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Computer-based automated control of primary mirror cooling, primary and secondary mirror anti-dew control.

The AG Optical Systems Thermal Control System (TCS) consists of:

  • TCS Control Box

  • AG Optical Systems Thermal Manager software application (Windows compatible)

  • Primary mirror cooling fans

  • Primary mirror heater

  • Secondary mirror heater

  • Primary mirror temperature sensor

  • Secondary mirror temperature sensor

  • Ambient temperature sensor

  • cabling

The system is designed to maintain the temperature of the primary and secondary mirrors within a few degrees of ambient air temperature by automatically turning on and off the heating and cooling elements of the TCS according to parameters set by the user. Given the wide variability of factors affecting the thermal behavior of the telescope system, AG Optical System designed the TCS to be a simple but effective system that the user can easily monitor and adjust to achieve the best possible performance for their specific telescope system.