Sky & Telescope - March 2022 - 70

NEW PRODUCT SHOWCASE
QUINTUPLET ASTROGRAPH
Sharpstar Optics announces a new addition to its Askar
line of apochromatic refractor astrographs. The Askar
FRA500 Quintuplet Petzval Flat-Field Astrograph ($1,999)
is a 90-mm f/5.6 refractor that incorporates a five-element
objective lens with two elements made from extra-lowdispersion
glass. The Petzval design produces a 55-mm
image circle with 15.8 cm of back focus to accommodate
most deep-sky cameras and filter wheels on the market
today. The scope features a dual-speed, 3½-inch focuser
to prevent vignetting. The optical tube weighs 5.2 kilograms
(11½ lbs) and measures 45 centimeters (17.8 inches)
long with its dew shield extended, 41 cm with it retracted.
The Askar FRA500 comes with aluminum tube rings, a
Losmandy D-style dovetail plate, a removable finderscope
mounting shoe, and a four-piece conical extension tube.
Sharpstar Optics
Available in North America at Agena Astro
562-215-4473; agenaastro.com
PORTABLE POWER
Explore Scientific now offers a compact power supply for
observers. The Explore Scientific USB Power Bank with
Red LED Flashlight ($139.99) is a rechargeable LithiumIon
battery pack that produces 12 volts at 6 amps. It can
power most telescope mounts and accessories through
its barrel-style power port, and 5V at 2 amps via a USB
power port. This small, rubber-armored power brick
measures 5 × 9 × 16 centimeters (2 × 3.5 × 6.2 inches)
and weights 0.6 kilograms (1.4 lb) and incorporates a
handy red LED flashlight. The device can operate in temperatures
between -4° to 140° Fahrenheit, and a 5-level
indicator displays its state of charge. The power bank
includes a male-to-male, barrel-style cord with 5.5 mm
× 2.5 mm and 5.5 mm × 2.1 mm connectors, and an AC
wall charger.
Explore Scientific
1010 S. 48th St., Springdale, AR 72762
866-252-3811; explorescientific.com
 PHOTOGRAPHIC NEWTONIAN
Orion Telescopes & Binoculars adds a new model to its series of astrograph
reflectors. The Orion 8″ f/4 Newtonian Reflector ($699.99) features a 200-mm
parabolic primary mirror made of low-thermal-expansion BK7 glass and sporting
enhanced-aluminum coatings. The optical tube is 71 cm long (28 inches) and
weighs 7¼ kilograms (16 lbs). The primary mirror cell incorporates a 12-volt cooling
fan to reduce the time needed for the optics to reach thermal equilibrium. Also
included are a 2-inch, dual-speed focuser with 2-inch extension, an 8 x 50 finderscope
with quick-release mounting bracket, a pair of tube rings, a Vixen-style
dovetail mounting bar, and a quick-collimation cap. An optional Baader MPCC
Mark III coma corrector ($259.99) is recommended for optimal performance.
Orion Telescopes & Binoculars
89 Hangar Way, Watsonville, CA 95076
831-763-7000; telescope.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 nps@skyandtelescope.org. Not all announcements can be listed.
70 MARCH 2022 * SKY & TELESCOPE

http://www.agenaastro.com http://www.explorescientific.com http://www.telescope.com

Sky & Telescope - March 2022

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