TS-Optics carbon fiber primary mirror cell for 355 mm f/8 GSO RC telescopes with lightweight mirror

TS-Optics Carbon primary mirror cell for 355 mm f/8 GSO RC telescopes

The TS RC telescopes are known for their excellent optics. In principle, the mechanical design of the primary mirror cell has its limits if, for example, the telescopes are to be used over a wide temperature range and high adjustment stability is required over a long period of time.

The TS carbon primary mirror cell meets these requirements:

Base plate of the cell and axial bearing made of CFRP

Mirror supports made of hard plastic with very good sliding friction properties

Encapsulated or self-lubricating special bearings

Stainless steel connecting parts

Aperture ring included

Optimized air flow inside the cell for rapid temperature adjustment

The main mirror cell was tested over several months under a wide range of weather and temperature conditions. The entire telescope was also subjected to vibrations that never occur in normal use. Nevertheless, the adjustment was stable.

Optimized baffle tubes included
With older versions of the GSO RC telescopes, there was a design-related problem that unwanted light could fall past the baffle tubes onto the camera sensor. The problem was solved by installing a ring on the baffle tube or an baffle tube extension.
Newer models of the aforementioned telescopes are equipped with a smaller-diameter baffle tube. Both solutions eliminate the problem, but at the same time reduce the 100% illuminated image circle to just a few millimeters in diameter.

With the baffle tubes included in the conversion kit, the protected image circle is so large that a full-frame sensor can be used together with the 0.8x reducer - with significantly less vignetting at the same time. The obstruction is only minimally larger. The insides of the tubes are blackened with TS Black (Musou Black).
Note: The baffle tubes must always be used together in order to achieve the desired effect.

Installing the TS Carbon primary mirror cell
In principle, the conversion can be carried out by an experienced amateur astronomer. However, you should read the conversion instructions first to determine whether you have the necessary experience: Installation instructions

Tools and equipment required
While no special tools are required for the conversion, you will need a high-quality collimation aid for the final adjustment of the telescope. We recommend the TSCOLLIT-G2 collimation telescope. Other devices such as the TSRCKOLLI-G3 are generally suitable, but the larger the telescope, the lower the achievable accuracy.
Because the mirror distance - a critical value for RC telescopes - may have to be adjusted, you should also have a Ronchi eyepiece (TS article number: Ronchi) available.
All devices mentioned and any required adapters are linked in the "Recommended accessories" section.

Message from our customer Gerald H.

Hello everyone,
I just wanted to get in touch after replacing the mirror cell in the RC 14". It was more complicated than I thought, but I took my time. (...)
The mirror cell is nothing like the original; the lateral support is wonderful. Thank you for your efforts and the product!

Safety informations: PDF Download