ASA UWF1000 f2.5 Ultra Wide Field telescope system

ASA WF1000 – 1.0-Meter Wide Field Telescope System

The ideal platform for wide-field imaging and all-sky surveys.

The ASA WF1000 is a high-performance 1.0-meter f/2.5 wide-field telescope system designed for large-sky coverage and rapid imaging. Featuring a precision-engineered 5-lens prime corrector and motorized focusing with absolute encoders, the WF1000 delivers pinpoint sharpness and fast image acquisition across an exceptionally wide field.

With fully electronic collimation of the primary mirror, users can easily perform remote alignments to maintain optimal image quality. Whether for survey science or deep-sky imaging, the WF1000 offers a streamlined, ultra-efficient workflow and superb optical performance.

Key Specifications

Optical Design: Wide Field with Prime Corrector
Clear Aperture: 1000mm (39.3 in)
Clear Aperture / Focal Ratio Primary Mirror: f/2.5
System Focal Ratio: f/2.5
Focal Length: 2500mm
Image Field: 130mm (2.98°)
Central Obstruction: 42% (linear)
Mirror Material: Fused Silica (Zerodur optional)
Image Quality FWHM: <8μm RMS
Surface Quality: >80 Strehl
Microroughness: 1.3nm RMS / <0.7nm Ra
Coating: Al + SiO₂, Reflectivity >96%
Back Focus from Flange: 100.88mm
Total Weight: 1960 kg (4,300 lbs) (excluding camera and filter)
Mount Type: ASA Direct Drive
Latitude Range: 20° to 80° sky access

Performance & Control

Max Slew Speed: Up to 50°/second
Pointing Accuracy (20°–85°): <8″ RMS (with ASA telescope and pointing model)
Tracking Accuracy (unguided, 5 min): <0.25″ RMS (with current pointing file)
System Natural Frequency: ≥10 Hz

Software & Integration

The WF1000 includes the complete ASA Software Suite, offering platform-independent control via ASCOM Alpaca API over TCP/IP. This allows seamless integration with observatory control systems and supports:

-Pointing model creation and optimization

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

-Real-time satellite orbit tracking and correction (TLE/CPF files)

-Full remote focus and mirror collimation control via Alpaca

-Dome cover and accessory integration (if equipped)

UWF1000 f2.5 Optical Layout

The UWF1000 uses a prime focus configuration. The main mirror is a high order asphere and in the prime focus we use a 5 Lens corrector to correct any field aberrations in a wavelength range from 400nm to 700nm. This prime focus telescope achieves the large field through a larger possible field diameter, enabling the usage of the largest available CCD/CMOS cameras with up to 95x95mm2 sensor size.
The larger focal length will be an advantage if it comes to resolution and pixel scale, or if you plan to use CCD cameras with larger pixels.