CDK14 Optical Tube Assembly

Name: CDK14 Optical Tube Assembly
SKU: 140101Q
Price: 16000.00 USD
Availability: InStock

SKU# 140101Q

Price: $16,000.00

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*Price is based on PlaneWave’s Pricing Policy

The CDK14 is an innovative telescope for unsurpassed astro-imaging, research, or satellite tracking.

f/7.2 and 2563mm focal length.
No coma, no off-axis astigmatism, and no field curvature.
Pinpoint stars across a 70mm image circle.
Rock solid fused silica mirrors with low thermal expansion.
Carbon fiber optical tube assembly for rigidity and fast cooling.
Simple secondary mirror collimation thanks to the fixed primary mirror.

Description

Capturing the most stunning astrophotographs possible is something our team is passionate about. From design to manufacture, our goal with the Corrected Dall-Kirkham (CDK) 14″ telescope was centered around performance and ease of use. The CDK14 is an incredible breakthrough in telescope technology and produces no off-axis coma and no off-axis astigmatism. Additionally, the CDK14 provides a perfectly flat field so your astrophotographs will have stunning clarity from corner to corner of the image without field curvature degrading the photos. Offering the simplicity of single-mirror collimation, the stray light control of advanced baffles, structural performance created through finite element analysis (FEA), and decades of telescope design experience, the CDK14 is an exceptional diffraction-limited telescope. CDK14 users can experience pinpoint stars edge-to-edge and a 70 x 70 arcminute field of view when using large 16803 size camera sensors. When equipment fades into the background and simply performs, the astrophotography experience becomes even more fun and rewarding!

Checkout more about our technology and optical design here.

Features

Carbon Fiber Truss Design

Minimizes thermal expansion which causes focus shift as temperature changes during an imaging session. Carbon fiber also reaches ambient temperatures quickly and is extremely lightweight and rigid to help ensure excellent imaging data is produced.

3D Printed Baffles

PlaneWave uses digital 3D printing technology to produce lightweight baffle tubes. 3D printers add successive layers of material to construct a baffle system with precision positioned internal stray light baffles to minimize vignetting and maximize image contrast. Quality baffling makes an incredible difference in overall image quality, so we ensured an optimal design was created for our telescopes.

Dovetail Expansion Joint

Allows for the difference in thermal expansion between carbon fiber and aluminum. The expansion joint allows the aluminum dovetail to expand and contract without stressing the carbon fiber lower truss. This results in images that are not distorted due to expansion, or contraction of the optical tube materials.

Delta-T Ready

For added dew prevention, the CDK14 is internally wired with polyimide film heater pads and temperature sensor, which is ready to be controlled with the Delta-T via PlaneWave Interface 3 software.

Cooling Fans

Three fans on the backplate of the optical tube pull air through the telescope and by the primary mirror. These fans help the telescope reach thermal equilibrium quickly, further reducing any distortion in images due to temperature variations. The fans are controlled by a switch on the optical tube, or can be controlled by via PWI3 software if a PlaneWave Electronic Focus Accessory (EFA Kit) is purchased.

Specifications

Optical System

Optical Design	Corrected Dall-Kirkham (CDK)
Aperture	14 inch (356mm)
Focal Length	2563mm (101 inch)
Focal ratio	F/7.2
Central Obstruction	23.5% by surface area; 48.5% by diameter
Back Focus from Mounting Surface	11.09 inch (282 mm)
Weight	48 lbs (22 kg)
OTA Length	35 inch (889 mm)
Optical Performance	3.1 micron RMS at 13mm off-axis; 6.0 micron RMS at 35mm off-axis
Upper Cage	Carbon fiber truss
Lower Cage	Carbon fiber truss and light shroud
Optimal Field of View	70mm image circle

Secondary Mirror

Diameter	165 mm (6.5 inch)
Material	Fused silica (quartz)
Shape	Spherical
Coating	Enhanced aluminum – 96%

Primary Mirror

Optical Diameter	14 inches (355.6)
Outer Diameter	14.5 inches (468.3mm)
Shape	Prolate ellipsoid
Material	Fused silica (quartz)
Coating	Enhanced aluminum – 96%

Lens Group

Diameter	95mm (3.7 inch)
Number of lenses	Two
Coating	broadband AR Coatings (less than .5% reflected from 400 to 700nm)

Standard Features

CDK Optics	The Corrected Dall-Kirkham design yields a perfectly flat field free from off-axis astigmatism, coma and defocus.
Carbon Fiber Truss Design	Minimizes thermal expansion which causes focus shift with changes in temperature.
Dovetail Expansion Joint	Allows for the difference in thermal expansion between carbon fiber and aluminum. The expansion joint allows the aluminum dovetail expand and contract without stressing the carbon fiber lower truss
Cooling Fans	Three cooling fans blow air inside the back of the telescope. This helps the telescope to reach thermal equilibrium quickly. The fans are controlled by a computer if the optional Electronic Focus Accessory (EFA Kit) is purchased.
Delta-T Ready	For added dew prevention, the CDK14 is internally wired with polyimide film heater pads and temperature sensor, ready to be controlled with the optional Delta-T controller.

Shipping

Crated Shipping Weight	225 lbs
Crate Width	31 inches
Crate Height	26 inches
Crate Length	53 inches

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)