ASA AZ800 Ritchey-Chrétien telescope f10

ASA AZ800 – f/10 Configuration

A high-end, fully integrated observatory telescope system.

The ASA AZ800 is a 0.8-meter (800mm) Ritchey-Chrétien telescope system designed for high-precision imaging and advanced remote operation. Featuring a longer focal ratio of f/10, Nasmyth focus, and direct-drive motors with absolute encoders on all axes, this Alt-Az mounted system offers exceptional pointing, tracking, and stability. Built for both scientific research and demanding imaging applications, the AZ800 delivers performance without compromise.

Key Specifications

Optical Design: Ritchey-Chrétien (RC)

Clear Aperture: 800mm (31.5 in)

Clear Aperture / Focal Ratio Primary Mirror: f/2.5

System Focal Ratio: f/10

Focal Length: 8000mm

Image Field: 120mm (1.25°)

Central Obstruction: 34% (linear)

Focus Positions: Nasmyth 2 standard, Nasmyth 4 optional

Mirror Material: Fused Silica

Surface Quality: >94 Strehl

Microroughness: 1nm RMS / <0.7nm Ra

Coating: Al + SiO₂, Reflectivity >96%

Back Focus from Flange: 319mm

Total Weight: 650 kg

Mount Type: Alt-Azimuth

Azimuth Range: 680°

Altitude Range: 5° to 90°

Performance & Control

Maximum Slew Speed: Up to 50° per second

Pointing Accuracy (20°–85°): <8″ RMS (with pointing model)

Tracking Accuracy (unguided, 5 min): <0.25″ RMS (with current pointing file)

System Natural Frequency: ≥10 Hz

Satellite Tracking: Supports all-sky pointing error of 8″ RMS with TLE/CPF orbit uploads and real-time corrections

Software & Integration

The AZ800 is delivered with the ASA Software Package, offering a platform-independent ASCOM Alpaca API over TCP/IP. It integrates seamlessly with many control programs and supports advanced features including:

-Creation and optimization of pointing models

-MLPT (Multi-Layer Pointing Technique) — compatible with N.I.N.A. plugin

-Satellite orbit tracking and corrections (TLE and CPF files)

-Focus control via ASCOM Alpaca

-Dome covers (if equipped) via ASCOM Alpaca

-Full API control of rotator and Nasmyth ports