L-500 Direct Drive Mount
Price: $20,500.00
- Load capacity of 200 lbs (91 kg)
- Direct-drive motors on each axis for smooth, fast, and virtually silent movement of the telescope
- Slew speeds up to 50 degrees per second
- High resolution encoders on each axis for precise positioning
- Zero backlash
- Zero periodic error
- PointXP mount modeling software
- Enclosed electronics
- Through the mount cabling
- Alt/Az, or equatorial installation orientation
Description
The L-Series:
Combines versatility, simplicity and affordability by combining all the technology of our observatory class telescopes into a compact stand-alone mount. In its Alt/Az configuration it is considerably more compact than its equatorial counterpart, allowing a larger telescope to fit in a smaller enclosure. Unlike traditional German Equatorial mounts, there are no meridian flips to deal with, and no large protruding counterweights to create a dangerous hazard in a public observatory. Alt/Az is more intuitive to use and no polar alignment is needed. Besides, it is the way the pros do it! For added flexibility, the L-Series mounts can be installed in either Alt/Az, or equatorial mode with the optional wedge accessory.
L-500 Mount Features:
- Load capacity of 200 lbs (90 kg)
- Direct-drive motors on each axis for smooth, fast, and virtually silent movement of the telescope
- Slew speeds up to 50 degrees per second
- High resolution encoders on each axis for precise positioning
- Zero backlash
- Zero periodic error
- PointXP mount modeling software
- Enclosed electronics
- Through the mount cabling
Checkout our AutoTuner software tutorial below for tuning your L-500 once it is setup and balanced!
Features:
CDK-500 + Core Accessories:
Item Number | Description | Price |
200130Q | CDK-500 (CDK20 / L-500) | $54,000 |
600180 | IRF90 Rotating Focuser | $5,200 |
200901 | EFA, Focuser Accessory Control | $1,175 |
Total | $60,375 |
CDK-400 + Core Accessories:
Item Number | Description | Price |
170130Q | CDK-400 (CDK17 / L-500) | $42,500 |
600180 | IRF90 Rotating Focuser | $ 5,200 |
200901 | EFA, Focuser Accessory Control | $1,175 |
Total | $48,875 |
Specifications
Specifications
Mount System
Type | Alt-Azimuth / Equatorial Direct Drive Mount |
Weight | 257 lbs (100 kg) |
Component Weights | Azimuth Base – 121 lbs, Fork Arm – 136 lbs |
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) | 25.62″ |
Control System
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 to 240 VAC. Supplied with 120 VAC 15A IEC Type B Regulated Power Adapter. |
Motion Control
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. |
System Performance
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 |
For warranty information please check our Standard Warranty Page
Included Items
Included Items
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 |
Flashdrive | 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 |