12.5" RC Optical Systems Ritchey-Chrétien Cassegrain Carbon Truss Telescope
Software Bisque Paramount ME German Equatorial Mount

The 12.5" RCOS Ritchey-Chrétien Cassegrain is one of the premier optical tubes on the market, regardless of aperture size.   This scope is matched perfectly with the Software Bisque Paramount ME to form a dream platform for the astrophotographer or observer.   Typically, in the hands of the amateur, the RC design is used for large-format CCD imaging due to its relatively fast focal ratios and its elite optical quality.

But it's the coma-free nature of the optics that makes the RC so special.  The Ritchey-Chrétien design differentiates itself from other cassegrain systems by using hyperboloid optics for both the primary and secondary elements, a procedure that reduces coma and spot-size at the extreme edges of the field.  Of course, this comes at a tremendous expense and long lead-times for acquisition of the optics.   This particular scope uses a Star Instruments primary mirror made by Paul Jones.  

Also a key feature of the RCOS RC is the Telescope Command Center or TCC.   The TCC is the "brains" of the scope, which allows for automatic, computer-control of coolers, heaters, and focusers, all standard equipment with this RC.  It also allows control of the optional PIR, Precision Instrument Rotator, for precise framing of images without physically having to rotate the camera by hand.   The TCC operates remotely through software.  The RCOS Field Flattener is used to further refine the star images, particularly in the corners when using larger CCD chips. The Flattener works to correct the two traditional problems with the RC design, namely slight astigmatism and field curvature.

The Paramount ME is arguably the best German Equatorial mount currently available for the amateur astronomer.  It is a total hardware/software solution, complete with capabilities such as T-Point modelling for increased pointing accuracy; PinPoint modelling for advanced periodic error reduction; The Sky 6 Professional for integrated scope and observatory/dome control; Orchestrate software for unattended, intelligent, imaging sequences; anda server/client suite for Internet or remote controls.   This mount is capable of longer focal length, unguided imaging for exposures up to 10 minutes long, a standard that can only be beaten by the most professional of systems.  Sub arc-minute pointing accuracy and sub arc-second periodic error are possible with this setup when properly aligned and programmed.

When used together with today's advanced imaging cameras like the SBIG STL-6303E astro camera...well, the results will soon speak for themselves.  

Ballauer Observatory received delivery of this system in February, 2005.  This system is provided by the Three Rivers Foundation (3RF) for the advancement of astronomy education and astroimaging. Ballauer Observatory is proud to work hand in hand with such visionaries to accomplish these goals.

"First light" image with RC and Paramount - M106 on February 13, 2005

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