Software Bisque recently completed a project in which we rebuilt and upgraded a Byers Series III mount with robotic control and also constructed an 18-inch carbon fiber Newtonian optical tube assembly for one of our clients.

The Software Bisque robotic telescope control system (MKS-3000) was added to the Byers Series III mount. This included the addition of homing sensors and spring-loaded right ascension and declination worm block assemblies for "Paramount GT-1100" like performance.

The Byers Series III mount now carries a Software Bisque designed carbon fiber, 18-inch f/4.5 optical tube assembly. The OTA is a "multipurpose" design for both visual observation and CCD imaging. The Custom-built OTA rings allow the tube to be rotated "in place" to make accessing the eyepiece simple, without significantly affecting the current field of view. The f/4 Newtonian design is also ideal for CCD imaging.

The following pictures show the final product as well as many of the modifications.

The pictures below show the completed, installed product.

Note the "forward" position of the optical tube assembly. Observatory height limitations necessitates mounting counterweights on the rear of the optical tube assembly.  The mount (OTA plus counterweights) is carrying approximately 164 kg (360 lbs.).

Mirror cell on the rear of the OTA.

Picture of the integrated Software Bisque robotic telescope control system (MKS-3000) with "through-the-mount" wiring.

The extremely rigid OTA spider holds the secondary mirror in place for consistent collimation.

18-inch carbon fiber Newtonian f/4.5 optical tube assembly.

Photographs of the Byers Mount after being refurbished.

Custom-built and redesigned worm block assemblies (for both right ascension and declination axes). Note thrust bearings used to mount the spring-loaded worm-block.

Reconfigured right-ascension and declination gear hubs (center of the gear) to improve "roundness" and "flatness."

Custom built parts to hold homing sensors for each axis (no photograph)

Precision Spider

Here is the four vane, pre-anodized, "spider" that will hold the secondary mirror in place. There are 25 custom-made, CNC-milled components in this assembly alone. No other commercial optical tube assembly employs a similar high-strength, precision-made spider.