CDK600 Telescope System
$97,500.00
The CDK600 Observatory System from PlaneWave Instruments is engineered for the advanced astrophotographer and astronomy researcher. This high-end system combines the powerful CDK24 optical tube with the robust L-600 direct-drive mount, delivering exceptional performance across a variety of demanding observational scenarios, from high-resolution astrophotography to intensive astronomical research.
*Price excludes shipping and crating. See our crating and pricing policy for full details.
About the CDK600 Telescope System
Key Features of the CDK600 Observatory System
CDK24 Optical Tube Assembly
- Aperture and Focal Length: Boasts a 24-inch aperture and a 3974 mm focal length at an f/6.5 focal ratio, ideal for detailed deep-sky imaging and wide field observations.
- Advanced Optical Design: Features a Corrected Dall-Kirkham optical design that eliminates off-axis coma and astigmatism, achieving a perfectly flat field across a 70 mm image circle, which translates to exceptionally sharp images across the entire viewing area.
- High-Quality Construction: Constructed from carbon fiber, enhancing durability while reducing thermal expansion, allowing for rapid thermal equilibration which is essential in maintaining precise optical alignment under fluctuating temperatures.
- Superior Mirrors and Coatings: Equipped with high-stability fused silica mirrors known for their minimal thermal expansion, complemented by high-performance coatings that maximize light throughput while minimizing stray light for unparalleled imaging quality.
- Thermal Management: Incorporates an advanced cooling system with strategically placed fans that expedite thermal stabilization, vital for maintaining consistent high-quality imaging and minimizing focus shifts caused by temperature variations.
L-600 Direct Drive Mount
- Direct Drive Motors: Utilizes state-of-the-art direct-drive motors on each axis, ensuring smooth, rapid, and virtually silent movement of the telescope with zero backlash and zero periodic error, perfect for precise tracking and efficient repositioning of celestial objects.
- High-Resolution Encoders: Outfitted with high-resolution optical encoders on both axes, offering precise positioning and movement, critical for top-tier astrophotography and detailed astronomical studies.
- Versatile Configuration Options: Can be installed in either equatorial or alt/az configurations, providing flexibility based on observational needs and site requirements.
- Rapid Target Acquisition: Capable of impressive slew speeds up to 50 degrees per second, allowing for quick and efficient targeting of celestial bodies and satellites, essential for dynamic observations and responsive astrophotography.
Application-Specific Advantages
Astrophotography
The CDK600 excels as a premier system for astrophotographers, offering unmatched tracking accuracy and image stability, which facilitate capturing spectacular celestial images with detailed resolution and vibrant colors.
Astronomy Research
Researchers will find the CDK600 indispensable for its reliable performance and precise data collection capabilities. It serves as a robust platform for sophisticated photometry, spectroscopy, and minor planet tracking, offering a strong foundation for scientific discovery and exploration.
Visual Observations
For enthusiasts of visual astronomy, the CDK600 provides vibrant and detailed views of the universe. Its substantial aperture and high-quality optical components ensure exceptional viewing of planetary, lunar, and deep-sky objects, enriching every observational experience.
Space Situational Awareness (SSA) and Space Domain Awareness (SDA)
The CDK700 system, with its precise direct drive motors and high-resolution encoders, is capable of engaging in SSA and SDA applications, such as tracking satellites and space debris. However, while it offers notable capabilities in these areas, it is not the ideal system for dedicated SSA/SDA operations due to its primary design focus on astrophotography and astronomical research. For those seeking a system optimized for the rigorous demands of SSA/SDA, we recommend considering the T-600 Direct-Drive Gimbal.
Specifications
CDK600 Telescope System
| Mount Weight | 338 lbs (153 kg) |
| Max. Load Capacity | 300 lbs (136 kg) |
| Latitude Range | 0 to 90 degrees, Northern and Southern hemispheres |
| Cable Management | Equipment cables can be wired through mount |
| 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 120 VaC 15A IEC Type B Regulated Power Adapter |
| Aperture | 610 mm (24") |
| Focal Length | 3962 mm (155.98") |
| Focal Ratio | f/6.5 |
| Central Obstruction | 47% by diameter |
| Back Focus | 364.46 mm (14.349") |
| Weight | 240 lbs (109 kg) |
| Optimal Field of View | 70 mm Image Circle |
| Fork Assembly | L-600 mount |
| Fork Base | Welded stainless steel torsion box |
| Optical Tube | Carbon Fiber Truss with Aluminum Light Shroud |
| Instrument Payload | 300 lbs (136 kg) |
| Motor – Azimuth and Altitude | Direct Drive 3 Phase Axial-Flux Torque Motors |
| Encoder – Azimuth and Altitude | 152 mm 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 integrated interface card |
| Telescope Control Software | Uses PWI4. Incorporates PointXP mount modeling software by Dave Rowe. All ASCOM compatible. |
| 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 |
| Included Items | Dovetail Saddle (200919) - The PW wide saddle comes standard with the L-600 mount |
| L-500/L-600 Internal Right Ascension Sliding Weight Accessory (L500204)- For optimal direct drive motor performance, users have the ability to fine-tune Right Ascension balance. | |
| 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 PWI4 software for mount control , instructions for installation, 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 | |
| Gamepad - Used for control of the mount tracking speeds for visual observing | |
| Secure Fit Adapter (CDK24) - 5.539" |
Recommended Products
| Image | Name | Summary | Price | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | 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. | $8,700.00 | |
 | Electronic Focus Accessory (EFA) Kit |
| $920.00 – $1,150.00 | |
 | Delta T Heater |
| $750.00 | |
 | IRF90 – Integrated Rotating Focuser |
| $5,200.00 | |
 | Hedrick Focuser |
| $1,150.00 | |
 | L-500/L-600 Equatorial Wedge |
| $3,500.00 | |
 | L-500/L-600 Internal Right Ascension Sliding Weight Accessory |
| $450.00 | |
 | Visual Adapter – CDK20/24 | This 3.5″-2″ Visual Adapter, for the CDK20 and CDK24, slides into the optional 3.5″ Hedrick Focuser.
| $160.00 | |
 | Finderscope and Mounting Bracket | The back plate on all of the CDK models has four mounting positions for a finder mounting plate.
| $460.00 | |
 | 2 inch Mirror Diagonal |
| $394.00 | |
 | Mounting Bracket for Finderscopes |
| $50.00 | |
 | Reducer 0.66x CDK20 / CDK24 | $1,400.00 |
See the CDK600 Telescope System in action
CDK600 Telescope System Astroimages
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