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CDK24 f/6.5 Optical Tube Assembly

SKU: 240104Q Categories: , ,

$63,500.00

CDK24 Optical Tube Assembly

The CDK24 from PlaneWave Instruments embodies a blend of precision engineering and innovation, tailored for the dedicated astrophotographer and the discerning astronomer. With its advanced technology and meticulous design, the CDK24 delivers high-quality images for various advanced observational and scientific applications.

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

Key Features Overview

Its remarkable specifications and features distinguish the CDK24:

  • 24-inch (610 mm) aperture
  • 3974 mm focal length
  • f/6.5 focal ratio
  • 364.46 mm (14.349″) back focus from mounting surface
  • Perfectly flat field across the entire 70mm image circle
  • No off-axis coma or astigmatism
  • Rock-solid fused silica mirrors with low thermal expansion
  • Lightweight and rigid carbon fiber optical tube assem
About the CDK24 f/6.5 Optical Tube Assembly

CDK24’s Key Features

Large Aperture and Moderate Focal Ratio

The CDK24 features a substantial 610 mm aperture and a moderate f/6.5 focal ratio. This setup enhances its capability to capture deep-sky objects with remarkable detail, providing excellent light-gathering efficiency and a broad field of view for research and imaging.

Advanced Optical Design

Equipped with a state-of-the-art Corrected Dall-Kirkham optical system, the CDK24 offers exceptional image clarity. Its design eliminates off-axis coma and astigmatism and delivers a perfectly flat field, ensuring images are sharp and detailed across the entire field of view with minimal post-processing adjustments.

Robust Mechanical Structure

Constructed with a carbon fiber optical tube, the CDK24 is lightweight and durable. Its thermal expansion coefficient ensures minimal focus shift as temperatures change, making it ideal for prolonged observing sessions under varying environmental conditions.

High-Performance Mirrors and Coatings

Utilizing fused silica mirrors, the CDK24 maintains precise optical alignment and surface accuracy, even with temperature fluctuations. Its high-quality coatings enhance light transmission and reduce stray light, optimizing performance for specialized observational tasks.

Thermal Management

The CDK24 is equipped with cooling fans and a Delta-T ready system to achieve thermal equilibrium swiftly. These features help to minimize air turbulence within the tube, thus reducing image distortion and maintaining consistent imaging quality.

Integrated Dew Control

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

Application-Specific Benefits

Astrophotography

With its large image circle and exquisite field flatness, the CDK24 allows astrophotographers to capture expansive and breathtaking views of the cosmos with incredible detail and clarity.

Astronomy Research

The precise and stable imaging capabilities of the CDK24 make it an invaluable tool for academic institutions and observatories engaged in complex astronomical research, including deep-sky surveys and detailed photometric studies.

Visual Observations

The CDK24 excels in visual observation, offering bright and crisp views ideal for star parties and serious visual astronomy. The telescope's large aperture and superior optical quality provide stunning views of planetary, lunar, and deep-sky objects, making every viewing session a remarkable experience.

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

The CDK24 also lend itself to applications in Space Situational Awareness and Space Domain Awareness. 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

CDK24 f/6.5 Optical Tube Assembly

OPTICAL SYSTEMS
LENS GROUP
SECONDARY MIRROR
PRIMARY MIRROR
included items

 

Aperture 610 mm (24")
Focal Length 3974 mm (156")
Focal Ratio f/6.5
Central Obstruction 47% of the primary mirror diameter
Back Focus from Mounting Surface 364.46 mm (14.349")
Weight 240 lbs (108.9 kg)
OTA Length 1422 mm (56")
Optical Design Performance 2.4-micron RMS on-axis, 4.0-micron RMS at 26 mm off-axis, 4.8-micron at 35 mm off-axis
Upper Cage Carbon fiber truss
Lower Cage Carbon fiber truss with aluminum light shroud
Image Circle Size 70 mm
Diameter 135 mm (5.31")
Coating Broadband AR Coatings (less than .5% reflected from 400 to 700 nm)
Diameter 280 mm (11")
Material Fused silica (quartz)
Shape Spherical
Coating Enhanced aluminum – 96%
Optical Diameter 610 mm (24")
Outer Diameter 622 mm (24.5")
Shape Prolate Ellipsoid
Coating Enhanced aluminum – 96%
Included Items CDK24 Focus Spacer (240343-1) - This 5.539″ long spacer is installed between the backplate and the focuser to take up some of the CDK24’s extra backfocus and reduce the torque placed on the focuser mechanism. This spacer is sized such that the backfocus distance behind the focuser is 8.8″.
Heating Elements for Dew Prevention - The heating pads on the primary and secondary mirror require the 600195 Delta-T controller sold separately
Primary Mirror Cover - To protect the primary mirror
Flashdrive - Contains software and instructions for collimation and spacing the primary to secondary mirror
Wrench Set (5812A35) - Standard hex wrenches (European orders only)

Recommended Products

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L-600 Direct-Drive Telescope Mount

The PlaneWave L-600 Direct Drive Mount represents the pinnacle of engineering excellence, designed to meet the rigorous demands of astrophotography enthusiasts and advanced astronomy researchers. This mount, a key component in our L-Series, integrates superior technology to provide an unparalleled observational platform.

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

Key Features Overview

The L-600 stands out with its notable specifications and features:

  • 300 lbs load capacity
  • Direct drive motors for zero backlash, zero periodic error, and fast 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 the DeltaRho 500, CDK17, CDK20 f/6.8, CDK20 f/7.7, CDK24, IRDK17, IRDK20, IRDK24, RC20, and RC24 optical tube assemblies
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Portable Rolling Pier

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Electronic Focus Accessory (EFA) Kit
  • The EFA kit automates focusing on the optional Hedrick Focuser, or IRF90 rotating focuser.
  • Monitors temperature (primary-mirror and OTA back-plate).
  • Controls the fans built-in to CDK telescopes.
  • Ensure you have the proper EFA kit selected for your telescope below.
    • 125901-Kit is for CDK12.5 OTAs.
    • 240901-Kit is for CDK14, CDK17, CDK20, and CDK24 OTAs.
$920.00$1,150.00
Fabric Light Shroud

This is a spandex fabric light shroud that blocks out stray light and minimizes dust on the primary mirror.

Available for the CDK14, CDK17, CDK20, CDK24, and CDK700.

$140.00$790.00
Delta T Heater
  • The Delta T controller is an optional accessory for dew prevention on CDK14 through CDK24 OTAs and the CDK700 system.
  • CDK12.5 to CDK24 and CDK700 telescopes come with primary and secondary mirror dew heating pads (CDK700 adds tertiary mirror heating), which are ready to accept the Delta T controller.
  • Controlled via PWI3 software for CDK12.5 through CDK24 OTAs (PWI2 for the CDK700).
$750.00
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
IRF90 – Integrated Rotating Focuser
  • The IRF90 is a large capacity Integrated Focuser and Rotator for use with Alt/Az, or equatorially mounted systems.
  • Occupies 3.5″ of backfocus with the focuser fully racked in, and 4.7″ when fully racked out.
  • The Focuser is capable of lifting 40 lbs (18 kg) with a range of 30mm (30000 microns/1.2″).
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  • IRF90 is controlled via PWI4 software for autofocusing and optional field de-rotation (if using an Alt/Az mounted system).
$5,200.00
Piggyback Dovetail Bars
  • Piggyback dovetails for mounting accessories atop an optical tube. These dovetails accept Losmandy D-style accessories.
  • Piggyback Dovetail Assemblies come with mounting brackets and a Losmandy style dovetail for mounting accessories on your CDK14, 17, 20, 24, and 700.

Please Note- For CDK17 users:

  • 170990 – is for the current CDK17 design with 10.24” of backfocus
$400.00$650.00
Hedrick Focuser
  • The Hedrick focuser designed by PlaneWave is a heavy duty no-slip focuser capable of handling an imaging payload of up to 20lbs.
  • Occupies 3″ of backfocus with the focuser fully racked in, and 4.2″ when fully racked out.
  • Focuser travel range of 30mm (30000 microns/1.2″)
  • The focus tube runs on 5 bearings and is driven by a leadscrew so there is no chance of slipping.
  • Focus may be automated through a computer using PlaneWave’s EFA Kit and PWI3 software.
  • The focuser comes with pre-installed motor that can be controlled with the EFA hand controller or PWI3 software.
$1,150.00
L-500/L-600 Equatorial Wedge
  • Add to the versatility of your L500/600 Direct Drive Mount with PlaneWave’s Equatorial Wedge for precise polar alignment and tracking accuracy.
  • Each wedge is made for your specific latitude and has an alignment range of +/- 3 degrees.
  • Uses oversized fine thread adjustment screws and brass tightening nuts for fine latitude adjustment.
  • Weighs 145lbs fully assembled
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Visual Adapter – CDK20/24

This 3.5″-2″ Visual Adapter, for the CDK20 and CDK24, slides into the optional 3.5″ Hedrick Focuser.

  • The adapter steps the 3.5″ opening down to 2″ for standard 2″ accessories.
  • The adapter also adds some additional spacing to optimize the use of a 2″ diagonal so focus is reached with most eyepieces.
$160.00
Finderscope and Mounting Bracket

The back plate on all of the CDK models has four mounting positions for a finder mounting plate.

  • The finder mounting plate attaches to the back plate of the telescope and the quick-release finder bracket attaches to the mounting plate.
  • If the telescope is used on a German Equatorial mount it may be convenient to purchase two finder scopes, one for the east and one for the west side of the telescope.
  • The finder scope is a Baader 10×60 Varios with mounting rings and L- bracket.
$460.00
2 inch Mirror Diagonal
  • The Tele Vue Everbrite has a Pyrex mirror with 1/10th wave accuracy
  • Dielectric, non-metallic coatings have 99% reflectivity across the visible spectrum
  • Resulting images through this diagonal are brighter and “whiter”
  • The Everbrite’s body is machined from one solid block of aluminum for permanent alignment
  • 2″ filter anti-reflection threads in the diagonal let you attach filters to the diagonal instead of moving from eyepiece to eyepiece
  • Brass clamp ring holds 2″ eyepieces and accessories firmly in place without marring the barrels
  • Included 2″ to 1.25″ HiHat Adapter is of same high quality in make and materials
$394.00
CDK/RC 24 Primary Mirror Shutter

Protect the primary mirror of your CDK or RC24 from unwanted dust and moisture with the PlaneWave Primary Mirror Shutter.

$5,800.00
Mounting Bracket for Finderscopes
  • This is an L-shaped bracket that attaches in four different places on the back of any of the CDK models.
  • This is used to mount a finderscope or some other accessory.
  • Two 1/4-20 screws provided attach the bracket to the backplate of the telescope and two 10-32 threaded holes spaced at 1.450″ can be used to mount accessories too.
$50.00
Reducer 0.66x CDK20 / CDK24

This reducer is specifically crafted for telescopes with a flat image field, such as CDKs, reducing the aperture ratio to 66% for faster imaging and enhanced optical performance.

$1,400.00
See the CDK24 f/6.5 Optical Tube Assembly in action
CDK24 f/6.5 Optical Tube Assembly Astroimages