Autoguiding System For The 2-M Rcc Telescope Of The Rozhen National Astronomical Observatory

This paper describes the design, the parameters, and the basics of operation of the autoguider for the 2-meter telescope of the Rozhen National Astronomical Observatory. The results of tests are presented which aimed the characterization the response of the telescope against short-time corrections. Special attention is devoted to particular details of the system which were included in order to assure correct operation of the autoguider in case of sporadic displacements from the nominal telescope tracking. First tests of long exposure observations obtained with autoguiding show a substantial increase of the imaging quality in the Ritchey-Chretien focus of the 2-m telescope. The autoguiding system was designed and manufactured with financial support by UNESCO Regional Bureau for Science and Culture Europe (BRESCE).