RC24 — 24-inch Ritchey-Chrétien Optical Tube Assembly

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

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.

• 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).

• 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 hard stops to eliminate any chance of cord wrap.
• IRF90 is controlled via PWI4 software for autofocusing and optional field de-rotation (if using an Alt/Az mounted system).

• 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.

The IRF90 to 2″ Visual Accessory Adapter allows you to attach a 2″ mirror diagonal and eyepiece to your IRF90 rotating focuser.  Used in conjunction with other PlaneWave adapters to space your eyepiece at the optimal position for your CDK model.

See the adapter diagram (under the Downloads tab) for more information on the adapters needed for your CDK.

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.

• 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

• 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.