North Lincs astro meeting 2nd July 2018

Posted on July 3, 2018 by Reviewer

We did some solar observing (yes we had clear skies for a change) before the North Lincolnshire astronomy society meeting for July 2018 using 2 specialist solar telescopes. We enjoyed lots of Solar activity with major prominence’s easily visible.

Once we moved inside we had some lovely refreshments courtesy of Malcolm and Glenys, which included some melted chocolate biscuits ;-) .

Once all settled, Charles Thody gave us a very good question and answer session on astro imaging. This included how to reduce noise and light pollution.

For more details on future meetings visit the North Lincs astro society website

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Helios Nitrosport 8×26 binoculars. Ideal for watching sports

Posted on June 14, 2018 by Reviewer

Here at Northern Optics we often get customers asking for binoculars suitable for birdwatching, general use, astronomy etc. But up to now, never had a customer looking for a set for watching rugby matches.

So with the great British weather, these not only need to be waterproof, but also lightweight and give a wide field of view for easy tracking. With this in mind, and within the customers £50 budget, the clear winner was the Helios Nitrosport 8×26 binoculars. Only 266g with a wide field of view, and a brighter image than the size of optics and price tag suggest they were a clear winner. The 10×26 are almost as impressive, but give a slightly narrower FOV.

Bak-4 prisms and multi-coated optics give amazing value for money. Handling is easy, with all controls easy to reach and silky smooth in operation. No wonder they are one of our best sellers.

 

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Hawke Frontier ED 8×43 binoculars #38300. Customer purhase

Posted on June 14, 2018 by Reviewer

A customer came to the Northern Optics public outlet at the Waters` Edge visitor centre, Barton upon Humber looking for a premium but affordable binoculars for general use.  They chose the Hawke Frontier 8x43ED binoculars above many others. One main reason is the price, which due to being discontinued and other newer models taking its place, mean the price has dropped from over £350 to under £250. So do not be fooled by the price, as these are genuine high performance optics deserving a premium price tag.

With long eye relief and a wide field of view, these should suit all users. The open hinge body style may be longer than some, but they balance nicely in the hands. Handling is very easy with a grippy body and smooth controls.

A picture window 143m @ 1000m FOV makes tracking of moving targets easy. Complete with lens caps, neck strap, cleaning cloth and quality semi soft case.

With these being discontinued,  chances to buy new will become more difficult. So if you see a set for under £250, snap em up

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North Lincs astro meeting 5th June 2018

Posted on June 5, 2018 by Reviewer

We had a good turn out with over 25 members, regulars and visitors attend the June 2018 North Lincolnshire astronomy society meeting. The talk was by Professor Brad Gibson . Or to give his full title , Professor of Astrophysics/ Director, E.A Milne Centre for Astrophysics; Head of Physics.

Prof Gibson gave us an excellent talk on astro physics. In particular 10 things in the past and modern day life how technology from astrophysics has aided many things, such as cancer research , wifi and CCDs to name a few. As well as being informative, Brads talk added some humour to keep us entertained. We hope to see him or or some of his colleagues again at the club.

Thank you to Malcolm and Glenys not only for the teas and refreshments , but inviting some of their friends along. Also thanks as always for the Lincolnshire wildlife trust for the use of the venue.

Northern Optics was at the meeting with some astro bits for sale on the night. For more info on the North Lincs astro society, visit their website North Lincs astro society

 

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North Lincs Astro meeting 9th April 2018

Posted on April 10, 2018 by Reviewer

Was a good turn out for the North Lincolnshire astronomy society meeting 9/4/18 . Thanks to Northern Optics for inviting along potential new members and providing a raffle prize, which Dennis was very happy with.

Also thank you to Malcolm and Glenys for the refreshments and the wild life trust for the use of the venue

 

 

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Skywatcher AZ-GTi WiFi head for mount #20315

Posted on March 20, 2018 by Reviewer

Weighing just 1.3kg, the Sky-watcher AZ-GTi is now available as a mount head only, and can be connected to a tripod via its standard 3/8″ tripod bush. This will help cut down costs if you already have a sturdy mount with standard camera thread.

With so many gadgets and electronics nowadays being controlled by many smartphones and tablets, the new Skywatcher head is future proof.

The excellent value for money and highly portable Sky-Watcher AZ-GTi Alt-Azimuth Mount, with it’s built-in WiFi module, has been designed to be controlled wirelessly with your Smartphone or Tablet, using the free SynScan App for iOS or Android.
The AZ-GTi creates it’s very own Wi-Fi network, so the mount can be used anywhere, without any reliance on other WiFi networks. After entering your coordinates into the App and following a simple alignment procedure, you are ready to explore the universe using the App’s intuitive touchscreen menu.     The AZ-GTi and SynScan App provides full computerised GO-TO control, allowing your telescope to be automatically slewed to any one of the objects in the App’s extensive database of 10,000+ celestial objects.

Incorporates Sky-Watcher’s Freedom-Find™ patented Dual-Encoder Technology, which allows the telescope to be moved manually in either axis without the mount losing its positional information. This gives the user enormous freedom, convenience and flexibility during observational sessions.                             The mount is quiet in operation, has a payload capacity of up to 5kg and accepts telescopes with standard 45mm Dovetail Bars.

 

Main Features:

  • Controller: Free SynScan App for iOS and Android mobile device or Synscan Hand Controller (available separately)
  • SynScan App Database: Total 10,000+ Objects. Deep Sky Objects: 10759, including Messier, NGC, IC, Caldwell Catalogues, Named DSOs, Named Stars: 305, Double Stars: 55, Solar system objects: 7 planets, Sun , Moon. (Unlimited objects when working with a 3rd party planetarium software).
  • SynScan App Alignment Method:  Brightest Star Alignment, North-Level Alignment
  • SynScan App’s Other Features:  Tonight’s Best Sky Tour, Point and Go with a mobile device, Identification of Celestial Objects, Remote control over Internet, User defined objects, Pointing Accuracy Enhancement (PAE)
  • Pointing Accuracy: Up to 10 arc-minute (RMS)
  • Resolution: 2073600 Counts/Rev., 0.625 arc-second
  • Resolution of Aux. R.A./Dec. Axis Encoders: 1068 Counts/Rev., approx. 20 arc-minutes
  • Freedom-Find™ Dual-Encoder Technology
  • Tracking Rates: Sidereal, Lunar, Solar, Alignment-Free Solar Tracking
  • Slewing Speeds: 0.5X, 1.0x, 8.0x, 16x, 32x, 64x, 128x, 400x, 800x
  • Tracking Mode: Dual Axis Tracking
  • Motor: DC Servo Motor, Gear Ratio 6480
  • Payload Capacity: 5kg
  • 45mm Sky-Watcher/Vixen type dovetail saddle
  • Interface: SynScan Hand Control Port, DSLR Shutter Release Port (optional cables available separately), Built-in Wi-Fi Module
  • Connectivity:  ASCOM platform for Windows PC, Mobile planetarium App for iOS and Android ( SkySafari Plus/Pro, more are coming).
  • Network Protocol: UDP, Port 11880
  • 3/8″ Tripod Bush
  • Mount Head Weight: 1.3kg
  • Power Requirement: 8 AA Size Batteries (not supplied) or External Power Supply (DC 7.5~14V, 0.75A) Tip Positive.
  • Sky-Watcher 7Ah or 17Ah  Power Tank Recommended.

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Skywatcher Solarquest GOTO tracking mount with tripod #20320

Posted on March 20, 2018 by Reviewer

Finding the Sun for solar observing can be tricky, even using a finderscope with a solar filter. But no such issues with the new Sky-watcher Solarquest GOTO tracking mount + tripod. All you need to do is level the tripod and point the scope anywhere to the left of the Sun. The Sky-Watcher’s revolutionary HelioFind™ Solar Alignment Technology automatically will do the rest!!

 

At the single push of a button, the telescope will be auto-levelled and the mount via GPS data fixing will calculate the altitude and azimuth of the sun based on the time and location. The telescope will then be pointed to the correct altitude and the mount will slew clockwise hunting for the sun. The Solar Sensor will detect the sun and lock onto it, and will silently track and keep it within the eyepiece’s field of view indefinitely.

The SolarQuest™ mount can be used by educational establishments, beginners and experienced observers alike. When mated with your solar telescope it is a great companion when observing sunspots, solar eclipses, solar surface details & the transit of inner planets across the sun.

The SolarQuest™ mount is lightweight and portable, quiet in operation, has a payload capacity of up to 4kg and accepts telescopes with standard 45mm Dovetail Bars.

IMPORTANT NOTICE: The SolarQuest™ mount is designed to be used with solar telescopes only. Do not point any other type of optical device at the Sun. Looking directly at the Sun without verified-safe, professionally made solar filtering will cause immediate and irreversible damage to the eyes (blindness), damage to the telescope, and will be a fire risk. 

MAIN FEATURES:

  • HelioFind™ Solar Alignment Technology: Solar Sensor with 4 x Photodiodes & built-in GPS data fixing to obtain time & location to calculate the sun’s azimuth and alltitude
  • Telescope Auto-levelling feature with the help of the built-in tilt sensor (3 x axis accelerometer in the sensor block).
  • Auto drift correction through feedback from Solar Sensor
  • Auto Pointing Offset Correcting Feature
  • 8-Way Sliding Switch for Centring Sun in Field of View
  • Tracking Rates: Alignment-Free Solar Tracking
  • Pointing Accuracy: Up to 3 arc-minute (after customer calibration)
  • Resolution: 2073600 Counts/Rev., 0.625 arc-second
  • Slewing Speeds: 16x & 1200x
  • Tracking Mode: Dual Axis Tracking
  • Motor: DC Servo Motor, Gear Ratio 6480
  • Payload Capacity: 4kg
  • 45mm Sky-Watcher/Vixen type dovetail saddle
  • 3/8″ Screw Fittings (tripod/mount)
  • Adjustable Aluminium Tripod with Accessory Tray
  • Bubble Level
  • Height of Tripod/Mount: 80.5cm – 152cm
  • Mount Head Weight: 1.3kg
  • Total Weight with Tripod: 4.05kg
  • Low Power Consumption
  • Power Requirement: 8 AA Size Batteries (not supplied) or External Power Supply DC 12V, Tip Positive (via adaptor panel).

 Skywatcher solarquest goto mount

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Skywatcher EQM-35 pro synscan GOTO mount #20980

Posted on March 20, 2018 by Reviewer

The new modular design of the Sky-Watcher EQM-35 computerised mount is suitable for use at home or on the move. Leave fully set up for use at your address, or when on travels you can remove the DEC Axis together with the heavy counterweight shaft and counterweights, reducing the instrument’s weight considerably.

Easy to use and set up with the Skywatcher SynScan GOTO system giving you a massive database of 42,900 objects.

This amazing design means you do not need to purchase two different mounts for home and away.

In this configuration you can use a simple 45mm dovetail plate with tripod screw (not supplied) and fit your camera directly using a ball head (not supplied). Alternatively a DSLR can be mounted to a Sky-Watcher Star Adventurer L-Bracket (not supplied). With the DEC axis removed the mount only tracks in RA and you can easily take photos. Now the mount works in a similar way to the Star Adventurer mount, but heavier duty.

The mount head bears some cosmetic similarity to the EQ3 PRO but it has much improved features and performance. For example the mount is equipped with a large 92.5 mm diameter RA worm wheel with 180 teeth for high precision tracking (compared to 130 teeth for the EQ3). Also the strength of the rotary base has been increased. This results in much greater stability, higher payload capacity and less vibration. Through this the periodic error is also greatly improved.

The EQM-35 PRO SynScan is a conveniently sized mount with impressive features suitable for both novice & experienced astronomers alike, for both visual and imaging use.

  • Positioning Accuracy up to 1 arc minute. Accuracy enhanced by software collimation error (mount mechanical error) compensation.
  • High Precision Stepper Motors with 1.8° step angle and 64 micro steps driven.
  • Resolution 0.28125 Arc Second
  • Slewing speed up to 3.4°/sec (800X).
  • ST-4 type Autoguider Interface: Supports 0.25x, 0.5x, 0.75x 1x guiding rate
  • Dual or Single Axis Tracking
  • Tracking Rate: Lunar, Solar or Sidereal
  • Synscan™ Hand Controller with 42,900+ Object database containing complete Messier, NGC, and IC catalogues.
  • Periodic Error Correction.
  • PC compatibility.
  • Synscan Handset Firmware Upgradeable  via internet download.
  • Supplied with Polarscope
  • Latitude Adjustment 15° to 65°
  • R.A. Worm Gear 92.5mm Diameter, 180 Teeth
  • DEC Worm Gear 34.3mm Diameter, 65 Teeth
  • R.A. Worm Drive 25.5mm Diameter, Steel
  • DEC Worm Drive 20mm Diameter, Steel
  • Payload Capacity 10kg
  • Stabiliser Bar 20mm Diameter, Steel
  • Counterweights supplied: 2 x 3.4kg
  • Weight of Mount Head: 4.38kg (3.28 kg with DEC & Bar removed)
  • 1.75″ Diameter Stainless Steel Tripod & Accessory Tray, Weight 5.7kg
  • Power Requirement DC12V 3A Tip Positive
  • Sky-Watcher 7Ah or 17Ah Power Tank Recommended

 

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Skywatcher Evostar 72ED short tube refractor #10201

Posted on March 20, 2018 by Reviewer

Not to be confused with the Skywatcher Evostar 80/100/120 ED telescopes, the 72ED comes with a different lens configuration with Schott glass used for the crown element.

The short focal length 420mm f5.8 is designed to give edge to edge sharpness with minimal chromatic aberration. With this in mind it is suitable for both visual and imaging. Does not come with eyepieces and diagonal as standard, but does comes with a quality backlash free 2″ crayford focuser.

Complete with tube rings and dovetail bar, so it is ready to be mounted on most astronomical mounts. Compact in design, and comes with a sturdy aluminium case.

As it accepts 2″ diagonals, you have the choice of 45 degrees for terrestrial use and 90 degree for astronomy

Subject to availability you can purchase from Northern Optics

Or Amazon link below

Sky-Watcher EvoStar 72 APO Doublet Refractor – Compact and Portable Optical Tube for Affordable Astrophotography and Visual Astronomy

The schott logo

  • Highest Practical Power (Potential): x216
  • Objective Lens Diameter: 72mm
  • Telescope Focal Length: 420mm (f/5.8)
  • Supplied without Eyepiece, Finderscope and 2″ Star Diagonal
  • Dual-Speed 2” Crayford Focuser 11:1 ratio (Backlash-Free)
  • Multi-Coated Objective Lens
  • Sky-Watcher “Metallic 99.5% High-Transmission Coatings” (MHC) on all air to glass surfaces
  • Standard Finderscope Shoe
  • Tube Rings & 45mm Dovetail Bar (with 1/4-20 tripod threads)
  • Removable Dewshield
  • Weight 1955g
  • Length 42cm
  • Aluminium Carrying Case (with compartments for additional accessories)

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StarGazingLincs blog 2018

Posted on March 12, 2018 by Reviewer

Was very kind of Paul Cotton from the East Lincs astronomy society to invite Northern Optics to attend StaGazingLincs 2018 as the optics trader for the event.

It was a very well attended event with lots to do to keep both adults and children occupied. Bargains which attendees snapped up from the Northern Optics display were Ostara 2″ SWA-70 eyeieces. These ever popular wide field eyepieces give excellent views for under £100.

Another customer grabbed the chance to purchase a Skywatcher Nirvanna 28mm 2″ eyepiece. This beast of an eyepiece (pictured) gives an amazing picture window field of view. Other bargains customers purchased were illiusion 7×50 binoculars and T2 dust caps

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