L-500 Direct-Drive Telescope Mount
DIRECT DRIVE MOUNT
$22,500.00
The PlaneWave L-500 Direct Drive Mount embodies the pinnacle of engineering precision, designed to meet the rigorous demands of advanced astrophotographers and astronomical researchers. As a critical part of our L-Series, this mount leverages sophisticated technology to provide an unmatched observational platform.
*Price excludes shipping and crating. See our crating and pricing policy for full details.
Key Features Overview
The L-500 distinguishes itself with its significant specifications and features:
- 200 lbs load capacity
- Direct drive motors for zero backlash, zero periodic error, and swift 50-degree-per-second slew speeds
- High-resolution encoders for precise positioning
- Enclosed electronics
- Through the mount cabling
- Alt/Az or equatorial installation orientations
- Ideal for DeltaRho 350, CDK14, CDK17, CDK20 f/6.8, CDK20 f7.7, IRDK14, IRDK17, IRDK20 and RC20 Optical Tube Assemblies
Core Features of the L-500 Direct Drive Mount
State-of-the-Art Direct-Drive Motors
Equipped with PlaneWave’s proprietary direct-drive motors on each axis, the L-500 ensures smooth, fast, and virtually silent movement of the telescope. This capability is ideal for tracking celestial objects and satellites across the sky with minimal vibration and maximal accuracy.
High-Resolution Encoders
With high-resolution encoders on each axis, the L-500 offers exceptionally precise positioning, crucial for capturing sharp, detailed images of the night sky. These encoders are indispensable for scientific applications where exact data collection is paramount.
Zero Backlash and Periodic Error
The design of the L-500 eliminates backlash and periodic error, offering stable tracking essential for high-quality astrophotography and dependable, long-term astronomical research.
Flexible Installation Options
Available in both Alt/Az and equatorial configurations, the L-500 caters to a variety of observational needs. It is suited for both permanent installations in professional observatories and adaptable setups for serious amateur astronomers.
Through-the-Mount Cabling
The innovative through-the-mount cabling system keeps the setup tidy and safe, preventing cable snagging and reducing setup time.
Azimuth Dovetail Balance System
Provides precise center of gravity adjustments, enhancing the stability and performance of the system in both alt-azimuth and equatorial configurations, crucial for maintaining accurate tracking and reducing strain on the mount during extended observations.
Optional Dual Mounting Bracket
Allows for the attachment of additional telescopes or accessories on the mount, enhancing versatility and enabling simultaneous multi-instrument use, ideal for complex observational setups or educational demonstrations.
Rapid Target Acquisition
Equipped with direct-drive motors capable of slew speeds up to 50 degrees per second, enabling quick and efficient targeting of celestial objects and satellites, crucial for dynamic observations and time-sensitive astrophotography.
PointXP Mount Modeling Software
Included with the mount, the PointXP software models the mount’s tracking behavior precisely, enhancing its accuracy for critical applications. This software is invaluable for projects that require exact positioning and tracking over extended periods.
Application-Specific Advantages
Astrophotography
The L-500’s rapid slew speeds and silent operation allow astrophotographers to seamlessly and quietly reposition between shots, capturing stunning celestial images without disturbing the observational environment.
Research
Researchers benefit from the L-500’s robust construction and precise tracking capabilities to conduct detailed celestial observations and continuous monitoring with minimal interruption and consistent data quality.
Space Situational Awareness (SSA) and Space Domain Awareness (SDA)
With its ability to swiftly and accurately reposition, the L-350 has ben been used for tracking satellites and space debris. However, our L-series mounts work best for astrophotography and research applications. To exceed the ideal performance requirements for SSA/SDA applications, we created the T-600 Direct-Drive Gimbal.
Specifications
L-500 Direct-Drive Telescope Mount
| Type | Alt-Azimuth / Equatorial Direct-Drive Mount |
| Weight | 257 lbs (100 kg) |
| Max. Load Capacity | 200 lbs (91 kg) |
| Latitude Range | 0 to 90 degrees, Northern and Southern hemispheres |
| Cable Management | Equipment cables can be wired through mount |
| Swing-Through Length (From Altitude Axis) | 650.748 mm (25.62") |
| Control Electronics | PlaneWave Interface dual axis telescope control |
| Homing Sensors | Home position sensors are included allowing the mount to 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 to 240 VAC. Supplied with 120 VAC 15A IEC Type B Regulated Power Adapter. |
| Motor Control | Industrial grade brushless motor control system and built in electronics |
| 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 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-500 mount |
| 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 | |
| Flash drive- Contains PWI4 software for mount control and instructions for installation | |
| 3/8 Socket - Used for operating the RA balance leadscrew on the mount | |
| Gamepad - Used for control of the mount tracking speeds for visual observing | |
| Standard Allen Key Set- For tightening bolts used on the mount |
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 | |
 | 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 | |
 | Piers for L-500 and L-600 Mounts |
| $2,300.00 – $3,200.00 | |
 | L-500/L-600 Equatorial Wedge |
| $3,500.00 | |
 | L-500/L-600 Internal Right Ascension Sliding Weight Accessory |
| $450.00 | |
 | L-500/L-600 Right Ascension Balance Accessory |
| $940.00 | |
 | Counterweights for Sliding Weight Systems | Counterweights compatible for L-350, L-500, and L-600 Direct Drive L-Mounts. | $150.00 – $300.00 | |
 | Logitech Gamepad | $60.00 |