PlaneWave DeltaRho 350 mm f/3 Telescope with Corrector in the Cassegrain focus

PlaneWave DeltaRho 350 mm f/3 Telescope with Corrector in the Cassegrain focus

For many years, the PlaneWave team has dreamed about creating a perfect telescope for widefield imaging. In 2021, PlaneWave Instruments are writing a new chapter in their pursuit of continued innovation and we are excited to introduce their game changing Delta Rho 350 telescope. This f/3 Cassegrain focus telescope has an aperture of 350 mm and provides a 1050 mm focal length for capturing stunning deep sky astrophotography. With a beautifully baffled 60 mm corrected image circle, the Delta Rho 350 is sure to take your astrophotography to greater heights when imaging with large camera sensors without the limitations of prime focus devices. The 80 mm backfocus after the focuser allows a variety of cameras, filter wheels, etc. to be attached to the back of the telescope.

Worried about operating fast systems due to image plane tilt? Need not to worry, the Delta Rho´s primary mirror is fixed in place like the CDKs. This makes adjustment very easy. In addition, PlaneWave engineers have designed a new ultra-short derotator and focuser that has an adjustable tip/tilt adapter.

In addition to the benefit of a fixed primary mirror, collimation could not be any simpler and all one needs to do is adjust three secondary mirror collimation screws. Cooling fans at the backplate and side of the optical tube helps ensure the system reaches thermal equilibrium quickly for an optimal imaging experience.

Features:

Fast, sharp optics

The Delta Rho optical design was created by PlaneWave´s CTO David Rowe with the goal of providing a wide, corrected, field of view that yields pinpoint stars across a 60 mm image circle. The primary and secondary mirrors are composed of fused silica glass, which ensures that changing temperatures do not distort the shape of the mirrors that can degrade image quality.

Corrected Cassegrain optical design

The corrected Cassegrain design provides a flat image field without astigmatism, coma or field curvature.

The focal plane is set at the back of the Delta Rho 350 so users can install large filterwheels and cameras without blocking the light path, which hinders other fast telescopes in the market.

Advanced baffling

The baffle system with precisely positioned stray light baffles inside the system prevents stray light from entering the light path and interfering with your shots. This maximizes contrast while minimizing vignetting.

Collimation software

The DeltaRho 350 is equipped with user-friendly collimation software that ensures optimal alignment of the optical elements quickly and precisely. This feature is critical for maintaining the high resolution and sharpness required for professional imaging and research, and allows the user to easily adjust the collimation during operation.

Delta-T ready

For added dew prevention, the DR350 is internally wired with polyimide film heater pads and a temperature sensor, which is ready to be controlled with the Delta-T via PWI 3 software.

Carbon fiber truss poles and shroud

Carbon fiber is extremely lightweight and helps prevent thermal expansion that can distort an imaging system. This adds up to an extremely stable optical tube for an unsurpassed imaging experience.

To compensate for the different thermal expansion between carbon fiber and aluminum, a dovetail bar expansion joint was inserted. The expansion joint allows the dovetail bar to adapt to the temperature without exerting pressure on the carbon fiber tube.

Fused silica

Fused Silica is a silica glass of the highest purity and one of the most transparent glasses made. The optical and thermal properties of fused silica are superior to other types of glass due to its purity. Its transmission and homogeneity exceed those of crystalline quartz without the problems of temperature instability inherent in the crystalline form. Fused Silica has a coefficient of thermal expansion six times lower than Borosilicate (Pyrex) glass, which means that as fused silica cools down, it preserves its shape to a high degree of accuracy. This translates into consistent optical performance and unchanging focus over temperature changes. With its high melting temperature (~ 1600 degrees Celsius), a very low coefficient of thermal expansion and resistance to thermal shock, fused silica is the material of choice for professional observatories as well as various scientific applications.

Cooling fans

Three Cooling fans have been strategically placed on the backplate and side of the Delta Rho optical tube in order to quickly cool the mirrors to ambient temperatures. Mirrors that are equilibrated to the ambient temperature help the telescope produce the highest quality astroimages possible, due to the reduced number of tubes alone. The fans are controlled by a computer if the optional Electronic Focus Accessory (EFA Kit) is purchased.

Downloads

The manufacturer provides instructions, drawings and software for many of its products. The files can be accessed centrally from his download page.

Safety informations: PDF Download