Baader IMP85

This device is a direct spinoff of our remote observatory developments.

The ability to get multiple benefits from a telescope opens up whole new worlds for remote observatories as well as amateur astronomers or regular observatories.

A remote observatory never has to be reconfigured again: A unit can now be equipped with a deepsky astro camera, a planetary camera and a spectrograph without having to request conversion time from the staff.

An observatory with public shows can finally leave the camera permanently on the main telescope and still use it for observations with guests without any problems. After the guided tours, there is no time necessary for cleaning up and rebuilding the equipment – the telescope can be used immediately for astrophotography at the touch of a button. The possibilities of this system are as diverse as the fields of work in astronomy.

The IMP85 has a unique selling point with its non-mirrored Port 1. Where other devices have a central mirror that rotates, the IMP85’s design keeps the main camera in central focus. No light is lost and the weight is evenly distributed. The compact and solid construction allows the shortest possible connection to many telescope systems.

Two individually adjustable 40x40mm fused silica mirrors of the highest optical quality can be electronically inserted into the light path with the highest degree of repeatability to redirect the light to port 2 or port 3. These ports can be used for various other optical instruments such as spectrographs, video cameras, planetary cameras or a simple eyepiece.

The ports are clearly defined in backfocus and easily adaptable to all common systems via standard adapters. The instruments can thus be connected more or less parfocally to all three ports via an individual combination of adapters. We will be happy to help you find the optimal configuration for your application.

A variety of adaptations are possible. The IMP85 is delivered without adapters. A variety of telescope-side and camera-side adapters are available from stock. For custom applications, we provide the design for the flange on request. For all our remote observatories, we use only Ethernet-controlled devices whenever possible. Therefore, the IMP85 is currently only connected to the PC/observatory network via a network port and controlled via an easily intuitive web interface. A small manual port selector switch is located on the side of the IMP85. ASCOM is currently not supported, ASCOM-Alpaka drivers are in preparation.