Rare Find Planewave Cdk400 Observatory System Fast Dispatch [PugVljFb]
DescriptionEnjoy exceptional optical and tracking performance for astrophotography, or research, with the CDK400 package! Includes a CDK17 optical tube and L-500 mount.The PlaneWave Instruments CDK17 is a 17 inch (0.43 m) f/6.8 Corrected Dall-Kirkham
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Rare Find Planewave Cdk400 Observatory System Fast Dispatch [PugVljFb]
Description
Enjoy exceptional optical and tracking performance for astrophotography, or research, with the CDK400 package! Includes a CDK17 optical tube and L-500 mount.
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.
CDK17 optical tube:
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f/6.8 and 2939mm focal length
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No coma, no off-axis astigmatism, and no field curvature.
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Pinpoint stars across a 70mm image circle.
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Rock solid fused silica mirrors with low thermal expansion.
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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:
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Zero periodic error, zero backlash, and minimal maintenance due to the lack of gears.
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Slew speeds up to 50 degrees/sec for satellite tracking and fast target acquisition.
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Sidereal tracking accuracy of < 0.30 arcseconds RMS over 5 minutes.
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High resolution optical encoders on both axes for precision feedback.
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Can be installed in either equatorial, or alt/az configuration.
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Includes PWI4 software (ASCOM compliant) for mount control.
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
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Direct-drive motors on each axis for smooth, fast, and virtually silent movement of the telescope
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Slew speeds up to 50 degrees per second
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High-resolution encoders on each axis for precise positioning
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Zero backlash
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Zero periodic error
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PointXP mount modelling software
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Enclosed electronics
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Through the mount cabling
CDK-400 + Core Accessories
Item Number |
Description |
Price |
| 170130Q | CDK-400 (CDK17 / L-500) | $37,000 |
| 600180 | IRF90 Rotating Focuser | $ 4,500 |
| 240901 | EFA, Focuser Accessory Control | $ 1,000 |
| Total | $42,500 |
Specifications
Mount System
| Type | Alt-Azimuth / Equatorial Direct Drive Mount |
| Weight | 257 lbs (100 kg) |
| Component Weights | Azimuth Base-- 121 lbs, Fork Arm-- 136 lbs |
| Max. Load Capacity | 200 lbs (91 kg) |
| Latitude Range | 0 to 90 degrees, Northern and Southern hemispheres |
| Cable Management | Equipment cables can be wired through mount |
Control System
| Control Electronics | PlaneWave Interface dual axis telescope control |
| User Interface | PlaneWave Interface 4 (PWI4) Control Software with integrated PointXP mount modeling software |
| Homing Sensors | Home position sensors are included allowing the mount can find its home position on power up. |
| Slew Rate | 20 degrees per second (standard); 50 degrees per second (maximum), both axes |
| Power Requirement | Accepts 120 VAC. Supplied with 12VDC 15A Regulated Power Adapter |
Optical System
| Aperture | 17 inch (432 mm) |
| Focal Length | 2939 mm (115.71 inch) |
| Focal ratio | F/6.8 |
| Central Obstruction | 23.7% by surface area; 48.6% of the Primary Mirror Diameter |
| Back Focus from Mounting Surface | 10.24 inch (260 mm) |
| Weight | 106 lbs (48 kg) |
| Optimal Field of View | 70mm Image Circle |
Motion Control
| Motor Control | Industrial grade brushless motor control system and built in electronics |
| Motor-- Azimuth and Altitude | Direct Drive 3 Phase Axial-Flux Torque Motors |
| Encoder-- Azimuth and Altitude | 152mm stainless steel encoder ring with reader built into the azimuth and altitude axes. 18,880,000 counts per revolution (0.069 arcsecond resolution). |
| Motor Torque | Approximately 20 ft-lbs continuous; 50 ft-lbs peak |
| Drive Electronics | Industrial grade, off-the-shelf brushless motor drives for each axis with custom designed interface card |
| Telescope Control Software | PlaneWave Interface (PWI4). Incorporates PointXP mount modeling software by Dave Rowe. Provides HTTP and ASCOM control interfaces. |
System Performance
| Pointing Accuracy | <10 arcsecond RMS with PointXP Model |
| Pointing Precision |
2 arcseconds at sidereal velocity |
| Tracking Accuracy |
< 0.3 arcseconds over a 5 minute period at sidereal velocity |
| System Natural Frequency | 10 Hz or greater |
Downloads
PlaneWave Interface 4 Software User Manual_V15 1.7.2021
Included Items
| Heating elements for dew prevention | The heating pads on the primary and secondary mirror require the 600195 Delta-T controller sold separately |
| OTA Cover | To protect the primary mirror and inside of the optical tube |
| Flashdrive | Contains software and instructions for collimation and spacing the primary to secondary mirror |
| Hardware | Six 1/2-13 x 1 1/4-"-" socket head cap screws to bolt the mount to the pier, or wedge
Six 1/2-13 washers One extended length shoulder bolt for RA axis to EQ wedge alignment |
| One 16-" USB cable | To connect the mount to the observatory control computer |
| One 120VAC power cable | To provide power to the mount |
| Standard Allen Key set | For tightening bolts used on the mount |
| Flashdrive | Contains PWI4 software for mount control and instructions for installation |
| Gamepad | Used for control of the mount tracking speeds for visual observing |
Recommended Accessories
Mounting Bracket for Finderscopes (125360)
Finderscope and Mounting Bracket (200985)
Visual Adapter-- CDK17 (200399)
IRF90-- Integrated Rotating Focuser (600180)
EFA kit Electronic Focuser (240901)
Piggyback Dovetail Bars (170991)
What Our Customers Say
Absolutely no complaints!
A very good product, I have to say for sure.
- Elain I..
Absolutely no complaints!
A superb item that feels very, very, very durable.
- Taryn G..
Absolutely no complaints!
This is a very fine and an extremely, very useful tool.
- Llywelyn B..





