CDK300 Telescope System
$25,500.00
The CDK300 Observatory System from PlaneWave Instruments, an elite configuration designed specifically for the astrophotography enthusiast and serious astronomy researcher. This system combines the precision-engineered CDK12.5 optical tube assembly with the robust L-350 direct-drive mount, offering an unparalleled observational experience that excels in a wide array of applications from detailed celestial studies to advanced astrophotography.
*Price excludes shipping and crating. See our crating and pricing policy for full details.
Key Features of the CDK300 Observatory System
CDK12.5 Optical Tube Assembly
- Aperture and Focal Length: Features a 12.5-inch aperture and a 2541 mm focal length at an f/8 focal ratio, perfect for capturing deep-sky objects with exceptional depth of field and clarity.
- Advanced Optical Design: Utilizes a Corrected Dall-Kirkham optical design, eliminating off-axis coma and astigmatism while achieving a perfectly flat field across a 52 mm image circle, ensuring sharp and detailed images across the entire field.
- High-Quality Construction: The optical tube is constructed from lightweight and sturdy carbon fiber, reducing thermal expansion and allowing rapid cooling, which maintains optical alignment in varying temperatures.
- Superior Mirrors and Coatings: Equipped with rock-solid fused silica mirrors known for their low thermal expansion, along with high-quality coatings that maximize light transmission and minimize stray light.
- Thermal Management: Incorporates a sophisticated cooling system featuring three rear cooling fans and four boundary layer fans. This setup rapidly achieves thermal equilibrium, essential for maintaining consistent imaging quality during long exposure astrophotography and reducing thermal-induced focus shifts.
L-350 Direct Drive Mount
- Direct Drive Motors: Employs state-of-the-art direct-drive motors on each axis, providing smooth, fast, and ultra-quiet movement of the telescope with zero backlash and zero periodic error.
- High-Resolution Encoders: Integrated high-resolution encoders offer precise positioning, essential for capturing high-quality astrophotography and conducting detailed astronomical research.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Application-Specific Advantages
Astrophotography
The CDK300 system is a powerhouse for astrophotographers, providing exceptional tracking accuracy and image stability which allow for capturing breathtaking celestial images with intricate details and vibrant colors.
Astronomy Research
Researchers will find the CDK300 invaluable for its consistent performance and precise data collection capabilities. Ideal for photometry, spectroscopy, and minor planet tracking, it serves as a reliable platform for scientific exploration and discovery.
Visual Observations
For those who enjoy visual astronomy, the CDK300 offers vibrant and detailed views of the cosmos. Its large aperture and high-quality optical components make it perfect for viewing planetary, lunar, and deep-sky objects, enriching every observational session.
Space Situational Awareness (SSA) and Space Domain Awareness (SDA)
With its swift and precise repositioning capabilities, the L-350 mount in the CDK300 system is capable of tracking satellites and space debris. However, it's important to note that while the L-series mounts are highly effective for astrophotography and research applications, they might not meet the optimal performance standards required for dedicated SSA/SDA operations. For those needs, we recommend exploring our T-600 Direct-Drive Gimbal, specifically engineered to exceed the demanding requirements for SSA/SDA applications, ensuring superior tracking and responsiveness in monitoring and cataloging space objects.
Specifications
CDK300 Telescope System
| Mount Weight | 110 lbs (50kg) |
| Max. Load Capacity | 100 lbs (45 kg) |
| Latitude Range | 0 to 90 degrees, Northern and Southern hemispheres |
| Cable Management | Equipment cables can be wired through mount |
| 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 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 |
| Aperture | 12.5 inch (318 mm) |
| Focal Length | 2541 mm (100.04 inch) |
| Focal Ratio | f/8 |
| Central Obstruction | 42% of the primary mirror diameter |
| Backfocus from Mounting Surface | 10.445 inch (265 mm) |
| Backfocus from Racked in Focuser | 7.2 inch (183 mm) |
| Weight | 42 lbs (19 kg) |
| Optimal Field of View | 52 mm image circle |
| Fork Assembly | L-350 Mount |
| Fork Base | Welded stainless steel torsion box |
| Optical Tube | Carbon fiber |
| Instrument Payload | 101 lbs (45 kg) |
| Motor – Azimuth and Altitude | Direct Drive 3 Phase Axial-Flux Torque Motors |
| Encoder – Azimuth and Altitude | 152mm 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 | PlaneWave Interface (PWI4). Incorporates PointXP mount modeling software by Dave Rowe. Provides HTTP and ASCOM control interfaces. MaxIm DL is required for camera control when building a pointing model within our PWI4 software. |
| 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 | 14 Hz or greater |
| Included Items | Heating elements for dew prevention - The heating pads on the primary and secondary mirror require the 600195 Delta-T controller sold separately |
| OTA Cover - To protect the primary mirror and inside of the optical tube | |
| Flash drive - Contains PWI4 software for mount control, instructions for installation, software, and instructions for collimation and spacing the primary to secondary mirror | |
| Hardware - Six 3/8-16 x 1/4″ socket head cap screws to bolt the mount to the pier, or wedge; Six 3/8-16 x 1/4″ 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 | |
| Gamepad - Used for control of the mount tracking speeds for visual observing | |
| Keller EZ-Saddle (600182) - The Keller EZ saddle comes standard with the L-350 mount | |
| One 16′ USB cable - To connect the mount to the observatory control computer |
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 | |
 | 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 |
| $750.00 | |
 | IRF90 – Integrated Rotating Focuser |
| $5,200.00 | |
 | Counterweight Accessory for CDK12.5 | Counterweight kit for CDK12.5 attaches to the dovetail bar for critical balance in Declination. | $290.00 | |
 | Piers for L-350 Mounts |
| $2,300.00 – $3,200.00 | |
 | L-350 Equatorial Wedge | Add to the versatility of your L-350 direct drive mount with PlaneWave’s L-350 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 a fine latitude adjustment. | $2,000.00 | |
 | L-350 Right Ascension Balance Accessory |
| $820.00 | |
 | Counterweights for Sliding Weight Systems | Counterweights compatible for L-350, L-500, and L-600 Direct Drive L-Mounts. | $150.00 – $300.00 | |
 | Visual Adapter – CDK12.5 | This 2.75-2″ visual adapter slides into the Hedrick Focuser that comes standard on the CDK12.5.
| $160.00 | |
 | Finderscope and Mounting Bracket | The back plate on all of the CDK models has four mounting positions for a finder mounting plate.
| $460.00 | |
 | 2 inch Mirror Diagonal |
| $394.00 | |
 | Mounting Bracket for Finderscopes |
| $50.00 | |
 | Logitech Gamepad | $60.00 | ||
 | Reducer 0.66x CDK12.5/14/17 | This is a reducer designed specifically for flat field telescopes like the CDK. This reduces the f/ratio of the CDK telescope 66% and creates a 30mm illuminated field. The CDK12.5 f/8 telescope will be reduced down to f/5.3. | $1,400.00 |
