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PRODUCTS
TRUE Ritchey-Chrétien ASTROGRAPHS
TrueRC™ Ritchey-Chrétien Astrograph Series
Introducing the TrueRC™ astrograph series from Deep Sky Instruments.
We offer two versions in the TrueRC™ series depending on your requirements.
The RC10 provides Ritchey-Chrétien performance free from coma, spherical aberration and first-order astigmatism.
The RC10C adds a corrector/field flattener to remove third-order astigmatism and flatten the field for excellent star images on even today's largest CCD cameras.
Both astrographs feature optics by Star Instruments, maker of RC optics for over 30 years.
RC10 - A True Ritchey
The Ritchey-Chrétien design has long been known for its outstanding performance.
Its use in most of todays professional observatories is a testament to that.
It is arguably the best performing optical design using only reflecting surfaces.
AND the RC10 is a True Ritchey.
The precision hyperbolic surfaces on both the primary and secondary mirrors produce true Ritchey performance.
If you have always wanted to own a true RC but couldn't afford it until now, your wait is over.
RC10C - Another True Ritchey... Only Better
The RC10C is also a True Ritchey.
We start with the RC10 and then add a corrector to remove off-axis wide-field astigmatism and to flatten the field of curvature.
The results are excellent star images across a two inch diameter field at Cassegrain focus.
The corrector is a two-element, fully multi-coated design that is recessed into the scope to increase usable back focus.
Correction is mild due to the already outstanding performance of the Ritchey-Chrétien design.
This eliminates any possibility of chromatic aberration.
By starting with the best reflecting optical system and then introducing mild correction close to the focal plane, excellent performance with good tolerancing is achieved.
IC101A - Instrument Controller
The model IC101A instrument controller is used to control the RC10 and RC10C's built-in electronic secondary focuser.
It provides ASCOM compliant PC control through a standard serial port compatible with programs like MaxIm DL and FocusMax.
Manual focusing is always possible using the in/out push buttons on the controller.
Dew heater and cooling fan controls are also PC controllable with manual over-ride switches provided on the controller.
Cabling to connect the controller to the astrograph and PC are included.
The IC101A requires a nominal 12VDC for operation but voltages as high as 14VDC work just fine.
A power supply is offered but not included as most astrophotographers already have a 12VDC supply to power the rest of their equipment.
A standard miniature power plug (McMaster Carr part number SC1051-ND) is required for connection to the controller.
Features
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TrueRC™ Design
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The RC10 and RC10C are true Ritchey-Chrétiens.
They are not cheaper designs modified to work better.
The RC design has inherent advantages over other Cassegrain designs.
While others like to claim "RC" like performance, the TrueRC™ series astrographs have RC performance.
That's because they really are Ritcheys!
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Optics by Star Instruments
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Star Instruments optics are legendary.
Paul Jones has been making RC optics for over 30 years.
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Six-Point Mirror Cell
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A six-point flotation cell is used to support the primary mirror eliminating astigmatism that may otherwise be induced due to poor support.
Collimation is pre-set at the factory but may be adjusted as required using three traditional push/pull locking adjustment screw sets.
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Electronic Secondary Focuser
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The RC10 incorporates a precision, zero image shift electronic secondary focuser.
This allows your optical train to be firmly secured to the OTA.
It also means that the focuser is not required to support the weight of your camera, filter wheel, adaptive optics, off-axis guider or other instrumentation.
The focuser uses a standard 12VDC uni-polar stepper motor that is compatible with the RoboFocus motor standard.
This means you can use any RoboFocus compatible controller and ASCOM drivers for focusing through applications like MaxIm DL and FocusMax.
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Secondary Dew Heater
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A secondary dew heater is incorporated for those nights where the dew point can create condensation.
On/off may be manually or PC controlled.
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Cooling Fans
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Three rear mounted cooling fans provide fast cooldown and constant thermal equilibration.
Like the secondary dew heater, on/off may be manually or PC controlled.
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Phenolic Tube
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High-performance phenolic tubes are used in the RC10 and RC10C astrographs.
Phenolic tubes are strong, durable, light-weight and weather resistant.
They also minimize thermal expansion and the need for continuous focus adjustments.
And they look great too.
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Stainless and Aluminum
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Stainless steel and aluminum are used throughout the design for light weight and corrosion resistance.
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AP 2.7" Optical Interface
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The large Astro Physics 2.7" standard opening eliminates vignetting and provides for a solid, no flex imaging train.
Extenders, adapters and other accessories are readily available from Astro Physics and other manufacturers.
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Overall Value
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The TrueRC™ series astrographs were designed to be an exceptional value.
They are purpose-built to provide the performance and features that really count when your goal is the best astro-images possible.
You can buy more expensive equipment, but why would you want to?
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Specifications
| System | True Ritchey-Chrétien |
| Primary Mirror Size | 10" |
| Secondary Mirror Size | 5" |
| Performance | Diffraction limited |
| Mirrors | Hyperbolic, enhanced coatings, Pyrex substrates |
| Corrector | Two element field corrector/flattener, fully multi-coated all surfaces |
| F/Ratio | f/7.3 |
| Focal Length | 73" (1854mm) nominal |
| Back Focus - RC10 | 9" primary front surface to focus
6" from back of OTA |
| Back Focus - RC10C | 8.65" primary front surface to focus
5.65" from back of OTA
7" from back of corrector |
| Corrected Imaging Circle | > 2.0" (52mm), 1.6 degrees |
| Focuser | Electronic secondary focuser, computer/manual control, ASCOM compliant |
| Interface | Standard Astro Physics 2.7" 24 tpi, female |
| Length | 33" nominal |
| Diameter | 12" nominal, requires 11.75" mounting rings |
| Weight | 25 lbs nominal |
RC10C Spot Diagrams
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