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Scientific products for hobby and professional use - also other hobby items

If you have science as your hobby, you can find a lot of articles for your speartime activities here for an affordable prize: Kits and components for hobby electronics, microscope for the hobby biologist, telescopes for hobby astronomers, binoculars you can use in field investiqations, and a lot more. Many of the most advanced products are of professional standard, and can also be used in professional environments. You can also find other hobby equipment like remote controle models of helicopters, aircrafts, cars and boats. Further down on this page there is also an article about telescope design.

The products exhibited on this page are only examples of a huge collection. By clicking on the links, you can learn more about the exhibited products or find a lot of other products of the same type.

 

 

ELECTRONIC SETS AND COMPONENTS

Here are examples of the electronic building sets available. By clicking at the link you can find many more electronic sets and a huge collection of electronic components of any kind.

 

75-in-1 Electronics Project Lab Kit

75-in-1 Electronics Project Lab Kit

Learn the basic principles of electricity/electronics, physics and magnetism. 75 different experiments you can build. Projects include burglar alarm, light dimmer, touch switch and much more. Build an electronic project, identify electronic parts, read schematic diagrams, learn how the electronic project operates. Some of the projects that you can build are resistors in series and parallel, switching circuit, comparator, window comparator, winking LED's strobe light, electronic siren, electronic cat, the chirping bird, machine gun pulse oscillator, soundlight,rain drop, photo variable oscillator, transistor AND Gate Circuit, timer LED, burglar alarm, motion detector, electronic coin toss, water level alarm, photo alarm, electronic organ, first aid siren and many more. This does not require any TOOLS or SOLDERING. These "Electronic Science Labs" will teach you about electronics from A-Z. With these all-in-one labs, you'll learn about electronic parts, how to read schematics, and wiring diagrams. These kits use Spring Method: simply slip pre-cut wires and components into special springs for a safe, secure connection.





500-in-1 Electronics Project Lab Kit

500-in-1 Electronics Project Lab Kit

Learn the basics of electronics and test your knowledge as you create special lighting effects, a radio transmitter and receiver, electronic sound effects, games, and more. Explore amplifiers, analog and digital circuits, and how to read schematic diagrams. This kit includes built-in bredboard for easy wiring and connection of components and an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) indicates the information during the experimenting process, transistors, transformers, diodes, resistors, capacitors, phototransistors, CDs, IC's, speaker, earphone, LED's, LED digit display, a fact-filled, illustrated, lab-style manual and more.


 

MICROSCOPES


MagniScope<tt><sup>TM</tt></sup> 8x Monocular, 3x Standing Loupe, 30x Microscope

MagniScopeTM 8x Monocular, 3x Standing Loupe, 30x Microscope

Carson's MagniScope TM is the most unusual and useful magnifying instruments ever offered. Two components combine to create three different optical devices... an 8x20mm monocular, 3x stand magnifier, and when threaded together, a precision 30x portable microscope. Magnification: 3 power stand loupe Magnification: 8 power monocular Magnification: 30 power microscope Objective Lens Diameter: 20 mm Minimum Focusing Distance: 6 feet Prism Type: BK-7 porro Field of View: 288 feet at 1,000 yards Weight: 4 ounces / 100 grams





The World of the Microscope Book

The World of the Microscope Book

The World of the Microscope investigates the enormous variety of objects too small for the eye to see, from insects to microchip circuits. Step-by-step diagrams show how to get the best from a microscope and how to make and keep slides. The book covers different microscope types, from magnifying glasses to electron microscopes, and there are plenty of exciting suggestions for projects which reveal the incredible detail of everyday objects.



 

By clicking at any of the following links, you will also find other microscopes of all prize cathegories that those exhibited at this page.




Observer 3 Microscope (Teaching, Flourescent, Mech. Stage, Monocular)

Observer 3 Microscope (Teaching, Flourescent, Mech. Stage, Monocular)

Features: * The Observer III is designed for secondary education; moveable 1.25 Abbe condenser, coarse and fine focus, 4hole nosepiece for up to 1000x magnification; iris diaphragm. * Microscope Product Information: The Observer III is designed for secondary education; moveable 1.25 Abbe condenser, coarse and fine focus, 4hole nosepiece for up to 1000x magnification; iris diaphragm. Shipping Weight: 15lb





My First Lab Ultimate Digital Microscope

My First Lab Ultimate Digital Microscope

My First Lab Ultimate Digital Microscope by C & A Scientific. We?ve taken the My First LabTM Ultimate Microscope and packed it with our Digital Eyepiece to create a new Digital Microscope! And even better, we?ve added some accessories to make it even more useful! The microscope can be used with the Digital Eyepiece connected to a computer via the USB port (Windows compatible) or with the standard 10X eyepiece (included). Ulead Photo Explorer software allows you to view live color images from the scope, save them, edit, add text, even email! LED light source on the ?Ultimate?version provides cordless operation for greater flexibility. My First Lab Ultimate Microscope with: *10X Widefield eyepiece with pointer *3 Achromatic objective lenses: 4X, 10X & 40X Power *Magnification from 40X to 400X *LED illumination *Built-in rechargeable battery & Detachable AC power cord Digital Microscope Eyepiece with: *USB port connection *Built in 10X lens *Ulead Photo Explorer CD *30mm adapter suitable for stereo microscopes Accessories: *Vinyl dust cover *Five prepared glass slides *Four plain slides *One concavity slide *10 Capacity Slide Box *Scalpel *Plastic forceps *Plastic dropper pipet *Cover glass *Lens paper By C & A Scientific





Observer 4 Microscope (Binoc, Halogen)

Observer 4 Microscope (Binoc, Halogen)

Features: * The Observer IV is designed for secondary education; moveable 1.25 Abbe condenser, coarse and fine focus, 4hole nosepiece for up to 1000x magnification; iris diaphragm. * Microscope Product Information: The Observer IV is designed for secondary education; moveable 1.25 Abbe condenser, coarse and fine focus, 4hole nosepiece for up to 1000x magnification; iris diaphragm. Shipping Weight: 15lb





Motic Digital/Analog Research Microscope with Infinity Optics

Motic Digital/Analog Research Microscope with Infinity Optics

Our most advanced digital microscopy systems so far! -- Microscopy Features of the Digital/Analog Research Microscope Include : -- **Infinity Plan Achromatic Objectives 4x, 10x, 40x, 100x (oil) -- **30 deg inclined Siedentopf Binocular phototube -- **Widefield High Eyepoint Eyepiece WF 10x/22mm with diopter adjustment on one eyepiece -- **Slide-in Centerable 1.25 N.A. Abbe Condenser with iris diaphragm -- **Built-in Koehler Illumination with 12V/20W halogen light with intensity control -- **Mechanical stage with 140mm x 135mm surface area -- **Reversible quintuple nosepiece **Blue filter (45mm diameter) **Frosted glass (45mm diameter) -- Imaging Features: -- **Built-in 1.3 megapixel CMOS sensor **1280 x 1024 pixel resolution **Firewire IEEE 1394 PCI capture card and cable -- 40 fps @ 640 x 480, 12 fps @ 1280 x 1024, 1500 fps @ 1280 x 8 frame rates -- **Color gain -- Flip and Mirror Modes -- **Digital Pan, Tilt, Zoom -- Features for Image Capture and Manipulation -- **Multiple Image Processing Modes **Capture and Preview -- **Precise measurement of various shapes -- **Segment, Auto-Calculation and Export -- **Amalgamation function -- **Real-time distant images sharing **3D Viewing -- **Prolonged exposure capture -- The Motic Digital/Analog Research Microscope is an all-in-one image capturing and analyzing system that features the infinity color corrected optical system and is equipped with a 1.3 megapixel resolution digital camera that transmits microscopic images at ultra high speed through the included IEEE 1394 firewire cable system to your PC. -- For comfort, visibility and ease of use the microscope is loaded with features. The ball-bearing mounted reversed quintuple nosepiece has a ribbed grip for easy rotation and is positioned closer to the microscope for easy access to the specimen. The slot-in centerable Abbe Condenser offers maximum flexibility.The Koehler illumination system uses a 12V/20W Quartz halogen bulb that provi





TELESCOPES

By clicking at any of the following links, you will also find many other telescopes that those exhibited at this page.




Sky<tt><supTM</tt></sup> 80 mm Short Tube  Wide Angle Refractor Telescope

Sky 80 mm Short Tube Wide Angle Refractor Telescope

Sky Short-Tube Wide-Angle Telescope is a lightweight, refractor type telescope that is rugged, compact, and easy to use. It has an 80mm objective lens with a 350mm focal length, and is equipped with two removeable Kellner Eyepieces (6mm/25mm). The finder scope is 8x21mm, and a folding table-top tripod is supplied. Focal Length: 350mm Objective Lens Diameter: 80 mm Accessories: Case, Lens Caps, and Table-TopTripod Weighs 6.8 lbs.





Aim<tt><sup>TM</tt></sup> 50 mm Refractor Telescope with Table-Top Tripod

AimTM 50 mm Refractor Telescope with Table-Top Tripod

Carson's Aim TM refractor type telescope is rugged, trouble free and easy to operate, making it perfect for the beginning observer. Features a focal length of 350mm, a power range of 20x-80x and an adjustable table top tripod for steady viewing. Includes case, 2x barlow lens, three kellner eyepieces and table-top tripod. Focal Length: 350mm Objective Lens Diameter: 50 mm Accessories: Lens Caps, 3-Eyepieces, and Tripod Weighs 7 lbs.





Deep Space 675x4.5 Reflector Telescope from Bushnell

Deep Space 675x4.5 Reflector Telescope from Bushnell

Bushnell® Deep Space Telescopes are a great value for both the beginner and intermediate astronomer. Fully featured for night after night of fun and excitement exploring deep into space. Include all-metal optical tube assembly, high-quality glass optic objectives for crisp clear views, full-length variable height tripods, metal equatorial and metal yoke mounting systems, all-metal accessory trays, rack and pinion focusing mechanisms and patented universal coding system. For in-depth information on how to choose which Telescope is right for you and for detailed technical information, please click here .





Specialty 30 x 76 mm Reflector Telescope

Specialty 30 x 76 mm Reflector Telescope

Galileo had to start somewhere. Give your future astronomer an inexpensive introduction to the wider worlds beyond our own. The Tasco Specialty series offers quality and magnification options that range from 25 all the way to 200. The 30 x 76 mm is a compact yet versatile reflector telescope. Great for camping and land viewing. Has carry strap





BINOCULARS AND BINOCULAR CAMERAS

By clicking at any of the following links, you will also find a huge collection of other binoculars with a variety of spedific characteristics: Lens width, magification, nighttime vision capabilities, infrared spotlight, waterproofness, physical sizes and shapes, combination with camera, and more.


Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets NCAA GT 8 x 22 Compact Binoculars

Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets NCAA GT 8 x 22 Compact Binoculars

The gift for the true Sports Fan ! Small enough to fit on a belt loop or in a purse Powerful enough to see clearly from the top of the stadium Colorful 3 - D Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets logo on the binoculars and the case Sturdy case with Velcro® pouch Easy one hand focus capability Two year warranty





Legend<small><sup>TM</sup></small> 12 x 50 mm Waterproof/Fogproof PC3 Binoculars with Rainguard

LegendTM 12 x 50 mm Waterproof/Fogproof PC3 Binoculars with Rainguard

Out in the field, the only sure thing is you can't be sure about anything. The terrain can shift from rocky slopes to marshy swamps; the weather from clear and cold to fog with a side order of monsoon. In these ever-changing conditions, the one constant is Bushnell's Legend TM series. These binoculars provide powerful magnification, brilliant color and crystal clarity. Rubber armoring for a sure grip. And an O-ring-sealed, nitrogen-purged, Rainguard®-coated design to ensure your Legend will stay water-tight and working. They're tough enough to last as long as you do. And maybe longer. High-powered long-range bino. Legend TM Features: PC-3® phase-coated BaK-4 roof prisms Fully multi-coated optics allow maximum light transmission for optimum brightness Heavy-duty, 100% waterproof/fogproof construction Rainguard® water-repellent lens coating Long eye relief Twist-up eye cups allow for quick adjustment for optimum eye relief Large center focus knob for precise focusing - even when wearing gloves Trim, ergonomic shape for easy, all-day use Textured, non-glare, non-slip rubber armor absorbs shock Knurled Diopter adjustment for precise and reliable adjustments For information on how to choose the right binocular for you and in-depth technical information, please click here .





10-22X50 Legacy®Waterproof/Fogproof Binoculars

10-22X50 Legacy®Waterproof/Fogproof Binoculars

BaK-4 prisms for exceptional light transmission and image clarity Rugged rubber armoring provides a sure grip and soaks up abuse Focus-center Prism-BaK-4 Lens Coating - Full multi Field of view 341/114 Exit pupil-5.0 Eye relief-18 Weight 30.5 oz. Height Unit/inches:8.25, Length Unit/inches:8.25, Width Unit/inches:3.50 Adapt to tripod





Selena 4X Magnification Binoculars from Night Detective

Selena 4X Magnification Binoculars from Night Detective

This modern style binocular features two powerful, carefully calibrated Generation 1 Image Intensifier Tubes and premium quality precision optics. 4x magnification of all-glass multicoated lenses deliver enhanced image clarity at the same time reducing the glare. Ideal for nighttime observation under conditions of low light or even in complete darkness with the aid of the integrated Infrared illuminator. Night Detective® Selena 3 features independent diopter adjustment to maximize viewing comfort. Durable and efficient body design makes handling and accessing all the controls most comfortable. ND Selena 3 is perfect for any nighttime activity from camping and hunting, to surveillance and law enforcement work. 4x Optical magnification Two premium quality Generation 1 Image Intensifier Tubes Multicoated lenses for higher precision and reduced glare Built-in Infrared illuminator Low power consumption Comes in its own protective shoulder bag for comfortable transportation Technical Specifications: Generation: A<>A 1 Magnification: A<>A 4 Range of View: 500' Power Supply: A<>A A<>A 2 AA battery (not included) Weight: A<>A A<>A 2 lbs. Dimensions: A<>A A<>A 5.4 x 8.7 x 2.6 Focal Length (in): A<>A A<>A 1.97 Aperture: A<>A 1/1.2 Focusing Range: A<>A 60'-infinity According to the manufacturer, this first generation item typically uses an S-20 photo cathode (with photosensitivity of 180 - 200 mA/Im), electrostatic inversion, and electron acceleration to achieve gain. Consequently, Gen I was the first passive image intensifier. Gen I is characterized by geometric distortion, weak performance at low light levels, and blooming. Expected lifespan is 1500 hours.





Compact 8 x 30 mm Binocular with Instant Replay Digital Camera

Compact 8 x 30 mm Binocular with Instant Replay Digital Camera

Midsize 8x30 binocular Built-in 3.1 megapixel digital camera 1.5 flip-up full color LCD screen SD card slot Continuous or loop video Includes USB cable, software, carrying case and strap





Image View 10 x 25 mm  w/VGA Camera -LCD  (Clam) Digital Binoculars

Image View 10 x 25 mm w/VGA Camera -LCD (Clam) Digital Binoculars

A good binocular can enhance your view; Image View TM binoculars will do the same for your memories. We've combined the high magnification and powerful performance of a Bushnell® binocular with the advanced technical wizardry of a compact digital camera, giving you the option to capture and save any sight you experience. Available in a variety of models and compact enough to carry in a pocket, the Image View is ideal for sports fans, outdoor enthusiasts, adventure travelers, anyone with a desire to view and record whatever experiences come their way. Why settle for magnifying life when you can remember it for all time? VGA still pictures, 8 MB internal memory Image View TM Features: Compact roof prism design 10x magnification 25 mm objective lens Fully coated optics 8x camera magnification .35 megapixel still photographs AVI movie capability Video image Rapid repeat three shots for stills (one second apart) 64 MB internal memory USB cable and software Uses two AA batteries (not included) Neck strap and carrying caseLI Prism - roof Focus-Center Lens coating-fully Field of view 300/100 Exit pupil-2.5 Eye relief-10 Weight 11.2- oz. Height Unit/inches:2.50, Length Unit/inches:8.00, Width Unit/inches:2.50 For in-depth information on how to choose which binocular is right for you and detailed technical information, please click here .




 

MUSIC INSTRUMENTS

Music instrument collections - Here is a collections of popular music instruments for good prizes. Even if you are not any performer and even if you cannot play music in the strict sense, you can still have a lot of fun with an easy instrument, for example a portable piano or a guitar.

Shop InstrumentPro for Musical Instruments

 

 

SOFTWARE AND ELECTRONIC GAMES

GamePass - Become member and get a new FREE game of your choice every month!

Get Any Game FREE with GamePass

 

A great collection of low prized games and software: In this shop you will find a huge collection of games and software for very nice prizes.

Bargain Alert Blowouts of the Week!

 



METAL DETECTORS


Fast Tracker Metal Detector by Bounty Hunter

Fast Tracker Metal Detector by Bounty Hunter

Dual-tone audio discrimination Motion all-metals mode Automatic ground balancing to help see through ground minerals Audible low-battery alert Built-in speaker & headphone jack Easy to understand operation gets you stared right away 2-Tone audio feedback so you can discover valuables and discard unwanted items. Headphone jack with 1/4 plug can be used with most headphones Bounty Hunter believes that newcomers to the exciting world of treasure-hunting shouldn't be shortchanged when it comes to features - or quality. That's why there's the Fast Tracker. It is so affordable, and so powerful, it can literally pay for itself in just a few outings! And while the price can't be beat, neither can the features: Fast Tracker comes complete with a big 7 Bounty D-Tech search coil, teamed up advanced circuitry for power and control. Fast Tracker offers dual-tone audio discrimination, motion all-metals mode, automatic ground balance, audible low-battery alert, built-in speaker and headphone jack. It combines lightweight S-rod comfort-grip handle with stand and adjustable coil-angle for hours of productive searching. And it's backed by a solid five-year limited warranty from Bounty Hunter.





CHEMISTRY SETS

Here is an example of the chemistry sets available.

 

Smithsonian Chemistry Lab Set Microchem XM 5000

Smithsonian Chemistry Lab Set Microchem XM 5000

This is the Smithsonian Microchem XM 5000 Chemistry Set. It contains over 1500 exciting experiments and procedures! This revolutionary concept uses latest technology. No glassware, alcohol burners or flames. Only micro amounts of chemicals are needed to perform experiments. Environmentally the safest chemistry set. Experiments done in microplate. Chemicals transferred through special droppers. Chemical strengths are a fraction of regular chemistry sets. Experiments developed by top chemists. Molded plastic carrying case which opens into a laboratory workstation is included. Includes detailed educational instruction manually.



 

CAMERAS AND CAMCORDERS

Quality digital cameras and equipment for good prizes:  From Digital Concepts, Hewlett-Packard, Nikon, Olympus, Panasonic, Pentax, Samsung, Sony, Casio, Digital Blue, Disney, FujiFilm, Girl Gear, Hallo Kitty, Rollei, Sakar, Sealife, Sigma, Spy Chix, VuPoints

All types of camera accessories: Digital SLR, Compact Cameras, Digital Picture Frames, Camera & Printer Kits, Lenses, Memory, Batteries, Bags & Cases, Filters, Tripods, Flashes, Tutorials, Studio Lighting, Docking Stations, Software. Free shipping and no sales tax. Please click at this banner to exactly the camera or equipment you want.
 

Digital Cameras

 

 

ALL KINDS OF ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT

Consumer electronics: Computers, Televisions, DVD Players / Recorders, Home Audio / Video, MP3 Players / iPod Accessories, Satellite Radio, Headphones, Mobile Audio / Video, GPS / Navigation, Home Electronics, Telephones & Fax, Personal Electronics, Electronic Accessories

 

Save On All MP3 players

MP3 Players at RitzCamera.com

 

Accessories for all types of laptop equipment from all brands and for all models for good prizes: Examples: Laptop Batteries, PDA Batteries, MP3 Batteries, Digital. Camera Batteries, Camcorder Batteries, Universal Batteries, AC Adapters, Car Adapters, Airplane Adapters, Universal. Adapters, Printer Power Supplies, Chargers. GPS Receivers, Sync Cords, Fiber Optic Cables, HDMI. Cables, DC-DC Plugs • RPTV Lamps, Projector Lamps, iPod Accessories, MP3 Accessories, PDA Accessories. And more.

Laptop Accessories @ Factory price - Same Day Ship

 

 

RC MODELS OF AIRCRAFTS, CARS AND BOATS

Xenonproject.com - All types of RC gear -

This comprehensive shop of RC models and RC equipment is organized in a logical fashion so that you can browse through the cathegories and find exactly those products that adhere to your won requirements or that fit the purson you buy something for as a gift.

XenonProject.com - Your Source for RC Toys

 

Special collection of nitro driven models

This is a very great collection of nitro diven airplane models with various motor technologies.

 

You see here just one example of the remote control models available. By clicking at the buy-buttons, you will also find links to a lot of other models and other hobby items.

RC Scope Tech Type X 4 Channel RTF Electric Helicopter

RC Scope Tech Type X 4 Channel RTF Electric Helicopter

The Scope Tech Type X Helicopter is a powerful 4 channel electric helicopter that performs and flies just like a larger helicopter. This helicopter is a Ready-to-Fly (RTF) helicopter with the most realistic hovering capabilities using "HVG" Technology. "Hover Vortex Gyro" (HVG) Technology creates the most stable hovering capabilities of any 4 channel radio controlled helicopter. It works by using the earth's gravitational pull to continually adjust the fixed pitch blades to achieve the most level, stable helicopter flights possible, while still allowing it to perform radical maneuvers. The Type X helicopter is easy to assemble and is ready for flight in minutes! The lightweight, damage resistant construction and unique real-life design will give the real feel of flying. The clean, quiet electric power and the ability to control rudder, elevation and to vary the speed will make flying easy!


Nitro and electric driven redcats: Examples: Hurricane XP PRO, Monsoon XP, Avalamche XP, Tornado BP, Tsunami, Tsunami ultrawide, Volcano SV SV Pro, Tremor ATV XTB XtG XTK XTR. Electric redcats: Lightning XTK, Tornado EPX, Tsunami EPX, Volcano EPXr.

 

 

HAVE FUN DESIGNING YOUR OWN CLOTHES - and get them sent to you as you have designed them

Create your T-shirts, underwear, sportswear and other clothes as you want them yourself with SpreadShirt designer - By clicking at the banners here, you will find a flash-based tool that you can use to design your own clothes. You can give them the background colors and patterns you want, choose drawings and place them where you want on the clothes, and create texts to place on strategic sites on the clothes. You can then purchase the clothes of your own design and get them sent to you within 48 hours.

If you live in America, please click at this banner.

Spreadshirt Designer

If your home is in UK, please click here.

Spreadshirt Designer

 

 

WATCHES

Many famous brands for affordable prices are like: Citizen , Casio , Chase-Durer , Hamilton , Movado , Oakley , Pulsar, Seiko , Suunto watches

 Looking for a Watch? - Try Princeton Watches!

 

 

PARTS AND EQUIPMENT FOR YOUR CAR HOBBY

Here are tree online shops with affordable parts and equipment for your car. All shops have much of the same equipment, but the titles over the banner, indicates what area each shop is best at.

Technical parts for repair and performance

APW: Discount Auto Parts + FREE Shipping

 

Internal and external equipment and comodities, car electronics and GPS navigation

Lowest Price For One Year Guaranteed!

 

Comodities to take with you on your journey, car electronics, workshop tools.

Auto Barn - Shop on-line at our 5-Star Rated Site

 

 

Books reading materials and elecronic media about cars and other motor vehicles

By clicking at this banner you will find a grat range of  books, calendars, manuals, videos and collectibles about:  Modern and classic cars, auto racing, motorcycles, trucks, tractors, trains, boats, aviation, military history, bicycles, americana, and collectibles.

Best Selection of Enthusiast Books

 

 

Store with tools for any hobby activity - and car equipment like GPS navigation units

By clicking at this banner you get into a superstore with every kinds of tools you can use by your hobby activities. You also find garden equipment, cooking equipment, herbs and herbal preparations and a lot more. You also find many kinds of car equipment.

Car tools and much more

 

A VERY GREAT COLLECTION OF AIRSOFT GUN

This might be one of the greatest collections of airsoft guns and airsoft gun accessories.

Air Soft Guns

 

 

HOBBY ITEMS OF ALL KINDS

The presented models are only examples of all products available. Please click on this banner to see all models and other hobby items. Wireless models of aircrafts cars and boats. Electronic sets, telescopes, computers and a lot more. Models in all size and prize cathegories, and suitable for all ages. Electric driven models that are suitable for indoor and outdoor use, and extreme speedy gas driven models for the advanced modeller.

A general hobby store

Trend Times Toy Store

Another general hobby store

A special store for helicopter models


 

 

GENERAL TECHNICAL INFORMATION

Here is some information about telescopes. To find other information resources, please go to this page

 

OPTICAL TELESCOPES

Generally about optical telescopes

An optical telescope gathers and focuses light mainly from the visible part of the Electromagnetic spectrum (although some work in the infrared and ultraviolet). Thereby also pictures of the objects that the light originates from will be focused. Optical telescopes increase the apparent angular size of distant objects, as well as their apparent brightness. Telescopes work by employing one or more curved optical elements - lenses or mirrors - to gather light or other electromagnetic radiation and bring that light or radiation to a focus where the image can be observed, photographed or studied.

Practical telescopes have at least two main lenses or lens collections. The objective resceives the light and focuses it. The oculular or eyepiece enlarges the image of the object further. The objective will make the image up- to down and right to left. To counteract this effect, many telescopes have a third element between to convert back.

The focusing can be done with convexe lenses, that is lenses that are thickest in the mid. They can also be done by concave mirrors, that is mirrors that bulge inwards at the side that collects the light. A combination of lenses and mirrors can also be used.

It is also possible to use mirrors to let the light go forth and back through the same tube. In this way the telescope can be made a lot shorter. There are three main types of telescopes.


- The refracting telescope in which the light goes only through a collection of lenses to be focused after having passed.
- The reflecting telescope which uses only an arrangement of mirrors that eventually reflects the light onto a plane.
- The catadioptric telescope which uses a combination of mirrors and lenses.

Optical telescopes are used for astronomy and in many non-astronomical instruments including theodolites, transits, spotting scopes, monoculars, binoculars, camera lenses, and spyglasses.

 

Refractor telescopes

A typical refractor has two basic elements, a convex objective lens and an eyepiece lens. The objective in a refracting telescope refracts or bends light at each end using lenses. This refraction causes parallel light rays to converge at a focal point; while those which were not parallel converge upon a focal plane. This can enable a user to view the image of a distant object as if it were brighter, clearer, and/or larger. Refracting telescopes can come in many different configurations to correct for image orientation and types of aberration.


Galilean telescope - The original design Galileo came up with is commonly called a Galilean telescope. It uses a convex objective lens and a concave eyepiece lens.

The first telescope used the same principles that all telescopes would rely upon. The combination of the two lenses gathered more light than the human eye could collect on its own, focused it, and formed an image. Because the image was formed by the bending of light, or refraction, these telescopes came to be known as refracting telescopes or, simply, refractors.

Galileo’s best telescope magnified objects about 30 times. Because of flaws in its design, such as the shape of the lens, the images were blurry and distorted. But it was good enough for Galileo to explore the sky.

Keplerian Telescope - The Keplerian Telescope, invented by Johannes Kepler in 1611, is an improvement on Galileo's design. It uses a convex lens as the eyepiece instead of Galileo's concave one. The advantage of this arrangement is the rays of light emerging from the eyepiece are converging. This allows for a much wider field of view and greater eye relief but the image for the viewer is inverted. Considerably higher magnifications can be reached with this design but to overcome aberrations the simple objective lens needs to have a very high f-ratio (Johannes Hevelius built one with a 45 m (150 ft.) focal length). The design also allows for use of a micrometer at the focal plane (used to determining the angular size and/or distance between objects observed).

Achromatic telescope - The Achromatic refracting lens was invented in 1733 by an English barrister named Chester Moore Hall although it was independently invented and patented by John Dollond. The design limits the effects of chromatic and spherical aberration by using an objective made of two pieces of glass (with different dispersion), "crown" and "flint glass". Each side of each piece is ground and polished, and then the two pieces are assembled together. Achromatic lenses are corrected to bring two wavelengths (typically red and blue) into focus in the same plane.

Apochromatic refractors - Apochromatic refractors have objectives built with special, extra-low dispersion materials. They are designed to bring three wavelengths (typically red, green, and blue) into focus in the same plane. The residual color error (secondary spectrum) can be up to an order of magnitude less than that of an achromatic lens. Such telescopes contain elements of fluorite or special, extra-low dispersion (ED) glass in the objective and produce a very crisp image that is virtually free of chromatic aberration. Such telescopes are sold in the high-end amateur telescope market. Apochromatic refractors are available with objectives of up to 553mm in diameter, but most are between 80 and 152mm.

 

Reflector telescopes

A curved primary mirror is the reflector telescope's basic optical element and creates an image at the focal plane. The distance from the mirror to the focal plane is called the focal length. Film or a digital sensor may be located here to record the image, or an eyepiece for visual observation.

Mirrors eliminate chromatic aberration but still produce other types of aberrations: In general, on axis they produce spherical aberration - the outer and inner zones of the telescope do not share a common focus. This was the construction flaw in the Hubble Space Telescope mirrors. Spherical aberration can be eliminated with aspheric (non-spherical) mirrors. Off axis, additional aberrations will become apparent:

Coma - a variation of telescope magnification with radial zone on the mirror typically appears as a radial smudging of the images which gets worse at the edges of the field. Spherical aberration and coma are eliminated in two mirror Ritchey Chretien designs. The best image plane is in general curved, which may not correspond to the detector's shape and leads to a focus error across the field.

Astigmatism - is an azimuthal variation of focus around the aperture. Near the center of the field astigmatism is not usually a problem, but it gets rapidly worse once it becomes apparent - it varies quadratically with field angle.

Distortion over the field of view - Distortion does not affect image quality (sharpness) but does affect object shapes. It can be corrected by image processing.

There are reflector designs and modifications such as catadioptrics that correct some of these aberrations.

Nearly all large research-grade astronomical telescopes are reflectors. There are several reasons for this:

In a lens the entire volume of material has to be free of imperfection and inhomogeneities, whereas in a mirror, only one surface has to be perfectly polished.

Light of different wavelengths travels through a medium other than vacuum at different speeds. This causes chromatic aberration in uncorrected lenses and creating an aberration-free large lens is a costly process. A mirror can eliminate this problem entirely.

Reflectors work in a wider spectrum of light since certain wavelengths are absorbed when passing through glass elements like those found in a refractor or catadioptric.

There are structural problems involved in manufacturing and manipulating large-aperture lenses. A lens can only be held in place by its edge, which means that the sag due to gravity can be sufficient to distort the image. In contrast, a mirror can be supported by the whole side opposite its reflecting face.

While the Newtonian focus design is still used in amateur astronomy, professionals now tend to use prime focus, Cassegrain focus, and coudé focus designs. By 2001, there were at least 49 reflectors with primary mirrors having diameters of 2 meters or more.

 

Catadiopteric telescopes

Catadioptric telescopes are designs that combine specifically shaped mirrors and lenses to allow very fast focal ratios (when used at the prime focus), while controlling coma and astigmatism.

Telescope makers also use catadioptric designs for any or all of the following reasons:

They employ spherical surfaces that are easier to manufacture.
When used in a cassegrain configuration it results in a long focal length instrument that is "folded" into a much smaller package.
Catadioptric designs are low maintenance and rugged since some or all of their elements are fixed in alignment (collimation).
Combining a moving primary mirror with a cassegrain configuration allow for large movements in the focal plane to accommodate cameras and CCDS.
The corrector plates seal the tube assembly from dust and dirt. They also block air currents from the interior of the tube, thereby increasing image stability.
A disadvantage to this design is that the secondary mirror blocks a portion of the light entering the tube.


Schmidt-Cassegrain - The Schmidt-Cassegrain is a classic wide-field telescope. The first optical element is a Schmidt corrector plate. The plate is figured by placing a vacuum on one side, and grinding the exact correction required to correct the spherical aberration caused by the primary mirror.

Thousands of amateur astronomers have purchased and used Schmidt-Cassegrain telescopes, with diameters from 20 cm (8 in.) to 48 cm (16 in.), since this type of telescope was introduced by Celestron in the 1960s. Now many companies mass-produce this type of telescope, at prices that make them quite affordable for many amateurs. One of the major advantages of the Schmidt-Cassegrain is that its folded light path makes the optical tube very short and squat, thus increasing its portability. It also has optics that are good for both planetary and deep sky observing.


Maksutov-Cassegrain - Light path in a Maksutov-CassegrainMain article: Maksutov telescope
The Maksutov-Cassegrain is a variation of the Maksutov telescope, invented by Dmitri Maksutov. It starts with an optically transparent corrector lens that is a section of a hollow sphere. It has a spherical primary mirror, and a spherical secondary that is often just a mirrored section of the corrector lens. Maksutovs are mechanically simpler than small Cassegrains, have a closed tube and all-spherical optics. The key difference from the similar Schmidt telescope design is the meniscus-shaped corrector plate, that has easy-to-make spherical surfaces, and not the complex aspherical form of the Schmidt design. Maksutovs tend to have a narrower field of view than Schmidt-Cassegrains due to their longer focal length and are generally heavier as well. However, their small secondary mirror gives them better resolution than a Schmidt-Cassegrain.
 

 

Picture of a Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope

 

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RADIO TELESCOPES

Radio telescopes are directional radio antennae that often have a parabolic shape. The dishes are sometimes constructed of a conductive wire mesh whose openings are smaller than the wavelength being observed. Multi-element Radio telescopes are constructed from pairs or larger groups of these dishes to synthesize large "virtual" apertures that are similar in size to the separation between the telescopes: see aperture synthesis. As of 2005, the current record array size is many times the width of the Earth, utilizing space-based Very Long Baseline Interferometry (VLBI) telescopes such as the Japanese HALCA (Highly Advanced Laboratory for Communications and Astronomy) VSOP (VLBI Space Observatory Program) satellite. Aperture synthesis is now also being applied to optical telescopes using optical interferometers (arrays of optical telescopes) and Aperture Masking Interferometry at single reflecting telescopes.
 

 

X-ray and gamma-ray telescopes

X-ray and gamma-ray telescopes have a problem because these rays go through most metals and glasses. Some x-ray telescopes use ring-shaped "glancing" mirrors, made of heavy metals, that reflect the rays just a few degrees. The mirrors are usually a section of a rotated parabola. Gamma-ray telescopes give up on focusing entirely, and use coded aperture masks; the pattern of shadows the mask creates can be reconstructed to form an image.

These types of telescopes are usually on Earth-orbiting satellites or high-flying balloons, since the Earth's atmosphere is opaque to this part of the electromagnetic spectrum.

(The information above mostly originates from wikipedia.org and it is therefore free to copy and reuse)