The new scope has arrived! It’s the next chapter in the KPO Phase 2 technology refresh.
I received all the new imaging equipment back in July of last year, and have been capturing some high quality images. The new ZWO cameras and ASIAir controller have revolutionized my imaging process. But currently I am only using my Canon 100-400 F/5.6L lens, and although it produces excellent images, it can only capture wide field (very large) objects.
The KPO Reflector can image medium size objects, but alas, balancing of the scope is very difficult and it greatly limits the stability of the system. Additionally, its 20 year old control system will not interface with the new ASIAIR Pro controller. It will very soon move to the new Rolloff Observatory, now nearing completion. The new Ritchey 12 will take its place in the main observatory dome.
The new Ritchey-Chretien 12″ has a focal length of 2432mm, even longer than that the KPO 18″ Reflector, and it is relatively small and compact, and weighs half of the KPO big scope. It will ride on the next component to arrive: the iOptron CEM-120 mount. The two combined will produce a state-of-the-art imaging system, which will allow capture of smaller deep sky objects, such as galaxies, globular clusters, and planetary nebulae.
But for now the Ritchey will wait, wrapped up in its blanket on the floor of the observatory, until the CEM-120 mount arrives, which will probably be a few months.
Here is my “unboxing” video of the scope, as many people are interested in this scope.