RCOS Carbon Truss 16 inch Ritchey-Chrétien Telescopes...
Harvard/Smithsonian's Huge Success using Eight 16RC Carbon Truss Telescopes - Dec 2009
http://www.cnn.com/2009/TECH/12/16/super.earth.discovery/index.html
http://www.tgdaily.com/space-features/45111-water-world-discovered-by-harvard-astronomers
Above, one of Eight ION Milled 16RCs participating in Harvard's MEarth Project at Mt Hopkins, Arizona!
By targeting nearby M dwarf stars, a transit search using modest equipment is capable of discovering planets as small as 2 Earth radii in the habitable zones of their host stars. The discovery of such planets is important for two reasons: First, their transiting geometries permit direct estimates of the planetary masses and radii, and hence provide fundamental constraints on the physical structure of exoplanets that are primarily rock and ice in composition. Second, by differencing spectra gathered when the planet is in view from those when it is occulted by the star, we can study the atmospheric chemistry of potentially habitable worlds. The MEarth Project will consist of 8 identical, automated 16-inch telescopes in a single enclosure at Mt Hopkins, AZ. Two of these telescopes have been in operation since January 2008. Over the next three years, the array will survey 2000 nearby low-mass stars with the goal of detecting Super Earth exoplanets in the stellar habitable zones. We acknowledge funding from the National Science Foundation and the David and Lucile Packard Fellowship for Science and Engineering. David Charbonneau, Harvard University.
Optical Features:
- Zero Expansion Astro-Sitall, Ritchey-Chrétien Optics Tested and Certified to at least 1/25th wave RMS.
- Supporting Fringe Analysis and Interferometric Data included.
- Enhanced Aluminum (SiO2/TiO2) Overcoat - 96.9% Reflectivity.
Mechanical Features:
- Designed, Engineered and Modeled in SolidWorks 2009.
- RCOS Proprietary Center Mounted, Self Balancing Primary Mirror Cell, optically tested.
- Low expansion, light weight Carbon Fiber Truss for superior performance and stability.
- 6061 Aluminum components - All CNC Machined.
- Precision Secondary Mirror Focuser.
- Multi-Stage Primary Mirror Baffle with internal knife-edge light stops.
- Conical Secondary Light Baffle.
- 6061 Aluminum Mounting Rings - CNC Machined.
- Active Cooling.
- RCOS "Focus and Forget" Technology.
- Shipped fully Assembled, Collimated and Ready to Use.
- RCOS CNC Machined "light weight" Dovetail Plates (Losmandy compatible) - top and bottom with matching Paramount VersaPlate hole pattern, allows dovetail mounting plate to be bolted to VersaPlate once scope is balanced.
- Losmandy RDF-90 Finder Scope 3-point Mounting Bracket.
- CNC machined Composite Dust Cover over primary mirror.
Drawings and Documents
Complete and fully assembled OTA Price: $38,475 |
Optical Features:
- Zero Expansion Astro-Sitall Ritchey-Chrétien Optics Tested and Certified to at Least 1/40th Wave RMS.
- Supporting Fringe Analysis and Interferometric Data included.
- Enhanced Aluminum (SiO2/TiO2) Overcoat - 96.9% Reflectivity.
Mechanical Features:
- Designed, Engineered and Modeled in SolidWorks 2009.
- RCOS Proprietary 18-Point Primary Mirror Flotation Cell, optically tested.
- Low expansion, light weight Carbon Fiber Truss for superior performance and stability.
- 6061 Aluminum components - All CNC Machined.
- Precision Secondary Mirror Focuser.
- Multi-Stage Primary Mirror Baffle with internal knife-edge light stops.
- Conical Secondary Light Baffle.
- 6061 Aluminum Mounting Rings - CNC Machined.
- Active Cooling.
- RCOS "Focus and Forget" Technology.
- Shipped fully Assembled, Collimated and Ready to Use.
- RCOS CNC Machined "light weight" Dovetail Plates (Losmandy compatible) - top and bottom with matching Paramount VersaPlate hole pattern, allows dovetail mounting plate to be bolted to VersaPlate once scope is balanced.
- Losmandy RDF-90 Finder Scope 3-point Mounting Bracket.
- CNC machined Composite Dust Cover over primary mirror.
Drawings and Documents
Complete and fully assembled OTA Price: $42,950 |
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Related Documents and Drawings... |
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Layout Drawing (typical) of an RCOS 16" f/9 Carbon Truss Ritchey-Chrétien Telescope with ION Milled Optics . |
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Isometric / 3 View Drawing (typical) of a 16RC Carbon Truss Telescope Dovetail Mounting Plate. |
RCOS Telescope Command Center (TCC-II) Controller - Thermal monitor of primary, secondary and ambient air temperature, includes and controls fans, secondary focus position, secondary dew heater operation, and operation of optional Instrument Rotator. Includes Servo DC motor to electronically operate the secondary focuser.
Price: $2,450 |
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RCOS 82mm Series - Precision Instrument Rotator (PIR-82mm). Controlled by the Telescope Command Center. Large clear aperture will not vignette today's 50mm square detectors.
Price: $2,950 |
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RCOS 82mm Series - Field Flattener / Corrector. Eliminates field curvature present in all reflective telescopes while eliminating astigmatism and reducing spot size.
Price: $2,650 |
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RCOS 82mm Series - Fixed Instruments Rear Cell Adapter / Spacer Set (FIA-82mm). Also large clear aperture to eliminate vignetting. Fits into 82mm PIR.
Price: $75 each |
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Mini Borg 45 ED, Mini Borg 50 Ach, Borg 77mm ED, Borg 101 ED, or Borg 125 ED Refractors. Can be used for Piggy Back Guide Scope, Finder Scope, or Wide Field Imager.
Price: Call |
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FSQ-106 the "NEW Q" by Takahashi (FSQ-106). Piggy back onto your RC! Superb Wide Field Imaging!
Price: $4,200 (OTA only) |
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RCOS Custom Shipping Crate (Crate 16RC). Ship your 16RC secure and safe anywhere in the world with peace of mind. Custom fit and padded internally to reduce shock.
Price: $650 |
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Custom Shipping Case, Airline style with handle and wheels make it easy to pack and travel with your 16RC.
Price: $1,150 (not including shipping) |
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