Q: What is an Astrolift?
A: An Astrolift is the mechanical device that elevates the telescope and mount up and out of the cargo bay of a suitable SUV, Van, or Pick-Up.
Q: Do I need a GMC Envoy XUV to use an Astrolift?
A: No. The GMC Envoy XUV is the only SUV that has a sliding roof, and is the ideal vehicle for conversion into a mobile observatory. However, even if you don’t own an Envoy XUV, there are several other vehicles well suited for the job. Almost any SUV or Van with one or two rear doors that open outward will work. Those with a rear door that opens upward, hatchbacks”, are unsuitable since the door blocks the telescope from being raised. There are three solutions to overcome the issue of the sliding roof.
1) To install an aftermarket “sliding” or “pop-out” sun or moon roof.
2) To install a “slider” developed by Starchaserz. This allows an Astrolift to be moved out of the cargo
bay, enabling a telescope to be raised up and above the roof of the vehicle.
3) To install an Astrolift developed by Starchaserz that “folds” at its base, enabling a telescope to be mounted horizontally in the bed of a Pick-up with or without a “bed lid”.
Q: Do they still make GMC Envoy XUV’s with the sliding roof?
A: No. The last year was 2005. However, “new” 2005’s are still available in many GMC’ lots throughout the country.
Q: Is there only one size of Astrolift or Slider?
A: No. Each and every Astrolift and Slider will be custom made to fit the specific vehicle and telescope of the customer.
Q: Who installs the Astrolift (and “slider” if needed)?
A: We at Starchaserz can do this for you or instruct you on doing it yourself.
Q: Is a mobile observatory stable enough for photographic work?
A: Yes. This requires that three heavy duty jacks be installed under the vehicle to elevate the chassis off the suspension: one in the front and two in the rear.
Q: Is the mobile observatory suited for photographic or visual work?
A: Since the telescope is raised above the roof of the vehicle, access to the eyepiece become difficult if not impossible, making visual work impractical. The telescope, therefore, is intended to be used photographically, using a video, digital, or astrocamera.
Q: Can the Astrolift also be used in a permanent or robotic?
Observatory?
A: Yes. It is especially suited for a robotic observatory, since when the Astolift is in its fully “down” position, the base of the telescope sits only 4 7/8 inches off the floor. Another advantage, is the structure (observatory) that houses the telescope can be very small and wouldn’t require a rotating dome.
Q: What if I want a mobile observatory, but don’t have a telescope or
suitable vehicle?
A: Starchaserz will be happy to build a complete custom made mobile observatory to your specifications.
Q: What type of telescope is best suited for a mobile observatory?
A: Almost any telescope that will fit in the “cargo bay” of the vehicle used as the mobile observatory. Compact optical systems, such as Schmidt Cassegrains, Ritchey-Chretiens, Maksutovs, and small Apo Refractors, are the best suited.
Q: Can German or equatorially mounted telescopes be used?
A: Fork mounted telescopes can be used providing it sits on a
“compact” low-profile equatorial wedge. German equatorially
mounted telescopes typically have too big of a “swing”, making
them unsuitable.
Q: What is a HyperStar?
A: A HyperStar (manufactured by Starizona) is a lens assembly which replaces the secondary mirror of a Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope (SCT). It mounts directly to the correcting plate at the front of the telescope. The HyperStar can be coupled to a CCD video camera, digital camera, or other device. The main advantages of the HyperStar are (1) it reduces the focal ratio and focal length of the telescope, (2) widens the field of view, and (3) allows for shorter exposure times. An additional advantage to the decrease exposure time is that unguided imaging is possible. This requires much less hardware and setup time. For example, the 14" Meade SCT at f/10 has a focal length of 3500mm. Typically, only a 10-second unguided exposure is possible at this focal length. At f/2, the focal length is only 700mm, allowing for unguided exposures of 60 seconds or more. Since 60 seconds at f/2 is equivalent to approximately 25 minutes at f/10, when shooting unguided exposures, the real difference in exposure can be as much as 150 times!" "HyperStar opens up the world of CCD imaging to many more amateur astronomers. Suddenly, deep-sky imaging is easy and takes just seconds. It can now be done with a very quick and easy setup from almost any location. Also, HyperStar allows for real-time deep-sky viewing on a monitor using video cameras. This allows new possibilities for public stargazing and teaching others about the wonders of the universe!" Please see www.starizona.com/hyperstar for more details.
|
