PlaneWave 20 Inch RC Optical Tube
The PlaneWave Instruments PW20-RC is a 20-inch (0.51 m) f/6.8 Ritchey-Chrétien (RC) Astrograph telescope. The PW20-RC has a dual carbon-fiber truss design, with 3 cooling fans ejecting air from the back of the telescope. The instrument weight is 140 lbs (64 kg) and comes standard with a back plate retaining ring ready to accept the focuser of your choice.
PlaneWave Instruments is pleased to offer the PW20-RC, a 20 inch (0.51 m) telescope with Ritchey-Chrétien optics. PlaneWave’s CDK astrographs have become the telescopes of choice for universities, industry, and astrophotographers around the world, and now PlaneWave offers the PW-RC series to meet the custom needs of the scientific community.
The PW20-RC in its native format (no field flattening lenses) uses only a primary and secondary mirror with reflective coatings. This can be useful when making observations primarily on-axis and wide field imaging is not a concern.
Technical Specifications
Optical System
Optical Design Ritchey-Chrétien (RC) Aperture 20 inch (508 mm) Focal Length 3454 mm (135.98 inch) Focal ratio F/6.8 Central Obstruction 39% of the Primary Mirror Diameter Back Focus from Racked in Focuser 5.8 inch (147 mm) Weight 140 lbs (63.5 kg) OTA Length 47 inch (1,194 mm) Upper Cage Carbon Fiber Truss Lower Cage Carbon Fiber Truss with Carbon Fiber Light Shroud
Secondary Mirror
Diameter 7.5 inch (191mm) Material Fused Silica Shape Hyperbolic Coating Enhanced Aluminum – 96%
Primary Mirror
Optical Diameter 20 inch (508 mm) Outer Diameter 20.5 inch (521 mm) Shape Hyperbolic Material Fused Silica Coating Enhanced Aluminum – 96%
Shipping Crate
Crated Shipping Weight 291 lbs (132.0 kg) Crate Width 32 inch (813 mm) Crate Height 36 inch (914 mm) Crate Length 59 inch (1,499 mm)
In the Box
Primary Mirror Cover The Primary Mirror Cover protects the primary mirror. Printed Instructions For Collimation and Spacing 12VDC Power Supply (18778) Provides power for the fans (Not included for European Orders) Wrench Set (5812A35 ) English Hex Wrenches (European Orders Only)
Manuals & Warranty
Planewave Warranty (One year for optical coatings and Two years mechanics and electronics from the date of delivery)
