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Tele Vue Air-Chair 1

Tele Vue Air-Chair

by TeleVue
SKU TV-TAC-1003
CA$409.00 - CA$409.00
CA$409.00
CA$409.00 - CA$409.00
CA$409.00
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  • Seat Height Range: 20.5" to 28"
  • Lift Mechanism: Class 4 Pneumatic Piston
  • Weight Capacity: 550 lbs (250 kg)
  • Cushion Thickness: 4 inches
  • Base: Double-braced folding tripod with rubber feet
  • Portability: Removable seat and folding legs
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  • Description
  • FAQ
  • Specifications
  • In the Box
  • Manual/Software
  • Warranty

  • Stay at the Eyepiece Longer with the Tele Vue Air-Chair

    The Tele Vue Air-Chair is a purpose-built astronomy observing chair designed to eliminate the fatigue that cuts observing nights short. More than just a seat, it is an engineered stability system that lets you remain comfortably positioned at the eyepiece, allowing your eye the time it needs to spot the most subtle details on planets or in deep-sky objects. Every component is selected and assembled to create a wobble-free, easily adjustable observing partner for any telescope.

    Engineered for All-Night Comfort and Support

    At the core of the Air-Chair is a generous 4-inch thick, vinyl-covered seat cushion. This isn't a generic stool top; it's designed to provide consistent support through hours of seated observation, reducing pressure points and fatigue. The ability to remain comfortably seated means less shifting, more relaxed viewing, and a greater opportunity to perceive faint details at the limit of your telescope's capability.

    Custom Wide Flange for Unwavering Stability

    Underpinning the cushion is a custom-designed, extra-wide aluminum seat-flange. This 3/16-inch thick plate is a critical upgrade over standard drum thrones, as it stabilizes the entire seat structure. The practical benefit is immediately obvious: even when you lean to reach the focuser or shift your weight, the seat remains level and secure, eliminating the distracting wobble that can interrupt a critical observation.

    Instant, Precise Height Adjustments

    The Tele Vue Air-Chair features a robust, lever-activated height adjustment system. The release block is securely mounted to the seat flange, placing the control lever at your fingertips. With a simple lift of the lever, you can instantly and silently change your viewing height anywhere between 20.5 and 28 inches, matching the eyepiece height of your telescope as it moves across the sky without ever taking your eye from the target.

    Heavy-Duty Class 4 Pneumatic Piston

    The heart of the adjustment system is a maintenance-free, sealed Class 4 pneumatic piston. Rated for loads up to 550 lbs (250 kg), this component is specified for its durability and high-pressure performance. This industrial-grade construction ensures a long service life and reliable function, night after night, even in the demanding conditions of field astronomy.

    Custom Bushing for Smooth, Wobble-Free Motion

    To ensure the piston's motion is perfectly smooth, Tele Vue installs a custom-machined bushing into the piston housing. This small but crucial component eliminates the lateral play found in many adjustable stools. The result is a solid, connected feel as you raise or lower the seat, preserving the stability of your view and preventing any unwanted movement from being transmitted through the chair.

    A Solid Foundation with a Double-Braced Tripod

    The chair's stability is anchored by a double-braced steel tripod base. A hand-locking screw secures the leg spreader, preventing accidental collapse and providing a rigid platform. The legs are fitted with thick, non-marring rubber feet that offer a secure grip on surfaces from grass to pavement, protecting both the chair and your observing site.

    Designed for Portability and Easy Storage

    Despite its robust build, the Air-Chair is designed for the amateur on the go. The entire padded seat assembly lifts off the piston, and the tripod legs fold inward for a compact profile. This thoughtful design allows the chair to be easily transported to dark sky sites and stored with your other equipment without taking up excessive space.

    The Trade-Off: Not a Featherweight Chair

    The primary trade-off for the Air-Chair's exceptional stability and durability is its weight. At around 10 pounds, it is heavier than some simpler, lighter observing stools. For observers prioritizing an absolutely rock-solid seated experience over minimum weight for long-distance transport, the Air-Chair is the clear choice. However, for those who must hike into their observing sites, the weight is a factor to consider.

  • Is the Tele Vue Air-Chair just a rebranded drum throne?

    No. While it resembles a drum throne, the Air-Chair is custom-built for astronomy with key upgrades like a heavy-duty Class 4 piston, a custom wide aluminum seat-flange for stability, and a machined bushing to eliminate wobble during height adjustments.

    What is the height adjustment range of the Air-Chair?

    The pneumatic piston allows for a smooth, continuous height adjustment from a low of 20.5 inches to a maximum of 28 inches, accommodating a wide range of telescopes and observer heights.

    How portable is the Tele Vue Air-Chair?

    The chair is designed for portability. The padded seat is removable, and the double-braced tripod legs fold inward, creating a compact package for transport to your favorite observing site.

    Will the chair's feet damage my deck or floor?

    No, the tripod legs are equipped with thick, non-marring rubber feet. These are designed to provide a secure grip and protect surfaces like wood decks, patios, or indoor flooring from scratches.

    What is the weight capacity of the Air-Chair?

    The Air-Chair is built around a Class 4 pneumatic piston, which is rated to support a load of up to 550 lbs (250 kg), ensuring a high degree of durability and safety.

    Can the Air-Chair be used in cold weather?

    While the chair is very durable, performance of the pneumatic piston can become stiff in very cold temperatures. It is generally not recommended for use when the temperature is below -20° F (-29° C).

  • Model TAC-1003
    Seat Height Range 20.5" to 28" (52 cm to 71 cm)
    Lift Mechanism Class 4 Pneumatic Piston
    Weight Capacity 550 lbs (250 kg)
    Cushion 4" thick, vinyl-covered foam
    Seat Flange 3/16" thick, extra-wide aluminum
    Tripod Legs Double-braced steel, folding
    Feet Thick, non-marring rubber
    Weight Approx. 10 lbs

    • Padded Seat Cushion

      × 1

    • Tripod Leg / Air Piston Assembly

      × 1

  • Tele Vue 5-Year Limited Warranty