Planewave - Delta Rho 350 Telescope System

Embark on a journey into the realm of revolutionary wide-field imaging with the PlaneWave DeltaRho 350 f/3 telescope. Born out of years of dreaming and relentless innovation, this telescope stands as a testament to Planewave's commitment to delivering an unparalleled astrophotography experience.

The Planewave DeltaRho 350 Telescope boasts a Corrected Cassegrain focus optical design, meticulously crafted to meet the demands of wide-field imaging enthusiasts. With a fixed primary mirror, achieving optimal collimation is a breeze, accomplished swiftly by adjusting the tip and tilt of the secondary mirror. This design choice emphasizes ease of use in the field, ensuring that your astrophotography endeavors are not only rewarding but also hassle-free.

Collimation is facilitated through three tip/tilt screws at the secondary mirror, allowing for precise adjustments tailored to your imaging needs. The backfocus of 5.651” (143.535 mm) from the mounting surface, excluding the focuser and rotator, ensures optimal optical performance. This distance takes into account refraction from filters, contributing to the telescope's overall accuracy.

For enhanced versatility, the DeltaRho 350 offers a backfocus of 2.525″ (64.135 mm) with the Series-5 focuser and Series-5 Rotator installed, with the focuser positioned at the midpoint of its travel range.

To combat the challenges posed by dew formation, the DeltaRho 350 comes equipped with built-in primary and secondary dew heaters, complemented by temperature sensors. This thoughtful inclusion ensures that your telescope remains free from dew-related disruptions during your imaging sessions.

With the DeltaRho 350, PlaneWave has redefined the standards of wide-field imaging telescopes, providing astrophotographers with an instrument that not only meets but exceeds expectations. Immerse yourself in the cosmos and elevate your astrophotography pursuits with the exceptional capabilities of the DeltaRho 350.

For the Planewave DeltaRho 350 Telescope, the focal plane distance from the back plate of the telescope is 5.65” (143.51 mm).

The Series 5 focuser for the DR350 consumes 1.675” (42.545 mm) of back focus, Series 5 Rotator consumes 1.105" (28.07 mm) of back focus while the tip tilt adapter consumes 0.25" backfocus. With both focuser and rotator, remaining backfocus amounts to 2.62" (66.65 mm).

You’ll also need to include instrument adapters which can vary.

• Aperture: 350mm
• Focal Length: 1050mm
• Focal Ratio: f/3
• 60mm Image Circle providing a field of view greater than 3 degrees

Embracing the Cassegrain optical design, the Planewave DeltaRho 350 positions the imaging train at the back of the telescope, ensuring an unobstructed light path. This strategic design choice distinguishes it from prime focus alternatives, enabling users to seamlessly operate with filterwheels and large cameras without compromising performance. The DeltaRho 350 represents a paradigm shift in telescope technology, combining a focal ratio of f/3 and a focal length of 1050 mm to deliver an exceptional wide-field experience. The telescope's revolutionary design not only enhances ease of use but also positions it as a formidable force in the realm of astrophotography.

One of the DeltaRho 350's standout features is its ability to provide a perfectly flat field, ensuring that your astrophotographs exhibit stunning clarity from corner to corner. Field curvature, often a challenge in traditional designs, is mitigated, offering users unprecedented image quality. Equipped with the simplicity of single-mirror collimation, advanced baffles for stray light control, and structural performance optimized through finite element analysis (FEA), the DeltaRho 350 stands as an exceptional diffraction-limited telescope. Users can expect pinpoint stars from edge to edge, with an expansive 170 x 170 arcminute field of view when employing large 16803/4040 size camera sensors. This field of view surpasses that of the CDK14 by nearly three times, amplifying the immersive experience for astrophotographers.

When equipment seamlessly fades into the background, allowing users to focus solely on their craft, the astrophotography experience becomes not just rewarding but genuinely enjoyable. The DeltaRho 350 sets a new standard in the pursuit of breathtaking celestial images, inviting users to explore the cosmos with unprecedented clarity and ease.

Planewave' s L350 series mounts are built on direct drive motors which have the key benefit of zero backlash nd no periodic error with nearly silent operation and minimal maintenance as there are no gears to wear down or that need lubrication.  The mount can slew at speeds up to 50 degrees per second.  Designed by Planewave and manufactured in the United States, each mount is made to exacting standards for astronomical research and imaging applications.    In its Alt/Az configuration, it is considerably more compact than its equatorial counterpart, allowing a larger telescope to fit in a relatively smaller enclosure which is ideal for applications where space is limited.  There is no need for meridian flip and no need for counterweights which can be hazard in observatories with public access, and in AZ mode there is no need to polar align the mount..  By adding a wedge you gain the flexibility of EQ mode as needed.

Controlled via Planewave’s mount control software PWI4 which integrates PointXP modeling software, the mount includes homing sensors and is ASCOM compatible.   The mount’s latitude range is 0-90 degrees and features through mount cabling and enclosed electronics that are easy to access.  

The Planewave L-350 was designed to offer a more affordable observatory grade option to organizations and uses in need of high-grade performance.  Capable of carrying up to 100 pounds, the L350 can carry a range of optical tubes and imaging systems.  

For dual mounting optical tubes, you will need to purchase an additional Keller EZ-Saddle #600182. 

Included hardware allows for mounting to a pier or wedge of your choice and the addition of a wedge #600565.  

• Load capacity of 100 lbs (45 kg)
• Direct-drive motors on each axis for smooth, fast, and virtually silent movement of the telescope
• Slew speeds up to 50 degrees per second
• High-resolution encoders on each axis for precise positioning
• Zero backlash
• Zero periodic error
• PointXP mount modeling software
• Enclosed electronics
• Through the mount cabling

• Mount type: Alt-Azimuth / Equatorial Direct Drive Mount
• Weight: 110 lbs
• Payload: 110 lbs
• Latitude range: 0-90° both N and S hemisphere
• Cable management: Equipment cables can be wired through mount
• Swing-Through Length (From Altitude Axis): 22.5"
• Control Electronics: PlaneWave Interface dual axis telescope control
• User Interface: PlaneWave Interface 4 (PWI4) Control Software with integrated PointXP mount modeling software
• Homing Sensors: Home position sensors are included allowing the mount can find its home position on power up.
• Slew Rate: 20 degrees per second (standard); 50 degrees per second (maximum), both axes
• Power Requirement: Accepts 120 to 240 VAC. Supplied with 120 VAC 15A IEC Type B Regulated Power Adapter.
• Motor Control: Industrial grade brushless motor control system and built in electronics
• Motor – Azimuth and Altitude: Direct Drive 3 Phase Axial-Flux Torque Motors
• Encoder – Azimuth and Altitude: 152mm stainless steel encoder ring with reader built into the azimuth and altitude axes. 18,880,000 counts per revolution (0.069 arcsecond resolution).
• Motor Torque - Approximately 20 ft-lbs continuous; 50 ft-lbs peak
• Drive Electronics - Industrial grade, off-the-shelf brushless motor drives for each axis with custom designed interface card
• Telescope Control Software - Uses PWI4. Incorporates PointXP mount modeling software by Dave Rowe. All ASCOM compatible.
• Pointing Accuracy - <10 arcsecond RMS with PointXP Model
• Pointing Precision - 2 arcseconds at sidereal velocity
• Tracking Accuracy - 0.3 arcseconds over a 5-minute period at sidereal velocity
• System Natural Frequency - 10 Hz or greater