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When designing ASTROSIB RC OTA telescopes, we undertook the task of making them the most convenient for stationary using in small observatories, supporting any kind of control: using Internet, nearby computer, or manually. All functions of nearby computer controlling are duplicated by the buttons on the controller's body, so that there will be the possibility to operate the telescope manually.
All the models of our telescopes have aperture ratio F/8. Field of view with close-to-diffraction quality has width 40' without the corrector being installed, and 1° with it. For example, for the model RC500 this corresponds to 70mm in linear measure.
The focusing device on the secondary mirror makes it possible to use all the length of "rear focus" for mounting multitude accessory devices (field rotator, off-set guide, adaptive optics system, filter wheel, focus reducer, and many others). The absence of common focuser allows all that heavy equipment to be fixed with ultimate rigidity.
- Telescope's body design
All body's components and carriers are made of aluminium alloys, using program equipment, with maximal lightening, and retaining rigidity at the same time.
The rear part of the tube is the welded aluminium construction with stiffening ribs. It serves as a body part which firmly connects the primary mirror to the frame.
The carbon frame makes the telescope lighter, more rigid, and many times less sensible to temperature variations.
Mount fastening plates are rigidly secured not only to the telescope's body, but to the primary mirror's cell inside the tube as well. They provide fastening to any mount, including fork type. They can be used for fixing any additional equipment too. Standard openings available on fastening plates are adapted for the Paramount ME mount, or can be adapted for any other mount.
When designing, all possible deformations in different telescope positions were estimated and then optimized in SolidWorks Simulation (COSMOSWorks). Multitude testings confirmed absence of appreciable construction deformations.
- Light baffles have stop structure inside and one stop outside. Secondary mirror's light shield has conical shape. Both shields have black, deeply matted coating. Removing reflected light, these measures allow images to be of the highest contrast.
- The cooling system includes 3 fans mounted on the primary mirror's cell. It is powered by the ASTROSIB RC controller which enables to control cooling modes from computer, or with the button on the body. In the most simple case, any direct-current voltage 12 V power source can be connected to the socket.
- The high-precision focuser on the secondary mirror has original rigid construction which prevents vibrating and shifting effects during focusing and allows focusing even in the period of shooting. The installed ROBOFOCUS system (step motor, multi-function controller, and software) from the Technical Innovations, USA, allows the focusing device to be robotized completely and eliminates residual shifts of focal plane position owing to temperature changes.
- Automatic caps for the primary and secondary mirrors, and for the central light shield are powered from the ASTROSIB RC controller which allows to operate the caps from computer, or with the buttons on the body. All the caps can be operated manually. The set includes: controller (electronic unit to control caps and fans, with buttons and USB connector); software.
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