Related Manuals for ASA Electronics AZ800
Summary of Contents for ASA Electronics AZ800
- Page 1 AZ800 user manual - hardware AZ800 800mm Ritchey-Chrétien AltAZ Telescope f/6.8 f/2.5 with Nasmyth focus (0200630A) Created by: MPuchner 07.2019 Original user manual version: 9600021A page 1 of 68 printed: 04.03.2020...
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Page 2: Table Of Contents
AZ800 user manual - hardware Table of contents General safety-relevant notes ........................... 4 General ..............................4 Operation as intended ..........................5 Abusive Operation ............................. 5 Warranty and liability ..........................5 Distributor, CE marking ..........................6 Target audience ............................6 General safety notes..........................6 Explanation of indication signs and safety hints in this manual .............. - Page 3 AZ800 user manual - hardware Connecting the focuser cable ........................30 Mount stray light covers .......................... 32 Brake for Elevation axis ........................... 33 Aligning the telescope base ..........................34 Centre the azimuth axis ........................... 36 Cable connections ............................37 Overview ..............................37 Telescope Electronics Cabinet .........................
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Page 4: General Safety-Relevant Notes
AZ800 user manual - hardware 1 General safety-relevant notes 1.1 General This user manual serves as training material and relieves operating the machine as intended and safely. The proper operation and conscientious maintenance are essential for obtaining the reliability and operational capability of the machine. -
Page 5: Operation As Intended
AZ800 user manual - hardware 1.2 Operation as intended This machine must only be used for observing objects in the sky, tracking satellites and satellite communication purposes. Every action differing from the intended operation is an abusive operation and is prohibited. -
Page 6: Distributor, Ce Marking
AZ800 user manual - hardware 1.5 Distributor, CE marking Type designation: AZ800 Distributor: ASA Astrosysteme GmbH Galgenau 19 A-4212 Neumarkt i. M. The CE marking is located on the type label of the machine. 1.6 Target audience This user manual is for persons that are liable for operation, maintenance, cleaning of this machine and who have the necessary qualifications and capabilities to realize the possible hazards of working with this machine. -
Page 7: Explanation Of Indication Signs And Safety Hints In This Manual
AZ800 user manual - hardware 1.8 Explanation of indication signs and safety hints in this manual Indication sign for simplification of an activity, application hints and other useful information. This sign indicates actual hazard for health and life of persons. Adopt measures to avoid or reduce these hazard and risks. -
Page 8: Safety Related Hazards And Behaviour
AZ800 user manual - hardware 1.9 Safety related hazards and behaviour The following signs have to be placed or are placed on the machine or its components: Sign Meaning Location Behaviour Caution against On the telescope Work on electric components... -
Page 9: Operator's Obligations
AZ800 user manual - hardware 1.10 Operator’s obligations Every person who works with this machine is liable of: • Considering company safety regulation • Considering the general regulations for occupational safety and accident prevention • Reading this manual and confirming to understand it with a signature •... -
Page 10: Emergency Shutdown
AZ800 user manual - hardware Only operate the machine when a proper weight balance is DANGER ! ensured! Removing or adding components to the machine changes the weight balance and might cause unintended movement. With inaccurate weight balance the telescope might move unintentional at power failure. -
Page 11: Product Description
AZ800 user manual - hardware 2 Product description The AZ800 is a high end RC telescope with nasmyth focus in a fork mount. It is driven by direct drive torque motors combined with high resolution optical absolute encoders for position feedback. -
Page 12: Drives And Controllers
AZ800 user manual - hardware 2.1 Drives and controllers Since all drives are equipped with absolute encoders, reference runs or homefind procedures on power-on are not needed any more. The telescope, focuser, rotator know their current position right after start-up. - Page 13 AZ800 user manual - hardware Mirror covers Motors DC motor with planetary gearing Controller ASA DC motor controller board Feedback sensor potentiometer The covers can also be moved by hand because of the integrated slip clutch that protects the gearing from damage.
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Page 14: Telescope Control Unit (Tcu)
AZ800 user manual - hardware 2.2 Telescope control unit (TCU) The telescope control unit is a computer integrated in the telescope that handles all the commands for operating the telescope. The TCU can be accessed via Ethernet connection. A user’s computer is required for operating the telescope (not included). -
Page 15: Dimensions And Weight
AZ800 user manual - hardware 2.4 Dimensions and weight Weight: 900kg (1990lbs) Figure 2 - Dimensions Figure 3 - Dimensions Created by: MPuchner 07.2019 Original user manual version: 9600021A page 15 of 68 printed: 04.03.2020... -
Page 16: Optical Specifications
AZ800 user manual - hardware 2.5 Optical specifications Guaranteed surface quality λ/24 RMS wave front accuracy (>90% Strehl) A quality certificate including an interferogram comes with the telescope. If you want to learn more about ASA’s optics manufacturing and outstanding testing methods click here. -
Page 17: System Performance
AZ800 user manual - hardware 2.7 System performance Pointing accuracy <8”RMS with pointing model (for altitude 20° to 85°) Tracking accuracy <0,25” RMS within 5 minutes tracking time (for altitude 20° to 85°) (without seeing effects and with a pointing model in use) over 5 min: 0,05”... -
Page 18: Physical Installation
Figure 5 - Packaging Crate for AZ800 lower part (165 x 120 x 165cm, ~930kg) (length x width x height) Crate for AZ800 upper part (120 x 117 x 144cm, ~240kg) Crate that contains cabinet, accessories, an drilling template (105 x 100 x 46cm, ~200kg) Tool box (80 x 50 x 50cm, ~20kg) You do not need any tools (except a knife) for opening the wooden crates. -
Page 19: On-Site Requirements
AZ800 user manual - hardware 5.2 On-site requirements The telescope will be delivered in wooden crates. Store them in a dry environment protected from weather. Do not unpack any items of your telescope without the presence of ASA staff. For the initial installation the following things have to be provided by the customer: •... -
Page 20: Requirements Of Concrete Foundation
5.3 Requirements of concrete foundation For placing the AZ800 telescope you need a flat, uncracked concrete foundation with a diameter of 700mm or larger. If you want to, you can also use a hollow concrete pillar. In this case the centre hole must be smaller than 300mm in diameter. -
Page 21: Drilling The Holes For Attaching The Telescope To Your Concrete Foundation
AZ800 user manual - hardware 5.4 Drilling the holes for attaching the telescope to your concrete foundation Take the included drilling template and place it on your concrete foundation. The template needs to be placed in the correct orientation. Make sure that the ASA logo points roughly towards the north direction, if the observatory is located in the northern hemisphere. - Page 22 AZ800 user manual - hardware Figure 8 – thread rod Figure 9 – drilling depth The included M12 thread rods (Figure 2) have to stand out about 130mm (at least 125mm). So mark your 14mm concrete drill with tape to achieve the right drilling depth. Finalize the holes. Make sure that the drill is perfectly vertical during drilling.
- Page 23 AZ800 user manual - hardware Put M12 nuts onto the rods and put the template on them to align the thread bolts (Figure 8). Figure 11 Figure 12 Consider the curing time of the adhesive before continuing with the next steps.
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Page 24: Lifting The Telescope Lower Part
AZ800 user manual - hardware 5.5 Lifting the telescope lower part Remove the lower transport restraints on both sides: Figure 13 - lower transport restraints Remove the 5 covers of the telescope base (marked blue in the picture below): Figure 14 - base covers Created by: MPuchner 07.2019... - Page 25 AZ800 user manual - hardware Attach the 4 3m lifting straps in the red lugs Only use the included lifting straps! WARNING! Do not stand under suspended loads! WARNING! Figure 15 - how to lift telescope lower part There is a marking on the telescope base. Place the telescope, so that the marking is pointing in south direction, if the telescope is located on the northern hemisphere.
- Page 26 AZ800 user manual - hardware Figure 16 - south (north) marking on the telescope base Lift the telescope onto the thread rods. Figure 17 - telescope put on thread rods Created by: MPuchner 07.2019 Original user manual version: 9600021A page 26 of 68...
- Page 27 AZ800 user manual - hardware ATTENTION: In case you are using a hollow pillar and want to lay cables through the pillar, you need to remove the bottom cover plate (1) of the telescope before placing it on the concrete.
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Page 28: Lifting The Telescope Upper Part
AZ800 user manual - hardware 5.6 Lifting the telescope upper part Fix the lifting belts as shown in the picture below. Figure 20 – how to lift telescope top part Open the mirror covers (if available). Created by: MPuchner 07.2019... -
Page 29: Connecting The Two Telescope Parts
AZ800 user manual - hardware 5.7 Connecting the two telescope parts The upper part has to be mounted onto the lower part in the correct orientation. There are cables hanging in one of the upper parts corners. This corner belongs to the corner of the lower part, where the clamp terminals are located. -
Page 30: Connecting The Focuser Cable
AZ800 user manual - hardware 5.8 Connecting the focuser cable Now connect the cable of the upper part to the clamp terminals as shown in the picture below. This cable provides the power supply and data connection of the focuser. - Page 31 AZ800 user manual - hardware Newer version: Figure 23 - telescope top part cable connection (newer version) wire colour of cable Terminal function coming from the telescope top 1 Fans + 2 Fans - 3 +24VDC black 4 +24VDC 5 GND...
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Page 32: Mount Stray Light Covers
AZ800 user manual - hardware 5.9 Mount stray light covers Mount the stray light covers on each side with 4 M5x12 lens head screws. Figure 24 - stray light cover Created by: MPuchner 07.2019 Original user manual version: 9600021A page 32 of 68... -
Page 33: Brake For Elevation Axis
AZ800 user manual - hardware 6 Brake for Elevation axis For Setup or maintenance purposes you can fix the elevation axis by tightening the elevation axis brake. Therefor tighten the lever by rotating it clockwise. Pull the lever, rotate it and then release it again to shift the lever. -
Page 34: Aligning The Telescope Base
AZ800 user manual - hardware 7 Aligning the telescope base The telescope base has to be aligned with a water level. Therefor lay the water level onto the centre of the fork and adjust the pitch by using the adjustable telescope feet. You need a 17mm and a 24mm jaw spanner for that. - Page 35 AZ800 user manual - hardware Then put a washer and a nut onto the thread rods and tighten it. Figure 28 - fix telescope on the ground with washer and nut Now you can attach the cover plates of the baseplate again.
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Page 36: Centre The Azimuth Axis
AZ800 user manual - hardware 8 Centre the azimuth axis The azimuth axis can rotate ±340°. It is absolutely essential that you make sure that the azimuth axis is in the correct revolution before you start with the initial operation. That means that you need to rotate the azimuth axis to the centre of its movement range. -
Page 37: Cable Connections
AZ800 user manual - hardware 9 Cable connections 9.1 Overview Telescope Rack Remote USER PC* USER PC* (if you want to control the telescope remotely) CAT5E/CAT6 Ethernet cable CAT5E/CAT6 Ethernet cable Ethernet switch* Internet UPS* Power cord Power cord Telescope Cable... -
Page 38: Telescope Electronics Cabinet
AZ800 user manual - hardware 9.2 Telescope Electronics Cabinet Dimensions: 600x380x210mm Weight: ~25kg Figure 32 - telescope cabinet The cabinet should be located somewhere near the telescope. The included cable between cabinet and telescope has a length of 15m. The cable comes already connected to the components inside the cabinet. - Page 39 AZ800 user manual - hardware Figure 34 - telescope base connector Created by: MPuchner 07.2019 Original user manual version: 9600021A page 39 of 68 printed: 04.03.2020...
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Page 40: Components Inside The Cabinet
AZ800 user manual - hardware 9.2.1 Components inside the cabinet Figure 35 – cabinet internals • Power supply unit for main drives 24VDC/20A • Power supply unit for ancillary drives (focuser, tertiary mirror drive, covers,..) 24VDC/10A • Power supply unit for internal computer 24VDC/5A •... -
Page 41: Connectors On The Telescope
AZ800 user manual - hardware 9.3 Connectors on the telescope 9.4 Fork side A Figure 36 - Connectors on fork side A Derotator (optional) contains power and data connection Filter wheel (optional) contains power and data connection you can connect your camera/filter wheel here or you can connect a keyboard/mouse to access the... -
Page 42: Fork Side B
AZ800 user manual - hardware 9.5 Fork side B Figure 37 - Connectors on fork side B Derotator (optional) contains power and data connection Filter wheel (optional) contains power and data connection you can connect your camera/filter wheel In-/outlet for user cables... -
Page 43: Telescope Top Side
AZ800 user manual - hardware 9.6 Telescope top side Figure 38 - Connectors on telescope top side Mirror cover (optional) contains power and data connection USB (optional – is only present when 3 and 4 nasmyth focus option is installed) you can connect your camera/filter wheel Derotator (optional –... -
Page 44: Telescope Bottom Side
AZ800 user manual - hardware 9.7 Telescope bottom side Figure 39 - Connector on telescope bottom side Mirror cover (optional) contains power and data connection USB (optional – is only present when 3 and 4 nasmyth focus option is installed) you can connect your camera/filter wheel Derotator (optional –... -
Page 45: Connecting Cables For Camera And Other User Specific Devices
AZ800 user manual - hardware 9.8 Connecting cables for camera and other user specific devices There are several openings in the telescope to lay additional cables through the telescope. Remove the centre cover plate (1) of the telescope fork. Figure 40 - fork centre cover plate Created by: MPuchner 07.2019... - Page 46 AZ800 user manual - hardware You can lay your cables through the cable inlets (brush holes) in the fork arms. Then lay them through the azimuth axis and to the outside through the brush hole in the base plate. Figure 41 - user specific wiring Consider that the camera (and other devices) rotates by 90°...
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Page 47: Emergency Switches
AZ800 user manual - hardware 10 Emergency Switches There are 2 emergency switches located on the back sides of the fork arms. Figure 42 - Emergency switches By pressing one of the buttons, the motor controller’s power supply is disconnected. So the main axes do not have power and can be moved by hand. -
Page 48: Fans
AZ800 user manual - hardware 11 Fans There are 7 120mm fans installed in the telescope. 3 of them blow air onto the back side of the primary mirror to achieve a mirror temperature equal to the ambient temperature as fast as possible. The other 4 fans blow air onto the primary mirror surface to remove layers of warm air. -
Page 49: Optics Collimation
AZ800 user manual - hardware 12 Optics collimation All ASA telescopes are pre-collimated in the factory. So normally you only have to fine-tune the collimation when installing the telescope. Nevertheless the whole collimation procedure is described in this chapter. Fix the elevation axis at an angle, so that the tertiary mirror is easily accessible for you. - Page 50 AZ800 user manual - hardware Then mount the 2 inch adapters on both of the nasmyth focus ports and insert the lasers. Do not look directly into the laser beam! This might harm your eyes. Consider the safety instructions delivered with the laser!
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Page 51: Collimating The Tertiary Mirror Offset
AZ800 user manual - hardware 12.1 Collimating the tertiary mirror offset The tertiary mirror has to be located in the correct height. Switch on one of the lasers. Rotate the tertiary mirror by hand so that it is orientated 90° to the laser. When the laser beam slightly touches the mirror surface, the offset is adjusted correctly. - Page 52 AZ800 user manual - hardware To adjust the offset you need to raise or lower the mirror by evenly using the push and pull screws, shown in the picture below. Figure 47 - how to adjust the tertiary mirror offset Created by: MPuchner 07.2019...
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Page 53: Centering The Tertiary Mirror
AZ800 user manual - hardware 12.2 Centering the tertiary mirror The laser has to point towards the centre of the tertiary mirror (regarding the height of the mirror). If it does not, the mirror can be shifted up and down by using the screws shown in the picture below. First loosen the dovetail screws (1, 2) then use the push-and pull screws (3) for actually moving the mirror. -
Page 54: Twisting The Tertiary Mirror For Switching Between Nasmyth Foci
AZ800 user manual - hardware 12.3 Twisting the tertiary mirror for switching between nasmyth foci For aligning the inclination of the tertiary mirror you have to switch between the 2 focus ports several times by rotating the tertiary mirror by hand. Then we compare the position of the laser points between the two focus ports. - Page 55 AZ800 user manual - hardware Before touching any of the alignment screws the tertiary mirror has to be rotated so that the returning laser point (2) is in one line (green line in picture) with the laser origin (1). The red line in the picture shows how the laser point moves when you twist the mirror.
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Page 56: Inclination Of The Tertiary Mirror
AZ800 user manual - hardware 12.4 Inclination of the tertiary mirror Here is a picture of the secondary mirror. The curved lines illustrate how the laser point moves on the secondary mirror, when you rotate the tertiary mirror. (one of them is for the laser in nasmyth focus port A, the other one for nasmyth focus port B) The straight line illustrates what happens with the laser point when the tertiary mirror is tilted. - Page 57 AZ800 user manual - hardware When you look at the secondary mirror you will see a laser point, that is probably not centred in the sticker on the secondary mirror. When you now switch to the other focus port, by rotating the tertiary mirror, you will see that now the laser point is in a different position as it was on the other focus port.
- Page 58 AZ800 user manual - hardware To tilt the tertiary mirror you need to use the push and pull screws behind the mirror. Figure 53 - how to tilt the tertiary mirror Tilt the mirror a bit and then check the position of the laser point of the other nasmyth focus port. Repeat this procedure until the laser points of both nasmyth focus ports are in the same position.
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Page 59: Collimating Tertiary Mirror Axle
AZ800 user manual - hardware 12.5 Collimating tertiary mirror axle If the laser points remain outside the centre triangle, the tertiary mirror axle has to be tilted. Therefor remove the back cover of the telescope: Figure 55 - Telescope back cover Created by: MPuchner 07.2019... - Page 60 AZ800 user manual - hardware The tertiary mirror axle can be tilted by using the push and pull screws shown in the picture below. Figure 56 - push and pull screws for tilting the tertiary mirror axle Tilt the axle so that the laser point is in the centre of the secondary mirror.
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Page 61: Collimating The Secondary Mirror
AZ800 user manual - hardware 12.6 Collimating the secondary mirror The secondary mirror has to be tilted, so that the laser points back to its origin. Use the push- and pull screws to tilt the mirror. Figure 58 - push and pull screws for secondary mirror collimation Figure 59 - before secondary mirror collimation Created by: MPuchner 07.2019... - Page 62 AZ800 user manual - hardware Figure 60 - after secondary mirror collimation Created by: MPuchner 07.2019 Original user manual version: 9600021A page 62 of 68 printed: 04.03.2020...
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Page 63: Collimating The Primary Mirror
AZ800 user manual - hardware 12.7 Collimating the primary mirror The primary mirror can only be collimated on a star optimally. So perform this step after you are familiar with the basic functionalities of the telescope, such as moving the telescope with the motors, focusing, … described in the software manual. - Page 64 AZ800 user manual - hardware Therefor you need to tilt the primary mirror. Use the pipe spanner (special tool included in the telescopes tool box) to loosen the nuts on the collimation screws. Figure 62 - pipe spanner Figure 63 - collimation screws with counter nuts Tilt the mirror by screwing the collimation screws in or out by using an allen key and watch the image of the star.
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Page 65: Mounting Camera, Filter Wheel, Derotator Or Eyepiece
AZ800 user manual - hardware 13 Mounting Camera, Filter wheel, Derotator or eyepiece Your equipment can be mounted on the fork (=focus 1 and 2). That equals the standard setup. If you want to use the optional 3 and 4 focus, this needs to be considered when manufacturing the telescope. -
Page 66: Operating The Telescope
When power port 8 is switched on, the telescope control unit (TCU) boots automatically. For configuring the TCP/IP access of the power switch, consult the device’s user manual: Gude Expert Power Control 8211 14.2 Software access Consult the document AZ800 user manual software. Created by: MPuchner 07.2019 Original user manual version: 9600021A page 66 of 68 printed: 04.03.2020... -
Page 67: Mirror Cleaning
AZ800 user manual - hardware 15 Mirror cleaning 15.1 Required materials • Distilled water • Detergent (like used for dishwashing by hand) • Isopropanol • 2 spray bottles • Kitchen paper rolls • Clean cotton cloth for optics or micro fibre The mirrors can stay inside the telescope for cleaning. - Page 68 AZ800 user manual - hardware Some of the dirt will be soaked and stick on the paper towels. Repeat this procedure 2-3 times. Now rinse the mirror with more of the distilled water with detergent. Then wipe with a wet micro fibre cloth or a cotton cloth from top to bottom. Try not to apply any pressure.
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