Ember is a video course that teaches you how to build your own
stargazing+solar binoculars.
Simple tools, no stress! It’s fun, it’s an adventure, and you can do it!
We teach each step with clear videos
Most projects have hard-to-understand printed directions, cryptic illustrations, and leave you scratching your head. There’s a reason: It’s a lot of work to
a) design it so people can succeed on the first try
b) film the whole process from multiple angles
c) go back and redesign parts if needed
That’s what we did. Every video is closed captioned and the transcript is fully searchable.
Full Kits coming soon
Preorders of full component kits including 3D printed parts, optics, hardware, eyepieces and supplies are coming May 3!
You can sign up for the course now and be first in line for an Ember kit as soon as they’re available!
Links to every component
If you enjoy gathering all the components yourself, or building on your own timeframe, we have you covered! Just add parts to your cart, and wait for them to show up at your door. There’s a list of everything you’ll need. No surprises!
Build something you can’t get anywhere else
No one else manufactures binoculars like this. You’re not just saving money building it yourself, you’re making a rare form of magic.
3D print the parts yourself or just order them
If you have an FDM 3D printer, you can print all Ember’s plastic parts yourself! (It takes about 1.5 kg of PETG filament.) Choose your color and customize your look.
If you don’t have an FDM 3D printer, you can order the parts through a service provider and still customize your color! We walk you through this too.
3D printing requirements: minimum 7x7x7” (175x175x175mm) build volume capable of PETG printing (240C hotend, 75C bed). Ember has not been designed or tested with other engineering filaments, resin printers, or high-speed printing.
Build as your budget allows
Say no to payment plans! Build your binoculars on your own schedule or send friends and family gift ideas. (Many components are under $20.) We have recommendations for both budget and upgrade components. Upgrade to higher-end lenses and eyepieces at any time!
Path to perfection
We’ll continue to improve Ember through user feedback. If parts change, you can just download, print, and add them to your build!
The journey to the perfect stargazing binoculars begins here. We’ll get there together!
We’re offering the Sunny/Ember course for an introductory price of $49.99!
You get:
Lifetime Access to the course
Decals and double-sided tape mailed to you
Free Course Upgrades for life
Online Support for each lesson
Help Analog Sky develop more binoculars!
Giving the Ember course as a gift?
Sign up using your email address.
When you’re ready to transfer ownership of the account, you can login and change the email address on file to the recipient’s email address.
You can also login and view the lists of components to buy if you’d like to add them to your gift.
What does Sunny/Ember cost to build? Let’s break it down. It’s less if you already have a video tripod or can FDM 3D print your own parts. Prices are in USD and include average US shipping costs:
| Typical Cost (USD) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Solar Filter | $25 | |
| Optics | $150 (upgrade optics are more) | |
| Entry-level Eyepieces (one pair*) | $70 | |
| 3D Printing (order vs. self-print) | $150-250 / $50 | |
| Hardware | $90 | |
| Tools and Supplies (average) | $25 | |
| Tripod/Video Head Combo | $80 | |
| Total (I need everything!) | $590 | |
| Total (I have an FDM 3D printer and a tripod!) | $415 |
* A different pair of eyepieces is required for each zoom level. The course includes a full guide to eyepieces and budget picks are between $70-120/pair.
** This represents a low-cost quote from a 3rd party service provider in North America. Cost will vary with time and location.