74 September 2014 sky & telescopeNew Product Showcase
New Product Showcase is a reader service featuring innovative equipment and software of interest to amateur astrono-
mers. 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 contact the manufacturer or
distributor. Announcements should be sent to [email protected]. Not all announcements can be listed.▶ OPTICS CLEANER Photonic Cleaning Tech-
nologies introduces First Contact Polymer Solu-
tions ($110), which cleans your optical surfaces
without leaving residue. Simply spray, brush,
or pour the polymer solution on your telescope
mirror or lens. Once dry, First Contact Polymer
becomes a strong, fl exible fi lm that you can
then peel off to remove any fi ngerprints, dust,
pollen, or other contaminants without damaging
delicate optical coatings. The Red First Contact
Starter Kit includes a 15-milliliter bottle with
applicator brush, one 29-ml dilution spray, two
29-ml refi ll bottles, and 30 peel tabs for removing
the dried polymer fi lm. See the manufacturer’s
website for larger quantities and other options.
Photonic Cleaning Technologies
P.O. Box 435, Platteville, WI 53818;
608-467-5396; http://www.photoniccleaning.com▴ H-ALPHA EYEPIECE DayStar Filters
introduces the Quark ($995), a compact
solar hydrogen-alpha fi lter for fast refrac-
tors. This electronically controlled, temper-
ature-regulated etalon features a 21-mm
clear aperture with integrated telecentric
Barlow lens and 12-mm blocking fi lter.
Users of fast 80-mm refractors can simply
place the unit in their diagonal, add a low-
power 1¼-inch eyepiece, and start enjoying
views of the Sun’s dynamic chromosphere.
Available in chromosphere and promi-
nence versions, the Quark unit fi ts in both
1¼- and 2-inch focusers, and requires no
additional fi lters when used with 80-mm or
smaller refractors with focal ratios of f/4 to
f/9 on non-tracking mounts. Each purchase
comes with a plastic case, end caps, and
an AC power supply with international
plug adapters. An optional thread-on UV/
IR blocking fi lter to mount in front of your
diagonal or full-aperture energy-rejection
fi lter is recommended for use on tracking
telescopes of up to 6-inch aperture. Not
recommended for oil-spaced objectives or
off -axis applications. See DayStar’s website
for additional details and accessories.
DayStar Filters
149 NW OO Hwy., Warrensburg, MO; 64093
866-680-6563; http://www.daystarfi lters.comTHE SKY APP Software Bisque announces its long-anticipated expansion into
the app market with the release of TheSky Mobile ($14.99) for the iPhone and
TheSky HD for the iPad ($29.99). Both include an extensive feature set tailored
to the intermediate and advanced amateur. TheSky for iOS integrates popular
features from the desktop editions, including fi eld-of-view indicators for many
telescope, eyepiece, and camera combinations; large astronomical databases
(including satellites and minor planets); integrated photos of popular astro-
nomical objects; and much more. TheSky’s Wi-Fi telescope control (a Wi-Fi-
to-serial adapter is required and sold separately) off ers a powerful and elegant
alternative to your Go To telescope’s hand paddle, allowing you to control their
telescopes directly with your iPhone or iPad device. TheSky HD for the iPad also
integrates with DC-3 Dreams ACP Observatory Control Software, enabling users
to plan, submit to ACP, and execute their observing session without having to
exit TheSky. Additional catalog plug-ins can be downloaded from the manufac-
turers website free of charge.
Software Bisque
Available at the iTunes App Store
862 Brickyard Circle, Golden, CO 80403
1-303-278-4478; http://www.bisque.comNPS layout_revised.indd 74 6/29/14 1:48 PM