The first production model 16" Astro-Tech truss tube RC is expected to be completed around the end of this month, with full production expected to start next month. Availability expected to be by the end of the year or shortly thereafter.
Astro-Tech 12" truss tube RC production starting
Started by
frebie
, Oct 14 2013 01:15 PM
62 replies to this topic
#1
frebie
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Posted 14 October 2013 - 01:15 PM
Attached is an image of the Astro-Tech 12" truss tube Ritchey-Chrétien. Production is due to start this month, with shipments from our stock expected to start before the end of the year. Anticipated price is expected to be about $4495. An AT12RCT product page will be available shortly to allow pre-orders.
The first production model 16" Astro-Tech truss tube RC is expected to be completed around the end of this month, with full production expected to start next month. Availability expected to be by the end of the year or shortly thereafter.
The first production model 16" Astro-Tech truss tube RC is expected to be completed around the end of this month, with full production expected to start next month. Availability expected to be by the end of the year or shortly thereafter.
#2
frebie
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Posted 14 October 2013 - 01:16 PM
Here's the rear cell of the Astro-Tech 12" truss tube RC.
Attached Thumbnails
#3
skyward_eyes
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Posted 14 October 2013 - 01:48 PM
Thats awesome!
#4
frebie
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Posted 14 October 2013 - 04:46 PM
Here's the front cell of the 12" Astro-Tech carbon fiber truss tube RC.
Attached Thumbnails
#5
zjc26138
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Loved By All
Posted 14 October 2013 - 07:10 PM
I want one! Looks like I'm going to need a bigger mount. 
#6
gavinm
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Posted 14 October 2013 - 07:44 PM
How does that compare price-wise and weight-wise to the normal aluminium tube 12" OTA? Will that still be available?
#7
Astronomics
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Posted 14 October 2013 - 10:13 PM
Current model is $3995. No clue on the weight yet.
#8
Sunspot
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Voyager 1
Posted 15 October 2013 - 10:25 AM
That really looks sweet! Sure wish someone would offer a high quality planetary DK or Classical Cass in that price range. (Just thinking out loud)
#9
Jason B
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Fox Park Observatory
Posted 15 October 2013 - 10:57 AM
Is there going to be a 10"?
#10
MikeBOKC
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Fly Me to the Moon
Posted 16 October 2013 - 08:14 AM
Any mount recommendations? And how would these scopes perform visually? Looks like an ideal big aperture acquisition for permanent setup in a club observatory . . .
#11
Astronomics
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Posted 16 October 2013 - 11:42 AM
Sunspot - The DK been talked about as it would be super simple since the mirror production is already there, but the demand is very limited so I don't think I would put that into production.
JasonB - I have asked for an 8" and a 10".
MikeBOKC - Not sure on the mount yet. I would suspect a G11 class would work well, but you know how you nutty astro-photographers can get. lol
JasonB - I have asked for an 8" and a 10".
MikeBOKC - Not sure on the mount yet. I would suspect a G11 class would work well, but you know how you nutty astro-photographers can get. lol
#12
MikeBOKC
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Fly Me to the Moon
Posted 16 October 2013 - 01:15 PM
Hey I am not so nutty as to get into AP!
How would these scopes perform for visual use?
How would these scopes perform for visual use?
#13
Astronomics
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Posted 16 October 2013 - 01:28 PM
It comes down to a personal opinion after viewing it. Technically it should be "OK" visually, however due to the large secondary obstruction you would assume contrast would take a hit. However, there have been plenty of people on CN that have used our RCs visually and have been amazed by the results. I know this is a vague answer, but it is the best I have from the user base.
#14
Mary B
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Gemini
Posted 17 October 2013 - 02:53 PM
I have used my 6 inch RC visually on Jupiter with good results, contrast was okay compared to my Z10 dob. Image was sharper in the RC, but I think I have a mirror issue in the dob.
#15
Jussi Koponen
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Sputnik
Posted 27 October 2013 - 04:09 AM
Hi
I just bought GSO 12" Carbon RC and found that attaching the focuser directly to main mirror is a design flaw. that kind of design makes too much stress for main mirror, perhaps not for DSLR but a CCD and a filterwheel is too much.
Im not sure, but does this one has same design?
I just bought GSO 12" Carbon RC and found that attaching the focuser directly to main mirror is a design flaw. that kind of design makes too much stress for main mirror, perhaps not for DSLR but a CCD and a filterwheel is too much.
Im not sure, but does this one has same design?
#16
_k8jb_
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Lift Off
Posted 05 November 2013 - 05:16 PM
Couple of questions. How long are the dove-tails, they look a lot shorter than on my AT10RCF. I'm guessing maybe 15" max? Does that give enough length for balancing weights when you swap a heavy camera for a light one or do you have to move the OTA itself on the mount?
#17
frebie
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Posted 06 November 2013 - 10:32 AM
They are 14" long. As for balancing, that depends on the length of the dovetail slot on the mount (16" on a Paramount MX, for example, versus 8" on a CGE Pro) and how much leeway that gives you for adding weights versus moving the OTA, as well as how much of a weight change you are contemplating.
P.S. New images and specs are up here: https://www.astronom...cal-tube_p20...
P.S. New images and specs are up here: https://www.astronom...cal-tube_p20...
#18
mclewis1
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Posted 06 November 2013 - 12:43 PM
The weight is interesting ...
AT12RC steel tube with no focuser - 49.3 lbs
AT12RCT truss tube with 2" focuser - 52 lbs
Clearly weight won't be a reason to choose the truss model.
So assuming I'm reading the specs correctly for the additional $500 it appears you get a very unique looking scope, a 2" crayford focuser, less temperature induced focus change, and perhaps somewhat better cool down characteristics ... anything else?
AT12RC steel tube with no focuser - 49.3 lbs
AT12RCT truss tube with 2" focuser - 52 lbs
Clearly weight won't be a reason to choose the truss model.
So assuming I'm reading the specs correctly for the additional $500 it appears you get a very unique looking scope, a 2" crayford focuser, less temperature induced focus change, and perhaps somewhat better cool down characteristics ... anything else?
#19
Astronomics
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Posted 07 November 2013 - 03:51 PM
I would say the cooling will be much better then somewhat. The open tube should allow a much more efficient cooling time when combined with the Quartz optics.
#20
Relativist
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Cosmos
Posted 07 November 2013 - 08:49 PM
Interesting question, because I've wondered the same thing about carbon tubed reflectors. When I asked people,that purchased such OTAs they mainly indicate the focus issue as the motivator. Understandable for those imaging for long periods of time I think.
#21
Phil Cowell
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Cosmos
Posted 10 November 2013 - 09:03 AM
Observatory gets completed in Spring. The 16" looks like its going to have a home in it.
Phil
Phil
I would say the cooling will be much better then somewhat. The open tube should allow a much more efficient cooling time when combined with the Quartz optics.
#22
Astronomics
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Posted 10 November 2013 - 10:58 PM
Get ready for this, we have a 20" coming out as well.
#23
Joe C
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Viking 1
Posted 11 November 2013 - 02:40 AM
I have a Paramount ME and a STL-11000M if you need any of them tested or demo'd at the 2014 WSP 
#24
Phil Cowell
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Cosmos
Posted 11 November 2013 - 12:33 PM
Hi Mike,
You have any details, cost availability. Def interested in a 20" for home.
Phil
You have any details, cost availability. Def interested in a 20" for home.
Phil
#25
Astronomics
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Posted 11 November 2013 - 01:37 PM
Around $12K, hopefully lower. I would say in the next 6 months. The polishing machines are ready, but they may not start the project until they move into their new $6,000,000 facility.
We will also have the 10" in a truss shortly and I asked about making an 8" truss.
We will also have the 10" in a truss shortly and I asked about making an 8" truss.
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