The Iwanika Observatory

The small enclosure situated behind the main observing shed and warm room of the TKUC Observatory contains Rick Iwanika's latest telescope. The observing shed is a very simple, "clam-shell" design that is both economical and easy to fabricate. Cost was less than $500 and construction took only several days. Completed in Summer 1998, the building has proven to be very durable and convenient to use.

The Telescope

Semi-robotic, the telescope is an F/4.5 16" . All electronics (guidance and imaging) is located in the warm room of the main observing building. Click on the thumbnail to get a bigger view of the 16".

The telescope boasts a very compact open truss design with a CB245 imager and CB211 autoguider. The telescope is extremely stable and will be well suited for both asteroid searches as well as work on CV's. Friction drives are used on both axes and again (thanks to Mel Bartels!), the telescope is computer controlled.

close-up of the drive system showing both the RA and DEC friction assemblies.

the camera