Paramount TheSky Fusion
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Paramount TheSky FusionParamount TheSky FusionParamount TheSky Fusion
Paramount TheSky FusionParamount TheSky Fusion

Paramount TheSky Fusion

£1,995.00✓ 2 year warranty

:  

Out of stock due 15-20 working days

About this product

Model:  paramount_sky_fusion
Part Number:  SB11201

TheSky Fusion - Plug in your equipment, power up, and start imaging

Losing a precious clear night of observing is incredibly frustrating, especially when it’s due to something as benign as an operating system update. Faulty updates can render imaging systems inoperable and require hours of often exasperating troubleshooting to recover.

Introducing TheSky Fusion, a more dependable imaging system. Its computer integrates equipment control software, but not just any software: it’s TheSky™ Imaging Edition. That means you’ll enjoy superior planetarium functionality; extensive camera, focuser, and additional device support; and unequaled TPoint™ telescope modelling capabilities — all in a single application from a single company. 

TheSky Fusion’s Linux-based operating system provides exceptional stability with more up-time, night after night. Without knowing it, you may already use Linux based embedded systems (think cars, smart televisions, and microwave ovens).

As with these devices, you don’t have to learn Linux in order to operate TheSky Fusion. TheSky Fusion lets you wirelessly operate your entire imaging system from just about any Wi-Fi enabled computer equipped with a Web browser. That includes most tablets, smartphones, laptops, and desktops. Since TheSky Fusion performs most of the heavy lifting, even older machines should be up to the task of advanced astronomical imaging.

Speedy performance comes from multi-threaded software architecture that takes full advantage of TheSky Fusion’s powerful 64-bit and six-core CPU.  It's especially noticeable with its lightning fast renderings of the sky. TheSky Fusion includes 200 GB of internal storage for your astro photos, which can be conveniently transferred to another computer or the cloud wirelessly, or through its high-speed USB or Ethernet port.

Instead of needing a power supply for each of your devices, TheSky Fusion powers them all. Eight durable Anderson Powerpole® connectors provide the voltages your equipment needs, using inexpensive, off-the-shelf power-supply cables. TheSky Fusion is also equipped with four expandable high-speed USB 3.0 ports. To minimise setup time and ensure optimal mount performance, the integrated GPS determines your location and maintains accurate time. And, its status display even keeps you in the loop during imaging runs. Make your clear skies more productive with TheSky Fusion. You deserve it! 

Important: TheSky Fusion does not include a power supply unit. It requires a 12V DC power supply that provides sufficient amperage for your imaging equipment. Please contact us if you need assistance choosing.

FEATURES

  • Connect your mount, camera, autoguider, focuser, filter wheel, rotator and dew heater to TheSky Imaging Edition to control them all from your tablet, smartphone, laptop or desktop.
  • Operate your equipment from any modern web browser through Wi-Fi or the VNC App.
  • An Ethernet port permits a hardwired connection for optimal experience.
  • No internet connection is required.
  • TheSky Fusion attaches to your mount and simplifies system setup, maintenance and nightly tasks for maximum productivity.
  • Flexible power-output ports can drive even the most complex hardware configurations.
  • Four high-speed USB 3.0 ports and one legacy serial port can meet most communication needs.
  • Additional USB hubs can be powered from the configurable 5V DC power port to add an additional 4 or 7 USB ports for up to 11 total USB ports
  • Approximately 25cm x 20cm x 13cm
  • Weighs 3.2kg

TheSky Astronomy Software

Crafted from 35 years of customer feedback, TheSky has the tools you need to plan observing sessions, acquire astronomical images and so much more. 

It is the world's most powerful observatory control software. Enjoy the benefits of increased productivity and ease of use, out of the box. And, all from a singular integrated application software package.

TheSky takes full advantage of the 64-bit operating system as well as hardware-accelerated graphics. Coupled with the Linux operating system, TheSky Fusion will produce years of reliable, worry-free operation.

  • Operate your mount, camera, guider, focuser, filter wheel, rotator, etc. from a single application.
  • Provides power (on/off) switching to the integrated 5V/8V/12V power ports.
  • Offers graphics acceleration to produce smooth Sky Chart zooming and scrolling.
  • Comes with the complete Gaia star catalog (1.7 billion stars).
  • Includes millions of galaxies, clusters, nebulas and other non-stellar objects.
  • Includes TheSky LTI interface for Paramount mount owners.
  • Displays comets, satellites, asteroids, planets, Sun, Moon, Saturn’s and Jupiter’s major moons.
  • Performs Image Link and All Sky Image Link astronomic solutions (a.k.a. “plate solving”).
  • TPoint telescope pointing analysis produces exceptional pointing accuracy. For Paramount mount users, TPoint with ProTrack produces exceptional tracking accuracy.
  • Automated telescope pointing calibration.
  • Advanced autoguiding with optional guide camera, with features like graphing guider logs, 3D star graphs, and so much more.
  • Automated focus using either @Focus2 or @Focus3. • Filter wheel support. • Rotator support. • Fully scriptable operation (bisque.com/scripting) using JavaScript or Python.
  • So much more (see TheSky's 700-page user guide for details).

TheSky Fusion Ports


 

 

Dimensions

TheSky Fusion Power Cables

Use the tables below to determine which cables are required for your equipment.

Camera Power Cables

Model

Connector

Center Positive?

Cable

Nikon

Kendrick Nikon cable

 

 

Canon

Kendrick Canon cable

 

 

FLI (all models)

Kycon

 

Kycon to Powerpole

QHY

2.1 x 5.5 mm

Yes

2.1 mm Standard Cable

QSI All Models

2.1 x 5.5 mm

Yes

2.1 mm Standard Cable

Mallincam

2.1 x 5.5 mm

Yes

2.1 mm Standard Cable

SBIG Legacy

 

 

 

Starlight Xpress

2.1 x 5.5 mm

Yes

2.1 mm Standard Cable

Starlight Xpress Cooling Enhancer

2.1 x 5.5 mm

Yes

2.1 mm Standard Cable

Starlight Xpress Guiders

None

N/A

None

ZWO ASI Pro

2.1 x 5.5 mm

Yes

2.1 mm Standard Cable

ZWO ASI Cool

2.1 x 5.5 mm

Yes

2.1 mm Standard Cable

ZWO ASI Planetary Cameras (Not Pro or Cool)

None

n/a

None

ZWO ASI Mini

None

n/a

None

Focuser Power Cables

Model

Connector

Center Positive?

Cable

Astromechanics Canon Lens Controller

None

N/A

None

Baader Planetarium

2.1 x 5.5 mm

Yes

2.1 mm Standard Cable

Celestron

2.1 x 5.5 mm

Yes

2.1 mm Standard Cable

FLI ATLAS

2.1 x 5.5 mm

Yes

2.1 mm Standard Cable

Lake Side

 

 

 

MicroFocuser

 

 

 

MoonLite

2.1 x 5.5 mm

Yes

2.1 mm Standard Cable

Officina Stellare

 

 

 

Optec

2.5 x 5.5 mm

Yes

2.5 mm Standard Cable

Pegasus Astro

2.1 x 5.5 mm

Yes

2.1 mm Standard Cable

PrimaLuce

2.5 x 5.5 mm

Yes

2.5 mm Standard Cable

Rigel systems

 

 

 

Starizona

 

 

 

Starlight Instruments Focus Boss II

2.5 x 5.5 mm

Yes

2.5 mm Standard Cable

Technical Innovations

 

 

 

Filter Wheel Power Cables

Model

Connector

Center Positive?

Cable

FLI (all models)

2.1 x 5.5 mm

Yes

2.1 mm Standard Cable

QHY

 

 

 

QSI

n/a

n/a

Integrated into Camera

Starlight Xpress

None

n/a

None

Xagyl Communications

None

n/a

None

ZWO EFW

None

n/a

None

Telescope Mount Power Cables

Model

Connector

Center Positive?

Cable

Astro‐Physics

 

 

See AP Website

Celestron

 

 

 

iOptron CEM25

2.1 x 5.5 mm

Yes

2.1 mm Standard Cable

iOptron CEM40

2.1 x 5.5 mm

Yes

2.1 mm Standard Cable

iOptron CEM60

2.1 x 5.5 mm

Yes

2.1 mm Standard Cable

iOptron CEM120

2.5 x 5.5 mm

Yes

2.5 mm Standard Cable

iOptron GEM45

2.1 x 5.5 mm

Yes

2.1 mm Standard Cable

iOptron iEQ30

2.1 x 5.5 mm

Yes

2.1 mm Standard Cable

Losmandy (Gemini)

2.1 x 5.5 mm

Yes

2.1 mm Standard Cable

Meade

2.5 x 5.5 mm

Yes

2.5 mm Standard Cable

Sky‐Watcher

 

 

 

Software Bisque

2.5 x 5.5 mm

Yes

TheSky Fusion Ego Battery Adapter

Takahashi

 

 

 

Rotator Power Cables

Model

Connector

Center Positive?

Cable

MoonLite

2.1 x 5.5 mm

Yes

2.1 mm Standard Cable

Officina Stellare

 

 

 

Optec

2.5 x 5.5 mm

Yes

2.5 mm Standard Cable

Software Bisque

None

n/a

None

What's in the box

  • TheSky Fusion
  • 5/32-in T-handle Hex Wrench
  • 7/16-in Hex Wrench
  • DC Voltage Tester
  • 0.9m Power Input Cable (Powerpole to Powerpole)
  • Quick Start Guide
  • User Guide

Specifications

Hardware Specifications

Category Feature/Specification Details
External Case CNC-machined 6061 aluminum housing

 

 

The external housing is CNC machined from aluminum and anodized red.

 

  • Dimensions (W x H x D): 19.7 cm x 7.6 cm x 13 cm (7.8 in. x 3 in. x 5.1 in.)
  • Total weight: 1.9 kg (4.2 lb.), including the dovetail mounting bracket.
Computer 64-bit Six-Core CPU at 1.8 GHz Coupled with fast DDR4 RAM, and a discrete GPU, the fast CPU offers an ideal image acquisition experience.

 

  • Smooth Sky Chart updates.
  • Efficient live stacking.
  • Fast image archiving.
GPU Discrete GPU supports OpenGL graphics hardware acceleration for smooth panning and zooming.
Memory
  • 4 GB of DDR4 RAM
  • 64 GB of high-speed eMMC storage
  • 256 GB of mass non-volatile storage
  • TheSky consumes about 5 GB.
  • The complete Gaia stellar database occupies an additional 90 GB of mass storage.
  • 25 GB available high-speed memory and 165 GB of mass storage. This means you have ample storage for an entire night’s worth of full-frame images, even using a large-format camera:
  • About 6000 images at 30 MB each.
  • About 1900 images at 100 MB each.
Computer Power Requirements ARM-based CPU Here is the processor’s approximate power footprint under varying operating conditions:

 

  • 2 Watts (processor idle).
  • 4 Watts (typical workload usage).
  • 8 Watts (maximum CPU draw).

A laptop’s power consumption can vary from 30W to 90W. Comparably, TheSky Fusion consumes about 1/10 to 1/4 as much power.

Wired Communication Gigabit Ethernet  
Wireless Communication 802.11AC 2.4 or 5.0 GHz Wi-Fi The fastest widely available Wi-Fi standard and allows for the best possible wireless experience. The built-in Wi-Fi antenna can be upgraded with any reverse polarity SMA Wi-Fi antenna.
GPS Built-in The GPS gets accurate time and position data. This simplifies nightly setup and eliminates common mistakes, for example, entering the location or time incorrectly or neglecting to update them.

 

Real-time access to the site’s precise position and time ensure optimal telescope pointing accuracy with TheSky Imaging’s TPoint telescope modeling.

The default antenna is mounted internally. An optional external antenna (sold separately) can be attached to the External GPS Antenna port.

External Power Ports Eight Anderson power pole connectors

 

 

Anderson Power Products’ Powerpole® connectors and cabling offer:

 

  • Low cost off-the-shelf cables.
  • Variety of readily available of amperages and wire gauges (15A/30A/45A contacts supporting 10–20 AWG wires).
  • Durability.
  • Easily assemble custom cables with an optional TheSky Fusion Custom Cable Kit (sold separately).

The power output port specifications are described in the External Components tab.

USB Ports 4 x USB 3.0 Four USB 3.0 ports can drive CMOS high-speed cameras or other astronomical devices. USB 3.0 is essential for planetary imaging or anyone who enjoys fast image downloads.

 

If more than four USB 3.0 ports is required, use one of the ports to connect a 4- or 8-port USB hub and power the hub using one of the power ports configured for 5V output.

Ethernet Port RJ45 Ethernet port 1000/100/10 Base-T
External Monitor Port HDMI 2.0 connector

 

 

Video out that can be used to view TheSky on any HDMI-compatible monitor. Useful for outreach programs, controlling TheSky Fusion using a mouse and keyboard or troubleshooting.
External LCD Display Four line, 16-character wide OLED display. Descriptive and TheSky-supplied status messages provide real-time feedback during startup, imaging runs, automated pointing calibration or debugging information if things go wrong.

Software Specifications

Category Feature/Specification Details
Operating System Linux (Ubuntu 18 LTS) Efficient, stable 64-bit operating system. Say “goodbye” to Windows updates.
TheSky™ Imaging Edition Includes TheSky™ Imaging Edition
— the world’s most powerful observatory control software.Enjoy the benefits of increased productivity and ease of use, out of the box. And, all from a singular integrated application software package.  TheSky™ takes full advantage of the 64-bit operating system as well as hardware-accelerated graphics. Coupled with the Linux operating system, TheSky Fusion will produce years of reliable, worry-free operation.
Crafted from 36 years of customer feedback, TheSky has the tools you need to plan observing sessions, acquire astronomical images and so much more.

 

  • Operate your mount, camera, guider, focuser, filter wheel, rotator, etc. from a single application.
  • Provides power (on/off) switching to the integrated 5V/8V/12V power ports.
  • Offers graphics acceleration to produce smooth Sky Chart zooming and scrolling.
  • Comes with the complete Gaia star catalog (1.7 billion stars).
  • Includes millions of galaxies, clusters, nebulas and other non-stellar objects.
  • Includes TheSky LTI™ interface for Paramount™ mount owners.
  • Displays comets, satellites, asteroids, planets, Sun, Moon, Saturn’s and Jupiter’s major moons.
  • Performs Image Link and All Sky Image Link astrometric solutions (a.k.a. “plate solving”).
  • TPoint™ telescope pointing analysis technology, included, produces exceptional pointing accuracy. For Paramount™ mount users, TPoint with ProTrack produces exceptional tracking accuracy.
  • Automated telescope pointing calibration.
  • Advanced autoguiding with optional guide camera, with features like graphing guider logs, 3D star graphs, and so much more.
  • Automated focus using either @Focus2 or @Focus3.
  • Filter wheel support.
  • Rotator support.
  • Fully scriptable operation (bisque.com/scripting) using JavaScript or Python.
  • So much more (see TheSky User Guide for details, website login required).
$100 Optional Annual TheSky™
Imaging Edition Subscription Renewal
The optional annual subscription provides access to the latest downloadable updates. TheSky Imaging Edition’s annual subscription ensures your software is updated with the latest features, fixes, improvements and device support.

 

  • The first year’s subscription is included.
  • Downloadable access to newer software versions is permitted with a current subscription.
  • Subscription renewal is optional and not required.
  • If the subscription is allowed to expire, TheSky continues operating normally and indefinitely.

Downloads / Manuals

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