Astro-Tech AT 16RCT Manual

astro-tech
A T 1 6RC T
Thank you for choosing the Astro-Tech AT16RCT
16" f/8 Ritchey-Chrétien Serrurier truss reflector.
Your AT16RCT is designed specifically for exceptional
coma-free imaging using DSLR cameras and large-
format CCD cameras having up to a 35mm equivalent
chip size. Because of its long back focus, it is particularly
good with systems involving long imaging equipment
chains (combining a camera, filter wheel, temperature-
Losmandy-style "D-plate" dovetail for mounting
accessories; an identical dovetail is under the
tube for installing scope on equatorial mount
Primary mirror
baffle tube
Secondary mirror
collimating screws
Front truss-tube
support rings
Focuser: The AT16RCT comes with a dual-speed linear bearing
Crayford focuser for use with light imaging trains (such as a
DSLR body only). However, a very heavy multi-component
imaging train would probably require an upgrade to a rack-and-
pinion focuser to support its extra weight. Alternatively, you may
already have a premium focuser you use on another scope that
you would like to use for imaging, or you may want to install a
robo-focus for use at a remote observatory.
The supplied AT16RCT focuser can be unthreaded from the
rear cell, allowing you to substitute your own focuser. One popular
premium focuser used by many astrophotographers is the dual-
speed 3" Feather Touch #3015 rack and pinion. Focusers with a
1.5" drawtube travel, such as the Feather Touch #3015, are
recommended for use with the AT16RCT.
The rear cell of the AT16RCT has a male 117mm x 1mm pitch
threaded port for attaching a focuser. However, the standard
#3015 Feather Touch focuser has a 109mm female threaded
collar for connection to a scope. Feather Touch has designed a
special version of the #3015 for the AT16RCT (their part
#FTF3015B-A) that substitutes a #M117x1 tube adapter for the
usual 109mm threaded collar of the #3015. The #M117x1
PARTS OF THE AT16RCT
Center and rear truss-
tube support rings
Cooling fan
(1 of 3)
18-point
floatation
Primary mirror
Primary mirror
collimating screws
5mm DC input jack for
connecting battery pack
Primary mirror
light shield
Secondary mirror
holder and baffle
from Astronomy Technologies
compensating robo-focuser, etc.)
This instruction sheet will provide you with information
on how to get the most out of your new Ritchey-Chrétien
reflector, and how to properly maintain your telescope
so it can give you a lifetime of high quality imaging
enjoyment.
Please familiarize yourself with your scope's parts and
functions before operating it for the first time.
mirror
system
(1 pair of 3)
Supplied focuser
Battery pack
adapter threads onto the AT16RCT rear cell and the #3015
focuser slips into the adapter, where it is held in place by three
large Delrin-tipped brass retaining knobs.
The #M117x1 adapter is available separately as Feather Touch
part #A30-1903-40 for those who may want to use their existing
standard 109mm threaded #3015 focuser on the AT16RCT. For
focusers other than Feather Touch, such as a MoonLite, contact
your telescope dealer or the focuser manufacturer for the
availability of an adapter to fit their focuser to the 117mm x
1mm male port on the rear of the scope.
To fine-tune the 260mm back focus of the AT16RCT to the
requirements of your focuser and imaging equipment train, three
threaded extension rings (one 50mm in length, and two 25mm)
are provided. These thread singly or in combination between
the 117mm threaded port on the rear cell of the AT16RCT and
the 117mm adapter that holds the focuser of your choice. The
extension rings provide a flex-free solid metal extension that
changes the distance between your chosen focuser and the rear
cell. This lets you accommodate the varying back-focus
requirements of DSLR-type camera imaging versus long
equipment train CCD imaging.
1
Losmandy-style "D-plate"dovetail
for mounting accessories
Focuser
connection
threads on
baffle tube
Extension
rings (3)