PlaneWave CDK500 Observatory System - CDK 20" f/6.8 Telescope OTA & L-500 Mount
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- Sign up for back-in-stock alerts to be notified when this item becomes available (account login required).
Shipped directly from the PlaneWave factory in Adrian, Michigan. $750 Crating Fee and shipping charges to be billed separately.
- Corrected Dall-Kirkham: Optical design with flat field delivers no off-axis coma or astigmatism across a 52 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.
- High-Resolution Encoders: Integrated high-resolution encoders offer precise positioning, essential for advanced astrophotography and research conduction.
- Rapid Target Acquisition: Equipped with direct-drive motors that offer slew speeds capable of efficient targeting of celestial objects and satellites.
PlaneWave 20" f/6.8 CDK & L-500 Drive Mount Observatory System
The CDK500 Observatory System from PlaneWave Instruments is designed for demanding astrophotography and advanced astronomy research. It marries a 20" aperture, f/6.8 corrected Dall–Kirkham (CDK) optical tube delivering a flat 52 mm image circle; along with the L-500 direct-drive mount, creating a platform that supports substantial payloads, dual-mode (Alt/Az or equatorial) installation, and rapid, accurate slewing and tracking. The mount offers a load capacity of up to 300 lb, slew speeds up to 50°/second, and is engineered for seamless cable routing and robust observatory integration. Please note: Price excludes shipping and crating.
Specification Spotlight
CDK20 Optical Tube
-
Large Aperture: 508 mm (20 in)
-
Focal Length: 3454 mm (136 in)
-
Back Focus: 224 mm from mounting surface
-
Precision Optical Performance: Excellent on-axis and off-axis performance with minimal RMS error across a 52 mm image circle
-
Edge-to-Edge Clarity: Sharp images with negligible off-axis coma or astigmatism
-
Thermally Stable Fused Silica Mirrors: Fused silica mirrors maintain alignment and surface accuracy under temperature changes
-
Carbon Fiber Construction: Lightweight and rigid carbon fiber optical tube assembly
-
Integrated Dew Control: Optional heating pads help prevent condensation for clear and consistent imaging
L-500 Direct-Drive Mount
-
Payload Capacity: 200 lbs (91 kg)
-
Assembly: Single fork arm mount
-
Direct Drive Motors: Smooth, fast, and quiet direct-drive motors on each axis with zero backlash and zero periodic error
-
High-Resolution Encoders: Ensure precise positioning, critical for astrophotography and research
-
Azimuth Dovetail Balance System: Adjustable center of gravity for stable tracking and reduced mount strain
-
Rapid Target Acquisition: Slew speeds up to 50° per second for quick and efficient targeting of celestial objects
Application-Specific Benefits
The CDK20 and L-500 observatory system is versatile and powerful, excelling across multiple applications. For astrophotographers, it delivers exceptional tracking accuracy and image stability, enabling the capture of breathtaking celestial images with intricate details and vibrant colors. Researchers benefit from its consistent performance and precise data collection, making it ideal for photometry, spectroscopy, and minor planet tracking, providing a reliable platform. Visual observers enjoy vibrant, detailed views of the cosmos, with the large aperture and high-quality optics enhancing observations of planetary, lunar, and deep-sky objects. Additionally, the L-500 mount offers swift and precise repositioning, capable of tracking satellites and space debris, though for dedicated Space Situational Awareness (SSA) and Space Domain Awareness (SDA) operations, the T-600 Direct-Drive Gimbal is recommended for superior tracking and responsiveness to meet the rigorous demands of monitoring and cataloging space objects.
A Closer Look at This System’s Key Features
Large Aperture with Exceptional Optics
The 508 mm (20") aperture paired with an f/8 focal ratio and the CDK design delivers superb resolution, flat-field imaging, and minimal off-axis aberrations for crisp, detailed views of lunar, planetary, and deep-sky objects.
Robust and Lightweight Construction
Carbon fiber optical tube ensures durability, minimal thermal expansion, and stable focus across temperature variations, ideal for extended observing sessions in diverse environments.
High-Performance Mirrors and Coatings
The CDK optical system, featuring fused silica mirrors with superior coatings, delivers outstanding image clarity by eliminating off-axis coma and astigmatism. This design achieves a perfectly flat field, maintains precise optical alignment, maximizes light transmission, and reduces stray light, ensuring consistently sharp and detailed images with minimal post-processing for demanding astrophotography and research.
Advanced Thermal and Dew Control
Carbon fiber optical tube ensures durability, minimal thermal expansion, and stable focus across temperature variations. The telescope integrates sophisticated dew prevention technology with heating pads managed through PlaneWave’s software, ensuring that optical surfaces remain clear from condensation under varying humidity levels, ideal for extended observing sessions in diverse environments.
Direct-Drive Mount with High-Resolution Encoders
State-of-the-art motors provide smooth, ultra-quiet movement with zero backlash and periodic error. High-resolution encoders ensure precise positioning for astrophotography and research applications.
Rapid Targeting and Balance Optimization
Slew speeds up to 50°/sec enable fast object acquisition, and the azimuth dovetail balance system allows precise center-of-gravity adjustments for stability and reduced strain during extended observations. Also enabling quick and efficient targeting of celestial objects and satellites, crucial for dynamic observations and time-sensitive astrophotography.
Azimuth Dovetail Balance System
The L-500 allows you to easily adjust the telescope’s center of gravity, keeping it perfectly balanced. A well-balanced telescope moves more smoothly and stays stable, whether you’re using it in alt-azimuth, or equatorial mode. This makes tracking celestial objects more accurate and puts less strain on the mount, especially during long observing or imaging sessions.
Specifications
Optical Systems
-
Aperture: 508 mm (20 in)
-
Focal Length: 3454 mm (136 in)
-
Focal Ratio: f/6.8
-
Central Obstruction: 39% of the primary mirror diameter
-
Back Focus from Mounting Surface: 224 mm (8.81 in)
-
Weight: 140 lb (63.5 kg)
-
OTA Length: 1194 mm (47 in)
-
Optimal Field of View: 52 mm image circle
-
Mechanical Structure: Carbon fiber truss optical tube with carbon fiber light shroud
Lens Group
-
Diameter: 90 mm (3.54 in)
-
Coating: Broadband AR coatings (<0.5% reflected from 400–700 nm)
Secondary Mirror
-
Diameter: 191 mm (7.5 in)
-
Material: Fused silica (quartz)
-
Shape: Spherical
-
Coating: Enhanced Aluminum – 96%
Primary Mirror
-
Optical Diameter: 508 mm (20 in)
-
Outer Diameter: 521 mm (20.5 in)
-
Shape: Prolate Ellipsoid
-
Material: Fused silica (quartz)
-
Coating: Enhanced Aluminum – 96%
Mount System
-
Mount Weight: 257 lbs (100 kg)
-
Assembly: L-500 Fork mount
-
Fork Base: Welded stainless steel torsion box
-
Max Payload / Instrument Capacity: 200 lbs (91 kg)
-
Latitude Range: 0–90° (Northern and Southern hemispheres)
-
Cable Management: Equipment cables can be routed through the mount
Control System
-
Control Electronics: PlaneWave Interface dual-axis telescope control
-
User Interface: PlaneWave Interface 4 (PWI4) with integrated PointXP mount modeling software
-
Homing Sensors: Home position sensors for automatic positioning on power-up
-
Slew Rate: 20°/sec (standard), 50°/sec (maximum) on both axes
-
Power Requirement: 120–240 VAC; supplied with 120 VAC 15A IEC Type B regulated adapter
Motion Control
-
Motor (Azimuth & Altitude): Direct Drive 3-phase axial-flux torque motors
-
Encoder (Azimuth & Altitude): 152 mm stainless steel encoder ring with built-in reader; 18,880,000 counts/rev (0.069 arcsecond resolution)
-
Motor Torque: 20 ft-lbs continuous; 50 ft-lbs peak
-
Drive Electronics: Industrial-grade brushless motor drives with custom interface card
-
Telescope Control Software: PWI4 with PointXP mount modeling by Dave Rowe
Mechanical Structure
- Fork Assembly: L-500 Mount
- Fork Base: Welded stainless steel torsion box
- Optical Tube: Carbon Fiber Truss with Fiber Light Sroud
System Performance
-
Pointing Accuracy: <10 arcseconds RMS with PointXP model
-
Pointing Precision: 2 arcseconds at sidereal velocity
-
Tracking Accuracy: 0.3 arcseconds over 5 minutes at sidereal velocity
-
System Natural Frequency: 10 Hz or greater
Other Information
- Country of Manufacture: United States
PlaneWave 20" f/6.8 CDK & L-500 Drive Mount Observatory System
The CDK500 Observatory System from PlaneWave Instruments is designed for demanding astrophotography and advanced astronomy research. It marries a 20" aperture, f/6.8 corrected Dall–Kirkham (CDK) optical tube delivering a flat 52 mm image circle; along with the L-500 direct-drive mount, creating a platform that supports substantial payloads, dual-mode (Alt/Az or equatorial) installation, and rapid, accurate slewing and tracking. The mount offers a load capacity of up to 300 lb, slew speeds up to 50°/second, and is engineered for seamless cable routing and robust observatory integration. Please note: Price excludes shipping and crating.
Specification Spotlight
CDK20 Optical Tube
-
Large Aperture: 508 mm (20 in)
-
Focal Length: 3454 mm (136 in)
-
Back Focus: 224 mm from mounting surface
-
Precision Optical Performance: Excellent on-axis and off-axis performance with minimal RMS error across a 52 mm image circle
-
Edge-to-Edge Clarity: Sharp images with negligible off-axis coma or astigmatism
-
Thermally Stable Fused Silica Mirrors: Fused silica mirrors maintain alignment and surface accuracy under temperature changes
-
Carbon Fiber Construction: Lightweight and rigid carbon fiber optical tube assembly
-
Integrated Dew Control: Optional heating pads help prevent condensation for clear and consistent imaging
L-500 Direct-Drive Mount
-
Payload Capacity: 200 lbs (91 kg)
-
Assembly: Single fork arm mount
-
Direct Drive Motors: Smooth, fast, and quiet direct-drive motors on each axis with zero backlash and zero periodic error
-
High-Resolution Encoders: Ensure precise positioning, critical for astrophotography and research
-
Azimuth Dovetail Balance System: Adjustable center of gravity for stable tracking and reduced mount strain
-
Rapid Target Acquisition: Slew speeds up to 50° per second for quick and efficient targeting of celestial objects
Application-Specific Benefits
The CDK20 and L-500 observatory system is versatile and powerful, excelling across multiple applications. For astrophotographers, it delivers exceptional tracking accuracy and image stability, enabling the capture of breathtaking celestial images with intricate details and vibrant colors. Researchers benefit from its consistent performance and precise data collection, making it ideal for photometry, spectroscopy, and minor planet tracking, providing a reliable platform. Visual observers enjoy vibrant, detailed views of the cosmos, with the large aperture and high-quality optics enhancing observations of planetary, lunar, and deep-sky objects. Additionally, the L-500 mount offers swift and precise repositioning, capable of tracking satellites and space debris, though for dedicated Space Situational Awareness (SSA) and Space Domain Awareness (SDA) operations, the T-600 Direct-Drive Gimbal is recommended for superior tracking and responsiveness to meet the rigorous demands of monitoring and cataloging space objects.
A Closer Look at This System’s Key Features
Large Aperture with Exceptional Optics
The 508 mm (20") aperture paired with an f/8 focal ratio and the CDK design delivers superb resolution, flat-field imaging, and minimal off-axis aberrations for crisp, detailed views of lunar, planetary, and deep-sky objects.
Robust and Lightweight Construction
Carbon fiber optical tube ensures durability, minimal thermal expansion, and stable focus across temperature variations, ideal for extended observing sessions in diverse environments.
High-Performance Mirrors and Coatings
The CDK optical system, featuring fused silica mirrors with superior coatings, delivers outstanding image clarity by eliminating off-axis coma and astigmatism. This design achieves a perfectly flat field, maintains precise optical alignment, maximizes light transmission, and reduces stray light, ensuring consistently sharp and detailed images with minimal post-processing for demanding astrophotography and research.
Advanced Thermal and Dew Control
Carbon fiber optical tube ensures durability, minimal thermal expansion, and stable focus across temperature variations. The telescope integrates sophisticated dew prevention technology with heating pads managed through PlaneWave’s software, ensuring that optical surfaces remain clear from condensation under varying humidity levels, ideal for extended observing sessions in diverse environments.
Direct-Drive Mount with High-Resolution Encoders
State-of-the-art motors provide smooth, ultra-quiet movement with zero backlash and periodic error. High-resolution encoders ensure precise positioning for astrophotography and research applications.
Rapid Targeting and Balance Optimization
Slew speeds up to 50°/sec enable fast object acquisition, and the azimuth dovetail balance system allows precise center-of-gravity adjustments for stability and reduced strain during extended observations. Also enabling quick and efficient targeting of celestial objects and satellites, crucial for dynamic observations and time-sensitive astrophotography.
Azimuth Dovetail Balance System
The L-500 allows you to easily adjust the telescope’s center of gravity, keeping it perfectly balanced. A well-balanced telescope moves more smoothly and stays stable, whether you’re using it in alt-azimuth, or equatorial mode. This makes tracking celestial objects more accurate and puts less strain on the mount, especially during long observing or imaging sessions.
Specifications
Optical Systems
-
Aperture: 508 mm (20 in)
-
Focal Length: 3454 mm (136 in)
-
Focal Ratio: f/6.8
-
Central Obstruction: 39% of the primary mirror diameter
-
Back Focus from Mounting Surface: 224 mm (8.81 in)
-
Weight: 140 lb (63.5 kg)
-
OTA Length: 1194 mm (47 in)
-
Optimal Field of View: 52 mm image circle
-
Mechanical Structure: Carbon fiber truss optical tube with carbon fiber light shroud
Lens Group
-
Diameter: 90 mm (3.54 in)
-
Coating: Broadband AR coatings (<0.5% reflected from 400–700 nm)
Secondary Mirror
-
Diameter: 191 mm (7.5 in)
-
Material: Fused silica (quartz)
-
Shape: Spherical
-
Coating: Enhanced Aluminum – 96%
Primary Mirror
-
Optical Diameter: 508 mm (20 in)
-
Outer Diameter: 521 mm (20.5 in)
-
Shape: Prolate Ellipsoid
-
Material: Fused silica (quartz)
-
Coating: Enhanced Aluminum – 96%
Mount System
-
Mount Weight: 257 lbs (100 kg)
-
Assembly: L-500 Fork mount
-
Fork Base: Welded stainless steel torsion box
-
Max Payload / Instrument Capacity: 200 lbs (91 kg)
-
Latitude Range: 0–90° (Northern and Southern hemispheres)
-
Cable Management: Equipment cables can be routed through the mount
Control System
-
Control Electronics: PlaneWave Interface dual-axis telescope control
-
User Interface: PlaneWave Interface 4 (PWI4) with integrated PointXP mount modeling software
-
Homing Sensors: Home position sensors for automatic positioning on power-up
-
Slew Rate: 20°/sec (standard), 50°/sec (maximum) on both axes
-
Power Requirement: 120–240 VAC; supplied with 120 VAC 15A IEC Type B regulated adapter
Motion Control
-
Motor (Azimuth & Altitude): Direct Drive 3-phase axial-flux torque motors
-
Encoder (Azimuth & Altitude): 152 mm stainless steel encoder ring with built-in reader; 18,880,000 counts/rev (0.069 arcsecond resolution)
-
Motor Torque: 20 ft-lbs continuous; 50 ft-lbs peak
-
Drive Electronics: Industrial-grade brushless motor drives with custom interface card
-
Telescope Control Software: PWI4 with PointXP mount modeling by Dave Rowe
Mechanical Structure
- Fork Assembly: L-500 Mount
- Fork Base: Welded stainless steel torsion box
- Optical Tube: Carbon Fiber Truss with Fiber Light Sroud
System Performance
-
Pointing Accuracy: <10 arcseconds RMS with PointXP model
-
Pointing Precision: 2 arcseconds at sidereal velocity
-
Tracking Accuracy: 0.3 arcseconds over 5 minutes at sidereal velocity
-
System Natural Frequency: 10 Hz or greater
| Manufacturer | PlaneWave Instruments |
|---|---|
| Telescope Focal Length | Greater than 3000mm |
- 20" CDK OTA
- L-500 Direct Drive mount
- 1x Dew heating elements, pads on primary and secondary mirrors; require Delta-T 600195 controller (sold separately)
- 1x OTA Cover
- 1x Flash drive - Contains PWI4 software for mount control, instructions for installation, software, and instructions for collimation and spacing the primary to secondary mirror
- 6x 3/8-16 x 1/4″ socket head cap screws to bolt the mount to the pier, or wedge
- 6x 3/8-16 x 1/4″ washers
- 1x extended length shoulder bolt for RA axis to EQ wedge alignment
- 1x 16" USB cable - To connect the mount to the observatory control computer
- 1x 120VAC power cable - To provide power to the mount
- 1x Standard Allen Key set - For tightening bolts used on the mount
- 1x Gamepad - Used for control of the mount tracking speeds for visual observing
- 1x Keller EZ-Saddle (600182)
- 1x 16′ USB cable - To connect the mount to the observatory control computer
Shipped directly from the PlaneWave factory in Adrian, Michigan. $750 Crating Fee and shipping charges to be billed separately.
- Corrected Dall-Kirkham: Optical design with flat field delivers no off-axis coma or astigmatism across a 52 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.
- High-Resolution Encoders: Integrated high-resolution encoders offer precise positioning, essential for advanced astrophotography and research conduction.
- Rapid Target Acquisition: Equipped with direct-drive motors that offer slew speeds capable of efficient targeting of celestial objects and satellites.
PlaneWave 20" f/6.8 CDK & L-500 Drive Mount Observatory System
The CDK500 Observatory System from PlaneWave Instruments is designed for demanding astrophotography and advanced astronomy research. It marries a 20" aperture, f/6.8 corrected Dall–Kirkham (CDK) optical tube delivering a flat 52 mm image circle; along with the L-500 direct-drive mount, creating a platform that supports substantial payloads, dual-mode (Alt/Az or equatorial) installation, and rapid, accurate slewing and tracking. The mount offers a load capacity of up to 300 lb, slew speeds up to 50°/second, and is engineered for seamless cable routing and robust observatory integration. Please note: Price excludes shipping and crating.
Specification Spotlight
CDK20 Optical Tube
-
Large Aperture: 508 mm (20 in)
-
Focal Length: 3454 mm (136 in)
-
Back Focus: 224 mm from mounting surface
-
Precision Optical Performance: Excellent on-axis and off-axis performance with minimal RMS error across a 52 mm image circle
-
Edge-to-Edge Clarity: Sharp images with negligible off-axis coma or astigmatism
-
Thermally Stable Fused Silica Mirrors: Fused silica mirrors maintain alignment and surface accuracy under temperature changes
-
Carbon Fiber Construction: Lightweight and rigid carbon fiber optical tube assembly
-
Integrated Dew Control: Optional heating pads help prevent condensation for clear and consistent imaging
L-500 Direct-Drive Mount
-
Payload Capacity: 200 lbs (91 kg)
-
Assembly: Single fork arm mount
-
Direct Drive Motors: Smooth, fast, and quiet direct-drive motors on each axis with zero backlash and zero periodic error
-
High-Resolution Encoders: Ensure precise positioning, critical for astrophotography and research
-
Azimuth Dovetail Balance System: Adjustable center of gravity for stable tracking and reduced mount strain
-
Rapid Target Acquisition: Slew speeds up to 50° per second for quick and efficient targeting of celestial objects
Application-Specific Benefits
The CDK20 and L-500 observatory system is versatile and powerful, excelling across multiple applications. For astrophotographers, it delivers exceptional tracking accuracy and image stability, enabling the capture of breathtaking celestial images with intricate details and vibrant colors. Researchers benefit from its consistent performance and precise data collection, making it ideal for photometry, spectroscopy, and minor planet tracking, providing a reliable platform. Visual observers enjoy vibrant, detailed views of the cosmos, with the large aperture and high-quality optics enhancing observations of planetary, lunar, and deep-sky objects. Additionally, the L-500 mount offers swift and precise repositioning, capable of tracking satellites and space debris, though for dedicated Space Situational Awareness (SSA) and Space Domain Awareness (SDA) operations, the T-600 Direct-Drive Gimbal is recommended for superior tracking and responsiveness to meet the rigorous demands of monitoring and cataloging space objects.
A Closer Look at This System’s Key Features
Large Aperture with Exceptional Optics
The 508 mm (20") aperture paired with an f/8 focal ratio and the CDK design delivers superb resolution, flat-field imaging, and minimal off-axis aberrations for crisp, detailed views of lunar, planetary, and deep-sky objects.
Robust and Lightweight Construction
Carbon fiber optical tube ensures durability, minimal thermal expansion, and stable focus across temperature variations, ideal for extended observing sessions in diverse environments.
High-Performance Mirrors and Coatings
The CDK optical system, featuring fused silica mirrors with superior coatings, delivers outstanding image clarity by eliminating off-axis coma and astigmatism. This design achieves a perfectly flat field, maintains precise optical alignment, maximizes light transmission, and reduces stray light, ensuring consistently sharp and detailed images with minimal post-processing for demanding astrophotography and research.
Advanced Thermal and Dew Control
Carbon fiber optical tube ensures durability, minimal thermal expansion, and stable focus across temperature variations. The telescope integrates sophisticated dew prevention technology with heating pads managed through PlaneWave’s software, ensuring that optical surfaces remain clear from condensation under varying humidity levels, ideal for extended observing sessions in diverse environments.
Direct-Drive Mount with High-Resolution Encoders
State-of-the-art motors provide smooth, ultra-quiet movement with zero backlash and periodic error. High-resolution encoders ensure precise positioning for astrophotography and research applications.
Rapid Targeting and Balance Optimization
Slew speeds up to 50°/sec enable fast object acquisition, and the azimuth dovetail balance system allows precise center-of-gravity adjustments for stability and reduced strain during extended observations. Also enabling quick and efficient targeting of celestial objects and satellites, crucial for dynamic observations and time-sensitive astrophotography.
Azimuth Dovetail Balance System
The L-500 allows you to easily adjust the telescope’s center of gravity, keeping it perfectly balanced. A well-balanced telescope moves more smoothly and stays stable, whether you’re using it in alt-azimuth, or equatorial mode. This makes tracking celestial objects more accurate and puts less strain on the mount, especially during long observing or imaging sessions.
Specifications
Optical Systems
-
Aperture: 508 mm (20 in)
-
Focal Length: 3454 mm (136 in)
-
Focal Ratio: f/6.8
-
Central Obstruction: 39% of the primary mirror diameter
-
Back Focus from Mounting Surface: 224 mm (8.81 in)
-
Weight: 140 lb (63.5 kg)
-
OTA Length: 1194 mm (47 in)
-
Optimal Field of View: 52 mm image circle
-
Mechanical Structure: Carbon fiber truss optical tube with carbon fiber light shroud
Lens Group
-
Diameter: 90 mm (3.54 in)
-
Coating: Broadband AR coatings (<0.5% reflected from 400–700 nm)
Secondary Mirror
-
Diameter: 191 mm (7.5 in)
-
Material: Fused silica (quartz)
-
Shape: Spherical
-
Coating: Enhanced Aluminum – 96%
Primary Mirror
-
Optical Diameter: 508 mm (20 in)
-
Outer Diameter: 521 mm (20.5 in)
-
Shape: Prolate Ellipsoid
-
Material: Fused silica (quartz)
-
Coating: Enhanced Aluminum – 96%
Mount System
-
Mount Weight: 257 lbs (100 kg)
-
Assembly: L-500 Fork mount
-
Fork Base: Welded stainless steel torsion box
-
Max Payload / Instrument Capacity: 200 lbs (91 kg)
-
Latitude Range: 0–90° (Northern and Southern hemispheres)
-
Cable Management: Equipment cables can be routed through the mount
Control System
-
Control Electronics: PlaneWave Interface dual-axis telescope control
-
User Interface: PlaneWave Interface 4 (PWI4) with integrated PointXP mount modeling software
-
Homing Sensors: Home position sensors for automatic positioning on power-up
-
Slew Rate: 20°/sec (standard), 50°/sec (maximum) on both axes
-
Power Requirement: 120–240 VAC; supplied with 120 VAC 15A IEC Type B regulated adapter
Motion Control
-
Motor (Azimuth & Altitude): Direct Drive 3-phase axial-flux torque motors
-
Encoder (Azimuth & Altitude): 152 mm stainless steel encoder ring with built-in reader; 18,880,000 counts/rev (0.069 arcsecond resolution)
-
Motor Torque: 20 ft-lbs continuous; 50 ft-lbs peak
-
Drive Electronics: Industrial-grade brushless motor drives with custom interface card
-
Telescope Control Software: PWI4 with PointXP mount modeling by Dave Rowe
Mechanical Structure
- Fork Assembly: L-500 Mount
- Fork Base: Welded stainless steel torsion box
- Optical Tube: Carbon Fiber Truss with Fiber Light Sroud
System Performance
-
Pointing Accuracy: <10 arcseconds RMS with PointXP model
-
Pointing Precision: 2 arcseconds at sidereal velocity
-
Tracking Accuracy: 0.3 arcseconds over 5 minutes at sidereal velocity
-
System Natural Frequency: 10 Hz or greater
Other Information
- Country of Manufacture: United States
| Manufacturer | PlaneWave Instruments |
|---|---|
| Telescope Focal Length | Greater than 3000mm |
- 20" CDK OTA
- L-500 Direct Drive mount
- 1x Dew heating elements, pads on primary and secondary mirrors; require Delta-T 600195 controller (sold separately)
- 1x OTA Cover
- 1x Flash drive - Contains PWI4 software for mount control, instructions for installation, software, and instructions for collimation and spacing the primary to secondary mirror
- 6x 3/8-16 x 1/4″ socket head cap screws to bolt the mount to the pier, or wedge
- 6x 3/8-16 x 1/4″ washers
- 1x extended length shoulder bolt for RA axis to EQ wedge alignment
- 1x 16" USB cable - To connect the mount to the observatory control computer
- 1x 120VAC power cable - To provide power to the mount
- 1x Standard Allen Key set - For tightening bolts used on the mount
- 1x Gamepad - Used for control of the mount tracking speeds for visual observing
- 1x Keller EZ-Saddle (600182)
- 1x 16′ USB cable - To connect the mount to the observatory control computer
PlaneWave CDK500 Observatory System - CDK 20" f/6.8 Telescope OTA & L-500 Mount