CDK500 Telescope System
$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.
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 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
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-500 and L-600 Mounts |
| $2,300.00 – $3,200.00 | ||
L-500/L-600 Equatorial Wedge |
| $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.
| $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 | ||
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 |