PlaneWave DeltaRho 350 Optical Tube Assembly
Capturing the most stunning astrophotographs possible is something our team is passionate about. From design to manufacture, our goal with the DeltaRho 350 was centered around creating a game changing wide field telescope. The DeltaRho 350 is a Cassegrain optical design which means the imaging train is secured at the back of the telescope and does not block the light path compared to prime focus designs, which severely limit users ability to operate with filterwheels, or large cameras.
The DeltaRho 350 is an incredible breakthrough in telescope technology and ease of use. Operating at f/3 and 1050 mm focal length, the DeltaRho is a wide field telescope that is sure to revolutionize your astrophotography!
Additionally, the DeltaRho 350 provides a perfectly flat field so your astrophotographs will have stunning clarity from corner to corner of the image without field curvature degrading the photos. Offering the simplicity of single-mirror collimation, the stray light control of advanced baffles, structural performance created through finite element analysis (FEA), and decades of telescope design experience, the DeltaRho 350 is an exceptional diffraction-limited telescope. DeltaRho 350 users can experience pinpoint stars edge-to-edge and a 170 x 170 arcminute field of view when using large 16803/4040 size camera sensors. This field of view is nearly 3 times as large as our CDK14! When equipment fades into the background and simply performs, the astrophotography experience becomes even more fun and rewarding!
Through years of dreaming of the perfect telescope for wide-field imaging, our pursuit of innovation has finally been honored with PlaneWave’s revolutionary Delta Rho 350 f/3 telescope. The Delta Rho 350 is designed for unsurpassed wide-field imaging and ease of use in the field. Since the primary mirror is fixed in place, collimation is quickly achieved by adjusting the tip and tilt of the secondary mirror. With the Delta Rho 350, your astrophotography experience will be second to none!
- Corrected Cassegrain focus optical design
- Aperture – 350 mm
- Focal length – 1050 mm
- Focal Ratio – f/3
- 60mm Image Circle > 3 degrees
- Fixed Primary Mirror
- Collimation performed via 3 tip/tilt screws at the secondary mirror
- Backfocus of 5.651” (143.535 mm) from mounting surface (without focuser and rotator). This distance includes refraction from filters.
- Backfocus of 2.525″ (64.135 mm) with Series-5 focuser and Series-5 Rotator installed (with focuser at midpoint of travel range).
- Built in primary and secondary dew heaters with temperature sensors
- *L-350 mount seen in product photo is sold separately
Technical Specifications
Optical System
| Optical Design |
Corrected Dall-Kirkham (CDK) |
| Aperture |
350 mm |
| Focal Length |
1050 mm (41.34 in.) |
| Focal ratio |
f/3 |
| Central Obstruction |
56 % by diameter |
| Back Focus from Mounting Surface (No focuser/rotator installed) |
5.6 in. (142.24 mm). This distance includes refraction from filters. |
| Weight |
46 lbs (21 kg) |
| OTA Length |
23 in. (584 mm) |
| Optical Performance |
4.9-micron RMS on-axis
5.6-micron RMS at 23 mm off-axis
6.4-micron RMS at 30 mm off-axis
|
| Telescope Cage |
Carbon fiber truss poles with carbon fiber shroud |
| Optimal Field of View |
60mm Image circle |
Secondary Mirror
| Diameter |
7.48 in. (190 mm) |
| Material |
Fused silica (quartz) |
| Shape |
Spherical |
| Coating |
Enhanced aluminum – 96% |
Primary Mirror
| Optical Diameter |
13.78 inches (350mm) |
| Outer Diameter |
14.5 inches (468.3mm) |
| Shape |
Prolate Ellipsoid |
| Material |
Fused Silica (quartz) |
| Coating |
Enhanced Aluminum – 96% |
Lens Group
| Diameter |
110 mm (4.33 inch) |
| Number of lenses |
Three |
| Coating |
Broadband AR Coatings (less than .5% reflected from 400 to 700nm) |
Standard Features
| Corrected Cassegrain |
The corrected design yields a flat field free from off-axis astigmatism, coma, and field curvature. |
| Carbon Fiber Truss Design |
Minimizes thermal expansion which causes focus shift with changes in temperature. |
| Dovetail Expansion Joint |
Allows for the difference in thermal expansion between carbon fiber and aluminum. The expansion joint allows the aluminum dovetail expand and contract without stressing the carbon fiber lower truss |
| Cooling Fans |
Three cooling fans blow air inside the back of the telescope. This helps the telescope to reach thermal equilibrium quickly. The fans are controlled by a computer if the optional Electronic Focus Accessory (EFA Kit) is purchased. |
| Delta-T Ready |
For added dew prevention, the DR350 is internally wired with polyimide film heater pads and temperature sensor, ready to be controlled with the optional Delta-T controller. |
Shipping
| Crated Shipping Weight |
225 lbs |
| Crate Width |
31 inches |
| Crate Height |
26 inches |
| Crate Length |
53 inches |
In the Box
| Heating elements for dew prevention |
The heating pads on the primary and secondary mirror require the 5-Series Controller sold separately |
| OTA Cover |
To protect the primary mirror and inside of the optical tube |
| Flashdrive |
Contains software and instructions for collimation and spacing the primary to secondary mirror |
| Wrench Set (5812A35) |
Standard hex wrenches (European orders only) |
Manuals & Warranty
1-Year Coatings & 2-Year Mechanics & Electronics Warranty
