PlaneWave IRDK17 - 17 in f/6.8 IRDK Infrared Optimized Telescope OTA
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- Specialized Optical Design for Infrared: This Dall-Kirkham optical design is tailored for infrared wavelengths, ideal for infrared astronomy and environmental LIDAR applications.
- Corrected Dall-Kirkham: Optical design with flat field delivers no off-axis coma or astigmatism across a 70 mm image circle, ensuring extremely sharp edge-to-edge images.
- High-quality fused-silica mirrors & carbon fiber structure: mirrors with low thermal expansion plus a rigid, lightweight carbon-fiber tube help maintain optical performance across temperature variations.
- Robust optical parameters: 432 mm aperture, 2939 mm focal length (f/6.8), and 262.3 mm back-focus from mounting surface.
PlaneWave Instruments 17 in f/6.8 IRDK OTA
The PlaneWave IRDK17 in f/6.8 Infrared Telescope is engineered to meet the rigorous demands of advanced infrared observation and cutting-edge research. With a generous 17 in aperture and optical coatings meticulously optimized for the infrared spectrum, this system offers scientists and astrophotographers an exceptionally stable and high-sensitivity platform for exploring celestial phenomena beyond the visible. The robust carbon-fiber tube assembly ensures minimal thermal drift, while the precision design delivers outstanding performance for applications such as infrared astronomy, remote sensing and even LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging). *Please note: Price excludes shipping and crating.*
Specification Spotlight
- Large Aperture - 17 in (432 mm)
- Focal Length - 2939 mm (116 in)
- Back Focus - 262.3 mm back focus from mounting surface
- Gold-coated Mirrors - Optimized for high reflectivity in infrared wavelengths
- Percision Optical Performance - Perfectly flat field across the entire 52 mm image circle
- Edge-to-Edge Clarity - No off-axis coma or astigmatism
- Thermally Stable Fused Silica Mirrors - Rock-solid fused silica mirrors with low thermal expansion
- Carbon Fiber Construction - Lightweight and rigid carbon fiber optical tube assembly
- Integrated Dew Control - Keep your mirrors images clear and consistent all night with condensation control
Infrared-Optimized Research Telescope
The (Infared Dall-Kirkham) IRDK series from PlaneWave Instruments deliver sophisticated performance for infrared astronomy and advanced scientific applications, with large apertures, gold-coated mirrors and optics optimized for wavelengths beyond the visible. At the same time, the (Correct Dall-Kirkham) CDK telescope from PlaneWave brings robust versatility to imaging and observational astronomy, offering a 17in aperture, a flat-field CDK design, and reliable performance for astrophotography, research work like stellar photometry and minor-planet tracking, and visual observation of planetary, lunar and deep-sky targets. Together, these systems support serious observatories and research institutions with capability for infrared, optical and even space-domain-awareness applications, while offering the high-quality optics and mechanical stability needed for demanding scientific and imaging missions.
A Closer Look at the 17in IRDK Key Features
Infrared LiDAR Compatibility
This IRDK PlaneWave telescopes’ infrared-optimized optics can be paired with LiDAR systems to accurately collect and focus reflected infrared laser signals, enabling high-resolution distance measurement and atmospheric or topographic mapping.
Large Aperture and Extended Focal Ratio
This IRDK features a 432 mm (17 in) aperture paired with an f/6.8 focal ratio. This combination provides superb depth of field and excellent resolution, making it highly effective for detailed lunar, planetary, and deep-sky imaging.
Advanced Optical Design
The state-of-the-art CDK optical system offers outstanding image clarity. This design eliminates off-axis coma and astigmatism and achieves a perfectly flat field, ensuring images are consistently sharp and detailed across the entire field with minimal post-processing adjustments
Robust Mechanical Structure
Built with a carbon fiber optical tube, the IRDK is lightweight and highly durable. Its design accounts for minimal thermal expansion, which ensures stable focus across a range of temperatures which is ideal for extended observing sessions in diverse environmental conditions.
High-Performance Mirrors and Coatings
Featuring fused silica mirrors, the IRDK maintains precise optical alignment and surface accuracy under temperature shifts. The superior coatings enhance light transmission and reduce stray light, optimizing the telescope’s performance for demanding observational tasks.
Thermal and Dew Control
The IRDK combines active cooling with integrated dew prevention, using fans, Delta-T control, and software-managed heating pads to maintain thermal equilibrium, minimize air turbulence, and keep optical surfaces free of condensation for consistent, high-quality imaging.
Specifications
Optical Systems
- Aperture: 17 in (432 mm)
- Focal Length: 116 in (2939 mm)
- Focal Ratio: f/6.8
- Central Obstruction: 23.7% by surface area; 48.6% of the primary mirror diameter
- Back Focus from Mounting Surface: 10.32 in (262.33 mm)
- Back Focus from Racked in Focuser: 7.24 in (184 mm)
- Weight: 106 lb (48 kg)
- OTA Length: 42 in (1067 mm)
- Upper Cage: Carbon Fiber Truss
- Lower Cage: Carbon Fiber Truss with Carbon Fiber Light Shroud
Secondary Mirror
- Diameter: 7.48 in (190 mm)
- Material: Fused Silica (quartz)
- Shape: Spherical
- Coating: Protected Gold
Primary Mirror
- Optical Diameter: 17 in (432 mm)
- Outer Diameter: 17.5 in (445 mm)
- Shape: Prolate Ellipsoid
- Material: Fused Silica (quartz)
- Coating: Protected Gold
Other Information
- Country of Manufacture: United States
PlaneWave Instruments 17 in f/6.8 IRDK OTA
The PlaneWave IRDK17 in f/6.8 Infrared Telescope is engineered to meet the rigorous demands of advanced infrared observation and cutting-edge research. With a generous 17 in aperture and optical coatings meticulously optimized for the infrared spectrum, this system offers scientists and astrophotographers an exceptionally stable and high-sensitivity platform for exploring celestial phenomena beyond the visible. The robust carbon-fiber tube assembly ensures minimal thermal drift, while the precision design delivers outstanding performance for applications such as infrared astronomy, remote sensing and even LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging). *Please note: Price excludes shipping and crating.*
Specification Spotlight
- Large Aperture - 17 in (432 mm)
- Focal Length - 2939 mm (116 in)
- Back Focus - 262.3 mm back focus from mounting surface
- Gold-coated Mirrors - Optimized for high reflectivity in infrared wavelengths
- Percision Optical Performance - Perfectly flat field across the entire 52 mm image circle
- Edge-to-Edge Clarity - No off-axis coma or astigmatism
- Thermally Stable Fused Silica Mirrors - Rock-solid fused silica mirrors with low thermal expansion
- Carbon Fiber Construction - Lightweight and rigid carbon fiber optical tube assembly
- Integrated Dew Control - Keep your mirrors images clear and consistent all night with condensation control
Infrared-Optimized Research Telescope
The (Infared Dall-Kirkham) IRDK series from PlaneWave Instruments deliver sophisticated performance for infrared astronomy and advanced scientific applications, with large apertures, gold-coated mirrors and optics optimized for wavelengths beyond the visible. At the same time, the (Correct Dall-Kirkham) CDK telescope from PlaneWave brings robust versatility to imaging and observational astronomy, offering a 17in aperture, a flat-field CDK design, and reliable performance for astrophotography, research work like stellar photometry and minor-planet tracking, and visual observation of planetary, lunar and deep-sky targets. Together, these systems support serious observatories and research institutions with capability for infrared, optical and even space-domain-awareness applications, while offering the high-quality optics and mechanical stability needed for demanding scientific and imaging missions.
A Closer Look at the 17in IRDK Key Features
Infrared LiDAR Compatibility
This IRDK PlaneWave telescopes’ infrared-optimized optics can be paired with LiDAR systems to accurately collect and focus reflected infrared laser signals, enabling high-resolution distance measurement and atmospheric or topographic mapping.
Large Aperture and Extended Focal Ratio
This IRDK features a 432 mm (17 in) aperture paired with an f/6.8 focal ratio. This combination provides superb depth of field and excellent resolution, making it highly effective for detailed lunar, planetary, and deep-sky imaging.
Advanced Optical Design
The state-of-the-art CDK optical system offers outstanding image clarity. This design eliminates off-axis coma and astigmatism and achieves a perfectly flat field, ensuring images are consistently sharp and detailed across the entire field with minimal post-processing adjustments
Robust Mechanical Structure
Built with a carbon fiber optical tube, the IRDK is lightweight and highly durable. Its design accounts for minimal thermal expansion, which ensures stable focus across a range of temperatures which is ideal for extended observing sessions in diverse environmental conditions.
High-Performance Mirrors and Coatings
Featuring fused silica mirrors, the IRDK maintains precise optical alignment and surface accuracy under temperature shifts. The superior coatings enhance light transmission and reduce stray light, optimizing the telescope’s performance for demanding observational tasks.
Thermal and Dew Control
The IRDK combines active cooling with integrated dew prevention, using fans, Delta-T control, and software-managed heating pads to maintain thermal equilibrium, minimize air turbulence, and keep optical surfaces free of condensation for consistent, high-quality imaging.
Specifications
Optical Systems
- Aperture: 17 in (432 mm)
- Focal Length: 116 in (2939 mm)
- Focal Ratio: f/6.8
- Central Obstruction: 23.7% by surface area; 48.6% of the primary mirror diameter
- Back Focus from Mounting Surface: 10.32 in (262.33 mm)
- Back Focus from Racked in Focuser: 7.24 in (184 mm)
- Weight: 106 lb (48 kg)
- OTA Length: 42 in (1067 mm)
- Upper Cage: Carbon Fiber Truss
- Lower Cage: Carbon Fiber Truss with Carbon Fiber Light Shroud
Secondary Mirror
- Diameter: 7.48 in (190 mm)
- Material: Fused Silica (quartz)
- Shape: Spherical
- Coating: Protected Gold
Primary Mirror
- Optical Diameter: 17 in (432 mm)
- Outer Diameter: 17.5 in (445 mm)
- Shape: Prolate Ellipsoid
- Material: Fused Silica (quartz)
- Coating: Protected Gold
| Manufacturer | PlaneWave Instruments |
|---|---|
| Telescope Focal Length | 2501 - 3000m |
Shipped directly from the PlaneWave factory in Adrian, Michigan. $375 Crating Fee and shipping charges to be billed separately.
- 17" IRDK OTA
- 1x Dew heating elements kit, pads on primary and secondary mirrors; require Delta-T 600195 controller (sold separately)
- 1x OTA Cover
- 1x Fan power connector that enables connection to 12VDC power if not using EFA kit; 2.1 mm barrel, center positive (not included for EU orders)
- 1x Wrench Set (5812A35) - Standard hex wrenches (European orders only)
- Specialized Optical Design for Infrared: This Dall-Kirkham optical design is tailored for infrared wavelengths, ideal for infrared astronomy and environmental LIDAR applications.
- Corrected Dall-Kirkham: Optical design with flat field delivers no off-axis coma or astigmatism across a 70 mm image circle, ensuring extremely sharp edge-to-edge images.
- High-quality fused-silica mirrors & carbon fiber structure: mirrors with low thermal expansion plus a rigid, lightweight carbon-fiber tube help maintain optical performance across temperature variations.
- Robust optical parameters: 432 mm aperture, 2939 mm focal length (f/6.8), and 262.3 mm back-focus from mounting surface.
PlaneWave Instruments 17 in f/6.8 IRDK OTA
The PlaneWave IRDK17 in f/6.8 Infrared Telescope is engineered to meet the rigorous demands of advanced infrared observation and cutting-edge research. With a generous 17 in aperture and optical coatings meticulously optimized for the infrared spectrum, this system offers scientists and astrophotographers an exceptionally stable and high-sensitivity platform for exploring celestial phenomena beyond the visible. The robust carbon-fiber tube assembly ensures minimal thermal drift, while the precision design delivers outstanding performance for applications such as infrared astronomy, remote sensing and even LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging). *Please note: Price excludes shipping and crating.*
Specification Spotlight
- Large Aperture - 17 in (432 mm)
- Focal Length - 2939 mm (116 in)
- Back Focus - 262.3 mm back focus from mounting surface
- Gold-coated Mirrors - Optimized for high reflectivity in infrared wavelengths
- Percision Optical Performance - Perfectly flat field across the entire 52 mm image circle
- Edge-to-Edge Clarity - No off-axis coma or astigmatism
- Thermally Stable Fused Silica Mirrors - Rock-solid fused silica mirrors with low thermal expansion
- Carbon Fiber Construction - Lightweight and rigid carbon fiber optical tube assembly
- Integrated Dew Control - Keep your mirrors images clear and consistent all night with condensation control
Infrared-Optimized Research Telescope
The (Infared Dall-Kirkham) IRDK series from PlaneWave Instruments deliver sophisticated performance for infrared astronomy and advanced scientific applications, with large apertures, gold-coated mirrors and optics optimized for wavelengths beyond the visible. At the same time, the (Correct Dall-Kirkham) CDK telescope from PlaneWave brings robust versatility to imaging and observational astronomy, offering a 17in aperture, a flat-field CDK design, and reliable performance for astrophotography, research work like stellar photometry and minor-planet tracking, and visual observation of planetary, lunar and deep-sky targets. Together, these systems support serious observatories and research institutions with capability for infrared, optical and even space-domain-awareness applications, while offering the high-quality optics and mechanical stability needed for demanding scientific and imaging missions.
A Closer Look at the 17in IRDK Key Features
Infrared LiDAR Compatibility
This IRDK PlaneWave telescopes’ infrared-optimized optics can be paired with LiDAR systems to accurately collect and focus reflected infrared laser signals, enabling high-resolution distance measurement and atmospheric or topographic mapping.
Large Aperture and Extended Focal Ratio
This IRDK features a 432 mm (17 in) aperture paired with an f/6.8 focal ratio. This combination provides superb depth of field and excellent resolution, making it highly effective for detailed lunar, planetary, and deep-sky imaging.
Advanced Optical Design
The state-of-the-art CDK optical system offers outstanding image clarity. This design eliminates off-axis coma and astigmatism and achieves a perfectly flat field, ensuring images are consistently sharp and detailed across the entire field with minimal post-processing adjustments
Robust Mechanical Structure
Built with a carbon fiber optical tube, the IRDK is lightweight and highly durable. Its design accounts for minimal thermal expansion, which ensures stable focus across a range of temperatures which is ideal for extended observing sessions in diverse environmental conditions.
High-Performance Mirrors and Coatings
Featuring fused silica mirrors, the IRDK maintains precise optical alignment and surface accuracy under temperature shifts. The superior coatings enhance light transmission and reduce stray light, optimizing the telescope’s performance for demanding observational tasks.
Thermal and Dew Control
The IRDK combines active cooling with integrated dew prevention, using fans, Delta-T control, and software-managed heating pads to maintain thermal equilibrium, minimize air turbulence, and keep optical surfaces free of condensation for consistent, high-quality imaging.
Specifications
Optical Systems
- Aperture: 17 in (432 mm)
- Focal Length: 116 in (2939 mm)
- Focal Ratio: f/6.8
- Central Obstruction: 23.7% by surface area; 48.6% of the primary mirror diameter
- Back Focus from Mounting Surface: 10.32 in (262.33 mm)
- Back Focus from Racked in Focuser: 7.24 in (184 mm)
- Weight: 106 lb (48 kg)
- OTA Length: 42 in (1067 mm)
- Upper Cage: Carbon Fiber Truss
- Lower Cage: Carbon Fiber Truss with Carbon Fiber Light Shroud
Secondary Mirror
- Diameter: 7.48 in (190 mm)
- Material: Fused Silica (quartz)
- Shape: Spherical
- Coating: Protected Gold
Primary Mirror
- Optical Diameter: 17 in (432 mm)
- Outer Diameter: 17.5 in (445 mm)
- Shape: Prolate Ellipsoid
- Material: Fused Silica (quartz)
- Coating: Protected Gold
Other Information
- Country of Manufacture: United States
| Manufacturer | PlaneWave Instruments |
|---|---|
| Telescope Focal Length | 2501 - 3000m |
Shipped directly from the PlaneWave factory in Adrian, Michigan. $375 Crating Fee and shipping charges to be billed separately.
- 17" IRDK OTA
- 1x Dew heating elements kit, pads on primary and secondary mirrors; require Delta-T 600195 controller (sold separately)
- 1x OTA Cover
- 1x Fan power connector that enables connection to 12VDC power if not using EFA kit; 2.1 mm barrel, center positive (not included for EU orders)
- 1x Wrench Set (5812A35) - Standard hex wrenches (European orders only)
PlaneWave IRDK17 - 17 in f/6.8 IRDK Infrared Optimized Telescope OTA