Convergent FA17

FA telescopes FA telescopes

Telescope Name: Convergent FA17

Telescope Price: $22,595

Item #: CFA17

The AG Optical Systems Convergent Fast Astrograph .4 meter (17 inch) F5 telescope is an observatory-class imaging instrument featuring a 50mm flat field imaging circle. The outstanding optical performance of the FA17 is made possible through the convergence of careful design, state-of-the-art manufacturing, and precise assembly. Wide field images are captured with high-contrast details and sharp stars across the entire field of view.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The AG Optical Systems FA17 F5 optical system provides exceptional thermal stability. Low expansion optics ensure the figure and focus stability of the Convergent FA17 as the temperature changes over the course of an imaging session. When combined with the rigid, thermally stable carbon fiber truss tube assembly of the FA17 you can expect to spend less time focusing and more time collecting data.

AG Optical Systems FA series carbon fiber truss optical tube assemblies make extensive use of carbon fiber composite materials, CNC-machined components, and precision collimation adjustments to provide a rigid and thermally stable platform for the low expansion optics. Three cooling fans speed the cooling of the primary mirror while primary and secondary mirror heaters can be automatically controlled by the optional Thermal Control System (TCS).

The optional, robust, digital Optec Gemini rotating focuser is ASCOM-compatible is capable of precision focusing and rotation while carrying heavy CCD imaging trains.

 

 

 

 

Optical Tube Assembly

  • 91 lbs. carbon fiber tube assembly
  • Tube length: 37.75 inches
  • 17″ (.4m) low expansion substrate F5 optical system
  • 50mm corrected imaged circle. 1.4 degrees
  • Cooling fans and optional Thermal Control System
  • Dust covers
  • All CNC components, all stainless steel fasteners

Optical System

  • 17″ F5 corrected optical system with integral field corrector
  • 2159 mm focal length
  • 9.6″ secondary obstruction (56% linear obstruction)
  • Performance: 5 micron RMS 15mm off-axis, 6.8 micron RMS 25mm off-axis
  • 6″ of back focus from Optec Gemini focuser
  • 96% enhanced aluminum coatings
  • Two-element permanently-aligned field corrector with broadband anti-reflection coating on all surfaces (<.5% reflectivity from 400 to 700 nm)
  • 4.2″ of back focus with Optec TCF-S3i focuser installed

 

 

Truss shroud

Truss Shroud

Heavy Lycra shroud to block stray light, mitigate dust intrusion

Price: $175
Item #: FA17SHROUD

 

optec gemini 3.75

Optec Gemini 3.75″ Rotating Focuser

Low profile (2.5″), rotating digital focuser with 20 lbs payload capacity, temperature compensation feature

Price: $3495
Item #: GEMINI

thermal control system

Thermal Control System

Computer-based automated control of primary mirror cooling, primary and secondary mirror anti-dew control

Price: $995
Item #: TCS

 

Piggyback Dovetail Plate

CNC-machine 6061 aluminum Losmandy “D” profile piggyback dovetail plate

Price: $285
Item #: FA17PIGGY

Optec TCF-S3i 3″ Digital Focuser

Robust, digital 3″ focuser with temperature compensation

Price: $1495

Item: TCFS31

 

 

  • Carbon fiber optical truss tube assembly
  • Losmandy “D” mount dovetail
  • Primary and secondary dust covers
  • Primary mirror cooling fans with power cable
  • Low expansion substrate optics with enhanced aluminum coatings
  • All stainless steel fasteners and springs
  • Backplate carrying handles