths
and misconceptions about binocular collimation prevalent
online today. He delves into the nuances of true binocular
collimation and what is required to achieve it with any set
of fi eld glasses currently available. Paperback, 68 pages,
ISBN 978-1790983780.
William J. Cook
Available on amazon.comuGEAR CONTROLLER
Software Bisque announces TheSky Fusion ($1,695), a compact, mountable
control computer for your imaging system. TheSky Fusion simplifi es imaging
setups by powering and controlling a broad range of astro-imaging cameras,
fi lter wheels, focusers, and other devices using a Linux operating system
that eliminates the need for Microsoft Windows and its disruptive updates. It
includes a pre-installed 64-bit professional edition of TheSkyX software con-
fi gured for imaging. As a complete embedded system, TheSky Fusion draws
much less power than a normal computer, and its fast performance shouldn’t
degrade over time. The unit includes a 64-bit Hex-Core 1.8 GHz CPU with
256 GB of mass storage space and 4 GB of RAM. A status display panel
reports current operations and includes built-in GPS, eight Ande rson Pow-
erpole ports, four USB 3.0 ports, and an HDMI 2.0 monitor output. It can be
controlled using any web browser through its built-in WiFi or its Ethernet port.
Software Bisque
862 Brickyard Circle, Golden, CO 80403
303-278-4478; bisque.compBIG OFF-AXIS GUIDER
Optec now offers the Sagitta Off-Axis Guider for large-
format cameras (starting at $595). Optimized for large
cameras, this guider features a 3-inch clear aperture that
can accommodate large CCD or CMOS detectors. Its body
thickness requires 1¼ inches of back focus, and its large
12.5-mm clear aperture pick-off prism can be independently
focused with plenty of range to guarantee bright, sharp
guide stars in most fi elds. The Sagitta Off-Axis Guider can
be upgraded with a focus motor to permit remote operation,
and a completely motorized version is available for $895.
Optec
199 Smith St., Lowell, MI 49331
888-488-0381; optecinc.comNew Product Showcase is a reader service featuring innovative equipment and software of interest to amateur astronomers. The descriptions are based largely on
information supplied by the manufacturers or distributors. Sky & Telescope assumes no responsibility for the accuracy of vendors’ statements. For further information
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