RC700 Ritchey-Chrétien Observatory System

PlaneWave Instruments brings a fully automated observatory class telescope to the market with the PW700-RC, a 0.7 meter Alt/Az telescope system with Ritchey-Chrétien (RC) optics. We have combined Ritchey-Chrétien optics with PlaneWave’s direct-drive alt/az mount technology to set a new standard for research-class observatory telescopes.

Optical Design

PlaneWave’s CDK astrographs have become the telescopes of choice for universities, industry, and astrophotographers around the world. Now PlaneWave offers the PW-RC series to meet the custom needs of the scientific community.

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.

RC700 Features

• Ritchey-Chrétien optical design
• Dual Nasmyth focus, allowing simultaneous mounting of two instruments or easy switching between visual and imaging use
• Direct-drive motors on each axis for smooth, fast, and virtually silent movement of the telescope
• High-resolution encoders on each axis for precise positioning
• Zero backlash
• Zero periodic error
• PointXP mount modelling software
• Field de-rotator / rotational field framing

An alt/az mount is inherently more stable than an equatorial mount since there is no cantilevered mass, nor are there any large protruding counterweights to create a dangerous hazard in a public observatory. An alt/az telescope is also considerably more compact than its equatorial counterpart, allowing a larger telescope to fit in a smaller enclosure. The mass it takes to make a rigid alt/az mount is substantially less, leading to cost savings. Unlike German Equatorial mounts, there are no meridian flips to deal with. You can image from horizon to horizon continuously if desired. Alt/Az is more intuitive to use and no polar alignment is needed. Besides, it is the way the big boys do it!

Benefits of 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.
Rotating Tertiary Mirror The PW700-RC includes an integrated rotator for the tertiary mirror, with magnetic locks to position the mirror precisely for either Nasmyth focus position. The rotator can move from one port to the other in under 10 seconds. Tertiary Mirror Video
Direct drive motors and encoders Direct Drive motors mean that there are no gears to cause backlash and periodic error. 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.