DeltaRho 500 f/3.03 Optical Tube Assembly
$60,000.00
The DeltaRho 500 from PlaneWave Instruments is a testament to innovation, designed for the serious astronomer and astrophotographer. Crafted with a dedication to excellence, the DeltaRho 500 offers advanced features for elite imaging, providing unparalleled versatility for a broad range of scientific and communicative applications.
*Price excludes shipping and crating. See our crating and pricing policy for full details.
Key Features Overview
The DeltaRho 500 stands out with its exceptional features:
- Large 508mm (20 inch) aperture
- 1537 mm focal length
- Fast f/3.03 focal ratio
- 70mm image circle (>2.6 degrees)
- 232.8 mm back focus from mounting surface; 147.6 mm with Series-5XL Focuser and Rotator
- The Extension Spacer is required only when the Series-5XL Focuser and the Series-5 Rotator are used in conjunction.
- Advanced corrected Cassegrain focus optical design
- Robust carbon fiber tube construction
DeltaRho 500’s Key Features
Large Aperture and Fast Focal Ratio
The DeltaRho 500 boasts a 508 mm aperture and a fast f/3.03 focal ratio. This powerful combination enhances light-gathering capability and speeds up image capture, which is ideal for detailed SSA/SDA object capture and expansive deep-sky imaging.
Advanced Optical Design
Featuring a state-of-the-art corrected Cassegrain focus optical system, the DeltaRho 500 delivers unparalleled image clarity. Experience sharp, flat fields across the entire field of view without any curvature, enabling stellar images with minimal need for post-processing.
Mechanical Structure
Constructed from lightweight yet durable carbon fiber, the DeltaRho 500 offers superior durability and stability. It minimizes thermal expansion, maintaining optimal image quality under diverse environmental conditions.
High-Performance Coatings
The telescope includes high-quality mirror coatings that can be tailored to meet specific observational needs. It optimizes light transmission and minimizes stray light, enhancing the telescope's performance for specialized tasks such as SSA/SDA.
Collimation Software
The DeltaRho 500 is equipped with user-friendly collimation software designed to ensure optimal alignment of optical elements quickly and accurately. This feature is crucial for maintaining the high resolution and sharpness needed for professional-level imaging and research, allowing users to adjust collimation on the fly.
Dew Control
Integrated dew control systems in the DeltaRho 500 utilize advanced heater technology to prevent condensation on optical surfaces. This system ensures that observations and imaging sessions are not interrupted by dew, providing consistent clarity and performance in a variety of environmental conditions.
Application-Specific Benefits
Astrophotography
With its quick exposure times and large field of view, the DeltaRho 500 allows astrophotographers to capture breathtaking night sky images with extraordinary detail and clarity.
Astronomy Research
The robust construction and superior optics of the DeltaRho 500 make it an invaluable resource for universities and research institutions committed to conducting in-depth astronomical research.
Space Situational Awareness (SSA) and Space Domain Awareness (SDA)
The DeltaRho 500's fast focal ratio and extensive image circle enable shorter exposures and the use of larger sensors, making it exceptionally suited for surveying vast areas of the sky. This capability is critical for efficiently monitoring and cataloging space debris and satellites.
Specifications
DeltaRho 500 f/3.03 Optical Tube Assembly
| Aperture | 20 in (508 mm) |
| Focal Length | 60.5 in (1537 mm) |
| Focal Ratio | f/3 |
| Central Obstruction | 59 % by diameter |
| Back Focus from Mounting Surface | 9.166 in (232.8 mm) from mounting surface; 7.271 inch (184.7 mm) from lens cell |
| Weight | 165 lbs (75 kg) |
| OTA Length | 35.1 inch (892 mm) |
| Optical Design Performance | 3.86 micron RMS on-axis, 4.04 micron RMS at 22 mm off-axis, and 6.04 micron RMS at 35 mm off-axis |
| Upper Cage | Carbon fiber truss poles with carbon fiber shroud |
| Image Circle Size | 70 mm |
| Diameter | 6.3 inch (160 mm) |
| Coating | Broadband AR Coatings (on avg. less than .5% reflected from 400 to 700 nm) |
| Diameter | 286 mm (11.26 in) |
| Material | Fused silica (quartz) |
| Shape | Spherical |
| Coating | Enhanced aluminum – 96% |
| Optical Diameter | 20 in (508 mm) |
| Outer Diameter | 20.8 in (528 mm) |
| Shape | Prolate ellipsoid |
| Material | Fused Silica (quartz) |
| Coating | Enhanced aluminum – 96% |
| Included Items | Heating Elements for Dew Prevention - The heating pads on the primary and secondary mirror require the 600195 Delta-T controller sold separately |
| OTA Cover - To protect the primary mirror and inside of the optical tube | |
| Flashdrive - Contains software and instructions for collimation and spacing the primary to secondary mirror | |
| Wrench Set (5812A35) - Standard hex wrenches (European orders only) | |
Recommended Products
| Image | Name | Summary | Price | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | L-500 Direct-Drive Telescope Mount | The PlaneWave L-500 Direct Drive Mount embodies the pinnacle of engineering precision, designed to meet the rigorous demands of advanced astrophotographers and astronomical researchers. As a critical part of our L-Series, this mount leverages sophisticated technology to provide an unmatched observational platform. *Price excludes shipping and crating. See our crating and pricing policy for full details. Key Features OverviewThe L-500 distinguishes itself with its significant specifications and features:
| $22,500.00 | |
 | Portable Rolling Pier | Don’t let bad weather stop you from enjoying your L-Series Mount every clear night. The Portable Rolling Pier lets you move your L-series Mount and telescope to the best spot for stargazing in no time. Just grab the steering T-handle and roll it wherever you want! With the auto-mount modeling feature in our PWI software, your L-Mount will be ready to capture amazing night sky images in minutes. | $8,700.00 | |
 | Series-5XL Focuser | *Stackable with the Series 5- Rotator
| $4,500.00 | |
 | Series-5 Controller | We have designed a new 5-wire bus communication box that controls the Series-5 Focuser and Rotator, which includes M12 circular 5-wire threaded connector heads for environmental sealing.
| $1,000.00 | |
 | Series-5 Rotator (Stackable with Series-5 Focuser) |
| $3,500.00 | |
 | Tip-Tilt Adjustment Interfaces | These tip-tilt adapters are designed for securing the 3.5″ Hedrick Focuser and IRF90 and our Series-5 Focusers and Rotators.
| $300.00 – $400.00 | |
 | Piggyback Dovetail Bars |
Please Note- For CDK17 users:
| $400.00 – $650.00 | |
 | L-500/L-600 Equatorial Wedge |
| $3,500.00 | |
 | Extension Spacer for 7.125" Flange Interface | This spacer is used on optical tube assembly backplates and Series-5 Accessories.
| $370.00 – $410.00 |