TheSky Fusion

TheSky Fusion™ attaches to your telescope and lets you control your astrophotography equipment with TheSky Imaging bundle, as well as power your equipment.  Built-in Wi-Fi and Ethernet lets you observe at the telescope, remotely from the comfort of your living room, or across the globe with any smartphone, tablet, desktop or notebook computer.

  • Powers, connects and controls your entire imaging system.
  • Remote wireless access from any device via Wi-Fi (for example, a smartphone, tablet, notebook or desktop computer).
  • Integrated GPS, Wi-Fi, and Ethernet.
  • Real-time OLED red status display of your imaging run.
  • Four high-speed USB 3.0 ports with eight power-output ports.
  • Dovetail adapter included for easy mounting to your telescope.

Click here to find out why you’ll love TheSky Fusion.

Important Notes:

  • TheSky Fusion does not include a power supply unit.  External power can be supplied by:
    • A TheSky Fusion Power Supply Unit (Software Bisque offers 11.5A/138W max. and 21A/252W max. output)
    • Any 12V DC power supply unit that provides sufficient amperage to run your imaging equipment (up to 40A max.).

Ready to buy?

Click the Buy Now graphic below to add TheSky Fusion to your cart.  Note that the total TheSky Fusion cost is the sum of the first year’s software subscription fee plus one-time sign up fee.

$1,895.00
Optional $100.00 each following year for the subscription benefits

Out of stock

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Q. What astronomical devices (mounts, cameras, autoguiders, focusers, rotators) does TheSky Fusion support?

A.  Please see TheSky Fusion Specifications document on the Documentation tab below for a complete list of supported hardware.

Q. How do I register my TheSky Fusion serial number?

A. Go to www.bisque.com/register for instructions for emails your serial number to Software Bisque.  Please allow two business days for the serial number to be processed.  Thanks for your patience.

Q. Does TheSky Fusion include a power supply unit?

A.  TheSky Fusion does not include a power supply unit.  It can be powered using TheSky Fusion Power Supply Unit, or an EGO Battery with TheSky Fusion EGO battery adapter (coming soon), or any 12V DC power supply with a suitable Anderson Powerpole cable and that provides sufficient amperage to run the connected imaging equipment.

Q. What is the price of TheSky Fusion?

A. The retail price is $1,895.

Q. When will TheSky Fusion ship?

A. TheSky Fusion started shipping July 16, 2020.

Q. What equipment can TheSky Fusion control?

A. See Supported Devices in TheSky Fusion Specifications (PDF) document for details about supported telescope mounts, cameras, autoguiders, focusers, filter wheels, and rotators.  We will update this list as additional equipment is supported.

Q. How can I connect to and control my astronomy equipment?

A. TheSky Fusion can be used to control your astronomy hardware wirelessly with Wi-Fi (as a hot spot, or connected to an existing network) or hard-wired with Ethernet from any desktop, laptop, smartphone or tablet computer.

Q. Why is TheSky Fusion equipped with a GPS?

A. TheSky Fusion’s integrated GPS unit ensures that TheSky’s location, date and time are always up to date and accurate.  Always having accurate location and time means one less thing to worry about, and is essential to maintain precision telescope pointing accuracy. And, if you own a Paramount, this level of accuracy will optimize Pro Track-assisted tracking performance.

Q. What are the red and black connectors on TheSky Fusion?

A. The eight power output ports on the front panel are Anderson Powerpole® connectors.  Power cables that use these connectors are inexpensive, capable of handling high amperages, and are easy to make for the do-it-yourself enthusiast. These power ports can supply power for the most power-hungry equipment.  The output voltage on three of the eight ports is configurable.

Q. Can TheSky Fusion’s internal storage be increased?

A. TheSky Fusion comes with 256GB of ‘mass storage’ in the form of a microSD memory card.  This card is removable and can be replaced with a higher capacity memory card (for example, a 512GB or 1TB microSD card, sold separately).

Q. If I already own TheSkyX Professional Edition for Windows or Mac, can I transfer this license to the Linux-based TheSky Fusion™?

A.  In short, no.  TheSky Fusion includes TheSky Imaging Edition.  While at first glance, it may seem identical to TheSky Imaging Edition on macOS or Windows, TheSky Fusion™ includes additional functionality such as power switching, GPS integration, status screen output and Wi-Fi hot spot integration.

Q. What is TheSky Fusion warranty?

Registered owners with an active software subscription can download the latest TheSky Fusion update by logging in and visiting My account > My Downloads.  Details about installing TheSky Fusion updates can be found in TheSky Fusion User Guide in the Documentation tab below.

Visit TheSky Fusion Change Log page for a list of all the improvements, changes and fixes in each release.

Description

TheSky Fusion™ marries TheSky™ Imaging edition, the world’s single-most capable object-acquisition and imaging software, with intelligently designed hardware to connect, power and integrate your imaging equipment.

With TheSky Fusion™ you can connect your mount, camera, autoguider, focuser, filter wheel, rotator, power switches, 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 even permits a hardwired connection for an optimal experience.  Though an Internet connection is not required, TheSky Fusion takes full advantage of being on-line when connected to the Web.

TheSky Fusion attaches to your mount and simplifies system setup, maintenance, and nightly tasks for maximum productivity.  TheSky Fusion’s flexible power-output ports can drive even the most complex hardware configurations; that means you won’t need to bring a power supply for each of your devices because TheSky Fusion powers them all.  Four high-speed USB 3.0 ports and one legacy serial port can meet most communication needs.  If not, one of the configurable 5V DC power ports can add an optional powered 4- or 7-port USB hub to provide up to 11 total USB ports.

Additional information

Weight 7 lbs
Dimensions 10.0 × 8.0 × 5.0 in

TheSky Fusion 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 software video 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 and its databases occupy 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.

TheSky Fusion Software Specifications

Category Feature/Specification Details
Operating
System 		Linux
(Ubuntu 18 LTS)		 Efficient, stable 64-bit operating system.
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 software-accelerated graphics. Coupled
with the Linux operating system, TheSky Fusion will produce years
of reliable, worry-free operation.		 Crafted from 37 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).
Optional Annual TheSky™ Imaging
Edition Subscription Renewal 		The optional annual subscription provides
access to the latest downloadable updates.		 TheSky Imaging Edition’s $100 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.

TheSky Fusion Documentation

TheSky Fusion Technical Drawings

TheSky Fusion Dimensions (PDF)

TheSky Fusion Equipment Power Cables

Use the tables below to determine what power cables are required to supply power to your equipment from TheSky Fusion’s power output ports.

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
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

TheSky Fusion
TheSky Fusion is perfect for the power conscious mobile imager!

 

MX+ with 100mm
Paramount MX+ with TheSky Fusion.

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  • 2.1 mm Straight DC Plug to Powerpole Power Cable

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  • TheSky Fusion Custom Cable Kit

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  • Kycon to Powerpole Power Cable

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  • TheSky Fusion 12V DC Power Supply Unit

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  • 2.5 mm Straight DC to Powerpole Power Cable

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