Large Telescope with Alt-Az mount and Cassegrain Focus within Australia/NZ?

[dvc (Daniel)]

Probably close to 1m is what we're looking for. There aren't many appropriate stars for the calibration we want to do, and the larger the aperture the more of them we can use.

Other requirements, in addition to the Alt-azimuth mount are the ability to rotate the instrument on the back end of the telescope, and support its weight (~10 kg).

[Merlin66 (Ken)]

What's the minimum aperture you're looking for?

[pluto (Hugh)]

Sydney Observatory has a 40cm SCT on an Alt/Az mount that they use for public viewings, no idea about the focuser though.

[dvc (Daniel)]

Originally Posted by Merlin66

What's the minimum aperture you're looking for?

It's hard to say. It would be best to do the calibration with more than a couple of stars, and the bigger the aperture the more appropriate ones there are available – there aren't many to start with. Probably close to 1m is what we're looking for.

A large amateur set-up might be appropriate if it can support the weight of the instrument (~ 10 kg) on the mount, and allow rotation on the back end of the telescope.

[dannat (Daniel)]

the ASV has a 20" capable of cassegrain config sitting atop a giant driven fork mount [nothing like a meade/celestron fork], r u looking to rent/buy??

[rustigsmed (Russell)]

an FLI atlas focuser has a max payload of ~11kgs

[dvc (Daniel)]

Originally Posted by dannat

the ASV has a 20" capable of cassegrain config sitting atop a giant driven fork mount [nothing like a meade/celestron fork], r u looking to rent/buy??

That sounds interesting. We'd just be looking at utilising the facility for a short run of observations, not buying it.

This doesn't require immediate attention, but I'm interested in knowing what's out there. Is there a particular person you recommend contacting for more information?

[Satchmo]

http://milroyobservatory.com.au/

40" Boller and Chivens Cassegrain for hire ....