Quote:
Originally Posted by Paul Haese
I normally prefer to make a decision of buying equipment based on previous experience but in this instance I don't have any base line to work from.
I am looking at buying an AOX for my STXL 11002 and it will be used on my RC12.
I get fairly good seeing generally and that does currently contribute to how sharp my images appear. However as pointed out to me last night (that I am a bit more than obsessive compulsive about image perfection), I am wondering if an AO will in fact provide greater results over and above what I get now. I really want to produce sharper images with tighter stars and as I understand it good seeing really makes these units achieve good results.
I am looking for opinions from both people who use these pieces of kit and from those that have done the research and have an opinion either way.
So please let me know if it is worth the not inconsiderable cost of an AOX.
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Hi Paul,
Let me chime in with what I know:
I would suggest you try it out if at all possible.
I have over 20 years experience with industrial closed loop control systems -
which is exactly what a telescope mount with an OAG is -
in fact - it's a dual axis closed loop control system RA & DEC.
I have found that all the best industrial systems use what is
known as a
nested loop:
this means that there is one closed loop operating at one frequency -
let's say 1 Hz and another one nested inside it operating at say 10 Hz.
The ratio is normally 10 to 1.
This gives much greater accuracy than a single closed loop axis.
Notice that the normal ratio is 10 to 1.
That is important otherwise the 2 loops fight against each other & produce poor results.
Therefore - if your OAG system is operating at 1 Hz & your AO is at 2 Hz there would not be an advantage.
You would need a bright guide star to get 10 Hz for Adaptive Optics.
cheers
Allan