The newly released update to the classic TEC APO160FL “Yellow Submarine” offers a refractor telescope with 160 mm free aperture and 1760 mm focal length. This updated f/11 version introduces key design changes to optimize color correction offering an apochromatic doublet lens with a fluorite (CaF2) inner element that comes up to temperature faster than the previous version.
The f/11 focal length ratio, in combination with the fluorite element, results in perfect color correction. The excellent contrast of the air-spaced doublet design and the longer focal ratio help users delve deep into the skies.
The TEC APO160FL lens has an aluminum frame, which offers excellent temperature compensation behavior and is at the same time light and stable. The optics are built into a lightweight aluminum tube, which has an anti-reflective coating on the inside and sharply defined apertures. Users don’t have to worry about collimation as, after the telescope leaves the TEC factory, adjustment is not necessary. The crisp black and gold assembly projects the elegant, handcrafted quality that TEC is known for.
Each TEC APO160FL is equipped with a Starlight Instruments FTF#3545 Feather Touch focuser. It is Starlight Instruments’ largest rotary focuser with a 9:1 planetary gear for coarse and fine focusing. The 2″ ring clamp is insensitive to temperature fluctuations and holds even heavy loads with high precision and concentricity.
TEC telescopes go through rigorous testing to ensure top quality performance. Newtonian Rings are used throughout the glass production process and the company uses an interferometer to correct any remaining imperfections. Every telescope is then tested vigorously to reach the most optimum Strehl ratio possible.
The TEC APO160FL can be mounted with a 12″ plate and handle that attach to brackets which connect directly to the telescope flanges. Larger Losmandy Plates could be used to give a longer balancing range for the telescope. TEC recommends pairing with a high-capacity load mount and a stationary observation station. Recommended mounts include the 10Micron AZ2000 HPS and GM2000 HPS mounts as well as the Astro-Physics 1600GTO Mounts.
Highlights of the TEC APO160FL include:
– Clear Aperture: 160mm (6.3in)
– Focal Length: 1760mm (69in)
– Focal Ratio: f/11
– Back Focus Distance: 250mm (9.8in)
– Tube Diameter: 162 mm (6.3in)
– Working Tube Length: 1750mm – 1800mm – (68.9in – 70.9in)
– OTA Weight: 12.5kg (28lbs.)
You can learn more about the TEC APO160FL here.
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