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L-500 Direct Drive Mount

SKU# 600550

Price: $20,500.00

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  • 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:

Direct drive motors and encoders

Direct Drive motors and on-axis encoders eliminate the need for  gears, thereby eliminating backlash and periodic error. With high-resolution encoders providing the feedback for the direct drive motors, not only will the telescope track without periodic error and backlash, the mount will also counter wind gusts with precise servo feedback. 

Incredible Slew Speed

The direct drive motors can move the telescope at speeds up to 50 degrees per second for tracking satellites or just to minimize target acquisition time. 

Dual mounting bracket

PlaneWave style mounting bracket to hold CDK17/20 onto inside of fork arm with additional option of mounting a scope on the outside of the fork arm. Optional dovetail clamp required. 

Azimuth dovetail balance system

For precise center of gravity balance whether in Alt-Az or Equatorial configuration 

Through the mount cabling

Access panels in the fork arm and azimuth axis allow for camera equipment cabling through the inside of the mount. 

Proven CDK700/PW1000 Technology

The L-Series uses the same proven technology as the CDK700 and 1-Meter PW1000 which are being used in Universities round the world. 

CDK-500 + Core Accessories:

Item Number

Description

Price

200130QCDK-500 (CDK20 / L-500)$54,000
600180IRF90 Rotating Focuser$5,200
200901EFA, Focuser Accessory Control$1,175
Total$60,375

CDK-400 + Core Accessories:

Item Number

Description

Price

170130QCDK-400 (CDK17 / L-500)$42,500
600180IRF90 Rotating Focuser$ 5,200
200901EFA, Focuser Accessory Control$1,175
Total$48,875

Specifications

Specifications

Mount System

TypeAlt-Azimuth / Equatorial Direct Drive Mount
Weight257 lbs (100 kg)
Component WeightsAzimuth Base – 121 lbs, Fork Arm – 136 lbs
Max. Load Capacity200 lbs (91 kg)
Latitude Range0 to 90 degrees, Northern and Southern hemispheres
Cable ManagementEquipment cables can be wired through mount
Swing-Through Length (From Altitude Axis)25.62″

Control System

Control ElectronicsPlaneWave Interface dual axis telescope control
User InterfacePlaneWave Interface 4 (PWI4) Control Software with integrated PointXP mount modeling software
Homing SensorsHome position sensors are included allowing the mount can find its home position on power up.
Slew Rate20 degrees per second (standard); 50 degrees per second (maximum), both axes
Power RequirementAccepts 120 to 240 VAC. Supplied with 120 VAC 15A IEC Type B Regulated Power Adapter.

Motion Control

Motor ControlIndustrial grade brushless motor control system and built in electronics
Motor – Azimuth and AltitudeDirect Drive 3 Phase Axial-Flux Torque Motors
Encoder – Azimuth and Altitude152 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 TorqueApproximately 20 ft-lbs continuous; 50 ft-lbs peak
Drive ElectronicsIndustrial 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.

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 Frequency10 Hz or greater

For warranty information please check our Standard Warranty Page

Included Items

Included Items

HardwareSix 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 cableTo connect the mount to the observatory control computer
One 120VAC power cableTo provide power to the mount
Standard Allen Key setFor tightening bolts used on the mount
FlashdriveContains PWI4 software for mount control and instructions for installation
3/8 SocketUsed for operating the RA balance leadscrew on the mount
GamepadUsed for control of the mount tracking speeds for visual observing