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CDK20 f/6.8 Optical Tube Assembly

SKU: 200104Q Categories: , ,

$34,000.00

The CDK20 from PlaneWave Instruments is crafted with precision engineering and cutting-edge technology, making it ideal for dedicated astrophotographers and discerning astronomers. With its robust design and advanced features, the CDK20 is well-suited for various advanced observational and scientific applications, consistently delivering high-quality images.

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

Key Features Overview

The CDK20 f/6.8 stands out with its impressive specifications and features:

  • 20-inch (508 mm) aperture
  • 3454 mm focal length
  • f/6.8 focal ratio
  • 224 mm back focus from mounting surface
  • Perfectly flat field across the entire 52mm 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
About the CDK20 f/6.8 Optical Tube Assembly

CDK20’s Key Features

Large Aperture and Moderate Focal Ratio

The CDK20 f/6.8 features a significant 508 mm aperture and an f/6.8 focal ratio. This combination provides excellent light-gathering capabilities and a wide field of view, enhancing its ability to capture detailed images of deep-sky objects for astrophotography and research purposes.

Advanced Optical Design

Equipped with a state-of-the-art Corrected Dall-Kirkham optical system, the CDK20 offers unmatched image clarity. It eliminates off-axis coma and astigmatism and provides a perfectly flat field, ensuring images are crisp and detailed across the entire field of view, requiring minimal post-processing.

Robust Mechanical Structure

Built with a carbon fiber optical tube, the CDK20 is both durable and lightweight. Its design minimizes thermal expansion, ensuring minimal focus shift with temperature changes, which is ideal for extended observing sessions under diverse environmental conditions.

High-Performance Mirrors and Coatings

Utilizing fused silica mirrors, the CDK20 maintains precise optical alignment and exceptional surface accuracy, even during temperature fluctuations. The high-quality coatings improve light transmission and reduce stray light, optimizing the telescope's performance for specialized observational tasks.

Thermal Management

The CDK20 has cooling fans and a Delta-T ready system to achieve thermal equilibrium swiftly. These features help reduce air turbulence within the tube, thus minimizing image distortion and maintaining consistent imaging quality.

Integrated Dew Control

The telescope includes advanced dew prevention technology with heater pads controlled by PlaneWave’s software. This ensures optical surfaces remain free from condensation in humid conditions, thus maintaining clear and consistent imaging performance.

Application-Specific Benefits

Astrophotography

With its large image circle and exceptional field flatness, the CDK20 allows astrophotographers to capture expansive and breathtaking views of the cosmos with incredible detail and clarity.

Astronomy Research

The stable and precise imaging capabilities of the CDK20 make it an invaluable asset for academic institutions and observatories engaged in sophisticated astronomical research, including deep-sky surveys and detailed photometric studies.

Visual Observations

The CDK20 excels in visual observation, providing bright and clear views ideal for star parties and serious visual astronomy. Its large aperture and superior optical quality deliver stunning views of planetary, lunar, and deep-sky objects, making every viewing session a memorable experience. Here's the updated article adapted for the CDK17 based on the features and specifications from the provided product page:

Space Situational Awareness (SSA) and Space Domain Awareness (SDA)

The CDK20 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

CDK20 f/6.8 Optical Tube Assembly

OPTICAL SYSTEMS
LENS GROUP
SECONDARY MIRROR
PRIMARY MIRROR
included items

 

Aperture 508 mm (20")
Focal Length 3454 mm (136")
Focal Ratio f/6.8
Central Obstruction 39% of the Primary Mirror Diameter
Back Focus from Mounting Surface 224 mm (8.81")
Weight 140 lbs (63.5 kg)
OTA Length 1194 mm (47")
Optical Design Performance 1.5-micron RMS on-axis, 3.8-micron RMS at 12 mm off-axis, 6.0-micron at 21 mm off-axis
Upper Cage Carbon fiber truss
Lower Cage Carbon fiber truss and light shroud
Image Circle Size 52 mm
Diameter 90 mm (3.54")
Coating Broadband AR Coatings (less than .5% reflected from 400 to 700 nm)
Diameter 191 mm (7.5")
Material Fused silica (quartz)
Shape Spherical
Coating Enhanced Aluminum - 96%
Optical Diameter 508 mm (20")
Outer Diameter 521 mm (20.5")
Shape Prolate Ellipsoid
Material Fused Silica (quartz)
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
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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See the CDK20 f/6.8 Optical Tube Assembly in action
CDK20 f/6.8 Optical Tube Assembly Astroimages