What focal length are you looking for? The 12.5 Planewave is likely something to look at. 

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From: main@ap-gto.groups.io <main@ap-gto.groups.io> on behalf of Bruce Donzanti <donza2735@...>
Sent: Sunday, December 6, 2020 10:06 AM
To: main@ap-gto.groups.io <main@ap-gto.groups.io>
Subject: [ap-gto] Upgrade Scope Suggestions for Imaging

 

I currently use a C11" EdgeHD with an 80mm Stellarvue APO triplet piggybacked onto it in my observatory.  The C11 sits on an AP1100 mount which is on an adjustable Pier Tech steel pier sitting on a cement pier which runs several feet underground up to the observatory.  So, the C11 is essentially 10 feet above the observatory floor.  However, I have grown weary of constant mirror shifting and flopping issues.  While I intend to keep it and fix the problem, I want to explore possible scope upgrades from the C11" EdgeHD despite it being very popular and producing great images.  My skies are Bortle 6 with average seeing.  I'd appreciate any suggestions, not going above $10k.

At least 2500mm

On Sun, Dec 6, 2020 at 1:31 PM Bill Long <bill@...> wrote:

What focal length are you looking for? The 12.5 Planewave is likely something to look at. 

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From: main@ap-gto.groups.io <main@ap-gto.groups.io> on behalf of Bruce Donzanti <donza2735@...>
Sent: Sunday, December 6, 2020 10:06 AM
To: main@ap-gto.groups.io <main@ap-gto.groups.io>
Subject: [ap-gto] Upgrade Scope Suggestions for Imaging

 

I currently use a C11" EdgeHD with an 80mm Stellarvue APO triplet piggybacked onto it in my observatory.  The C11 sits on an AP1100 mount which is on an adjustable Pier Tech steel pier sitting on a cement pier which runs several feet underground up to the observatory.  So, the C11 is essentially 10 feet above the observatory floor.  However, I have grown weary of constant mirror shifting and flopping issues.  While I intend to keep it and fix the problem, I want to explore possible scope upgrades from the C11" EdgeHD despite it being very popular and producing great images.  My skies are Bortle 6 with average seeing.  I'd appreciate any suggestions, not going above $10k.

The Planewave 12.5 is right up your alley then. 

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From: main@ap-gto.groups.io <main@ap-gto.groups.io> on behalf of Bruce Donzanti <donza2735@...>
Sent: Sunday, December 6, 2020 10:56 AM
To: main@ap-gto.groups.io <main@ap-gto.groups.io>
Subject: Re: [ap-gto] Upgrade Scope Suggestions for Imaging

 

At least 2500mm

On Sun, Dec 6, 2020 at 1:31 PM Bill Long <bill@...> wrote:

What focal length are you looking for? The 12.5 Planewave is likely something to look at. 

---

From: main@ap-gto.groups.io <main@ap-gto.groups.io> on behalf of Bruce Donzanti <donza2735@...>
Sent: Sunday, December 6, 2020 10:06 AM
To: main@ap-gto.groups.io <main@ap-gto.groups.io>
Subject: [ap-gto] Upgrade Scope Suggestions for Imaging

 

I currently use a C11" EdgeHD with an 80mm Stellarvue APO triplet piggybacked onto it in my observatory.  The C11 sits on an AP1100 mount which is on an adjustable Pier Tech steel pier sitting on a cement pier which runs several feet underground up to the observatory.  So, the C11 is essentially 10 feet above the observatory floor.  However, I have grown weary of constant mirror shifting and flopping issues.  While I intend to keep it and fix the problem, I want to explore possible scope upgrades from the C11" EdgeHD despite it being very popular and producing great images.  My skies are Bortle 6 with average seeing.  I'd appreciate any suggestions, not going above $10k.

Bruce, another suggestion would be the Astro-Tech/TPO/GSO 14" RC OTA. I have the 16" version. It has excellent optics and the truss design is very stable and strong. The focuser that comes with it is only good for visual use so you would need to get a better one for imaging. I have the Feather Touch focuser which works great.
Yes, it isn't a Planewave and I can't speak to its advantages, but I'm very happy with my setup and I get great images. 
Cheers,
Gary

Why not lock the mirror and add an Optec or Starlight Instruments focuser on the back?
--
George
Prineville, Oregon

Bruce

All PW Corrected Dall-Kirkhams come with a manual Hedrick focuser, but PC control of the focuser, including temperature compensation is about an added $1000US.  You can add that at a later date.

AG Optical DKs come with an Optec TCF-3Si.  I have a 14.5" AGOS.

Because of the fixed primary and spherical secondary, Corrected Dall-Kirkhams are relatively easy to collimate and hold collimation well.

The following is only pertinent if you have similar situation at your location.

I have a friend with a PW 12.5, which is a closed tube OTA. He gets great images from it.  However, he lives below a mesa top in western Colorado.  He gets katabatic winds (drainage flow from the cold mesa top downslope) that significantly impacts his seeing much of the time.  Also some vibration impacts unless the OTA happens to be pointed directly into or directly away from the wind.  The bigger PW OTAs are all open truss as are the AG Optical Dall-Kirkhams and many RCs.

Bryan