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CDK500 Telescope System

SKU: 200130Q Categories: , ,

$56,000.00

The CDK500 Observatory System from PlaneWave Instruments is a sophisticated solution designed for the serious astrophotographer and dedicated astronomy researcher. This high-end system combines the powerful CDK20 optical tube with the precise L-500 direct-drive mount, creating an exceptional observational platform that excels in a variety of scientific and imaging applications.

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

About the CDK500 Telescope System

Key Features of the CDK500 Observatory System

CDK20 Optical Tube Assembly

  • Advanced Optical Design: Employs a Corrected Dall-Kirkham optical design, achieving a field free of off-axis coma and astigmatism and a perfectly flat field across a 52 mm image circle, resulting in critically sharp images over the entire viewing area.
  • High-Quality Construction: Constructed with robust carbon fiber, reducing thermal expansion and enabling quick thermal equilibration, which helps maintain precise optical alignment under fluctuating temperatures.
  • Superior Mirrors and Coatings: Equipped with high-stability fused silica mirrors known for minimal thermal expansion, paired with high-performance coatings that maximize light throughput while minimizing stray light for optimal imaging quality.
  • Thermal Management: Incorporates an advanced cooling system with strategically placed fans that ensure rapid thermal stabilization, essential for maintaining consistent, high-quality imaging and minimizing focus shifts caused by temperature changes.

CDK20 f/6.8 OTA

  • Aperture and Focal Length: Features a 20-inch aperture, a shorter 3454 mm focal length at a faster f/6.8 focal ratio, and a shorter back focus of 223 mm.

CDK20 f/7.7 OTA

  • Aperture and Focal Length: Features a 20-inch aperture, a longer 3947mm focal length at an f/7.7 focal ratio, and a longer 269.24 mm back focus.

L-500 Direct Drive Mount

  • Direct Drive Motors: Features state-of-the-art direct-drive motors on each axis, providing smooth, fast, and virtually silent movement of the telescope with zero backlash and zero periodic error, perfect for precise tracking and rapid repositioning of celestial objects.
  • High-Resolution Encoders: Outfitted with high-resolution optical encoders on both axes, offering precise positioning and movement, which is crucial for elite astrophotography and detailed astronomical studies.
  • 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, essential for prolonged accurate tracking and reducing stress on the mount during extended observations.
  • Rapid Target Acquisition: Capable of impressive slew speeds up to 50 degrees per second, allowing for quick and efficient targeting of celestial bodies and satellites, vital for dynamic observations and responsive astrophotography.

Application-Specific Advantages

Astrophotography

The CDK500 is a formidable system for astrophotographers, offering unmatched tracking accuracy and image stability, which facilitate capturing spectacular celestial images with detailed resolution and vibrant colors.

Astronomy Research

Researchers will find the CDK500 invaluable for its consistent performance and precise data collection capabilities. It serves as a robust platform for sophisticated photometry, spectroscopy, and minor planet tracking, offering a solid foundation for scientific discovery and exploration.

Visual Observations

For enthusiasts of visual astronomy, the CDK500 provides vibrant and detailed views of the universe. Its significant aperture and high-quality optical components ensure exceptional viewing of planetary, lunar, and deep-sky objects, enriching every observational experience.

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

With its swift and precise repositioning capabilities, the L-500 mount in the CDK500 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

CDK500 Telescope System

Mount System
Control System
OPTICAL SYSTEMS
MECHANICAL STRUCTURE
MOTION CONTROL
SYSTEM PERFORMANCE
INCLUDED ITEMS
Mount Weight 257 lbs (100 kg)
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
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 VAC. Supplied with 12VDC 15A Regulated Power Adapter
Aperture 508 mm (20")
Focal Length 3454 mm (135.98") or 3947 mm (155.4")
Focal Ratio f/6.8 or f/7.77
Central Obstruction 39% of the Primary Mirror Diameter
Back Focus f/6.8 - 223 mm (8.81 in), f/7.77 - 269.24 mm (10.6")
Weight 140 lbs (63.5 kg)
Optimal Field of View 52mm image circle
Fork Assembly L-500 Mount
Fork Base Welded stainless steel torsion box
Optical Tube Carbon Fiber Truss with Carbon Fiber Light Shroud
Instrument Payload 200 lbs (91 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 11 Hz or greater
Included Items Dovetail Saddle (200919) - The PW wide saddle comes standard with the L-500 mount.
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
Flashdrive - Contains PWI4 software for mount control , instructions for installation, software, and instructions for collimation and spacing the primary to secondary mirror
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
Gamepad - Used for control of the mount tracking speeds for visual observing

Recommended Products

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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
  • 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
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
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″).
  • The Rotator has a 90mm aperture with a range of 365 degrees with hardstops to eliminate any chance of cord wrap.
  • IRF90 is controlled via PWI3 software for autofocusing and optional field de-rotation (if using an Alt/Az mounted system).
$5,200.00
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
Piers for L-500 and L-600 Mounts
  • Create a rock-solid foundation for your PlaneWave Direct-Drive mount by using a PlaneWave heavy-duty steel pier.
  • Our piers come in standard 12″ increments ranging from 12″ tall to 48″ tall.
  • Each pier has a cutout in the top plate and side for routing cables.
  • Custom pier heights are available. Please contact us if you require a custom pier.
$2,300.00$3,200.00
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
$3,500.00
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 – 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
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 CDK500 Telescope System in action
CDK500 Telescope System Astroimages