PlaneWave RC700 Ritchey Chretien f/12 28" Astrograph

The PlaneWave RC700 is a 0.7 meter Alt/Az telescope system with Ritchey-Chrétien (RC) optics. PlaneWave have combined Ritchey-Chrétien optics with PlaneWave's direct-drive alt/az mount technology to set a new standard for research-class observatory telescopes. With direct drive motors on each axis, a small central obstruction (< 30 %), and optional GPS/PTP encoder synchronization and carbon fiber hard-shroud, the RC700 is an ideal platform for laser communication and satellite laser ranging.

The PW700-RC in its native format (no field flattening lenses) uses only mirror with reflective coatings. This can be useful when making observations primarily on-axis and wide field imaging is not a concern.

With 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.

Benefits Nasmyth Focus: The Nasmyth Focus is along the altitude axis, so there are virtually no balancing issue as you change out equipment. Eyepieces remain at a constant wheelchair-accessible height, greatly simplifying access to the telescope for public observatories. The rotating tertiary mirror allows you to switch from one Nasmyth port to the other in just seconds, allowing observers to easily transition between imaging and visual use.

• 0.7-meter f/12. Ritchey-Chrétien optical design with an optimized central obstruction less than 30 % for improved image contrast and optical fiber coupling efficiency.
• Dual Nasmyth focus ports, each capable of holding over 300 lbs, paired with a PlaneWave Interface 4 (PWI4) software controllable tertiary mirror for fast changes between multiple instrumentation packages.
• Direct-drive motors on each axis providing up to 50 degrees/second of smooth, fast, and virtually silent slewing of the telescope with zero backlash and zero periodic error.
• On-axis 26-bit absolute encoders coupled to each axis for precise pointing and stable LEO satellite tracking.
• Optional GPS/PTP encoder synchronization for precise time-stamping and carbon fiber hard-shroud for stray light mitigation.
• Space-frame design with optional Coudé Path.
• PointXP mount modelling software
• Direct drive field derotator and secondary mirror focusing for increased instrumentation backfocus distance.
• Requires a crating #1323507. The crating will be charged extra.

Fused Silica

Fuse silica is a synthetic amorphous silica glass of the highest purity and one of the most transparent glasses made. The optical and thermal properties of fused silica are superior to other types of glass due to its purity. Its transmission and homogeneity exceed those of crystalline quartz without the problems of temperature instability inherent in the crystalline form. Fused Silica has a coefficient of thermal expansion six times lower than Borosilicate (Pyrex) glass, which means that as fused silica cools down, it preserves its shape to a high degree of accuracy. This translates into consistent optical performance and unchanging focus over temperature changes. With its high melting temperature ()~ 1.600 degree Celsius), a very low coefficient of thermal expansion and resistance to thermal shock, fused silica is the material of choice for professional observatories as well as various scientific applications.

Features

Optimized Central Obscuration
The PlaneWave RC700-ƒ/12. was designed to offer a central obscuration of less than 30% to improve both image contrast and the efficiency of optical fiber coupling.

Optional GPS/PTP Encoder Synchronization
For applications requiring the most accurate knowledge of position and time, PlaneWave offers optional electronics that allow UTC timestamping of encoder feedback.

Dual Nasmyth Foci
The RC700 offers two Nasmyth focus ports to simplify use of multiple instrument packages. The systems tertiary mirror (M3) is robotic and remotely controllable through PlaneWave Interface Software and the PWI API, allowing even remote users to change between ports with the click of a button.

Space-Frame Design & Optional Coudé Path
Like our PW1000 system, the PlaneWave RC700 incorporates the Space-Frame Fork design. This design approach not only reduces weight while increasing rigidity, but also simplifies coudé path routing. Contact your PlaneWave representative to discuss requirements for your desired coudé solution.

Optional Carbon-Fiber Hard-Shroud
For installations where stray, ambient light is a concern, the RC700 has an optional hard-shroud available. This 2-panel, carbon-fiber shroud mounts between the optical tube front-ring and mid-ring and is easily removable for maintenance.

Additional Payload Capacity
The RC700 has been designed with large payloads in mind. Each Nasmyth port is capable of supporting 300+ pounds of instrumentation. Additionally, the optical tube structure has been designed to accommodate optical windows, with mass of up to 100 pounds (including mount) and piggyback instrumentation of up to 300 pounds.

Direct-Drive Motors
Like each of PlaneWave Instruments existing tracking mounts, the RC700 system features high-performance, in-house designed and manufactured direct-drive motors. We use an axial-flux motor design that prevents motor cogging and ensures consistent torque. Our vertical integration also allows us to use a high magnetic-volume density, achieving higher torque with modest power requirements.
Specifications and benefits include:

• On-Axis 26-Bit Absolute Encoders
• Stable Satellite Tracking for LEO and Beyond
• Slew Speeds > up to 50 degrees/second
• 115VAC 20A input: No need for 3-phase power or generators

• Heating elements for dew prevention - The heating pads on the primary and secondary mirror require the #1329110 Delta-T controller sold separately
• OTA Cover - To protect the primary mirror and inside of the optical tube
• Flash Drive - Contains software and instructions for collimation and spacing the primary to secondary mirror
• EFA Kit and IRF90 - Port one includes an IRF90 and EFA kit for focusing and de-rotating within PWI2 software and also relaying mirror temperature data back to the control computer
• Feathertouch Focuser and Adapter - Used for visual observing through Port 2 with a user supplied eyepiece
• Soft cover for secondary mirror
• Wireless Gamepad
• Collimating laser assembly
• 12v AC Adapter (for EFA)

Specifications

Optics

• Optical Design: Ritchey-Chrétien (RC)
• Aperture (mm): 27.56" (700 mm)
• Focal Length: 8,410 mm
• Focal Ratio: f/12
• Image Field: 40 mm
• Back Focus Distance: 317 mm (12.48 inch) from instrument mounting surface
• Central Obstruction: < 30 % of the primary mirror diameter
• Substrate: Fused Silica
• Optical Tube Weight: 2,500 lbs
• Image Scale: 40.8 microns per arc second

Mount

• Mount: 153 kg (338 lbs)
• Payload Capacity (kg): Each Nasmyth port is capable of supporting 300+ pounds of instrumentation.
• Weight (kg): 2500 lbs
• Slew Speeds: < 5 arc end seconds (more than 10 seconds)
• All-sky pointing accuracy: 30 arc seconds RMS
• System Natural Frequency: 10 Hz or higher
• Control system electronics: PWI4 (provided by PlaneWave)
• Software: PWI4 (by PlaneWave)

General

• Manufacturer: PlaneWave Instruments:
• Manufacturer SKU: 700126Q
• SKU: 1323272Q
• EAN Code: 4047825049841