Revolution Imager R2 1.25" Live View CCD Video Astronomy Camera System # RI-KitR2

Dec 13, 2015 Update: "...this could be the coming of that video astronomy revolution I’d been predicting for a long time" - Veteran amateur astronomer and noted astronomy author, Rod Mollise (aka Uncle Rod), has just published this excellent review of the Revolution Imager on his blog. 

How is this different than R1? This second generation Revolution Imager R2 System has an easier menu to operate, better contrast control, better gain control, and finer image processing on board. The R2 version does a maximum of 5.12 second exposure and now stacks up to 6 images instead of 5 in the first generation Revolution Imager. Imaging results are about equal to the old sensor/camera in every scenario, but with easier menu controls and greater on board image processing.

1. Plug it in and "see" through your telescope

With the Revolution imager, all you have to do is make some simple connections and you can use the power of the most modern technology to see on the included color monitor the mountains, valleys and seas of the Moon. Easily change the exposure of the video camera and seamlessly go to seeing the reds and greens of Nebulosity or even the spiral arms of the Whirlpool Galaxy. All from your backyard using the amazing sensitivity of the most modern Sony imaging chips and built-in live automated video processing. You will be blown away at what even the most modest tracking telescopes will show you in just a few seconds of exposure!

The Revolution Imager also allows you to see for yourself some of the most awesome astronomical objects that appear in the news without the hubble telescope, but with your telescope in your backyard.

2. See what you've been missing

Have you ever squinted through a telescope in vain, peering at something and maybe you think you saw something? If you have a telescope that can track the stars for just a few seconds, you can evolve. Take a look at this image of the Great Orion Nebula. The image on the right was taken with a 6" telescope in a suburban neighborhood; the image on the right is a sketch made from an 8" telescope in the same neighborhood.

3. Everything included (including the universe)

The Revolution Imager includes everything you need to get up-and-running and get the most out of your existing telescope. Included are:

• Portable 7" LCD monitor.
• 12v Li-Ion Battery with charger to run both the camera and LCD screen.
• 0.5x Focal Reducer to dramatically widen the field of view.
• UV/IR filter.
• Hand-held remote control to control the camera.
• Shock-proof carry case.
• All required cables.

4. No computer required

The Revolution Imager includes a portable, battery powered 7" monitor. This allows you get up and running straight away no matter where you are without the added hassle of using a computer! no drivers, no unexpected updates, and no crashes. The monitor makes the Revolution Imager a great outreach device, too, making it easy to share wonder of faint deep sky objects with everyone. The inset photo on the right shows the M27 Dumbbell Nebula through a 4" refractor from Los Angeles Skies including a 75% Moon.