Equipment

Book A Visit

Make A Donation

Join

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

EQ5 Pro

We have 2 EQ5 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.

The New Acuter Elite Phoenix 40mm H-Aplha Telescope Solar Telescope

The latest addition to our equipment portfolio. The Acuter Elite Phoenix 40mm. This model has many advantages for our needs over the proposed and very capable Meade Coronado 40mm. These include:

A sturdy dedicated storage box included in the price, Strong metal construction of fixtures and fittings, Flexible mounting options with supplied dovetail bar, Adjustable viewing positions with rotating star diagonal, Single Etalon providing double stacked Etalon performance, Easy tuning of Etalon with large rotating dial, 8mm exit hole from blocking filter (4mm in Coronado) providing brighter images, Long back focus with full Crayford Focuser (better for camera focus).

On top of all of the above. The Acuter doubles up as a fairly fast f5 80mm achromatic refractor telescope for night time observing and astrophotography with the supplied additional unblocked star diagonal 1.25inch and red dot finder scope. This can also be replaced with a 2 inch diagonal if preferred using the inbuilt 2 inch to 1.25inch reducer. All in all a great all rounder and great new addition for the Observatory.

Unboxing

Setting Up

Testing

Page updated

Google Sites

Report abuse