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CDK17 f/6.8 Optical Tube Assembly

SKU: 170101Q Categories: , , ,

$22,500.00

CDK17 Optical Tube Assembly

The CDK17 from PlaneWave Instruments is a testament to advanced engineering and innovation, specifically designed for astrophotographers and astronomers seeking high-level performance. This telescope integrates PlaneWave’s precision optics and durable construction to provide exceptional image quality across various observational and scientific applications.

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

Key Features Overview

The CDK17 stands out with its robust specifications and features:

  • 17-inch (432 mm) aperture
  • 2939 mm focal length
  • f/6.8 focal ratio
  • 262.33 mm back focus from mourning 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
About the CDK17 f/6.8 Optical Tube Assembly

CDK17’s Key Features

Large Aperture and Moderate Focal Ratio

The CDK17 features a 432 mm aperture and an f/6.8 focal ratio. This combination enhances its capability to capture deep-sky objects with exceptional detail, offering excellent light-gathering efficiency and a broad field of view suitable for advanced research and high-quality imaging.

Advanced Optical Design

Equipped with a state-of-the-art Corrected Dall-Kirkham optical system, the CDK17 delivers outstanding image clarity. Its innovative design eliminates off-axis coma and astigmatism. It provides a perfectly flat field, ensuring images are sharp and detailed across the entire field of view with minimal need for post-processing.

Robust Mechanical Structure

Constructed with a carbon fiber optical tube, the CDK17 is lightweight and durable. Its design minimizes thermal expansion, ensuring minimal focus shift with temperature changes, making it ideal for extended observing sessions under varying environmental conditions.

High-Performance Mirrors and Coatings

Using fused silica mirrors, the CDK17 maintains precise optical alignment and surface accuracy, even amid temperature fluctuations. The high-quality coatings enhance light transmission and reduce stray light, optimizing performance for specialized observational tasks.

Thermal Management

The CDK17 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 exceptional field flatness, the CDK17 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 CDK17 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 CDK17 excels in visual observation, offering bright and crisp views ideal for star parties and serious visual astronomy. The telescope's superior optical quality provides 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 CDK17 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

CDK17 f/6.8 Optical Tube Assembly

OPTICAL SYSTEMS
LENS GROUP
SECONDARY MIRROR
PRIMARY MIRROR
included items
Aperture 432 mm (17")
Focal Length 2939 mm (115.71")
Focal Ratio f/6.8
Central Obstruction 23.7% by surface area; 48.6% of the primary mirror diameter
Back Focus from Mounting Surface 10.32 in (262.33 mm)
Back Focus from Racked in Focuser 7.24 in (184 mm)
Weight 106 lbs (48 kg)
OTA Length 42 inch (1067 mm)
Optical Design Performance 6.5 micron rms at 21mm and 9.6 micron at 26mm off-axis
Upper Cage Carbon fiber truss
Lower Cage Carbon fiber truss and light shroud
Diameter 105 mm (4.13")
Coating Broadband AR Coatings (less than .5% reflected from 400 to 700nm)
Diameter 190 mm (7.48")
Material Fused Silica (quartz)
Shape Spherical
Coating Enhanced Aluminum - 96%
Optical Diameter 432 mm (17")
Outer Diameter 445 mm (17.5")
Shape Prolate Ellipsoid
Material Fused Silica (quartz)
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)

Recommended Products

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L-500 Direct-Drive Telescope Mount

The PlaneWave L-500 Direct Drive Mount embodies the pinnacle of engineering precision, designed to meet the rigorous demands of advanced astrophotographers and astronomical researchers. As a critical part of our L-Series, this mount leverages sophisticated technology to provide an unmatched observational platform.

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

Key Features Overview

The L-500 distinguishes itself with its significant specifications and features:

  • 200 lbs load capacity
  • Direct drive motors for zero backlash, zero periodic error, and swift 50-degree-per-second slew speeds
  • High-resolution encoders for precise positioning
  • Enclosed electronics
  • Through the mount cabling
  • Alt/Az or equatorial installation orientations
  • Ideal for DeltaRho 350, CDK14, CDK17, CDK20 f/6.8, CDK20 f7.7, IRDK14, IRDK17, IRDK20 and RC20 Optical Tube Assemblies
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L-550 Direct-Drive Telescope Mount

The PlaneWave L-550 Direct Drive Mount exemplifies advanced engineering, tailored to exceed the expectations of astrophotography enthusiasts and astronomy researchers. As a robust member of our L-Series, the L-550 integrates superior technology to deliver an exceptional observational platform.

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

Key Features Overview

Its impressive specifications and features that distinguish the L-550:

  • 300 lbs load capacity
  • Direct drive motors for zero backlash, zero periodic error, and fast 50-degree-per-second slew speeds
  • High-resolution encoders for precise positioning
  • Enclosed electronics
  • Through the mount cabling
  • Alt/Az or equatorial installation orientations
  • Ideal for the DeltaRho 500, CDK17, CDK20 f/6.8, CDK20 f/7.7, IRDK17, and IRDK20 optical tube assemblies
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Portable Rolling Pier

Don’t let bad weather stop you from enjoying your L-Series Mount every clear night. The Portable Rolling Pier lets you move your L-series Mount and telescope to the best spot for stargazing in no time. Just grab the steering T-handle and roll it wherever you want! With the auto-mount modeling feature in our PWI software, your L-Mount will be ready to capture amazing night sky images in minutes.

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Electronic Focus Accessory (EFA) Kit
  • The EFA kit automates focusing on the optional Hedrick Focuser, or IRF90 rotating focuser.
  • Monitors temperature (primary-mirror and OTA back-plate).
  • Controls the fans built-in to CDK telescopes.
  • Ensure you have the proper EFA kit selected for your telescope below.
    • 125901-Kit is for CDK12.5 OTAs.
    • 240901-Kit is for CDK14, CDK17, CDK20, and CDK24 OTAs.
$920.00$1,150.00
Fabric Light Shroud

This is a spandex fabric light shroud that blocks out stray light and minimizes dust on the primary mirror.

Available for the CDK14, CDK17, CDK20, CDK24, and CDK700.

$140.00$790.00
Delta T Heater
  • The Delta T controller is an optional accessory for dew prevention on CDK14 through CDK24 OTAs and the CDK700 system.
  • CDK12.5 to CDK24 and CDK700 telescopes come with primary and secondary mirror dew heating pads (CDK700 adds tertiary mirror heating), which are ready to accept the Delta T controller.
  • Controlled via PWI3 software for CDK12.5 through CDK24 OTAs (PWI2 for the CDK700).
$750.00
Telescope Dovetail Saddles

The Keller EZ Saddle (600182) accepts Losmandy D-style dovetail rails such as the CDK12.5, CDK14, and DeltaRho 350. This saddle comes standard with the L-350 mount and can also be attached to the outside arm of any L-series mount for dual-mounted OTA configurations.

The PlaneWave Wide Saddle (200919) comes standard with L-500, L-550, and L-600 mounts for securing CDK17, CDK 20, CDK24, and DeltaRho 500 telescopes.

$400.00
IRF90 – Integrated Rotating Focuser
  • The IRF90 is a large capacity Integrated Focuser and Rotator for use with Alt/Az, or equatorially mounted systems.
  • Occupies 3.5″ of backfocus with the focuser fully racked in, and 4.7″ when fully racked out.
  • The Focuser is capable of lifting 40 lbs (18 kg) with a range of 30mm (30000 microns/1.2″).
  • The Rotator has a 90mm aperture with a range of 365 degrees with hardstops to eliminate any chance of cord wrap.
  • IRF90 is controlled via PWI3 software for autofocusing and optional field de-rotation (if using an Alt/Az mounted system).
$5,200.00
Piggyback Dovetail Bars
  • Piggyback dovetails for mounting accessories atop an optical tube. These dovetails accept Losmandy D-style accessories.
  • Piggyback Dovetail Assemblies come with mounting brackets and a Losmandy style dovetail for mounting accessories on your CDK14, 17, 20, 24, and 700.

Please Note- For CDK17 users:

  • 170990 – is for the current CDK17 design with 10.24” of backfocus
$400.00$650.00
Hedrick Focuser
  • The Hedrick focuser designed by PlaneWave is a heavy duty no-slip focuser capable of handling an imaging payload of up to 20lbs.
  • Occupies 3″ of backfocus with the focuser fully racked in, and 4.2″ when fully racked out.
  • Focuser travel range of 30mm (30000 microns/1.2″)
  • The focus tube runs on 5 bearings and is driven by a leadscrew so there is no chance of slipping.
  • Focus may be automated through a computer using PlaneWave’s EFA Kit and PWI3 software.
  • The focuser comes with pre-installed motor that can be controlled with the EFA hand controller or PWI3 software.
$1,150.00
L-500/L-600 Equatorial Wedge
  • Add to the versatility of your L500/600 Direct Drive Mount with PlaneWave’s Equatorial Wedge for precise polar alignment and tracking accuracy.
  • Each wedge is made for your specific latitude and has an alignment range of +/- 3 degrees.
  • Uses oversized fine thread adjustment screws and brass tightening nuts for fine latitude adjustment.
  • Weighs 145lbs fully assembled
$3,500.00
Visual Adapter – CDK17

>This Visual Adapter for the CDK 17 allows you to attach standard 2″ visual accessories to the Hedrick Focuser.

  • The adapter steps the 3″ opening down to 2″ for standard 2″ accessories.
  • The adapter also adds some additional spacing to optimize the use of a 2″ diagonal so focus is reached with most eyepieces.
$160.00
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.
  • The finder scope is a Baader 10×60 Varios with mounting rings and L- bracket.
$460.00
2 inch Mirror Diagonal
  • The Tele Vue Everbrite has a Pyrex mirror with 1/10th wave accuracy
  • Dielectric, non-metallic coatings have 99% reflectivity across the visible spectrum
  • Resulting images through this diagonal are brighter and “whiter”
  • The Everbrite’s body is machined from one solid block of aluminum for permanent alignment
  • 2″ filter anti-reflection threads in the diagonal let you attach filters to the diagonal instead of moving from eyepiece to eyepiece
  • Brass clamp ring holds 2″ eyepieces and accessories firmly in place without marring the barrels
  • Included 2″ to 1.25″ HiHat Adapter is of same high quality in make and materials
$394.00
Mounting Bracket for Finderscopes
  • This is an L-shaped bracket that attaches in four different places on the back of any of the CDK models.
  • This is used to mount a finderscope or some other accessory.
  • Two 1/4-20 screws provided attach the bracket to the backplate of the telescope and two 10-32 threaded holes spaced at 1.450″ can be used to mount accessories too.
$50.00
Reducer 0.66x CDK12.5/14/17

This is a reducer designed specifically for flat field telescopes like the CDK. This reduces the f/ratio of the CDK telescope 66% and creates a 30mm illuminated field. The CDK12.5 f/8 telescope will be reduced down to f/5.3.

$1,400.00