RC700 Ritchey Chretien f/12.

The PlaneWave RC700, a 0.7 meter Alt/Az telescope system with Ritchey-Chrétien (RC) optics. PlaneWave have combined Ritchey-Chrétien optics with PlaneWave's direct-drive alt/az mount technology to set a new standard for research-class observatory telescopes. With direct drive motors on each axis, a small central obstruction (< 30 %), and optional GPS/PTP encoder synchronization and carbon fiber hard-shroud, the RC700 is an ideal platform for laser communication and satellite laser ranging.

The PW700-RC in its native format (no field flattening lenses) uses only mirror with reflective coatings. This can be useful when making observations primarily on-axis and wide field imaging is not a concern.

With high-resolution 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 incredible speeds for tracking satellites or just to minimize target acquisition time.

Benefits Nasmyth Focus: The Nasmyth Focus is along the altitude axis, so there are virtually no balancing issue 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.

• 0.7-meter f/12. Ritchey-Chrétien optical design with an optimized central obstruction less than 30 % for improved image contrast and optical fiber coupling efficiency.
• New: Direct drive field derotator and secondary mirror focusing for increased instrumentation backfocus distance.
• 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.
• Space-frame design with optional Coudé Path.
• PointXP mount modelling software
• Requires a crating #1323507. The crating will be charged extra.