Observing with Black Diamond 100 ED

Fortunate indeed is the amateur astronomer with a Black Diamond 100 ED refractor on a clear night with transparent skies and a stable atmosphere. Turning the telescope to the Crescent Moon, the Apennine Mountains snap into razor-sharp focus revealing a cornucopia of jagged mountain ridges, canyons, and numerous small craters in ultra high definition. Not far removed, reaching skyward, the crater wall of Archimedes pops into view in bold relief against the smooth flatlands that transverse the distance between it and the Apennine Mountains. This is lunar observing at its best – HD style. The gas giant Jupiter displays its swirling equatorial bands in high-definition with festoons and tonality within the bands. The great spot is clearly visible, discreetly contrasted from the surrounding Jovian landscape. Prominent deep-space nebula yield improved definition in gaseous outer extensions. Stars in globular clusters resolve to pinpoints. This is just the beginning of an incredible journey of exploration possible with a Black Diamond 100 ED.

Metallic High-Transmission Lens Coatings 

Each air-to-glass lens surface has exotic anti-reflection metallic coatings applied to ensure optimum light through-put of approaching 99.5%. The proprietary Sky-Watcher “Metallic High-Transmission Coatings” (MHC) are the finest photon anti-rejection coatings in their class.

Light-Baffled Optical Systems

The objective lens cell is light-baffled to reject stray, unfocused light. The draw tube is likewise baffled to optimum contrast. The tube interior is flat blackened to help prevent unfocused internal light reflections from reaching the focal plane.insure

Precision 2” Dual Speed Crayford Focuser as Standard

Optical focus is achieved by means of a mechanically ultra-smooth, backlash-free, precision 2” Dual Speed Crayford Focuser-assembly. This focuser offers fine and ultra-fine focusing adjustments.

Tube Materials

The optical tube material is rolled steel, powder-coated reflective gloss black with gold fleck accent. The front and back cells are -aluminium painted white, or black. cast

Telescope Tube Attachment Hardware

The optical tube comes with attachment hardware that allows it to be securely fastened to any Sky-Watcher mount. The quick-release tube rings provided with Black Diamond 100 EDarecast-aluminium, painted white

Included Components for Selected Models*

Black Diamond 100 ED is supplied with backlash-free 2” Dual Speed Crayford Focusers and quality foam-lined Aluminium carrying cases as standard equipment.

HEQ5 SynScan Mount

This heavy-duty HEQ5 Pro mount is a smaller version of the sturdy EQ6 Pro mount. It is specially designed for observers who need the steadiness of the EQ6 Pro mount but finds the EQ6 Pro mount too physically demanding.

For novice users, the user-friendly menu allows automatic slewing to over 13,400 objects. Even an inexperienced astronomer can master its variety of features in a few observing sessions. The SynScan Hand Control also has the ability to connect to a computer via an RS-232 cable. Once the connection has been established between the computer and SynScan Hand Control, many commercially available planetarium software programs can be used to control the HEQ5 PRO Mounts, They also come with features that advanced astronomers can appreciate:

• Auto Guider Interface
• Slewing speed up to 3.4°/sec (800X).
• Stepper motors with 1.8° step angle and 64 micro steps driven.
• Positioning Accuracy up to 1 arc minute. Accuracy enhanced by software collimation error (mount mechanical error) compensation.astro-photography.
• Guiding speed selectable from 0.25X, 0.50X, 0.75X, or 1X.
• Object database containing complete Messier, NGC, and IC catalogues.
• Minimal vibration for steady long-exposure photography.
• Periodic Error Correction.
• PC compatibility.
• Upgradeable hand controls via the internet for download.

Specs

Telescope Mounting Method: Tube Rings
Tripod: Stainless Steel Legs
Counterweight Shaft Diameter: 1.8cm
Counterweight Shaft Length: 21.5cm
Counterweight Shaft Material: Stainless Steel
Mount Weight (without counterweight): 10Kgs
Mount Height: 35cm
Total weight: 15kgs (without counterweights)
Motor Type: Microstepdriven 1.8 degree stepper motors
Motor Resolution: 0.144arc sec (or 9.024,000 steps/rev.)
Power Supply: 11 to 15 V DC 2Amp (Tip positive)
Gear Ratio: 705
*8" Dovetail Bar
SynScan Hand Control

"ProED Doublet refactors have superb optics and offer thrilling visual experiences."

Review in Astronomy Technology Today by James R. Dire, Ph.D. 

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