ASA Electronics AZ800 User manual

AZ800 user manual - hardware
Created by: MPuchner 07.2019
version: 9600021A
Original user manual
page 1 of 68
printed: 04.03.2020
AZ800 800mm Ritchey-Chrétien AltAZ Telescope f/6.8 f/2.5 with
Nasmyth focus (0200630A)

AZ800 user manual - hardware
Created by: MPuchner 07.2019
version: 9600021A
Original user manual
page 2 of 68
printed: 04.03.2020
Table of contents
1 General safety-relevant notes........................................................................................................................... 4
1.1 General ...................................................................................................................................................... 4
1.2 Operation as intended............................................................................................................................... 5
1.3 Abusive Operation..................................................................................................................................... 5
1.4 Warranty and liability................................................................................................................................ 5
1.5 Distributor, CE marking ............................................................................................................................. 6
1.6 Target audience......................................................................................................................................... 6
1.7 General safety notes.................................................................................................................................. 6
1.8 Explanation of indication signs and safety hints in this manual................................................................ 7
1.9 Safety related hazards and behaviour....................................................................................................... 8
1.10 Operator’s obligations............................................................................................................................... 9
1.11 Process specific hazards ............................................................................................................................ 9
1.12 Emergency shutdown.............................................................................................................................. 10
2 Product description ......................................................................................................................................... 11
2.1 Drives and controllers.............................................................................................................................. 12
2.2 Telescope control unit (TCU)................................................................................................................... 14
2.2.1 Software .......................................................................................................................................... 14
2.3 Electrical Specifications ........................................................................................................................... 14
2.4 Dimensions and weight ........................................................................................................................... 15
2.5 Optical specifications............................................................................................................................... 16
2.6 Backfocus................................................................................................................................................. 16
2.7 System performance ............................................................................................................................... 17
2.8 Environmental conditions ....................................................................................................................... 17
3 Delivery contents............................................................................................................................................. 17
4 Optional accessories........................................................................................................................................ 17
5 Physical installation ......................................................................................................................................... 18
5.1 Unpacking the telescope ......................................................................................................................... 18
5.2 On-site requirements .............................................................................................................................. 19
5.3 Requirements of concrete foundation.................................................................................................... 20
5.4 Drilling the holes for attaching the telescope to your concrete foundation .......................................... 21
5.5 Lifting the telescope lower part .............................................................................................................. 24
5.6 Lifting the telescope upper part.............................................................................................................. 28
5.7 Connecting the two telescope parts ....................................................................................................... 29

AZ800 user manual - hardware
Created by: MPuchner 07.2019
version: 9600021A
Original user manual
page 3 of 68
printed: 04.03.2020
5.8 Connecting the focuser cable.................................................................................................................. 30
5.9 Mount stray light covers.......................................................................................................................... 32
6 Brake for Elevation axis ................................................................................................................................... 33
7 Aligning the telescope base............................................................................................................................. 34
8 Centre the azimuth axis................................................................................................................................... 36
9 Cable connections ........................................................................................................................................... 37
9.1 Overview.................................................................................................................................................. 37
9.2 Telescope Electronics Cabinet................................................................................................................. 38
9.2.1 Components inside the cabinet....................................................................................................... 40
9.3 Connectors on the telescope................................................................................................................... 41
9.4 Fork side A ............................................................................................................................................... 41
9.5 Fork side B ............................................................................................................................................... 42
9.6 Telescope top side................................................................................................................................... 43
9.7 Telescope bottom side ............................................................................................................................ 44
9.8 Connecting cables for camera and other user specific devices .............................................................. 45
10 Emergency Switches.................................................................................................................................... 47
11 Fans.............................................................................................................................................................. 48
12 Optics collimation........................................................................................................................................ 49
12.1 Collimating the tertiary mirror offset...................................................................................................... 51
12.2 Centering the tertiary mirror................................................................................................................... 53
12.3 Twisting the tertiary mirror for switching between nasmyth foci .......................................................... 54
12.4 Inclination of the tertiary mirror ............................................................................................................. 56
12.5 Collimating tertiary mirror axle............................................................................................................... 59
12.6 Collimating the secondary mirror............................................................................................................ 61
12.7 Collimating the primary mirror................................................................................................................ 63
13 Mounting Camera, Filter wheel, Derotator or eyepiece ............................................................................. 65
14 Operating the telescope.............................................................................................................................. 66
14.1 Switching power supply on and off......................................................................................................... 66
14.2 Software access....................................................................................................................................... 66
15 Mirror cleaning............................................................................................................................................ 67
15.1 Required materials .................................................................................................................................. 67

AZ800 user manual - hardware
Created by: MPuchner 07.2019
version: 9600021A
Original user manual
page 4 of 68
printed: 04.03.2020
1General safety-relevant notes
1.1 General
This user manual serves as training material and relieves operating the machine as intended and safely.
The proper operation and conscientious maintenance are essential for obtaining the reliability and operational
capability of the machine. The safety of all persons who get in touch with this machine highly depends on mastering
the operation of the machine.
So, read this manual before the initial operation!
This user manual enables you to learn everything about the machine’s capabilities before the initial operation and
how to operate it as intended. It contains important hints, to ensure a functional and economic Operation.
This manual is not only an essential entry point for new operators, but also contains useful hints and suggestions
for advanced operators. It is an essential reference text for all users of this machine. By reading the manual
•dangers can be avoided,
•work processes can be optimized and accelerated,
•repair costs and downtimes can be minimized,
•reliability and lifetime can be increased.
This user manual should also be read by machine owners and persons responsible for operation.
In some chapters there are important safety –and hazard hints that prepare you of eventually occurring
dangerous situations. Reading this manual during operation is too late.
Also consider the following principles
Judicious and careful working is the best protection against accidents
This user manual should be stored accessible near the machine.
Purview of this manual:
This user manual was made appropriate to the following technical standards:
•Machinery directive (2006/42/EG)
•Electromagnetic compliance (2004/108/EG)
•Low-voltage directive (2006/95/EG)
Knowledge about basic safety regulations is essential for the safe and unimpeded operation of this machine. This
manual contains the most important hints, to operate this machine safely.
This user manual, especially the safety hints, have to be considered by all persons who work with this machine.
Furthermore, consider the safety regulations and regulations for accident prevention of the application site.

AZ800 user manual - hardware
Created by: MPuchner 07.2019
version: 9600021A
Original user manual
page 5 of 68
printed: 04.03.2020
1.2 Operation as intended
This machine must only be used for observing objects in the sky,
tracking satellites and satellite communication purposes.
Every action differing from the intended operation is an abusive operation and is prohibited.
1.3 Abusive Operation
Examples for abusive operation:
•Every operation that differs from the operation as intended, as described in the previous chapter, or every
operation that extends it.
•When the machine is operated beyond safety and danger requirements considering the hints in this
manual. This also concerns errors, caused by deficient or not-properly executed or unauthorized work on
this machine.
•Every modification, overriding or putting safety installations of the machine out of operation
•When the machine is operated in a technically not impeccable condition
•When technical defects are unremedied before initial operation
•Usage of inadmissible facilities and tools
The manufacturer is not liable for detriments caused by abusive operation
1.4 Warranty and liability
Basically the general terms of delivery and sales of the manufacturer are valid.
Warranty and liability claims for personal or material damages are excepted if they are caused by one of the
following reasons:
•Abusive operation of the machine
•Inappropriate manipulation, initial operation, usage or maintenance of the machine
•Operation with defective safety installations
•Disregard of hints in the manual concerning operation or maintenance of the machine
•Inappropriate physical modifications of the machine
•Poor observation of machine parts that underlie attrition
•Inappropriately performed repairs

AZ800 user manual - hardware
Created by: MPuchner 07.2019
version: 9600021A
Original user manual
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printed: 04.03.2020
1.5 Distributor, CE marking
Type designation: AZ800
Distributor: ASA Astrosysteme GmbH
Galgenau 19
A-4212 Neumarkt i. M.
The CE marking is located on the type label of the machine.
1.6 Target audience
This user manual is for persons that are liable for operation, maintenance, cleaning of this machine and who have
the necessary qualifications and capabilities to realize the possible hazards of working with this machine.
This also includes the knowledge of relevant instructions and generally admitted safety regulations.
1.7 General safety notes
Important!
Always keep this manual at the application site! This complete document must
be accessible for the intended staff. The operational staff must know where
this document is located.
The machine must only be operated and maintained by competent personnel,
who knows the safety arrangements and residual danger and who became
instructed.
Every action that differs from the operation as intended is prohibited. That also
includes components of this machine.
At the time of sale, this machine and all of its components are state of the art.
Nevertheless there are residual risks. The risks for health and persons have
been minimized constructively as good as possible.
This document contains important hints and helps to increase safety for
operation and maintenance.
Following this manual helps to prevent danger and increasing the lifetime of
this machine. Modifying the document is prohibited.
The documentation of each subcontractor and particularly safety hints have to
be abided too.
The manufacturer is not liable for damages caused by not considering the user
manual or inappropriate usage.
This document was made with diligence. Anyhow there might be little
contentual divergences.

AZ800 user manual - hardware
Created by: MPuchner 07.2019
version: 9600021A
Original user manual
page 7 of 68
printed: 04.03.2020
1.8 Explanation of indication signs and safety hints in this manual
Indication sign for simplification of an activity, application hints and other
useful information.
This sign indicates actual hazard for health and life of persons. Adopt
measures to avoid or reduce these hazard and risks.
Not considering these hints might lead to health-damaging consequences,
up to lethal injuries.
Signal word
meaning
DANGER !
Indicates an actual hazard with a high risk. Not consider
Not considering these hints might lead to health-damaging consequences,
up to lethal injuries.
WARNING
Indicates a hazard with a moderate risk. Not considering these hints might
lead to health-damaging consequences, up to lethal injuries.
ATTENTION
Indicates a hazard with a low risk. Not considering these hints might lead to
light to moderate injuries.

AZ800 user manual - hardware
Created by: MPuchner 07.2019
version: 9600021A
Original user manual
page 8 of 68
printed: 04.03.2020
1.9 Safety related hazards and behaviour
The following signs have to be placed or are placed on the machine or its components:
Sign
Meaning
Location
Behaviour
Caution against
electricity
On the telescope
electronics
cabinet
Work on electric components
must only be performed by
skilled professional staff!
Disconnect power before
opening it.
Caution against
hand injuries
On the telescope
fork
Keep your hands away from the
danger zone during telescope
movement.
Due to changed weight balance
(due to removing/adding
components on the telescope),
the telescope might move.
When a power failure occurs, the
telescope might move, if the
weight balance is not assured.
Caution against
optical radiation
Nasmyth foci
Do not look into the nasmyth foci
when the telescope is aiming on
a bright object. The bright light
might harm your eyes.
Hints and signs located on the machine must be considered in any case.
Keep all the signs and hints located on the machine in an impeccable and legible
condition.

AZ800 user manual - hardware
Created by: MPuchner 07.2019
version: 9600021A
Original user manual
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printed: 04.03.2020
1.10 Operator’s obligations
Every person who works with this machine is liable of:
•Considering company safety regulation
•Considering the general regulations for occupational safety and accident prevention
•Reading this manual and confirming to understand it with a signature
•Considering the machine-specific regulations like this manual
•Considering all additional user information such as acoustic and optical warning signs, floor signalling,
hint signs, prohibition- and mandatory signs
•Wearing the personal protective equipment
•Performing the delegated work tasks prudently and reliably
•Permanent observation of the technical condition of the machine, concerning apparent damages and
defects and altered operational behaviour
•Reporting damages and defects immediately to the supervisor
•Only using impeccable and suitable tools and equipment
The personnel working on this machine must receive a training course to learn all safety installations and
regulations. The personnel need to read all the chapters of this manual.
1.11 Process specific hazards
The operator should be informed about the following hints before initial operation and should comply
with them at all time.
Always observe the manufacturer’s safety notes!
CAUTION
Never work negligently or recklessly on the machine!
Do never touch the machine during movement!
Watch out for persons located in the machine’s range of
movement!
Switch off the machine’s power supply before cleaning it!
Take care of not touching the telescope fans when they are
switched on! This might cause hand injuries.

AZ800 user manual - hardware
Created by: MPuchner 07.2019
version: 9600021A
Original user manual
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printed: 04.03.2020
DANGER !
Only operate the machine when a proper weight balance is
ensured! Removing or adding components to the machine changes
the weight balance and might cause unintended movement.
With inaccurate weight balance the telescope might move
unintentional at power failure.
Always check weight balance after every modification.
CAUTION
When using oils, lubricant or other chemical substances always
consider the products safety regulations (safety data sheets)!
Consider the environment-friendly usage and correct disposal of
these products.
CAUTION
Always ensure that the machine cannot be used or powered on
by unauthorized persons during operation pause.
DANGER !
Do not touch any current-carrying parts!
DANGER !
Do not look into the nasmyth foci when the telescope is aiming on a
bright object. The bright light might harm your eyes.
DANGER !
Always protect the telescope’s optics from direct exposure of the
sun. The bundled light might not only harm your eyes, but can also
cause fire at objects near the focus.
1.12 Emergency shutdown
By pressing the emergency switches on the telescope fork, the motors power supply is interrupted. The machine
can then be moved by hand.

AZ800 user manual - hardware
Created by: MPuchner 07.2019
version: 9600021A
Original user manual
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printed: 04.03.2020
2Product description
The AZ800 is a high end RC telescope with nasmyth focus in a fork mount. It is driven by direct drive torque
motors combined with high resolution optical absolute encoders for position feedback.
The tertiary mirror can be rotated by a torque motor to any position, so that the telescope provides up to 4
usable foci.
The focuser is also equipped with an absolute encoder. It shifts the secondary mirror.
Figure 1 - AZ800 overview

AZ800 user manual - hardware
Created by: MPuchner 07.2019
version: 9600021A
Original user manual
page 12 of 68
printed: 04.03.2020
2.1 Drives and controllers
Since all drives are equipped with absolute encoders, reference runs or homefind procedures on power-on are
not needed any more.
The telescope, focuser, rotator know their current position right after start-up.
Altitude and Azimuth drives
Motors ASA torque motors: d=290mm, max. torque = 140Nm
Controller ASA Torque motor controller board
Feedback Sensor high resolution optical absolute encoders
max. rotational speed 6° (up to 10° optional)
max. travel angle in azimuth +-340°
travel range in altitude 10° … 90°
Tertiary mirror drive
Motor ASA torque motor: d=127mm, max. torque = 12Nm
Controller ASA Torque motor controller board
Feedback Sensor high resolution optical absolute encoders
Focuser
Secondary mirror focusing
Motor Linear stepper motor, min. step size < 0.1µm
Controller ASA Stepper motor controller board
Feedback sensor ASA absolute encoder, resolution = 0.156µm
max. travel distance 30mm

AZ800 user manual - hardware
Created by: MPuchner 07.2019
version: 9600021A
Original user manual
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printed: 04.03.2020
Mirror covers
Motors DC motor with planetary gearing
Controller ASA DC motor controller board
Feedback sensor potentiometer
The covers can also be moved by hand because of the integrated slip clutch that protects the gearing from
damage. The covers are equipped with counter weights, so the weight balance of the telescope does not change
regardless if the covers are open or closed.
Derotator (optional)
The derotator is a separate device mounted to one of the fork sides.
Motor Stepper motor with screw drive
Controller ASA Stepper motor controller board with CAN-bus interface
Feedback sensor high resolution optical absolute encoders
max. rotational speed 6°/sec
max. travel angle 350°
Filter wheel (optional)
For 4 filters with 100x100mm (Filters are not included)
Motor stepper motor with belt drive
Controller ASA Stepper motor controller board with CAN-bus interface
Feedback Sensor ASA magnetic absolute encoder

AZ800 user manual - hardware
Created by: MPuchner 07.2019
version: 9600021A
Original user manual
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printed: 04.03.2020
2.2 Telescope control unit (TCU)
The telescope control unit is a computer integrated in the telescope that handles all the commands for
operating the telescope. The TCU can be accessed via Ethernet connection. A user’s computer is required for
operating the telescope (not included).
2.2.1 Software
The TCU is a windows computer running ASA’s telescope control software Autoslew. Alternatively linux software
is available.
2.3 Electrical Specifications
The telescope is completely powered by the power supply units inside the telescope electronics cabinet. The
maximum Voltage inside the telescope is 24VDC. The cabinet needs to be connected to a standard 110/230VAC
power socket or an appropriate UPS (uninterruptable power supply).
Typical power consumption during tracking: ~50-200W (excluding camera)
Peak power consumption (acceleration, wind gusts, …): up to 700W
ASA recommends using a UPS with 1000VA or more (not included) for the telescope’s
power supply.
Suitable UPS is available at ASA.

AZ800 user manual - hardware
Created by: MPuchner 07.2019
version: 9600021A
Original user manual
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printed: 04.03.2020
2.4 Dimensions and weight
Weight: 900kg (1990lbs)
Figure 2 - Dimensions
Figure 3 - Dimensions

AZ800 user manual - hardware
Created by: MPuchner 07.2019
version: 9600021A
Original user manual
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2.5 Optical specifications
Guaranteed surface quality
λ/24 RMS wave front accuracy (>90% Strehl)
A quality certificate including an interferogram comes with the telescope.
If you want to learn more about ASA’s optics manufacturing and outstanding testing methods click here.
Focal length 5476mm
f-number 6.8
optical Diameter ≥800mm
Mirror Material Fused Silica (JGS2 Quartz), ultra-low thermal expansion 0.55e-6/°C
Image scale 37.67” per mm
2.6 Backfocus
The following figure describes the position of the optical focus for each of the nasmyth focus ports.
Figure 4 - backfocus for nasmyth ports [mm]

AZ800 user manual - hardware
Created by: MPuchner 07.2019
version: 9600021A
Original user manual
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printed: 04.03.2020
2.7 System performance
Pointing accuracy <8”RMS with pointing model (for altitude 20° to 85°)
Tracking accuracy <0,25” RMS within 5 minutes tracking time (for altitude 20° to 85°)
(without seeing effects and with a pointing model in use)
over 5 min: 0,05” RMS/min
Slewing speed 6° /sec (up to 10°/sec optional)
2.8 Environmental conditions
Ambient operating
temperature -20°C … 40°C
Storage temperature -30°C … 50°C
Ambient operating
Humidity 95% RH max. (non-condensing)
3Delivery contents
•AZ800 telescope
Including fork mount und telescope with ASA optics
•Telescope electronics cabinet
Including all power supplies for telescope, IP-remote power switch, Ethernet switch
•Drilling template
•Tools
Including almost all tools necessary for telescope installation
(see chapter On-site requirements which items have to be provided by customer)
•Laser for optical collimation
•Packaging
4Optional accessories
•Main mirror covers with electric drives
•Derotator
•Filter Wheel
•Customer specific camera adapter
•Correctors: Field Flattener, 2 versions of Reducer
•UPS (uninterruptable power supply)

AZ800 user manual - hardware
Created by: MPuchner 07.2019
version: 9600021A
Original user manual
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printed: 04.03.2020
5Physical installation
5.1 Unpacking the telescope
The AZ800 telescope will be delivered in 2 wooden crates (1, 2).
Remove the plastic foil and cut the white straps with a knife. Then just lift up the top lid. Then remove the
lateral parts by lifting them up.
There is a third wooden crate (3) that includes the telescope cabinet. The tool box (4) is mounted on top of this
crate.
Figure 5 - Packaging
1Crate for AZ800 lower part (165 x 120 x 165cm, ~930kg) (length x width x height)
2Crate for AZ800 upper part (120 x 117 x 144cm, ~240kg)
3Crate that contains cabinet, accessories, an drilling template (105 x 100 x 46cm, ~200kg)
4Tool box (80 x 50 x 50cm, ~20kg)
You do not need any tools (except a knife) for opening the wooden crates. If you are
careful with unpacking the crates can be reused.
The smaller crate (3) can be used for the primary mirror if it needs to be transported
separately in future (e.g. for recoating).

AZ800 user manual - hardware
Created by: MPuchner 07.2019
version: 9600021A
Original user manual
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printed: 04.03.2020
5.2 On-site requirements
The telescope will be delivered in wooden crates. Store them in a dry environment protected from weather.
Do not unpack any items of your telescope without the presence of ASA staff.
For the initial installation the following things have to be provided by the customer:
•Stable Internet connection completely accessible for ASA stuff during the whole installation process
min. data rates: 5Mbit/s download, 500kbit/s upload
available port on your local Ethernet switch
•Operator computer: a simple office PC is sufficient
•110/230VAC power socket
•Appropriate concrete foundation (see chapter Requirements of concrete foundation)
•Crane: Consider the telescope weight (see chapter Dimensions and weight), height and lifting distance
required to lift the telescope into your observatory.
•Road to observatory has to be negotiable for trucks
•Electric drill with SDS-plus chuck
•appropriate vacuum cleaner for cleaning the drill holes

AZ800 user manual - hardware
Created by: MPuchner 07.2019
version: 9600021A
Original user manual
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printed: 04.03.2020
5.3 Requirements of concrete foundation
For placing the AZ800 telescope you need a flat, uncracked concrete foundation with a diameter of 700mm or
larger. If you want to, you can also use a hollow concrete pillar. In this case the centre hole must be smaller than
300mm in diameter.
In the red marked area there will be the holes for the thread rods, used for fixing the telescope on the pillar.
Keep this area free of reinforcement rods, so that the holes can be drilled without interference.
Figure 6 - foundation requirements
max. unevenness: +-1mm
max. horizontal deviation: 1,5°
ASA is not liable for any damages caused by inappropriately manufactured concrete
foundations.
Consult professional for constructing your foundation.