Celestron 93985 SkyScout Speaker
Dec 04, 2009 in
Electronics
- Rechargeable lithium-ion battery charges from computer USB port
- Extension cable for flexible placement of speaker
- Nylon lanyard to hang speaker around your neck while using the SkyScout
- Expandable woofer for optimum sound quality
- Guaranteed not to affect the SkyScout pointing accuracy
Product Description
This high quality compact speaker features: Rechargeable Lithium-Ion battery – charges from computer USB port Extension cable – for flexible placement of speaker while using the SkyScout. Nylon lanyard – to hang the speaker around your neck while using the SkyScout. Expandable woofer – for optimum sound quality… More >>
Celestron 93985 SkyScout Speaker
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5 comments
Jim Switz on December 4, 2009 at 11:21 am
This speaker makes a fine companion to the SkyScout, especially if more than one user wants to hear the audio narration. USB battery charging is handy and it’s very compact with a neck strap if you want to use it that way. By twisting the silver front end it expands like an accordion to noticeably improve bass response, but that’s not really necessary for audio spoken word.
My only gripe is that it’s a very tight fit if you choose to plug it directly into the SkyScout (which I do, because it’s compact with no dangling cords) – it’ll pretty much fit only one way and even then it’s squished a bit and somewhat awkward, but doesn’t interfere with SkyScout operation at all. I think this is an aftermarket product that Celestron found and adopted after the SkyScout was designed, because small changes to the SS molded housing would make it fit perfectly.
This speaker and its cords will fit into the SkyScout carrying case; again a bit squished because the case isn’t designed for it and is tight to begin with, but it works and it’s great to keep everything together.
It works, though, and is recommended especially for the price. Note: the list price on Amazon’s page is WAY off the mark; I think actual list price is only about $35-40.
The SkyScout is a very cool product and this little speaker makes it better.
Scott on December 4, 2009 at 2:21 pm
works well for use with the SkyScout. A bit heavy hanging around your neck. You will need this if you want to hear the audio commentary on the SkyScout which doesn’t have a built in speaker. Charges from a USB port. I wouldn’t use it to listen to music but works fine for spoken recordings.
CFH on December 4, 2009 at 4:44 pm
While I really enjoy using the SkyScout, the audio guides were somewhat hard enjoy when only one person could listen at a time using headphones (we had bought headphones because no one likes to share the earpbuds that came with the SkyScout). Now with the “Celestron 93985 SkyScout Speaker”, everyone can listen at the same time.
The speaker provides very clear and appropriately loud sound from the SkyScout. The pop out base speaker makes a noticeable difference, but really isn’t necessary to enjoy the SkyScout’s narratives.
The package also includes an extension cable, which is useful if you also are using the Scoutcase Deluxe Soft Case for the Celestron SkyScout Personal Planetarium (another useful and recommended accessory), since it does not easily fit with the case attached.
The unit is rechargeable from a USB connection (includes a proprietary cable). I found this to be a little odd since it is unlikely that I will have my computer with me out in the field when stargazing. Not a major issue, but not as convenient as I would like either.
Overall, the SkyScout Speaker is a great and useful accessory to enhance group enjoyment of your SkyScout investment. Recommended!
J. Davis on December 4, 2009 at 5:10 pm
Celestron simply adapted another product, put some black plastic around it, and tacked their name to it, while charging a 400 percent mark up. Do a search for “Super Mini Sound Box Speaker” and see that you can buy this for a little as 7 bucks elsewhere. Otherwise, it does help a LOT to share the audio tracks with others, and its size cannot be beat. Highly recommended.
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EDIT: I recently found another great use for this thing: my laptop speakers are woefully inadequate. I plugged this into the side of my laptop in the headphone jack and sound quality improved significantly.
Brad Boyd on December 4, 2009 at 6:55 pm
This product is great. One of my early frustrations with the Celestron SkyScout was that everyone I was stargazing with had to share the same ear buds, and only one person could listen to the audio at a time. This tiny speaker allows everyone to hear clearly the audio guide. That makes this speaker important equipment for the SkyScout–it allows family and group participation for what had been a more solitary event. Highly Recommended!