RC20 — 20-Inch Ritchey-Chrétien Optical Tube Assembly

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

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

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.

• 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).

• 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 hard stops to eliminate any chance of cord wrap.
• IRF90 is controlled via PWI4 software for autofocusing and optional field de-rotation (if using an Alt/Az mounted system).

• 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.

This 3.5″-2″ Visual Adapter, for the CDK20 and CDK24, slides into the optional 3.5″ Hedrick Focuser.

• The adapter steps the 3.5″ 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.

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.

• 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

• 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.