AGO Newtonian Astrographs

AGO Newtonian astrographs are a photo junkie's idea of Nirvana.  By combining large aperture, fast focal ratio, corrected optics in a lightweight, stiff, and thermally stable carbon fiber tube AGO has created an instrument with a singular purpose:  to devour photons and precisely focus them on your CCD camera's chip.

AGO Newtonian astrographs offer the best value in the high-end Newtonian astrograph market.

• Best in class FLI Atlas focuser is standard

• Interferometrically tested primary and secondary optics (Ultra Low Expansion mirrors optional)

• Thick wall carbon fiber sandwich core tube

• Wynne corrector with generous 3.1" of back focus

• 100% Made in the USA with outstanding customer support

Model Specifications

Model	N8a	N10a	N12.5a	N16a
Aperture	8"	10"	12.5"	16"
Focal ratio	3.8	3.8	3.8	3.8
Focal length	30.4"	38"	47.5"	60.8"
Optics	Supremax 33 full face primary mirror, center marked with Catseye Hotspot
Secondary size (ma)	3.75"	4"	4.5"	5.75"
Focuser	FLI Atlas digital focuser
Corrector	3" Wynne with 80 mm backfocus, several camera adapters available
Coatings	High reflectivity aluminum
Tube Rings	hinged, 6061 black anodized, predrilled to fit Paramount ME Versaplate
Tube outer diameter	12"	14"	16"	20"
Tube length	28"	34"	42"	58"
Tube weight	~18 lbs	~ 28 lbs	~44 lbs	~ 88 lbs
Price (includes OTA, FLI Atlas, Wynne corrector	$6,695	$8,095	$10,995	$20,195
Tube Rings	$500	$575	$675	$865
Wynne to CCD Adapter	$225	$225	$225	$225
Delivery	approx 3-4 months
Shipping	contact AGO

*20" model available as special order.  Please contact AGO to inquire. 

Optics

AGO Newtonian astrographs have low expansion F3.8 optics coated with high reflectivity aluminum coatings to maximize light throughput and contrast.   Each primary mirror comes with a CATSEYE^TM "Hotspot" center mark to aid collimation.  

Click here to download the collimation procedure recommended by CATSEYE^TM

• Supremax 33 low expansion mirrors

• Interferometrically tested optics

• Enhanced aluminum coatings

• CNC-machined multi-point flotation cell for primary mirror

• Multiple edge supports at mirror's CG

• Primary mirror baffle

Wynne Corrector

Off-axis abberations are corrected through the use of an AGO-designed, 100% made-in-the-USA 3" Wynne corrector providing pinpoint stars over a 50mm diameter field of view.  The Wynne corrector provides generous 80 mm of backfocus accomodating many CCD camera/filter wheel/off axis guider combinations.

 

FLI Atlas with Wynne Corrector and adapters

• High quality broadband antireflection coating on each lens surface

• Multiple Schott and Ohara glass types used to achieve excellent correction from 400nm to 700nm across 50 mm image circle

• FLI Atlas and Wynne corrector included as standard

Focuser

AGO has selected the best in class FLI Atlas digital focuser as standard equipment for our Newtonian astrograph line.  This focuser is capable of carrying heavy camera loads and is extremely smooth and robust.  Its digital control system allows automatic focusing of stars and perfectly complements an AGO Newtonian astrograph.

Please visit the FLI website (www.flicamera.com) to learn more about the Atlas focuser.

 

Optical Tube Assembly

Stiffness and thermal stability are primary requirements of the design behind the tube assemblies used for AGO's Newtonian astrographs.  A thick wall carbon fiber sandwich core tube is the backbone of each tube assembly creating a very stiff yet lightweight, thermally stable structure to support the optical and mechanical components of the telescope.

• Stiff, high tension dual vane spider assembly using .024" thick stainless steel vanes to minimize diffraction

• Carbon fiber secondary holder to closely match thermal expansion characteristic of Supremax 33 secondary mirror

• Secondary rotational adjustment via smooth, repeatable 24 threads per inch adjustment mechanism

• CNC machined 6061 components, black anodized for a dark, durable finish

• All fasteners stainless steel

• Automotive grade UV resistant clearcoat finish

• High quality prepreg carbon fiber materials cured at elevated temperature using vacuum bag techniques

• Reinforced interface at tube-to-focuser base junction

• Three 12vdc, speed adjustable cooling fans

Carbon fiber composite sandwich core

Tube Rings

AGO Newtonian Astrograph tube rings are lightweight, stiff, CNC machined 6061 aluminum rings.  They can be paired with an AGO dovetail plate to ensure a rigid connection to your mount.  AGO dovetail plates are Losmandy "D" compatibe. The dovetail isn't your typical, run-of-the-mill dovetail, either.  It is nearly .75" thick (compared to around .5" thick for your typical dovetail plate) with serious lightweighting to ensure a great stiffess to weight ratio.   Each base of the tube rings have two 1/4-20 holes spaced 3.5" apart.

AGO 6061 aluminum tube rings

The tube rings can be directly mounted to the Paramount ME Versaplate.

Thermal Control

AGO includes cooling fans with a manual speed controller as standard on all of its Newtonian to help speed the cooling of the primary mirror.