New robotic telescopes by Halfmann-Teleskoptechnik GmbH and Tuparev Technologies Inc.

Abstract

We will present aspects of the installation, commissioning, software development, and early operation of several new robotic telescopes: 1) the 1.2-m MONET/South telescope at Sutherland/ZA, the second Halfmann telescope for the MONET telescope network (the other telescope has been in operation at McDonald Observatory in Texas since early 2006); 2) a siderostat for a 0.5-m vacuum tower telescope for the new physics building of the Georg-August-Universitat Göttingen; and 3) new developments for smaller (down to 0.5m) aperture telescopes. Special emphasis will be given to drive technology: using torque motors we adjust maximum slewing speeds of 10°/sec as standard. Although sufficient for most projects we are investigating even faster slewing speeds.