PlaneWave DeltaRho 500 Optical Tube Assembly

Our team at PlaneWave is passionate about designing exceptional telescopes so that users around the world are able to capture the most awe-inspiring astro images possible. From design to manufacture, our goal with the DeltaRho 500 was centered around creating a revolutionary wide-field telescope. The DeltaRho 500 is a Cassegrain Optical Design with the imaging train at the back of the telescope to prevent obstruction of the instrument. This offers a real advantage against prime focus designs, which can severely limit users’ ability to operate with filter wheels or large cameras. Witness the incredible breakthrough in telescope technology as the DeltaRho 500 operates at f/3 and 1537 mm focal length, which is sure to revolutionize your astrophotography.

Last, but not least, the DeltaRho 500 provides a flat field, which ensures stunning clarity from corner-to-corner images without field curvature degradation. The DeltaRho 500 offers the simplicity of single-mirror collimation, stray light control of advanced 3D printed baffles, and structural performance created through finite element analysis (FEA). DeltaRho 500 users can experience pinpoint stars edge-to-edge and a 2-degree field of view when using large 16803/4040 (52mm) size camera sensors. This field of view is over twice as large as our CDK 20! This kind of equipment allows users to experience a whole new level of wide-field imaging that can bring them closer than ever to deep space. The DeltaRho 500 allows nothing to stand in between the user and amazing astro images.

After successfully introducing the DeltaRho 350, the DeltaRho 500 is now available for transcending the challenges of-ultra wide field imaging. With a primary mirror that is fixed in place, collimation is quickly achieved with a simple adjustment to the tip and tilt of the secondary mirror. With more than twice the light-gathering power of the DeltaRho 350, maximizing the performance of your astrograph has never been easier due to PlaneWave’s pursuit of the perfect telescope!

Corrected Cassegrain focus optical design
Aperture – 508 mm (20″)
Focal length – 1537 mm
Focal Ratio – f/3.03
70mm Image Circle > 2.6 degrees
Fixed Primary Mirror
Collimation performed via 3 tip/tilt screws at the secondary mirror
9.166” (232.8 mm) from mounting surface (without focuser and rotator).
Backfocus of 5.81″ (147.6mm) with Series-5XL focuser and Series-5 Rotator installed (with focuser at midpoint of travel range).
Built-in primary and secondary dew heaters with temperature sensors
Compatible with L-500 or 600 series direct drive mounts.

Technical Specifications

Optical System

Optical Design	Corrected Cassegrain
Aperture	508 mm (20 inch)
Focal Length	1537 mm (60.5 inch)
Focal ratio	f/3
Central Obstruction	59 % by diameter
Back Focus from Mounting Surface (No focuser/rotator installed)	9.166 in (232.8 mm) from mounting surface; 7.271 inch (184.7 mm) from lens cell
Weight	165 lbs (75 kg)
OTA Length	35.1 inch (892 mm)
Optical Performance (Spot Diameter)	3.86 micron RMS on-axis, 4.04 micron RMS at 22 mm off-axis, and 6.04 micron RMS at 35 mm off-axis (Spot Diameters)
Telescope Cage	Carbon fiber truss poles with carbon fiber shroud
Optimal Field of View	70mm image circle