PlaneWave .7 Meter Telescope With Fused Silica Optics

An alt/az mount is inherently more stable than an equatorial mount as there is no cantilevered mass, nor are there any large counterweight protruding that is very dangerous in a public observatory. The mass required to make a rigid Alt/Az mount substantially leads to cost savings. There is no dealing with balance changes as you cross the meridian or meridian flips that German Equatorial Mounts have to deal with. You can image from horizon to horizon continuously if desired. Alt/Az is more intuitive to use and there is no polar alignment needed.



Benefits of Nasmyth Focus:



The Nasmyth Focus is along the altitude axis so there is virtually no balancing issue as you change out equipment. In addition, the RC700 comes standard with a field rotator/field framer.

Direct Drive Motors and Encoders:



Direct Drive motors mean that there are no gears which cause backlash and periodic error. With the high-resolution encoders providing the feedback for the direct drive motors, not only will the telescope track without periodic error or have any backlash at all, but the mount will be able to counter against wind gusts. The direct drive motors can move the telescope at incredible speeds for tracking satellites or just to minimize target acquisition time.

OPTICAL SYSTEM RC Optical Design Ritchey-Chrétien Aperture 700 mm (27.56 inches) Focal Length 4540 mm Focal ratio 6.5 Central Obstruction 47% of the Primary Mirror Diameter Back Focus 309 mm (12.2 inches) from Mounting Surface Weight 1,200 lbs Optical Tube Dual truss structure with Nasmyth focus Dimensions 93.73" H x 43.25" W x 39" D Focus Position Nasmyth Focus