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Old 21-03-2015, 02:59 AM
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Peter Ward
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Alluna Optics

Decided to follow Marcus' lead on a largish Galaxy imaging RC....
......and finally pulled the trigger on the one of these
http://www.alluna-optics.com/Ritchey...Telescope.html
( the RC 16)

Given the non-trivial expense, I have to say I did a fairly extensive cost-benefit analysis.

The features that swayed me from the other main contender (a 17" CDK...also an excellent 'scope ) were:

interferometrically certified, Zerodur zero expansion optics with an 18 point flotation cell
92mm field corrector with a tighter spot size across a 65mm field than the CDK
Significantly less off-axis vignetting than the CDK
All reflective native configuration allowing deep I/R and UV imaging
Surprisingly only 7% less light collection ( than the aperture driven 14%) compared to the 17" due its smaller secondary.
100mm diameter instrument/camera adapters
dedicated 4" focal reducer-corrector allowing imaging @ F6
Automated focus tracking
Automated thermal control
Robotic mirror cover

Now the wait....
........ delivery takes around 6 months....updates to come
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  #2  
Old 21-03-2015, 07:42 AM
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marc4darkskies (Marcus)
Billions and Billions ...

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Outstanding Peter! Those specs look very compelling indeed! I like the look too - kind of RCOSesque.

Only problem is it's not red so, alas, it will clash with your mount!

Cheers, Marcus
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  #3  
Old 21-03-2015, 07:57 AM
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Peter Ward
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Quote:
Originally Posted by marc4darkskies View Post
Outstanding Peter! Those specs look very compelling indeed! I like the look too - kind of RCOSesque.

Only problem is it's not red so, alas, it will clash with your mount!

Cheers, Marcus
Thanks for the vote of confidence Marcus.....i went for a seriously optioned version as it may end up at a remote site one day.

and....yes...I guess it would go faster if it was red
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Old 21-03-2015, 08:08 AM
Hans Tucker (Hans)
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Follow up posts on the performance of your scope will be interesting. I first came across the Alluna Optics range on Astromart and I was gob smacked by the price compared to other types and brands of similar aperture. I guess the investment in the added $$$'s can be found in the attention to engineering & manufacturing detail.

On the plus side this is a German scope...it has got to be good.
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  #5  
Old 21-03-2015, 08:44 AM
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Peter Ward
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Hans Tucker View Post
Follow up posts on the performance of your scope will be interesting. I first came across the Alluna Optics range on Astromart and I was gob smacked by the price compared to other types and brands of similar aperture. I guess the investment in the added $$$'s can be found in the attention to engineering & manufacturing detail.

On the plus side this is a German scope...it has got to be good.
Well, it will not be cheap, that's for sure!

That said, if you start talking Zerodur optics in a Planewave CDK the price jumps by $US10k or more....hence Alluna's pricing is consistent with their level of engineering.
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  #6  
Old 21-03-2015, 09:32 AM
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It sounds superb. Looking forward to your images.

What are you doing with the 14.5?

Greg.
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  #7  
Old 21-03-2015, 10:16 AM
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RickS (Rick)
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Look forward to the pics and review, Peter!
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  #8  
Old 21-03-2015, 10:27 AM
AndrewJ
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Quote:
What are you doing with the 14.5?
Repurpose it as the guide scope

Andrew
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  #9  
Old 21-03-2015, 04:05 PM
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Originally Posted by gregbradley View Post
It sounds superb. Looking forward to your images.

What are you doing with the 14.5?

Greg.
Sold it a while ago.
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Old 21-03-2015, 05:46 PM
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Logieberra (Logan)
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Fantastic. I've seen many Alluna videos on YouTube. They sure look the part. Please keep us posted - many of us enjoyed following Marcus' journey with the big RC. Pics!
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Old 21-03-2015, 11:46 PM
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Are you going to set it up at home or put it up at Coona?

Greg.
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  #12  
Old 21-03-2015, 11:56 PM
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Originally Posted by gregbradley View Post
Are you going to set it up at home or put it up at Coona?

Greg.
I will shoehorn it into the 2.3 meter dome at home at first.

Cooona is a possibility....but I'm looking at a number of options in the medium term.
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  #13  
Old 22-03-2015, 09:59 AM
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Awesome news, really happy for you Peter.
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  #14  
Old 23-03-2015, 09:36 AM
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AG Hybrid (Adrian)
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What a machine! All of their products look amazing. Those mounts!!!
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  #15  
Old 23-03-2015, 03:16 PM
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This is fantastic Peter! Congratulations to you, no doubt you are buzzing and excited about your purchase. I'm looking forward to your updates. You cant mount both your scopes at once on your PME ll, so what's your plan with scope choice and when to use each? Ohh, the choices!
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  #16  
Old 23-03-2015, 04:47 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Peter Ward View Post
Decided to follow Marcus' lead on a largish Galaxy imaging RC....
......and finally pulled the trigger on the one of these
http://www.alluna-optics.com/Ritchey...Telescope.html
( the RC 16)

Given the non-trivial expense, I have to say I did a fairly extensive cost-benefit analysis.

The features that swayed me from the other main contender (a 17" CDK...also an excellent 'scope ) were:

interferometrically certified, Zerodur zero expansion optics with an 18 point flotation cell
92mm field corrector with a tighter spot size across a 65mm field than the CDK
Significantly less off-axis vignetting than the CDK
All reflective native configuration allowing deep I/R and UV imaging
Surprisingly only 7% less light collection ( than the aperture driven 14%) compared to the 17" due its smaller secondary.
100mm diameter instrument/camera adapters
dedicated 4" focal reducer-corrector allowing imaging @ F6
Automated focus tracking
Automated thermal control
Robotic mirror cover

Now the wait....
........ delivery takes around 6 months....updates to come
Ah now that is quite some news. It looks like a really nice scope and wel engineered. With any luck you won't have to tinker.

Surely you have to remote this??? It would be a crime not to have it in a remote dark sky location. I am sure there is plenty of room left at Itelescopes. If not you can remote it at my place for a small fee.
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  #17  
Old 23-03-2015, 05:24 PM
clive milne
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Check this out...
Very impressive.
http://www.alluna-optics.com/Gallery...HDO296-IND.jpg
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  #18  
Old 23-03-2015, 05:27 PM
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Joshua Bunn (Joshua)
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That is exceptional, the seeing conditions must have been favorable.

Quote:
Originally Posted by clive milne View Post
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  #19  
Old 23-03-2015, 05:43 PM
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Bassnut (Fred)
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mmm, RC, sweet :-) . This will be a very interesting adventure.
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  #20  
Old 23-03-2015, 05:51 PM
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Bassnut (Fred)
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I like "All reflective native configuration" (aka "no glass"or "not CDK"). How elitist is that!. Ha, I love it.
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