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CDK14 f/7.2 Optical Tube Assembly

SKU: 140101Q Categories: , ,

$16,000.00

The CDK14 from PlaneWave Instruments embodies a blend of precision engineering and innovation, tailored for the dedicated astrophotographer and the discerning astronomer. With its advanced technology and meticulous design, the CDK14 delivers high-quality images for various advanced observational and scientific applications.

*Price excludes shipping and crating. See our crating and pricing policy for full details.

Key Features Overview

Its remarkable specifications and features distinguish the CDK14:

  • 14-inch (356 mm) aperture
  • 2563 mm focal length
  • f/7.2 focal ratio
  • 282 mm Back Focus from Mounting Surface
  • Perfectly flat field across the entire 70mm image circle
  • No off-axis coma or astigmatism
  • Rock-solid fused silica mirrors with low thermal expansion
  • Lightweight and rigid carbon fiber optical tube assembly

100 in stock

About the CDK14 f/7.2 Optical Tube Assembly

CDK14’s Key Features

Large Aperture and Moderate Focal Ratio

The CDK14 features a substantial 356 mm aperture and a moderate f/7.2 focal ratio. This setup enhances its capability to capture deep-sky objects with remarkable detail, providing excellent light-gathering efficiency and a broad field of view for research and imaging.

Advanced Optical Design

Equipped with a state-of-the-art Corrected Dall-Kirkham optical system, the CDK14 offers exceptional image clarity. Its design eliminates off-axis coma and astigmatism and delivers a perfectly flat field, ensuring images are sharp and detailed across the entire field of view with minimal post-processing adjustments.

Robust Mechanical Structure

Constructed with a carbon fiber optical tube, the CDK14 is lightweight and durable. Its thermal expansion coefficient ensures minimal focus shift as temperatures change, making it ideal for prolonged observing sessions under varying environmental conditions.

High-Performance Mirrors and Coatings

Utilizing fused silica mirrors, the CDK14 maintains precise optical alignment and surface accuracy, even with temperature fluctuations. Its high-quality coatings enhance light transmission and reduce stray light, optimizing performance for specialized observational tasks.

Thermal Management

The CDK14 is equipped with cooling fans and a Delta-T ready system to achieve thermal equilibrium swiftly. These features help to minimize air turbulence within the tube, thus reducing image distortion and maintaining consistent imaging quality.

Integrated Dew Control

The telescope incorporates advanced dew prevention technology with heater pads controlled by PlaneWave’s software. This ensures that optical surfaces remain clear of condensation during humid conditions, thus maintaining clear and consistent imaging performance.

Application-Specific Benefits

Astrophotography

With its large image circle and exquisite field flatness, the CDK14 allows astrophotographers to capture expansive and breathtaking views of the cosmos with incredible detail and clarity.

Astronomy Research

The precise and stable imaging capabilities of the CDK14 make it an invaluable tool for academic institutions and observatories engaged in complex astronomical research, including deep-sky surveys and detailed photometric studies.

Visual Observations

The CDK14 excels in visual observation, offering bright and crisp views ideal for star parties and serious visual astronomy. The telescope's large aperture and superior optical quality provide stunning views of planetary, lunar, and deep-sky objects, making every viewing session a remarkable experience.

Space Situational Awareness (SSA) and Space Domain Awareness (SDA)

The CDK14 also lends itself to Space Situational Awareness and Space Domain Awareness applications. Its capability to provide detailed observations can be essential for tracking and monitoring satellites and other space debris, contributing valuable data for space traffic management and safety initiatives.

Specifications

CDK14 f/7.2 Optical Tube Assembly

OPTICAL SYSTEMS
LENS GROUP
SECONDARY MIRROR
PRIMARY MIRROR
included items
Aperture 356 mm (14")
Focal Length 2563 mm (101")
Focal Ratio f/7.2
Central Obstruction 23.5% by surface area; 48.5% by diameter
Back Focus from Mounting Surface 282 mm (11.09 in )
Weight 48 lbs (22 kg)
OTA Length 889 mm (35")
Optical Design Performance 3.1 micron RMS at 13 mm off-axis; 6 micron RMS at 35 mm off-axis
Upper Cage Carbon fiber truss
Lower Cage Carbon fiber truss and light shroud
Diameter 95 mm (3.7")
Coating Broadband AR Coatings (less than .5% reflected from 400 to 700 nm)
Diameter 165 mm (6.5")
Material Fused Silica
Shape Spherical
Coating Enhanced aluminum – 96%
Optical Diameter 355.6 mm (14")
Outer Diameter 468.3 mm (14.5")
Shape Prolate ellipsoid
Coating Enhanced aluminum – 96%
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
Wrench Set (5812A35) - Standard hex wrenches (European orders only)

100 in stock

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Fabric Light Shroud

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Delta T Heater
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Telescope Dovetail Saddles

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Piggyback Dovetail Bars
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Counterweights and Bracket for CDK14/ 17/ 20

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Visual Adapter - CDK 14

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Finderscope and Mounting Bracket

The back plate on all of the CDK models has four mounting positions for a finder mounting plate.

  • The finder mounting plate attaches to the back plate of the telescope and the quick-release finder bracket attaches to the mounting plate.
  • If the telescope is used on a German Equatorial mount it may be convenient to purchase two finder scopes, one for the east and one for the west side of the telescope.
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Mounting Bracket for Finderscopes
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Reducer 0.66x CDK12.5/14/17

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See the CDK14 f/7.2 Optical Tube Assembly in action
CDK14 f/7.2 Optical Tube Assembly Astroimages