Planewave RC24 — 24-inch Ritchey-Chrétien Optical Tube Assembly

Key Features Overview

The RC24 is celebrated for its outstanding specifications and features:

• Ritchey-Chrétien (RC) optical design
• 24-inch (610 mm) aperture
• 6459 mm focal length
• f/10.6 focal ratio
• 394.24 mm back focus from mounting surface
• Fused silica mirrors
• Lightweight and rigid carbon fiber optical tube assembly
• Delta-T ready with built-in dew heaters for both primary and secondary mirrors
• About the RC24 — 24-inch Ritchey-Chrétien Optical Tube Assembly

  RC24’s Key Features

  Large Aperture and Ritchey-Chrétien Optics

  The RC24 employs a purely reflective Ritchey-Chrétien optical system, which includes high-quality hyperbolic mirrors free from refractive optics. This design ensures superior light throughput and excellent image fidelity across the entire field of view, minimizing chromatic aberration and maximizing contrast. This optical system is particularly effective for precise on-axis observations and is less concerned with wide-field imaging.

  Robust Mechanical Structure

  Constructed with a carbon fiber truss design, the RC24 maintains a lightweight yet durable framework that minimizes thermal expansion. This design ensures sustained optical alignment and structural integrity, making it easier to manage and adapt to various telescope mounts.

  Advanced Thermal Management

  The RC24 is equipped with integrated cooling fans and thermal management systems that expedite reaching thermal equilibrium. This setup significantly reduces air turbulence inside the telescope tube, thus minimizing image distortion caused by temperature fluctuations and maintaining optimal imaging conditions.

  Application-Specific Benefits

  Astrophotography

  With its large aperture and high-quality optics, the RC24 enables astrophotographers to capture detailed and vivid images of deep-sky wonders, making it an exceptional instrument for capturing expansive galaxies, nebulae, and other celestial phenomena.

  Astronomy Research

  The RC24 is an indispensable tool for academic institutions and observatories engaged in high-level astronomical research. Its precise imaging capabilities facilitate detailed studies such as spectral analysis, light curve acquisition, and other advanced scientific endeavors.

  Aperture	610 mm (24")
  Focal Length	6469 mm (255")
  Focal Ratio	f/10.6
  Central Obstruction	32% of the Primary Mirror Diameter
  Back Focus from Mounting Surface	394.24 mm (15.6")
  Back Focus from Racked in Focuser	185.4 mm (7.3")
  Weight	240 lbs (108.9 kg)
  OTA Length	1422 mm (56")
  Upper Cage	Carbon Fiber Truss
  Lower Cage	Carbon Fiber Truss with Aluminum Light Shroud

  Diameter175 mm (6.89")MaterialFused SilicaShapeHyperbolicCoatingEnhanced Aluminum - 96%

  Optical Diameter610 mm (24")Outer Diameter622 mm (24.5")ShapeHyperbolicMaterialFused SilicaCoatingEnhanced Aluminum - 96%

  Included Items	CDK24 Focus Spacer (240343-1) - This 5.539″ long spacer is installed between the backplate and the focuser to take up some of the CDK24’s extra backfocus and reduce the torque placed on the focuser mechanism. This spacer is sized such that the backfocus distance behind the focuser is 8.8″.
  	Heating Elements for Dew Prevention - The heating pads on the primary and secondary mirror require the 600195 Delta-T controller sold separately
  	Primary Mirror Cover - To protect the primary mirror
  	Flashdrive - Contains software and instructions for collimation and spacing the primary to secondary mirror
  	Wrench Set (5812A35) - Standard hex wrenches (European orders only)