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T-600 Direct-Drive Telescope Gimbal

SKU: T6001001 Category:

$65,000.00

The PlaneWave T-600 Direct Drive Gimbal is engineered to meet the rigorous demands of advanced astrophotography, complex astronomical research, SSA/SDA, and FSOC applications. Leveraging cutting-edge technology, this gimbal provides a robust, precise, versatile observational platform suitable for demanding environments.

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

Key Features Overview

The T-600 Gimbal stands out with its formidable specifications:

  • 600 lbs payload capacity
  • High-torque, double-stacked direct-drive motors for zero backlash, zero periodic error, and high-speed slewing capabilities up to 100 degrees per second
  • High-resolution absolute encoders for ultra-precise positioning
  • Enhanced ruggedization with double-layer labyrinth seals on each axis
  • Advanced PointXP mount modeling software included
  • Configurable for diverse operational goals, including Alt/Az, Alt/Alt, or Equatorial configurations
About the T-600 Direct-Drive Telescope Gimbal

Core Features of the T-600 Gimbal

High-Torque Direct-Drive Motors

The T-600 Gimbal has high-torque, double-stacked direct-drive motors, ensuring smooth, fast, and virtually silent operation. This feature is critical for tracking celestial objects with minimal vibration and supreme accuracy, accommodating substantial payloads effectively.

High-Resolution Absolute Encoders

With high-resolution absolute encoders on each axis, it offers incredibly precise pointing and tracking capabilities, crucial for capturing sharp, detailed celestial images and conducting rigorous scientific observations.

Zero Backlash and Periodic Error

The design of the T-600 Gimbal eliminates backlash and periodic error, facilitating consistent and reliable tracking that enhances astrophotography and supports precise applications in research and space surveillance.

Advanced Customization Options

The T-600 includes optional contact gasket seals for full weatherization and supports limitless Az rotation, making it adaptable for specific research observational requirements across various environments.

Rugged and Environment-ready

Designed with rugged environments in mind, the gimbal features electronics enclosed within the mount and weatherproof cable pass-throughs, ensuring durability and reliability in light-to-moderate rain and preventing debris entry.

Application-Specific Advantages

Astrophotography

With its robust load capacity and exceptional slew speeds, it allows astrophotographers to reposition heavy equipment quickly and smoothly, capturing breathtaking images of the cosmos with ease and efficiency.

Research

Researchers will find the gimbal’s precise tracking and advanced software ideal for detailed celestial observations and data collection, particularly in demanding environments where equipment adaptability and operational reliability are paramount.

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

Professionals in SSA/SDA will benefit from the T-600 Gimbal’s high-precision tracking and configurable features, which are perfect for monitoring space debris and tracking satellites, ensuring accurate surveillance and data collection in space domain awareness initiatives.

Experience the 

T-600 Direct Drive Gimbal

in action!

Specifications

T-600 Direct-Drive Telescope Gimbal

System Performance
Mount System
Mechanical Structure
Motion Control
INCLUDED ITEMS
Acceleration (Azimuth and Altitude) Acceleration up to 100°/second² *Depending upon installed payload-induced moment of inertia
Velocity Up to 100 degrees per second *Depending upon acceleration and distance traveled
Pointing Accuracy <5-arcsecond RMS* with PointXP Model *Under stable environmental conditions
Pointing Precision 2 arcseconds at sidereal velocity
Open Loop Tracking Accuracy 0.2 arcseconds RMS over 300 second exposure at siderial rate
Open Loop Axis Following Error <0.15 arcseconds RMS at sidereal rate, <0.3 arcseconds RMS at 1 degree per second* <2 arcseconds RMS at 10 degrees per second* *Dependent on Payload
Internal Servo-Loop (Drive to Motor) 10 kHz cascaded velocity/position controller, PID + Filters
Software Command Round-Trip 5 – 25 msec (depending on application)
System Natural Frequency 20 Hz or greater (for gimbal only)
Type Alt-Azimuth / Equatorial Direct-Drive Mount
Weight 605 lbs
Max. Load Capacity 600 lbs (with payload limited to 100 kg-m² moment per port with center of gravity ≤ 15 inches from mounting surface and an lowest eigenmode frequency of 20 Hz. i.e. dual mounted CDK24 telescopes are compatible)
Dimensions 34” x 20” x 23.5” (H/D/W)
Latitude Range 0 to 90 degrees, Northern and Southern hemispheres
Motor Torque (Azimuth and Altitude) 127 ft-lbs (peak)
Azimuth Axis Range of Motion (Optional)
Cable Management Through-the-mount cabling
Coudé Path (Optional) Limits elevation axis range of motion to 180º
Power Requirement 100 to 240 VAC (50-60 Hz), 20 amp service at 120 VAC, 10 amp service at 240 VAC
Operating Temperature Range -30 C to +50 C
Storage Temperature Range -50 C to +70 C
Gimbal Assembly Fully CNC machined construction (Surface finish treated with UV resistant coating on all exposed metal surfaces)
Default Weatherization 2-Layer non-contact labrynth sealing at each motion-surface to prevent water (light-to-moderate rain) and debris entry. *Optional rubber seals may be added for further ruggedization.
Azimuth Bearing 4-way loaded radial ball bearings
Altitude Bearing 4-way loaded radial ball bearings
Instrument Mounting Breadboard plate on both mounting surfaces (see interface document for complete mounting information)
Lifting Points Present for lifting in “any orientation”
Drive Electronics (Azimuth and Altitude) Elmo Motion Control Systems industrial grade off-the-shelf brushless motor drives
Motors (Azimuth and Altitude) Each axis includes a double stacked direct-drive 3 phase axial-flux torque motor
Encoders (Azimuth and Altitude) 26-bit absolute encoder ring with readhead
User Interface PlaneWave Interface 4 (PWI4) Control Software with integrated PointXP mount modeling software by Dave Rowe. Includes ASCOM driver.
Advanced Timing Features (Optional) Timestamped using GPS Reciever, or PTP/NPT Server <100-microseconds accuracy
Included Items 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 - Too connect the mount to the observatory control computer
One 120VAC power cable- to provide power to the mount
Flashdrive - Contains PWI4 software for mount control , instructions for installation, software, and instructions for collimation and spacing the primary to secondary mirror
3/8 Socket - Used for operating the RA balance leadscrew on the mount
Gamepad - Used for control of the mount tracking speeds for visual observing

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