Planewave - 24" RC Optical Tube Assembly - 240123Q

SKU
PLA-240123Q
$86,500.00
Availability : More On The Way Shipping Billed Separately
Does Not Qualify for Free Shipping

The PlaneWave Instruments 24RC, a 24 inch (0.61 m) telescope with Ritchey-Chrétien optics. PlaneWave’s CDK astrographs have become the telescopes of choice for universities, industry, and astrophotographers around the world.

The PW-RC24 is Delta-T ready, with built in dew heaters for both the primary and secondary mirrors.  The Delta-T hub is optional and needed for dew control.

Designed for optimal performance and stability, the RC 24 features fused silica RC optics and a carbon fiber optical tube with a dovetail expansion joint to counteract differences in thermal expansion between the OTA and the mounting plate. 

Built in cooling fans offer additional temperature stability and allow the telescope to reach equilibrium quickly.

1 year manufacturer warranty.

If you choose to place an order for this item, you will be contacted for crating and shipping fee information and options.  To receive a quote contact us at [email protected]

PlaneWave 24 inch Ritchey-Chrétien Optical Tube Assembly

The Planewave 24" Ritchey-Chretien uses a primary and secondary mirror only, in it's native format with no field flattening lenses making it an ideal instrument for on-axis observing and narrow-field imaging.   Designed for optimal temperature stability, the PW-RC24 features fused silica optics, a carbon fiber optical tube, an expansion joint and cooling fans.   Delta-T mirror heaters are built-in and pre-wired for the optional Delta-T hub. 

Planewave PW-RC24 Features:

  • Fused silica optics
  • Native RC optical design with no field flattening
  • Built in Delta-T heaters, pre-wired to accept the optional Delta-T hub.
  • Carbon fiber truss tube design
  • Expansion joint to mitigate differences in thermal expansion between the optical tube and the mounting plate.
  • (3) Built in cooling fans, controlled by an optional EFA kit.

Planewave RC24 Optical Specifications:

Optical Design

Ritchey-Chretien

Aperture 24" (610mm)
Focal Length 6469mm (254.68")
Focal Ratio

f/10.6

Central Obstruction 30% of the Primary Diameter
Back Focus from Mounting Surface 10.3" (261.6mm)
Back Focus from Racked in Focuser 7.3" (185.4mm)
Secondary Mirror Diameter 6.89" (175mm)
Secondary Mirror Material Fused Silica
Secondary Mirror Shape Hyperbolic
Secondary Mirror Coating Enhanced Aluminum - 96% Reflectivity
Primary Mirror Diameter 24" (610mm)
Primary Mirror Outer Diameter 24.5" (622mm)
Primary MIrror Shape Hyperbolic
Primary Mirror Material Fused Silica
Primary Mirror Coating Enhanced Aluminum - 96% Reflectivity
Weight 240 lbs (108.9kg)
OTA Length 56" (1422mm)
OTA Material Carbon Fiber with an Aluminum Light Shroud on the Lower Cage
OTA Width 31" (787mm)
OTA Height 35" (889mm)
   

Ritchey-Chretien Optical Design

Used in professional observatories the world over, Ritchey-Chretien optical design eliminates off-axis coma a natural optical issue found in other traditional optics.  Optimized for on-axis observing and narrow-field imaging, the RC is a natural choice for universities and research facilities that have a particular interest in planetary observation and imaging. 

Carbon Fiber Truss Optical Tube Design & Expansion Joint

Carbon fiber provides optimal strength and is minimally affected by changes in temperature while remaining lightweight making it an ideal material for demanding applications and large optical tubes.  This tube assembly is made additionally more lightweight by using an open truss design. 

To prevent any addtional stress or flexure on the optical tube, a specialized expansion joint allowed for differences in expansion between the carbon fiber trusses and the aluminum dovetail mounting plate. 

Heating and Cooling

Fine temperature control is critical for stable imaging and observing especially over long sessions.  The PW-RC 24 is prewired for mirror heating and ready to accept the optional Delta-T hub.  In additional there are three built in cooling fans that push air out of the back of the optical tube, past the primary mirror allowing the telescope to reach equilibrium fast.  By adding the optional EFA Kit and Delta-T hub, you can control these heaters and fans with a computer and have complete remote control of your RC telescope. 

Shipping Information

The PW-RC24 is a large optical system and cannot be shipped through typical courier services.   The crated weight is 500 pounds (226.8kg) and at 40x48x78 inches this item must be freight delivered.  Crating fees do apply and you will be contacted to discuss additional freight costs. 

Warranty

1 year warranty

More Information
Brand PlaneWave Instruments
Free Shipping Does Not Qualify for Free Shipping
Aperture 24" (610mm)
Case Included No
Focal Length 6469mm
Focal Ratio f/10.6
Included Dovetail Yes - D Series
Optical Tube Material Carbon Fiber
Size of Secondary Obstruction 6.89" (175mm)
Optical Coatings Aluminum
Optical Tube Length 35" (889mm)
Optical Tube Diameter 31" (787mm)
Optical Tube Weight 240 lbs. (108.9kg)
Warranty 1 year
In The Box

Planewave 24" RC Optical Tube

Primary and Secondary Heaters Built-In

Prewired for Delta-T

3 Cooling Fans

Prewired for EFA Kit

240343 - CDK24 Focus Spacer - 5.3"

Primary Mirror Cover

Thumb Drive for Instructions on Colliimation and Spacing, Plus Software

12VDC Power Supply (US only)

5812A35 Wrench Set (EU only)

Planewave 24" RC Optical Tube

Primary and Secondary Heaters Built-In

Prewired for Delta-T

3 Cooling Fans

Prewired for EFA Kit

240343 - CDK24 Focus Spacer - 5.3"

Primary Mirror Cover

Thumb Drive for Instructions on Colliimation and Spacing, Plus Software

12VDC Power Supply (US only)

5812A35 Wrench Set (EU only)

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