My first Magazine Sky & Telescope - 02.2019 | Page 66

NEW PRODUCT SHOWCASE u MODULAR MOUNT Losmandy introduces a new mount to its series of Go To German Equatorial mounts. The G11T ($4,445 including tripod) is rated to hold up to 75 lbs. Its right-ascension and declination axes can be quickly disassembled for trans- port in the fi eld. Breaking the mount down reduces the weight of its largest component, the RA axis, to 44 lbs. The RA axis also offers complete, 360° rotation to permit tracking well past the meridian. The mount, which boasts a periodic error of +/- 5 arcseconds or better, uses DC servo-motor drives controlled by the Gemini 2 Go To electronics that incorporate a database of more than 40,000 objects; the database can be updated via an internet con- nection. The G11T includes a removable 1¼-inch-diameter counterweight shaft, a 21-lb counterweight, a machined aluminum folding tripod, the Gemini 2 hand controller, and a DC power cable. More options are available. Losmandy Astronomical Products 747-283-1075; losmandy.com q MID-SIZED DOME q REFRACTOR PACKAGE SkyShed, producer of roll-off-roof and dome observato- ries, announces the POD MAX (starting at $14,995). This 12½-foot (3.81-meter) dome is designed to accommodate up to 32-inch telescopes. Its walls and dome are manu- factured of recyclable high-density polyethylene (HDPE) designed to last for decades through extreme temperature swings. Its aperture slit is 44 inches wide with a shutter that opens 22 inches beyond the zenith. The dome in- cludes 6-foot wall sections. Its residential-style fi berglass door features a strong deadbolt lock to protect the dome’s contents. Up to 6 MAX bays can be added, each offering 18 inches of additional interior workspace. See the manu- facturer’s website for additional options and accessories. Explore Scientifi c now offers the FirstLight 102-mm Doublet Refractor with Twilight I Mount ($449.99). This observing package features a 4-inch, f/9.8 achromat paired with a lightweight but sturdy alt-azimuth mount. The scope comes with tube rings, a Vixen-style dovetail mounting plate, a red-dot fi nder, a 2-inch 90° star- diagonal with 1¼-inch eyepiece adapter, a 25-mm Plössl eyepiece, and a smartphone camera adapter that’s useful for taking snapshots of the Moon and planets. The Twilight I Mount can bear a load of up to 18 lbs and features stainless-steel legs that extend from 38.5 to 55.5 inches. It includes fl exible slow-motion control and an adjustable tangent arm to accommodate almost any viewing angle. A powder-coated aluminum spreader has holders for 3 eyepieces. SkyShed 519-272-9081; skyshedpodmax.com Explore Scientifi c 1010 S. 48th St., Springdale, AR 72762 866-252-3811; explorescientifi c.com 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. 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. 64 FE B RUA RY 2 019 • SK Y & TELESCOPE