How long will it take to get my
scope?
The typical delivery time for an AG Optical
Systems telescope ranges from 3 to 4 months. While AG Optical
Systems attempts to deliver each telescope as soon as possible, we
are dependent upon suppliers who have production schedules over
which AG Optical Systems has no control. One thing of which
you can be sure is that AG Optical Systems is constantly striving to
reduce delivery times and will keep you well-informed should any
delays occur.
How do I place an order?
AG Optical Systems requires a 50%
deposit of the total value of the product you order. Once we
receive this deposit we will begin the process of building your
scope. When the telescope is completed and ready to ship, AG
Optical Systems will contact you with the balance due on the
telescope. The telescope will be shipped when AG Optical
Systems receives the balance due on the order. Do not
assume you have placed an order until you explicitly request
the item and have received an invoice from AG Optical Systems that
lists the item.
Can an iDK telescope be used
visually?
Yes. Any iDK telescope can be used for
visual observation using common eyepieces and eyepiece adapters.
What is the AG Optical Systems
Thermal Control System?
The AG Optical Systems Thermal Control
System consists of a PC application, primary mirror cooling fans,
primary mirror heater, secondary mirror heater, and three
temperature sensors. Based on user defined settings, the
system will automatically trigger
cooling fans and/or heaters to speed the cooling of the primary
mirror while preventing the formation of dew on the primary mirror
and secondary mirror.
Who makes your optics?
We use US manufacturers for our corrector
elements to ensure consistent and reliable quality for these
critical components. Our mirrors are manufactured by
Ostahowski Optics. Ostahowski Optics has decades of optical
manufacturing experience and is well-known for producing high
quality optics
for public and private sector markets.
How will my telescope be shipped?
AG Optical Telescopes that are 12.5" and
smaller are shipped in heavy duty, foam-lined cardboard boxes.
The telescope is carefully wrapped in a heavy bubble wrap and
securely packed in the box. We typically use FedEx Ground
service unless the customer requests another delivery service.
AG Optical Telescopes larger than 12.5" are
shipped in an extremely study, professionally made wooden crate
built specifically for each telescope type. Each crate is
foam-lined while the telescope itself is securely wrapped with
several layers of bubble wrap. AG Optical Systems uses
well-established freight shipping companies to securely transport
your telescope to whatever destination is required.
How do you test the optics in my
telescope?
AG Optical Systems has a multi-step testing
process to ensure that the optics you receive will perform to a high
standard. Our first step is to source our optics only from
well-established, professional optical suppliers who have shown that
they can deliver
consistently
a high-quality optic. Interferometric testing was used on
early prototypes of each telescope type to prove out the design and
manufacturing process. Production optics are testing using
high-quality reference elements and various tests to include null
testing of the entire optical system at focus. AG Optical
Systems has a large collimating telescope with a high quality optic
that we use to check every telescope that we manufacture. We
star test each telescope and use Ronchi testing to assess the system
level performance of each telescope before releasing it to the
customer.
Does AG Optical Systems sell
telescopes overseas?
AG Optical Systems sell telescopes overseas
only through our authorized European dealer.