Australian Sky & Telescope — November-December 2017

http://www.skyandtelescope.com.au 61

New 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. Australian Sky & Telescope assumes no responsibility for the accuracy of vendors’ statements. For further

information contact the manufacturer or distributor.

NEW PRODUCT SHOWCASE

DEEP SKY CAMERAST

SBIG announces the Aluma Series of cooled imaging cameras

(starting at US$3,699). These cameras have been engineered from

the ground up with new sensors positioned on the central axis of the

including Sony’s ICX-694 and ICX-814 CCD sensors, as well as

k’s popular KAF-8300 CCD detector. Aluma cameras feature

-stage cooling down to 50°C below ambient temperature to

tically reduce thermal signal in your images. Each includes USB

nd WiFi 802.11 interfaces, allowing the cameras to be controlled

ctly by tablets and smartphones, as well as by conventional

dows, Macintosh, and Linux computers. A 110V/220V power

ply, rechargeable desiccant plug, and MaxIm DL for Windows are

ded with each purchase. Software for iOS and Android control is

evelopment.diffractionlimited.com and dealers

S HANDCRAFTED ASTROLABES

Rozendaal Astrolabes now offers a series of wood astrolabes

(starting at US$80). These fully functional, attractively handcrafted

instruments are 15 centimetres in diameter and manufactured from

birch wood with laser engraving. Each includes 38 stars on the rete,

with different designs available. Choose your preferred latitude.

Personally customised versions with personal engravings are offered

at additional cost. rozendaalastrolabes.com

ROBOTIC MOUNT T
PlaneWave Instruments introduces the L-500
Direct Drive Mount (US$18,000). This
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BIG ASTROGRAPH T

German manufacturer Knaeble Optical Systems announces

the RCM 360 FC/Ti (starting at US$25,000). This 14.2-inch

f/7.5 Ritchey-Chrétien reflector is constructed primarily of

carbon fibre to virtually eliminate thermal expansion. The

telescope’s rear cell includes active cooling fans and

accepts up to 3½-inch focusers, producing a 60-mm

non-vignetted field. Its hybrid aluminium/carbon fibre

dovetail mounting system promises to reduce deformation

by a factor of 40 as compared to aluminum plates. The

entire telescope weighs 30 kg. Additional options include

titanium/carbon back plate and titanium truss joints, and a

choice of Sitall, Pyrex or Zerodur optics. knaeble-eng.com