Sky & Telescope - March 2023 - 67

NEW PRODUCT SHOWCASE
 NIGHTVISION FILM
The Apache-Sitgreaves Research Center now offers red film sheets for your computer
and other electronic-device screens. Sirius Red Film Computer Screen Light
Shield (starting at $24.95) is a transparent plastic sheet measuring 12 by 16 inches
(30 by 40 centimeters). The film is affixed to your device screen with included rubber
bands to dim the view and better preserve your night vision. Sirius Red Film is
more transparent than Rubylith and provides a comfortable brightness level while
imaging at the telescope. The film is a variation of " non-zero " blue transmission
preferred by astrophotographers and outreach providers. Custom sizes are available
at additional cost.
AS Research
apache-sitgreaves.org
 TABLETOP-COMPATIBLE
Celestron adds even more grab-and-go convenience for its NexStar telescope owners.
The Tabletop Tripod ($99.95) is a small base half the size and weight of the standard
NexStar tripod, standing just 18 cm at its lowest setting while tipping the scale at just
3 kg (6.8 lbs). It opens to a 43-cm-by-41-cm footprint to ensure the same stability as
the full-size model. The tripod's legs fold inward and stow neatly under the mount plate
for easy storage and transport. Each foot has adjustable knobs, and there's a bubble
leveler on the mount plate to ensure your setup is level before attaching your NexStar
telescope. The Tabletop Tripod is compatible with the NexStar 4SE, 5SE, 6SE, and 8SE
as well as the NexStar Evolution 6, 8, 8HD, Limited Edition 8HD, and 9.25 telescopes.
Celestron
2835 Columbia St., Torrance, CA 90503
310-328-9560; celestron.com
 MEGA MOUNT
PlaneWave Instruments announces its latest entry to its series of observatory-class
robotic mounts. The T-600 Direct-Drive Gimbal ($65,000) is a heavy-duty, direct-drive
mount for serious imagers and researchers alike. The T-600 uses powerful direct-drive
motors on each axis that can slew at speeds of up to 150° per second, allowing tracking
of virtually any object in the sky. Additionally, high-resolution encoders on each
axis ensure precise pointing and tracking with zero backlash and no periodic error.
The T-600 is controlled by the ASCOM-compliant PWI4 software and can be mounted
in Alt-Az, equatorial, and even Alt/Alt orientation while carrying instrument payloads
on each side of its altitude axis. The mount comes standard with 2-layer, non-contact
sealing at each motion surface and incorporates through-the-mount cabling. The T-600
weighs 274 kg and can bear loads of up to 272 kg.
PlaneWave Instruments
1375 North Main St., Bldg. #1, Adrian, MI 49221
310-639-1662; planewave.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.
sk yand tele scope .o r g * MARCH 2023 67

http://www.apache-sitgreaves.org http://www.celestron.com http://www.planewave.com

Sky & Telescope - March 2023

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