The DeltaRho 350 Telescope System from PlaneWave Instruments is crafted for elite astronomers and astrophotographers who demand the best. Created with a passion for excellence, the DeltaRho 350 Telescope System brings groundbreaking features to advanced imaging, offering unmatched versatility across a spectrum of scientific and communicative applications. The DeltaRho 350 Telescope System from PlaneWave Instruments features a 350mm wide-field, f/3 aperture. This premium CDK optical tube combines a DeltaRho 350 with a L-350 direct drive mount.
DeltaRho 350 Telescope System’s Key Features
Large Aperture and Fast Focal Ratio
The DeltRho 350 has a 350 mm aperture and an impressively fast f/3 focal ratio. This combination allows significant light-gathering capability and rapid image capture, perfect for detailed SSA/SDA object capture and deep-sky photography.
Advanced Optical Design
Featuring a corrected Cassegrain focus optical system, the DeltaRho 350 ensures top-tier image clarity. Achieve sharp, flat fields across the entire field of view with no curvature, capturing stellar images that require minimal post-processing.
Mechanical Structure
Constructed with a lightweight yet sturdy carbon fiber tube. This Offers enhanced durability and stability while minimizing thermal expansion and maintaining optimal image quality under various environmental conditions.
High-Performance Coatings
Equipped with high-quality mirror coatings that can be customized to meet specific observational requirements. It enhances light transmission and reduces stray light, optimizing the telescope for specialized applications such as SSA/SDA and FSO.
Collimation Software
The DeltaRho 350 is equipped with user-friendly collimation software designed to ensure optimal alignment of optical elements quickly and accurately. This feature is crucial for maintaining the high resolution and sharpness needed for professional-level imaging and research, allowing users to adjust collimation on the fly easily.
Dew Control
Integrated dew control systems in the DeltaRho 350 utilize advanced heater technology to prevent condensation on optical surfaces. This system ensures that dew does not interrupt observations and imaging sessions, providing consistent clarity and performance in various environmental conditions.
Application-Specific Benefits
Astrophotography
The DeltaRho 350’s fast exposures and expansive field view allow astrophotographers to capture breathtaking night sky images with exceptional detail and clarity.
Astronomy Research
With its robust build and advanced optics, the DeltaRho 350 is an excellent tool for universities and research institutions engaged in long-term astronomical studies.
Space Situational Awareness (SSA) and Space Domain Awareness (SDA)
The Delta Rho's fast focal ratio and large image circle allow you to take shorter exposures and use larger Sensors. Making it perfect for surveying larger areas of the sky for quicker monitoring and cataloging of space debris and satellites.
Mount Systems
| Mount Weight | 110 lbs (50 kg) |
| Max. Load Capacity | 100 lbs (45 kg) |
| Latitude Range | 0 to 90 degrees, Northern and Southern hemispheres |
| Cable Management | Equipment cables can be wired through mount |
Control systems
| Control Electronics | PlaneWave Interface dual axis telescope control |
| User Interface | PlaneWave Interface 4 (PWI4) Control Software with integrated PointXP mount modeling software |
| Homing Sensors | Home position sensors are included allowing the mount can find its home position on power up. |
| Slew Rate | 20 degrees per second (standard); 50 degrees per second (maximum), both axes |
| Power Requirement | Accepts 120 to 240 VAC. Supplied with 120 VAC 15A IEC Type B Regulated Power Adapter. |
Optical Systems
| Aperture | 350 mm |
| Focal Length | 1050 mm (41.34 in.) |
| Focal Ratio | f/3 |
| Central Obstruction | 56 % by diameter |
| Backfocus from Mounting Surface | 5.6 in. (142.24 mm). This distance includes refraction from filters. |
| Weight | 46 lbs (21 kg) |
Motion control
| Motor – Azimuth and Altitude | Direct Drive 3 Phase Axial-Flux Torque Motors |
| Encoder – Azimuth and Altitude | 152mm stainless steel encoder ring with reader built into the azimuth and altitude axes. 18,880,000 counts per revolution (0.069 arcsecond resolution). |
| Motor Torque | Approximately 20 ft-lbs continuous; 50 ft-lbs peak |
| Drive Electronics | Industrial grade, off-the-shelf brushless motor drives for each axis with custom designed interface card |
| Telescope Control Software | Uses PWI4. Incorporates PointXP mount modeling software by Dave Rowe. All ASCOM compatible. |
System Performance
| Pointing Accuracy | <10 arcsecond RMS with PointXP Model |
| Pointing Precision | 2 arcseconds at sidereal velocity |
| Tracking Accuracy | 0.3 arcseconds over a 5-minute period at sidereal velocity |
| System Natural Frequency | 10 Hz or greater |
Included items
| Included Items | Heating Elements for Dew Prevention - The heating pads on the primary and secondary mirror require the 600195 Delta-T controller sold separately |
| OTA Cover - To protect the primary mirror and inside of the optical tube | |
| Flashdrive - Contains software and instructions for collimation and spacing the primary to secondary mirror |
