PlaneWave Logo White
0
0 Items Selected

No products in the Quote.

a

IRDK14 (Infrared Optimized) Optical Tube Assembly

SKU: 140120Q Categories: , ,

$18,000.00

The IRDK14 from PlaneWave Instruments is a precisely engineered optical system designed for high performance in infrared wavelengths. It is an excellent tool for advanced astronomical research and remote sensing applications, offering superior performance for infrared imaging.

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

Key Features Overview

The IRDK14 comes with impressive specifications tailored for infrared optimization:

  • Gold-coated mirrors optimized for high reflectivity in infrared wavelengths (ultraviolet optimization available)
  • 14-inch (356 mm) aperture
  • 2563 mm focal length
  • f/7.2 focal ratio
  • 282mm back focus from mounting surface
  • 70mm image circle
  • Rock-solid fused silica mirrors with low thermal expansion
  • Lightweight and rigid carbon fiber optical tube assembly
About the IRDK14 (Infrared Optimized) Optical Tube Assembly

IRDK14’s Key Features

Large Aperture and Optimized Focal Ratio

The IRDK14 features a 356 mm aperture and an f/7.2 focal ratio, enhancing its capacity to gather infrared light effectively. This setup is ideal for detailed infrared observations and long-exposure imaging, providing exceptional light-gathering capabilities.

Specialized Optical Design for Infrared

The Dall-Kirkham optical design of the IRDK14 is optimized for infrared wavelengths. There are no refractive lenses, only reflective fused silica mirrors. The reflective coatings are a protected gold with better than 98% reflectivity from .65 microns (650nm) to 5 microns (5000nm), making it well-suited for infrared astronomy or LIDAR applications. UV-optimized coatings can also be provided, and potential customers are encouraged to contact our technical sales team to discuss UV optimization.

Robust Mechanical Structure

Constructed using carbon fiber, the optical tube of the IRDK14 offers durability and stability with minimal thermal expansion. This design ensures consistent performance under various environmental conditions, making it suitable for intensive scientific applications.

Advanced Thermal Management

The IRDK14 includes cooling fans and a system prepared for Delta-T applications, promoting rapid thermal equilibrium. This feature is critical for minimizing air turbulence within the tube, thus reducing potential image distortion and enhancing overall imaging quality.

Integrated Dew Control

Infrared observations are prone to condensation, but the IRDK14 tackles this with advanced dew prevention technology. Heater pads, controlled via PlaneWave’s software, ensure the optical surfaces stay clear from dew, maintaining consistent and clear imaging performance.

Application-Specific Benefits

Infrared Astronomy

The IRDK14 excels in infrared astronomy, where its significant aperture and infrared-optimized optics allow for precise observation of celestial objects in infrared light. This capability is essential for studying astrophysical phenomena invisible to the naked eye or standard optical wavelengths.

Advanced Research and LIDAR Applications

With its specialized design and infrared optimization, the IRDK14 is a robust platform for advanced scientific research, including LIDAR and other remote sensing applications.

Specifications

IRDK14 (Infrared Optimized) Optical Tube Assembly

OPTICAL SYSTEMS
SECONDARY MIRROR
PRIMARY MIRROR
included items
Aperture 14 in (356 mm)
Focal Length 101 in (2563 mm)
Focal Ratio f/7.2
Central Obstruction 23.5% by surface area; 48.5% by diameter
Back Focus from Mounting Surface 11.09 in (282 mm)
Weight 48 lbs (22 kg)
OTA Length 35 in (889 mm)
Upper Cage Carbon Fiber Truss
Lower Cage Carbon fiber truss and light shroud
Diameter 6.5 in (165 mm)
Material Fused silica (quartz)
Shape Spherical
Coating Protected Gold
Optical Diameter 14 in (355.6 mm)
Outer Diameter 14.5 in (468.3mm)
Shape Prolate Ellipsoid
Material Fused Silica (quartz)
Coating Protected Gold
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

ImageNameSummaryPriceBuy
L-350 Direct Drive Telescope Mount

L-350 Direct Drive Telescope Mount

The PlaneWave L-350 Direct Drive Mount represents a pinnacle of engineering excellence, designed to meet astrophotography enthusiasts’ and astronomy researchers’ demands. This mount, a key component in our L-Series, integrates advanced technology to provide an unparalleled observational platform.

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

Key Features Overview

The L-350 stands out with its notable specifications and features:

  • 100 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
  • Though the mount cabling
  • Alt/Az or equatorial installation orientations
  • Ideal for the DeltaRho 350, CDK12.5, CDK14, IRDK12.5, and IRDK14 optical tube assemblies
$14,000.00
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
Counterweights and Bracket for CDK14/ 17/ 20

The counterweight kit comes with a mounting bracket and three 0.5 lb weights.

Additional weights (125382) can be purchased separately.

$230.00
L-350 Equatorial Wedge

Add to the versatility of your L-350 direct drive mount with PlaneWave’s L-350 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 a fine latitude adjustment.

$2,000.00
Visual Adapter - CDK 14

This adapter slides into 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