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16"
Dream Astrograph - Filtered
Air System Technology (FAST) |
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The foremost priority of a forced air system is to
help the entire instrument reach and
follow ambient temperatures more closely. |
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The benefits of Dream's unique Filtered Air System
Technology (FAST) are numerous. It allows a much greater volume
of air than other designs. This is due to the enormous surface
area of the high-performance K&N filters used and because
of the specific high-volume, low-vibration fans used. The large
surface area of the filter media causes far less static pressure
than placing small blocks of filter media directly on a fan.
The higher the static pressure, the greater the loss to the air
volume moved. |
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For the 16" Dream Astrographs the air volume
inside the tube is exchanged 5-6 times per minute. |
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Why
does Dream put so much effort into equalization? |
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Dream's use of FAST provides numerous additional benefits
that no other systems offer. We are filling the telescope chamber
with filtered clean air. This helps keep the optics cleaner for
a much longer length of time. For remote imagers/science, we
advise our clients to leave the fans on all the time, even during
the day. These fans are very light and efficient, using less
than 10 watts altogether. Leaving them on has additional thermal
benefits but it also eliminates the need for automated front
aperture covers for the instrument. |
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Moving air does not allow dew formation. Moisture
is the leading cause of dust and other air borne materials adhering
to surfaces. FAST keeps the optics prestinely clean, the thermal
benefits are enormous and insects, especially spiders, do not
enter the tube. |
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Dream is the only company in the world utilizing FAST.
Dream is also the only company in the world offering a standard
optical instrument that utilizes engineered lightweight mirror
blanks for both the primary and secondary mirrors. This combination
produces unrivaled speed in equalization of the optics. |
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Click the image to
the left to see more photographs of the 16" f3.75 Dream
Astrograph. |
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Click on the image to the right to see the telescope
on a Software Bisque Paramount ME. |
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