Denkmeier - Deep Sky Binoviewer: Power x Switch Diagonals

The Denkmeier Power x Switch Star Diagonals
Denkmeier Optical, Inc. presents a new breed of patent pending Power x Switch Star Diagonals. The 2" format, precision-machined aluminum diagonal housings are made especially for us by William Optics LTD. The diagonals are available with a choice of 97% reflective enhanced silver coatings or 99.4% dielectric coatings. Choose either type when adding a diagonal to your shopping cart. The mirrors are 10mm thick and flat to 1/10th wave. All Power x Switches are made in America. We carefully assemble each system in ourOcean City, MD facility. Diagonal mirrors are carefully checked with our laser collimator resulting in superior alignment and sharp images. All versions of our Power x Switch Diagonals feature compression ring gripping in the 2" eyepiece holder and the 1.25" adapter. The SCT versions include a compression ring visual back that threads onto any SCT. The SCT versions are available with shorty telescope side diagonal tubes that work with our Shorty SCT visual back adapters to provide clearance when used in 8" SCTs.

Optical Quality
All Power x Switch optics are custom designed and feature our high efficiency broadband coatings, which are applied to all air-to-glass optical surfaces. All optical components contained in the Power x Switch assemblies have a clear aperture of 37mm and allow maximum illumination of even the most demanding 1.25" eyepieces used in a Denkmeier Binoviewer. For best performance, follow the eyepiece recommendations for focal reduction modes when used in SCTs (select "Denk Eyepieces" on our Home Page). Available with 97% enhanced Silver coatings or the extremely durable 99.4% dielectric coatings (add $120). If properly cared for, the Silver enhanced diagonal should retain outstanding reflectivity for years and the mirror is easily removed for re-coating, available from several coating services.

Which Diagonal To Choose?
There are four varieties of Power x Switch Diagonals available. The information provided below should allow the proper diagonal to be selected. We also produce a diagonal with no Power x Switch (Diagonal-Only). Magnification factors were derived during testing with a C8 SCT and a Takahashi FS102 Refractor utilizing single eyepieces or a Denkmeier Binoviewer. These magnification factors may change with use of other binoviewer brands. Information indicating the amount of focuser travel for #R1 and #R2 is provided. This data will allow the refractor owner to select the diagonal that will work best in their telescope. Generally, #R1 should focus in all three magnification ranges when used with a binoviewer in almost all refractors. #R2 requires a larger range of focuser movement to cover the 6 magnification modes that are possible with a binoviewer. Weight may also be a consideration when choosing between #R1 and #R2 and specifications are provided. Diagonals #S2, #R1 and #R2 include the Dovetail Connector.

Diagon

al #S1 - Primarily For SCTs Using Single Eyepieces
Designed specifically for single eyepiece use (non-binoviewer) in an SCT and allows focal reduction, normal and 2X magnifications instantly. It can be used for refractors but only allows normal power and a 1.8X Barlow effect. With the focal reducer implemented, focus will not be possible with typical refractors.

Diagonal #S2 - Primarily For SCTs Using Binoviewers

Designed for use with binoviewers in an SCT and will operate with single eyepieces as well although focal reduction is not as great when used with a single eyepiece in comparison to reduction with Diagonal #S1. #S2 allows 3 magnifications with your binoviewer and three magnifications with any single eyepiece. #S2 will not allow binoviewer use in refractors. Choose #R1 or #R2 for that purpose. For some SCTs, the Dovetail Connector (included) has been designed to connect all Denk Binoviewers directly to the Power x Switch mechanism and may be needed in order to reach focus in reduction mode. See the Dovetail Connector section in the
Power x Switch Star Diagonal Manual for more details.

Diagonal #R1 - Primarily For Refractors With Typical Focus Travel Capabilities

#R1 has been designed to allow the Denk Binoviewer to reach low, mid, and high magnifications with a single pair of eyepieces. Single eyepieces also have a multi-magnification function. This diagonal includes our special Low Power S Cell that threads directly into the telescope-side diagonal housing. This cell allows the eyepiece-side Power x Switch to function when using a binoviewer. The Dovetail Connector is included and will allow the user to change the focusing range to suit a particular refractor when using a Denk Binoviewer.Add the SCT visual back adapter (optional with #R1) if you also own an SCT and plan to use #R1 and need such an adapter to accept slip-in style star diagonals.

NEW! Diagonal #R1 For Tak FSQ 106 Refractors

This special #R1 has been designed to allow the Denk Binoviewer to reach low, mid, and high magnifications with a single pair of eyepieces in the Takahashi 106 FSQ Refractor. Just add a Denk Binoviewer to this diagonal and you are ready to go (See "Binoviewers Ala Carte" in the left column). Single eyepieces also have a normal and barlow magnification function so this 2" diagonal functions with the FSQ for single eyepiece usage as well. This diagonal includes our special Optical Adapter that mates to your FSQ back. The Denk adapter contains the necessary optical component that will allow a Denk Binoviewer to reach focus at three magnifications of approximately 1.5X/2.5X and 3.5X when used with the Diagonal's Power x Switch on the eyepiece-side of the #R1 Diagonal. This adapter will lock to the telescope-side of the diagonal and then the assembly threads onto your FSQ refractor visual back. Then, the dovetail Connector (included) mates the Denk Binoviewer to the eyepiece-side of this diagonal. The 2" eyepiece receptacle of the diagonal is popped off after loosening the no-tool thumbscrews. See "Dovetail Connector" in the Power x Switch Diagonal Manual available online under "Download manuals" for visual details. A non-optical adapter is also included that allows your single eyepiece views to take place with the FSQ and our 2" diagonal. Just choose the "R1 for Tak FSQ" as an option when adding the #R1 Diagonal ito your shopping cart.

Note: This is very new. Pictures and details will be forthcoming (picture is duplicate of R1 until we can get a photo online: The main difference is that the Special optical adapter replaces the low power S cell of R1 and an additional non-optical adapter is also included). Call with questions! In-stock.

Diagonal #R2 - Primarily For Refractors Using Single Eyepieces or Binoviewers

#R2 provides excellent versatility allowing a binoviewer to move through up to 6 different magnifications with a low 1.3X power factor to a high power of 3.4X and 4 magnifications in between. This is because it includes two Power x Switches: one on each side of the diagonal housing. Slide out the binoviewer and slide in a single eyepiece and move through 7 magnifications ranging from .75X reduction to 2.3X multiplication. This diagonal can also be used for F/10 SCTs allowing focal reduction normal and 2X with binoviewers and single eyepieces. The total range of focuser movement required is greater than that of #R1. See the focus-travel specifications showing the additional in-travel and out-travel required in comparison to using a single eyepiece with a 2" star diagonal in a refractor. The Dovetail Connector is included.

Power x Switch Star Diagonal For Takahashi 106 FSQs!

This special version of #R1 is now available, allowing single eyepieces and any Denk Binoviewer to operate at low, mid and high powers when used with a Takahashi FSQ Refractor. A special adapter is included that contains a 2" format optical component and threads to the FSQ telescope. The Power x Switch Diagonal then is attached to this adapter as well. Power x Switching is quick and easy and yes, any Denk Binoviewer will reach focus at low/Mid/High magnification modes. Single eyepieces can be used as well and a normal and high magnification will result if a second Denkmeier adapter is purchased that contains no optical component.

About the Dovetail Connector

After measuring the amount of in-travel remaining in your refractor when a single eyepiece has been brought to focus (using a typical 2" star diagonal + 1.25" adapter), the amounts of additional focuser in/out travel required when using the various magnification modes of #R1 and #R2 are listed on the magnification charts. When used, the included Dovetail Connector changes the focus position. The Dovetail Connector allows the eyepiece holderof the Power Switch Star Diagonal to be removed and a Denk Binoviewer can then be attached in seconds, directly to the Power x Switch Diagonal housing, bypassing the 2" eyepiece holder. No tools are required. This not only makes focus possible for SCTs that otherwise might not reach focus in the reduction mode when using #S2, but also allows the telescope focuser position to be adjusted when using Refractors. While some other brands of binoviewers can be used with Denkmeier Power x Switch Star Diagonals, the Dovetail Connector is designed to fit our Denk Binoviewers only. Without use of the Dovetail Connector, some SCTs may not achieve focal reduction with a binoviewer (C8i, C9.25, Meade 14"). This is hard to predict as the back focus can vary between apparently identical tube assemblies. This is why the dovetail Connector is always provided with #S2, #R1 and #R2 and may have to be utilized with some SCTs for the purpose of reaching focus in focal reduction mode of the diagonal. With some Refractors, use of the Dovetail Connector is important if all magnification modes are to be accommodated by the travel range of the focuser mechanism when using the binoviewer. There is a section in the Power x Switch Star Diagonal Manual devoted to using the Dovetail Connector.

Call us toll-free with any questions! 866-340-4578 or 410-208-6014