The ultra fast Riccardi-Honders astrograph represents the only true innovation in optics in the past few years. Born from the intuition of Italian designer Dr. Massimo Riccardi as a variant of the original Honders design, this new configuration combines the ultra fast f/2.8 focal ratio with a flat imaging field and a very large diameter. In addition to this amazing optical performance, the Veloce RH Series instruments are distinguished by an impressive compactness, unique in its kind, making it very easy to transport and easy to install on typical amateur mounts. The Veloce series of telescopes are the perfect instruments for those astroimagers who are searching for a very large corrected field.
The very fast focal ratio allows for the use of very narrow band filters, keeping exposure times short, while the widest possible imaging field greatly facilitates the realization of variable stars, asteroids or extrasolar planet search surveys.
OPTICS
The back surface reflection of the primary mirror (called Mangin) is the main characteristic distinguishing the Riccardi-Honders optical design. Combining the reflecting and double refracting action (the incoming light passes through the full thickness of the primary mirror twice) of this element it is possible to obtain a greater optical correction while maintaining the instrument extremely compact. The optical design includes a lens and a two element flattener group situated before the focal plane. This complex optical system guarantees the astroimager a greater off-axis correction, even with an ultra fast F/2.8 focal ratio.
Getting closer to perfection, the Veloce now uses an innovative Nano Coating® which has an amazing resistance to dust and moisture and a better transmission over a wider wavelength bandwidth range, a feature appreciated by professionals.
The corrected and illuminated field is 60mm. If the user needs to compensate the small misalignment in the imaging train, it is possible to adjust the planarity of the focal plane with 3 screws located on the back plate.
An interesting fact about the RH Veloce: since the double frontal lens is convergent, the Mangin mirror is smaller than the "nominal" diameter of the scope, while the meniscus itself is bigger than the nominal diameter, ensuring a good illumination over the wide field of view of such scopes. For example, the 200mm model has a 220mm meniscus and a 190mm primary mirror. The secondary mirror is a separated piece of glass, or it is made coating the middle of the meniscus depending on the model. For this reason, "entry pupil" is mentioned and not "primary mirror diameter" for these instruments.
MECHANICS
Due to the most recent optical and mechanical design software used during the latest develop, the Veloce Series has a fixed focal position versus temperature shift during imaging sessions, an essential condition when using instruments with such a fast focal ratio. All the mechanical parts are produced using only the finest materials available such as aluminium 6061/7075, titanium, bronze, stainless steel and carbon fiber. The tube is designed and optimized with CAD and computer support modelling to achieve the best rigidity and lightness. All parts are fully CNC machined to guarantee the best possible precision. The high resistance anodization is chosen for unbeatable resistance to environmental conditions. Finally, the good extraction of focal plane position allows to use complex imaging trains, both with CCD, CMOS or the more popular digital reflex cameras.
Collimation is not only stable, but also intuitive: the primary mirror cell has 3 collimation points with a large diameter pre-loaded cup springs (one for each point), operated from oversized bolts. No more difficult pull/push screws and locking screws either. Light scattering is avoided with a circular mask placed on the mirror borders. Inside the light shield there are micro baffles combined with special opaque dark painting and flocking for a nearly zero stray light.
