SmartEye Frequently Asked Questions

When will SmartEye be available for purchase?

SmartEye is scheduled to be available in late 2024.

 

How much will SmartEye cost?

The approximate suggested retail price for SmartEye will be $1,500 USD.

 

Do I need a motorized telescope mount to use SmartEye?

For the optimal experience, we strongly advise using an Equatorial or Alt/Az mount equipped with motorized tracking. However, on brighter objects such as the Moon, tracking may not be necessary.

What types of telescopes is SmartEye compatible with?

SmartEye is compatible with all telescopes equipped with a 2” focuser.  For best results we recommend telescopes with an f/7 or lower focal ratio. For longer focal length telescopes, such as Schmidt-Cassegrains (SCTs), a focal reducer can be used to achieve this ratio.

Is SmartEye considered an EAA device or an Astro-Camera?

SmartEye functions as both. It serves as an Electronically Assisted Astronomy (EAA) device, allowing for live stacking with minimal processing for near-real-time observation of celestial objects. Additionally, it can be utilized as an astro camera, enabling users to capture long exposures for later processing.

Is the field of view in SmartEye round, resembling a traditional eyepiece despite the square imaging sensor chip?

Yes, the view through SmartEye is round to replicate the experience of a real eyepiece.

What is the resolution of the SmartEye display screen?

The screen resolution is 2560×2560.

Is the resolution high enough to prevent pixelation?

Absolutely. The SmartEye utilizes OLEDoS (OLED on Silicon) technology, meeting a remarkable resolution of 3500 ppi (iPhone 15 Pro screen is 460 ppi for comparison).

Does the SmartEye come with a power supply, or do users need to provide their own?

The SmartEye can be powered using your own USB-C power bank. Additionally, we may offer a dedicated power supply as an accessory. Max Power 5V / 2.0A.

Can images be saved and stored in SmartEye?

Absolutely. SmartEye offers multiple storage options for captured images. Users can save images directly to SmartEye's internal storage, which boasts a capacity of 16 GB. Additionally, SmartEye features an integrated SD Card Reader, allowing for convenient local storage and transfer of images. Furthermore, users have the option to send images to SkySafari, where they can be displayed in a gallery for effortless browsing and sharing. Additionally, SkySafari enables users to superimpose images on its sky chart, enhancing the overall observing experience.

What range of exposures can SmartEye handle?

SmartEye can accommodate exposures of any desired length, offering flexibility to capture both short and long exposures.

Is the brightness of the SmartEye screen adjustable?

Yes, users can adjust the brightness of the screen to their preference. Max brightness is 1800 nits with a contrast ratio of 500,000:1.

How is SmartEye controlled and how do you access its settings?

SmartEye is a standalone device that can operate independently using its physical menu buttons, allowing adjustment of settings such as brightness, contrast, exposure time and more. The settings menu is seamlessly superimposed on the digital display for easy navigation and control.

Moreover, when connected to the SkySafari app, you have access to additional SmartEye settings and functionalities for enhanced customization.

What is the field of view for SmartEye?

SmartEye offers a wide 90° field of view, ensuring expansive coverage for detailed observation. With 12mm eye relief, it provides comfortable viewing experiences. This field of view is approximately equivalent to that of a 20mm eyepiece, making it ideal for capturing extensive celestial vistas.

Can you use nebula filters with SmartEye?

Certainly. SmartEye features a 2” threaded barrel that supports 2” nebula filters, allowing users to tailor their observations to specific astronomical targets with ease.

Is SmartEye passively or actively cooled?

Currently, SmartEye employs passive cooling. However, we are actively exploring solutions for active Thermoelectric Cooling (TEC) that align with our power requirements to further enhance performance.

Can you zoom in/out on objects in the SmartEye display?

Yes, SmartEye facilitates zooming in and out on objects displayed on its screen through its intuitive menu system, providing users with detailed views of celestial objects.

Does SmartEye connect and send small corrections to my telescope mount to keep objects centered?

We have plans to integrate support for autoguiding mounts through SmartEye, enabling it to connect and send small corrections to your telescope mount to ensure precise tracking and keep objects centered during observations.

How does SmartEye enhance the views of celestial objects?

SmartEye incorporates a low-light sensitivity imaging sensor, specifically the Sony IMX533 Color sensor. This sensor continuously gathers photons, dynamically enhancing the view of celestial objects over time. In just a few seconds, SmartEye reveals objects with remarkable detail and clarity, surpassing the capabilities of traditional telescopes. The immersive high-resolution display further elevates the observing experience by placing the viewer's eye in close proximity to the celestial object, offering a distinct viewing encounter compared to looking at a phone or tablet screen.

Additionally, SmartEye serves as a versatile astro-camera, capable of capturing and storing raw astronomical files (FITS) for subsequent computer processing, thereby catering to the needs of both near real-time  observation (EAA) and long-term data acquisition for later computer processing.

Do I need a computer to use SmartEye?

No.  SmartEye is a standalone device with an integrated display, computer, and imaging sensor. Think of it as a plug-and-play solution.

Can I broadcast the view through SmartEye to my phone, tablet, or TV?

Yes. SmartEye offers the capability to stream the view to compatible phones, tablets, and TVs, providing users with a versatile range of viewing options and enabling convenient group sharing experiences.

Why does SmartEye have a display? Can't you just view the image on your phone?

SmartEye tries to maintain the personal connection between an observer and their telescope. The inclusion of a display enhances this connection and the feeling of looking through an eyepiece. 

Looking through the display offers a unique experience that must be seen to be truly appreciated. Thanks to its high contrast ratio, resolution, pixel density, and dynamic range, objects appear almost three-dimensional, providing an unparalleled viewing experience. This level of immersion and connection would not be achievable solely through viewing on a phone or other external device.

Does SmartEye replace visual observation? I like observing directly with my own eyes.

Our goal is not to replace visual observation; on the contrary, in the age of smart telescopes, we want to help preserve the essential connection between the observer, their telescope of choice, and the night sky.

Therefore, SmartEye is designed to complement, not replace, visual observation. With SmartEye, you have the flexibility to switch between using your regular optical eyepieces and your SmartEye eyepiece. For instance, you could utilize SmartEye to confirm the location of a faint celestial object and then transition to your regular eyepiece to catch the photons with your own eyes.

Moreover, SmartEye offers a "Night Vision" mode, where the screen dims and turns red, helping to preserve your natural night vision as much as possible. Alternatively, you can view the image on your phone or tablet screen and apply night vision settings or use red cellophane film to further preserve your night vision.

 

Does SmartEye work out field rotation for images taken with Alt-Az mounts?

Yes, SmartEye will automatically align and rotate images (field derotation) before stacking.

 

 

Can SmartEye be used in schools or for teaching astronomy?

 Absolutely! SmartEye is an excellent tool for educational settings and outreach. We are planning on developing a comprehensive SmartEye curriculum, complete with engaging lessons and imaging activities tailored for educational use.