CDK400 Observatory System Planewave

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Enjoy exceptional optical and tracking performance for astrophotography, or research, with the CDK400 package! Includes a CDK17 optical tube and L-500 mount.

• CDK17 optical tube:
  • f/6.8 and 2939mm focal length
  • No coma, no off-axis astigmatism, and no field curvature.
  • Pinpoint stars across a 70mm image circle.
  • Rock solid fused silica mirrors with low thermal expansion.
  • Carbon fiber optical tube assembly for rigidity and fast cooling.
  • Simple secondary mirror collimation thanks to the fixed primary mirror.
• L-500 direct drive mount:
  • Zero periodic error, zero backlash, and minimal maintenance due to the lack of gears.
  • Slew speeds up to 50 degrees/sec for satellite tracking and fast target acquisition.
  • Sidereal tracking accuracy of < 0.30 arcseconds RMS over 5 minutes.
  • High resolution optical encoders on both axes for precision feedback.
  • Can be installed in either equatorial, or alt/az configuration.
  • Includes PWI4 software (ASCOM compliant) for mount control.

Description

The PlaneWave Instruments CDK17 is a 17 inch (0.43 m) f/6.8 Corrected Dall-Kirkham Astrograph telescope. The CDK17 has a dual carbon-fiber truss design, with 3 cooling fans ejecting air from the back of the telescope, and 4 fans blowing across the boundary layer of the mirror’s surface. The CDK17 covers a 70 mm field of view without any field curvature, off-axis coma, or astigmatism. The instrument weight is 94 lbs (43 kg) and comes standard with a backplate retaining ring ready to accept the focuser of your choice.

All CDK17 telescopes come with fused silica primary and secondary mirrors. 

The L-Series combines versatility, simplicity and affordability by combining all the technology of our Observatory class telescopes into a compact stand-alone mount.   In its Alt/Az configuration, it is considerably more compact than its equatorial counterpart, allowing a larger telescope to fit in a smaller enclosure. The mass it takes to make a rigid alt/az mount is substantially less, leading to cost savings. Unlike German Equatorial mounts, there are no meridian flips to deal with, and no  large protruding counterweights to create a dangerous hazard in a public observatory. Alt/Az is more intuitive to use and no polar alignment is needed. Besides, it is the way the pros do it!

L-Series Mount Features:

• Direct-drive motors on each axis for smooth, fast, and virtually silent movement of the telescope
• Slew speeds up to 50 degrees per second
• High-resolution encoders on each axis for precise positioning
• Zero backlash
• Zero periodic error
• PointXP mount modelling software
• Enclosed electronics
• Through the mount cabling

Direct drive motors and encoders	Direct Drive motors and on-axis encoders eliminate the need for  gears, thereby eliminating backlash and periodic error. With high-resolution encoders providing the feedback for the direct drive motors, not only will the telescope track without periodic error and backlash, the mount will also counter wind gusts with precise servo feedback.
Incredible Slew Speed	The direct drive motors can move the telescope at speeds up to 50 degrees per second for tracking satellites or just to minimize target acquisition time.
Dual mounting bracket	PlaneWave style mounting bracket to hold CDK17/20 onto inside of fork arm with additional option of mounting a scope on the outside of the fork arm. Optional dovetail clamp required.
Azimuth dovetail balance system	For precise center of gravity balance whether in Alt-Az or Equatorial configuration
Through the mount cabling	Access panels in the fork arm and azimuth axis allow for camera equipment cabling through the inside of the mount.
Proven CDK700/PW1000 Technology	The L-Series uses the same proven technology as the CDK700 and 1-Meter PW1000 which are being used in Universities round the world.