PlaneWave CDK20 - 20" f/7.77 CDK Telescope OTA
- This item is currently on backorder from the manufacturer.
- Orders are fulfilled in the order they are received once inventory arrives.
Stock count is accurate & shown in real time.
- This item is out of stock.
- Sign up for back-in-stock alerts to be notified when this item becomes available (account login required).
- This item is out of stock.
- Sign up for back-in-stock alerts to be notified when this item becomes available (account login required).
Contiguous US / Lower 48:
Free shipping applies to orders over $50 using our chosen carrier/method. Faster paid options are available at checkout.
Alaska, Hawaii & US Territories:
Free shipping applies to many—but not all—products. Enter your ZIP code in cart or upon checkout to confirm options and costs.
International:
International orders do not qualify for free shipping. Shipping, duties, brokerage, tariffs, and taxes are the customer’s responsibility. Some items may be restricted due to export, size, or manufacturer limitations.
Shipped directly from the PlaneWave factory in Adrian, Michigan. $400 Crating Fee and shipping charges to be billed separately.
- 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 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.
- Robust optical parameters: 508 mm aperture, 3454 mm focal length (f/6.8), and 224 mm back-focus from mounting surface.
IRDK20 Infrared Optimized Optical Tube Assembly
The PlaneWave IRDK20" f/6.8 Infrared Telescope is engineered to meet the rigorous demands of advanced infrared observation and cutting-edge research. With a generous 20" 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 - 20 in (508mm)
- Focal Length - 3454 mm (136 in)
- Back Focus - 224 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 20" 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 20" IRDK Key Features
Large Aperture and Optimized Focal Ratio
The IRDK20 features a substantial 508 mm aperture and an f/6.8 focal ratio, enhancing its ability to gather infrared light effectively. This setup is ideal for detailed infrared observations and long-exposure imaging, offering excellent light-gathering capabilities.
Specialized Optical Design for Infrared
The CDK optical design of the IRDK20 is optimized for infrared wavelengths. There are no refractive lenses, only reflective fused silica mirrors. The reflective coatings are a protected gold that averages 94% from 0.70 microns (700nm) to 2.5 microns (2500nm), ideal for infrared astronomy or LIDAR applications. UV-optimized coatings can also be provided, so please contact our technical sales team to discuss UV optimization.
Robust Mechanical Structure
Constructed using carbon fiber, the optical tube of the IRDK provides durability and stability with minimal thermal expansion. This design ensures consistent performance across varying environmental conditions, making it suitable for intensive scientific applications.
Advanced Thermal Management
The IRDK includes cooling fans and a system prepared for Delta-T applications, promoting rapid thermal equilibrium. This setup is crucial for minimizing air turbulence within the tube, thus reducing potential image distortion and enhancing overall imaging quality.
Integrated Dew Control
Infrared observations can be prone to condensation, but the IRDK addresses this with advanced dew prevention technology. Heater pads, controlled via PlaneWave’s software, ensure the optical surfaces remain clear from dew, maintaining consistent and clear imaging performance.
Specifications
Optical Systems
- Aperture: 20 in (508 mm)
- Focal Length: 136 in (3454 mm)
- Focal Ratio: f/6.8
- Central Obstruction: 39% of the Primary Mirror Diameter
- Back Focus from Mounting Surface: 8.81 in (224 mm)
- Weight: 140 lbs (63.5 kg)
- OTA Length: 47 in (1194 mm)
- Upper Cage: Carbon Fiber Truss
- Lower Cage: Carbon Fiber Truss with Carbon Fiber Light Shroud
Secondary Mirror
- Diameter: 7.5 in (191 mm)
- Material: Fused silica (quartz)
- Shape: Spherical
- Coating: Protected Gold
Primary Mirror
- Optical Diameter: 20 inch (508 mm)
- Outer Diameter: 20.5 in (521 mm)
- Shape: Prolate Ellipsoid
- Material: Fused Silica (quartz)
- Coating: Protected Gold
Other Information
- Country of Manufacture: United States
IRDK20 Infrared Optimized Optical Tube Assembly
The PlaneWave IRDK20" f/6.8 Infrared Telescope is engineered to meet the rigorous demands of advanced infrared observation and cutting-edge research. With a generous 20" 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 - 20 in (508mm)
- Focal Length - 3454 mm (136 in)
- Back Focus - 224 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 20" 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 20" IRDK Key Features
Large Aperture and Optimized Focal Ratio
The IRDK20 features a substantial 508 mm aperture and an f/6.8 focal ratio, enhancing its ability to gather infrared light effectively. This setup is ideal for detailed infrared observations and long-exposure imaging, offering excellent light-gathering capabilities.
Specialized Optical Design for Infrared
The CDK optical design of the IRDK20 is optimized for infrared wavelengths. There are no refractive lenses, only reflective fused silica mirrors. The reflective coatings are a protected gold that averages 94% from 0.70 microns (700nm) to 2.5 microns (2500nm), ideal for infrared astronomy or LIDAR applications. UV-optimized coatings can also be provided, so please contact our technical sales team to discuss UV optimization.
Robust Mechanical Structure
Constructed using carbon fiber, the optical tube of the IRDK provides durability and stability with minimal thermal expansion. This design ensures consistent performance across varying environmental conditions, making it suitable for intensive scientific applications.
Advanced Thermal Management
The IRDK includes cooling fans and a system prepared for Delta-T applications, promoting rapid thermal equilibrium. This setup is crucial for minimizing air turbulence within the tube, thus reducing potential image distortion and enhancing overall imaging quality.
Integrated Dew Control
Infrared observations can be prone to condensation, but the IRDK addresses this with advanced dew prevention technology. Heater pads, controlled via PlaneWave’s software, ensure the optical surfaces remain clear from dew, maintaining consistent and clear imaging performance.
Specifications
Optical Systems
- Aperture: 20 in (508 mm)
- Focal Length: 136 in (3454 mm)
- Focal Ratio: f/6.8
- Central Obstruction: 39% of the Primary Mirror Diameter
- Back Focus from Mounting Surface: 8.81 in (224 mm)
- Weight: 140 lbs (63.5 kg)
- OTA Length: 47 in (1194 mm)
- Upper Cage: Carbon Fiber Truss
- Lower Cage: Carbon Fiber Truss with Carbon Fiber Light Shroud
Secondary Mirror
- Diameter: 7.5 in (191 mm)
- Material: Fused silica (quartz)
- Shape: Spherical
- Coating: Protected Gold
Primary Mirror
- Optical Diameter: 20 inch (508 mm)
- Outer Diameter: 20.5 in (521 mm)
- Shape: Prolate Ellipsoid
- Material: Fused Silica (quartz)
- Coating: Protected Gold
| Manufacturer | PlaneWave Instruments |
|---|---|
| Telescope Focal Length | Greater than 3000mm |
- IRDK 20" OTA
- 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
- Wrench Set (5812A35) - Standard hex wrenches (European orders only)
Shipped directly from the PlaneWave factory in Adrian, Michigan. $400 Crating Fee and shipping charges to be billed separately.
- 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 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.
- Robust optical parameters: 508 mm aperture, 3454 mm focal length (f/6.8), and 224 mm back-focus from mounting surface.
IRDK20 Infrared Optimized Optical Tube Assembly
The PlaneWave IRDK20" f/6.8 Infrared Telescope is engineered to meet the rigorous demands of advanced infrared observation and cutting-edge research. With a generous 20" 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 - 20 in (508mm)
- Focal Length - 3454 mm (136 in)
- Back Focus - 224 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 20" 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 20" IRDK Key Features
Large Aperture and Optimized Focal Ratio
The IRDK20 features a substantial 508 mm aperture and an f/6.8 focal ratio, enhancing its ability to gather infrared light effectively. This setup is ideal for detailed infrared observations and long-exposure imaging, offering excellent light-gathering capabilities.
Specialized Optical Design for Infrared
The CDK optical design of the IRDK20 is optimized for infrared wavelengths. There are no refractive lenses, only reflective fused silica mirrors. The reflective coatings are a protected gold that averages 94% from 0.70 microns (700nm) to 2.5 microns (2500nm), ideal for infrared astronomy or LIDAR applications. UV-optimized coatings can also be provided, so please contact our technical sales team to discuss UV optimization.
Robust Mechanical Structure
Constructed using carbon fiber, the optical tube of the IRDK provides durability and stability with minimal thermal expansion. This design ensures consistent performance across varying environmental conditions, making it suitable for intensive scientific applications.
Advanced Thermal Management
The IRDK includes cooling fans and a system prepared for Delta-T applications, promoting rapid thermal equilibrium. This setup is crucial for minimizing air turbulence within the tube, thus reducing potential image distortion and enhancing overall imaging quality.
Integrated Dew Control
Infrared observations can be prone to condensation, but the IRDK addresses this with advanced dew prevention technology. Heater pads, controlled via PlaneWave’s software, ensure the optical surfaces remain clear from dew, maintaining consistent and clear imaging performance.
Specifications
Optical Systems
- Aperture: 20 in (508 mm)
- Focal Length: 136 in (3454 mm)
- Focal Ratio: f/6.8
- Central Obstruction: 39% of the Primary Mirror Diameter
- Back Focus from Mounting Surface: 8.81 in (224 mm)
- Weight: 140 lbs (63.5 kg)
- OTA Length: 47 in (1194 mm)
- Upper Cage: Carbon Fiber Truss
- Lower Cage: Carbon Fiber Truss with Carbon Fiber Light Shroud
Secondary Mirror
- Diameter: 7.5 in (191 mm)
- Material: Fused silica (quartz)
- Shape: Spherical
- Coating: Protected Gold
Primary Mirror
- Optical Diameter: 20 inch (508 mm)
- Outer Diameter: 20.5 in (521 mm)
- Shape: Prolate Ellipsoid
- Material: Fused Silica (quartz)
- Coating: Protected Gold
Other Information
- Country of Manufacture: United States
| Manufacturer | PlaneWave Instruments |
|---|---|
| Telescope Focal Length | Greater than 3000mm |
- IRDK 20" OTA
- 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
- Wrench Set (5812A35) - Standard hex wrenches (European orders only)
PlaneWave CDK20 - 20" f/7.77 CDK Telescope OTA