CDK350 Telescope System
$29,500.00
The CDK350 Observatory System from PlaneWave Instruments is a premium setup designed for the astrophotography aficionado and the dedicated astronomy researcher. This system marries the high-performing CDK14 optical tube assembly with the robust L-350 direct-drive mount, creating an unmatched observational platform that excels across a spectrum of applications, from deep celestial studies to sophisticated astrophotography.
*Price excludes shipping and crating. See our crating and pricing policy for full details.
Key Features of the CDK350 Observatory System
CDK14 Optical Tube Assembly
- Aperture and Focal Length: Boasts a 14-inch aperture and a 2563 mm focal length at an f/7.2 focal ratio, ideal for capturing wide-field views of the cosmos with incredible depth and clarity.
- Advanced Optical Design: Features a Corrected Dall-Kirkham optical design, providing a field free of off-axis coma and astigmatism while achieving a perfectly flat field across a 70 mm image circle, ensuring critically sharp images throughout the entire field.
- High-Quality Construction: Constructed from lightweight yet durable carbon fiber, minimizing thermal expansion and allowing for rapid thermal equilibration, which helps maintain optical precision in fluctuating temperatures.
- Superior Mirrors and Coatings: Fitted with rock-solid fused silica mirrors known for their minimal thermal expansion, paired with premium coatings that enhance light throughput while minimizing stray light for optimal image quality.
- Thermal Management: Integrates an advanced cooling system with multiple fans that promote rapid thermal stabilization, essential for maintaining consistent high-quality imaging during lengthy exposures and minimizing focus shifts caused by temperature variations.
L-350 Direct Drive Mount
- Direct Drive Motors: Features sophisticated direct-drive motors on each axis, ensuring smooth, swift, and near-silent movement of the telescope with zero backlash and zero periodic error, perfect for both tracking celestial objects and quick repositioning.
- High-Resolution Encoders: Comes equipped with high-resolution optical encoders on both axes, delivering precise positioning and movement, which is critical for high-quality astrophotography and detailed celestial research.
- Azimuth Dovetail Balance System: Includes a finely adjustable balance system that enhances the stability and performance of the setup in both alt-azimuth and equatorial configurations, critical for sustained accurate tracking and easing the strain on the mount during prolonged observations.
- Rapid Target Acquisition: Boasts direct-drive motors capable of impressive slew speeds up to 50 degrees per second, allowing for quick and efficient targeting of celestial objects and satellites, vital for dynamic observations and responsive astrophotography.
Application-Specific Advantages
Astrophotography
The CDK350 is a powerhouse for astrophotographers, offering exceptional tracking accuracy and image stability which facilitate capturing breathtaking celestial images with intricate details and vibrant colors.
Astronomy Research
Researchers will find the CDK350 invaluable for its consistent performance and precise data collection capabilities. It serves as a reliable platform for photometry, spectroscopy, and minor planet tracking, providing a robust foundation for scientific exploration and discovery.
Visual Observations
For enthusiasts of visual astronomy, the CDK350 delivers vibrant and detailed views of the universe. Its substantial aperture and high-quality optical components ensure superb viewing of planetary, lunar, and deep-sky objects, enhancing 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 CDK350 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
CDK350 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 | 356mm (14") |
| Focal Length | 2563 mm (101") |
| Focal Ratio | f/7.2 |
| Central Obstruction | 23.5% by surface area; 48.5% of the Primary Mirror Diameter |
| Back Focus | 282 mm (11.09") |
| Weight | 48 lbs (22 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 truss and light shroud |
| Instrument Payload | 100 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 | 13 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 | |
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 | |
 | Electronic Focus Accessory (EFA) Kit |
| $920.00 – $1,150.00 | |
 | Delta T Heater |
| $750.00 | |
 | IRF90 – Integrated Rotating Focuser |
| $5,200.00 | |
 | Hedrick Focuser |
| $1,150.00 | |
 | 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 | |
 | 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 |
