The Main Scope
Meade f/8 ACF 16" OTA
The star of the show is the Meade 16" SCT Optical Tube Assembly (OTA). Building on Meade’s award-winning Advanced Coma-Free™ (ACF™) optics, the 16" OTA employs a fast f/8 optical system with high-contrast baffling that insures crisp, pinpoint imaging to the very edge of the field. Features an internal zero image shift Crayford-style focusing system with a two-speed 7:1 reduction control that provides smooth, precise focusing at any magnification. Also features Meade's Ultra-High Transmission Coatings (UHTC) for maximum brightness and contrast, an oversized low-expansion primary mirror for extra aperture and to prevent thermal expansion of the mirror, primary mirror lock for increased image stability, and diffraction-limited optics. Precision machined Losmandy-style dovetail rail mated to the tube with wide-stance radius blocks for rock-steady mounting, and front and rear dust covers. Focal length 3251mm. OTA weighs 70 lbs.
A new design, center-balanced equatorial mount (CEM) for maximum payload with natural stability
Observatory astrophotography mount ideal for both visual and Astro-photographers
Payload of 115 lbs (52 kg) with the mount weight of 57 lbs (26 kg)
Easy to use and reliable gear clutches
Adjustable counterweight shaft for 0º latitude operation
Precision altitude and azimuth adjustment.
Precision stepper motor with 0.07 arcsec accuracy for precise GOTO and accurate tracking (before realtime PEC).
Polar alignment routine for those who can't see the Pole Star
Go2Nova® 8407 V2 controller with Advanced GOTONOVA® GOTO Technology with built in heater
High precision tracking with low periodic error (PE)<0.15 arcsec RMS
Real time periodic error correction (RPEC)
Built-in 32-channel Global Positioning System (GPS)
Built-in WiFi and LAN for remote operation
Integrated ST-4 autoguiding port
Advanced cable management system with more choices
Spring loaded, individual adjustable Losmandy saddle
The Meade OTA is mounted on the iOptron CEM120EC2. It has ultra high resolution optical encoders on BOTH RA and DEC axes for the ultimate in tracking accuracy.
An extraordinary innovation in mount design. It has high precision encoders in both axes with real-time PEC giving tracking accuracy of up to 0.15 arc seconds RMS.
iOptron CEM120EC2
Additional Viewing Equipment
HEQ5 Pro
We have 2 HEQ5 Mounts and tripods. One is motorised the other is manually operated
Skywatcher Explorer 200PDS EQ5 Telescope
The Sky-Watcher EXPLORER-200PDS is a Newtonian Reflector Telescope
Skywatcher Skymax 150 Pro
The SKYMAX-150 PRO (OTA) 150mm 6” (f/1800) is a Maksutov-Cassegrain Telescope
Military Binoculars
Helios Apollo 28x110mm These fabulous very large binoculars provide clear images of large objects M42, M45, Moon etc. They are also a great talking point for visitors.
Binoculars
Standard size binoculars are also used to show large objects and to teach people how to use them
Antique Telescope
A classic TAL 65 antique telescope was donated to us. It makes a great display object and talking point
Imaging Equipment
ZWO ASI183MC PRO
Our main imaging camera the ZWO ASI183 has 84% QE peak, 20.18 Mega pixels resolution, 15000e full well, 1.6e read noise, 19FPS at full resolution.
ZWO ASI220MM
Our guiding camera the ZWO ASI220MM MINI USB2.0 Monochrome Small Format CMOS camera with Autoguider Port.
Sony A7III
Members can bring along their own camera to attach to the telescope. A Sony A7III has been used by one of our members.