You may order an Astrid system at the bottom of this page.
Astrid is a Raspberry Pi-based, self-contained GPS-equipped astronomy imaging device with features that make it a complete, all-in-one device for recording and accurately timing occultation events. Using a tablet or laptop to connect to Astrid (via its wifi hotspot) the user can plate-solve, pre-point a telescope, control a computerized mount (if desired), schedule a recording, confirm in advance that the exposure and gain chosen are sufficient to record the target star, automatically record an event, and play back the recording (with a helpful identification of the target star).
Astrid is being sold through this page on the IOTA website completely assembled and tested. You may order an Astrid system in any of three configurations below. Availability is limited but a waiting list will be maintained. Check the iotaoccultations list at groups.io for more details. Meanwhile, a “Welcome to Astrid Initial Setup” document has been prepared and is available here, and a “user experience” video is available here.
The original Astrid case design shown in the left-most image below is designed for refractor telescopes or SCT scopes without Hyperstar, where the camera is placed at the back of the OTA. It is now called “Astrid Refractor”.
In addition, two other 2-part Astrid case designs have been developed.
The first is is called “Astrid Prime-Focus”. It is for catadioptric scopes where it is desired that the camera portion be placed in front of the scope while the body of the Astrid remains out of the optical path (i.e., Hyperstar, RASA, suitcase mounts, smaller dobs (where extra weight up front causes problems) and other prime-focus designs.)
The second is called “Astrid Dobsonian“. It is designed for dobsonian and other reflector scopes with 2″ focusers where the use of a focal reducer makes it impossible to rack the focuser inward sufficiently to bring the image to focus, and struts (if present) cannot easily be shortened. This design attaches the camera to a cylindrical carrier which slips into a 2” drawtube, providing the necessary in-focus travel for the camera.
Domestic US shipping and handling will be added in shopping cart. For Canada, Mexico or Overseas shipping please add one of the extra shipping items at right.
Domestic US shipping and handling will be added in shopping cart. For Canada, Mexico or Overseas shipping please add one of the extra shipping items at right.
Domestic US shipping and handling will be added in shopping cart. For Canada, Mexico or Overseas shipping please add one of the extra shipping items at right.
