RC700 (f/12) Ritchey-Chrétien Observatory System

RC700 Features

• 0.7-meter f/12 (8,410mm focal length) Ritchey-Chrétien optical design.
• Optimized central obstruction < 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.
• Secondary mirror focusing for increased instrumentation backfocus distance.
• Compatible with the Series-5 rotator for derotation.
• Space-frame design with optional Coudé Path.
• PointXP mount modeling software.
• *Optional piggyback DeltaRho 350 OTA and remote adjustable saddle sold separately*

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.

Benefits of Nasmyth Foci The Nasmyth Focus is along the altitude axis, so there are virtually no balancing issues 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 RC700 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 26-bit absolute 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 up to 50 degrees per second for tracking satellites, or just to minimize target acquisition time.