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PF1000 Telescope System
The PF1000 is a Folded Prime Focus observatory-class telescope and direct-drive alt-azimuth mounting system. Designed and engineered with a fast focal ratio, direct-drive motors, high resolution encoders, and zero backlash or periodic error, the PF1000 is the ultimate survey telescope for wide-field imaging.
With a 115 mm image circle and 2.25 focal ratio, the PF1000 is designed to produce wide-field images across a large format sensor. The optical system utilizes a folded Cassegrain focus allowing you to hold heavy instrumentation closer to the balance point of the telescope. The fused silica mirrors and 5-element field corrector showcase PlaneWave’s legendary pinpoint star images across an expansive field of view.
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About the PF1000 Telescope System
Key Features of the PF1000 Observatory System
PF1000 Optical Tube Assembly
- Air Flow Primary Baffle: Constructed from laser cut aluminum, the primary mirror baffles are precisely positioned to prevent stray light from entering the optical path, while eliminating tube currents and heat plumes damaging to image quality.
- Aperture and Focal Length: Boasts a 1-meter aperture and a 2251 mm focal length at an f/2.25 ratio, optimized for exceptional depth and clarity in deep-sky imaging.
- Built in De-Rotator: Integrated at the Cassegrain focus to accommodate heavy instrumentation of up to 100 lbs, this rotator uses a direct drive motor system with a 20" bearing for smooth, fast, and accurate 360-degree range of motion. The external mounting surface has a breadboard thread pattern for attaching custom instrumentation.
- Corrector Lens Assembly: Supported on a kinematic mount for precise and repeatable centering and alignment. Includes a desiccant in the lens chamber to protect the elements from moisture in the harshest of environments.
- Compact Mechanical Design: The folded Prime Focus design reduces the overall enclosure envelope making it well suited for inclusion in our co-rotating instrument enclosure or mounted on our trailer system for transportation and deployment to remote dark-sky sites.
- Folded Prime Focus Optical Design: Ideal for wide-field imaging, sky surveys of near earth objects (NEO), space debris, and Space Domain Awareness (SDA).
- Hexapod Secondary Support: Provides 6-axis of positioning and unparalleled stiffness that assists with precise focusing and collimation, and overall vibration suppression. The Hexapod, as with all other PF1000 devices, is controlled by PlaneWave's internal Edge Controller ether cat master and PWI Software.
- High-Quality Construction: Constructed with lightweight yet robust materials, including zero-expansion fused silica for the mirrors, ensuring minimal thermal expansion and optimal thermal equilibration, which maintains precise optical alignment under fluctuating temperatures.
- Superior Mirrors and Coatings: Equipped with high-stability fused silica mirrors paired with high-performance coatings that maximize light throughput while minimizing stray light, enhancing imaging quality under a variety of conditions.
Integrated Direct Drive Mount
- High-Performance Direct Drive System: Utilizes advanced direct-drive motors, ensuring smooth, fast, and silent movement of the telescope with zero backlash and zero periodic error, perfect for precise tracking and swift repositioning of celestial objects.
- High-Resolution Encoders: Features absolute encoders on each axis, providing exceptional precision in movement and positioning, crucial for top-tier astrophotography and detailed astronomical research.
- Innovative Alt/Az Design: Offers a compact and inherently stable alt-azimuth design with no cantilevered mass, reducing overall system weight and cost, and increasing ease of use compared to traditional equatorial mounts.
- Rapid Target Acquisition: Achieves impressive slew speeds up to 50 degrees per second, enabling quick and efficient targeting of celestial bodies and satellites, essential for dynamic observations and responsive astrophotography.
Application-Specific Advantages
Astrophotography
The PF1000 stands out as a formidable system for astrophotographers, with unmatched tracking accuracy and image stability that facilitate capturing spectacular celestial images with intricate details and vibrant colors.
Astronomy Research
Researchers will value the PF1000 for its consistent performance and precision, serving as a robust platform for advanced photometry, spectroscopy, and comprehensive celestial studies, providing a solid foundation for significant scientific discoveries.
Space Situational Awareness (SSA) and Space Domain Awareness (SDA)
The PF1000 system, with its precise direct drive motors and high-resolution encoders, is capable of engaging in SSA and SDA applications, such as tracking satellites and space debris.
Specifications
PF1000 Telescope System
| Aperture | 1000 mm (39") |
| Focal Length | 2251 mm (88.6") |
| Focal Ratio | f/2.25 |
| Central Obstruction | 60% by Primary Mirror Diameter; 36% Surface Area |
| Back Focus | 104.6 mm (4.12") |
| Weight | 3950 lbs (1751 kg) |
| Optimal Field of View | 115 mm (2.93degrees) |
| Fork Assembly | Space Frame Steel Truss |
| Fork Base | Welded stainless steel torsion box |
| Azimuth Bearing | Dual 11.125-in tapered roller bearings |
| Altitude Bearing | Three 9.5-in, 4-way loaded ball bearings (two pre-loaded on motor side and one on non motor side) |
| Optical Tube | Dual truss structure with Cassegrain focus |
| Instrument Payload | 300 lbs (150 ft-lbs)- mounted on the field de-rotator plate |
| Motor – Azimuth and Altitude | Direct Drive 3 Phase Axial-Flux Torque Motor |
| Encoder – Azimuth and Altitude | Absolute encoder with a resolution of 0.005 arcseconds (268 million counts per revolution) |
| Motor Torque | Greater than 200 ft-lbs of peak torque |
| Drive Electronics | Controls the altitude and azimuth motors and encoders, 2 direct drive de-rotators with absolute encoders, 4 fans zones, 3 dew heater zones, two focusers, an array of temperature sensors, M3 port selector, primary mirror covers and magnetic axis deceleration |
| Telescope Control Software | PlaneWave Interface 4 (PWI4) Software. Incorporates PointXP mount modeling software and All Sky PlateSolve, both by Dave Rowe. Also includes automatic focusing, dew heater control, primary mirror cover control, dome control and provides HTTP and ASCOM control interfaces. Linux and Windows compatible. MaxIm DL is required for camera control when building a pointing model within our PWI4 software. |
| Pointing Accuracy | Better than 10-arcsecond RMS with PointXP Model |
| Pointing Precision | 2 arcseconds at sidereal velocity |
| Tracking Accuracy | <1-arcsecond error over 10 minute period |
| System Natural Frequency | 10 Hz or greater |
| Field De-Rotator Accuracy | <3 microns of peak-to-peak error at 35mm off-axis over 1 hour of tracking (18 arcseconds) |
Recommended Products
| Image | Name | Summary | Price | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Concrete Pier Adapter | This Concrete Pier Adapter is a steel ring that interfaces to the hole pattern on the base of the telescope. | Price range: $3,500.00 through $5,000.00 | |
 | Primary Mirror Removal System | Allows for careful removal of the primary mirror back plate assembly. Ideal when needing to clean or recoat the primary mirror, or transporting to a new site. Simply lower the entire assembly using the included scissor lift, and slide it out on the sturdy metal track for easy access. | Price range: $6,900.00 through $13,250.00 | |
| PW1000 Counterweights | These 3 lb and 5 lb counterweights thread directly into the front ring of the PW1000 system, providing precise balance for your camera equipment. Ideal for offsetting heavier payloads and ensuring smooth, stable operation. | Price range: $58.00 through $104.00 | |
| CDK1000 Tandem Bar Interface Plate | This .875 Cast Aluminum plate mounts to the PW1000 OTA and allows for attachment of an A200 Tandem Bar (600360) and related accessories. | $1,610.00 | |
 | Robotic Piggyback Mount Adapter | The PlaneWave 2-Axis Robotic Piggyback Mount is an adaptable accessory designed to securely attach to the exterior of PlaneWave RC700 or PW1000 telescope systems, providing a stable platform for additional equipment like cameras or secondary telescopes. Controlled and calibrated through PlaneWave’s dedicated Robotic Piggyback Mount software, this mount enables precise positioning and synchronized tracking for enhanced imaging and observational capability alongside the primary telescope. The system’s design ensures exceptional stability under high-precision conditions, making it ideal for advanced astrophotography and scientific research applications that require versatile mounting solutions. | Price range: $39,000.00 through $40,000.00 |
PF1000 Telescope System Downloads
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