CDK14 f/7.2 Optical Tube Assembly
$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
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
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 |
Image Circle Size | 52 mm |
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) | |
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L-350 Direct Drive Telescope Mount | L-350 Direct Drive Telescope MountThe 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 OverviewThe L-350 stands out with its notable specifications and features:
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Electronic Focus Accessory (EFA) Kit |
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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 |
| $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 |
| $5,200.00 | ||
Piggyback Dovetail Bars |
Please Note- For CDK17 users:
| $400.00 – $650.00 | ||
Hedrick Focuser |
| $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.
| $460.00 | ||
2 inch Mirror Diagonal |
| $394.00 | ||
Mounting Bracket for Finderscopes |
| $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 |