Astronomy Specialist

PLANEWAVE CDK550 f/7.77 OBSERVATORY SYSTEM

$120,699.00AUD
SKU: PW-200133Q

PLANEWAVE CDK550 f/7.77 OBSERVATORY SYSTEM is not in stock but it can be backordered.

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The PlaneWave Instruments CDK550 Observatory System is an elite configuration for professional astronomy research and advanced astrophotography applications, combining the CDK 20" f/7.77 Corrected Dall-Kirkham telescope and L-550 Direct-Drive mount.

The CDK 20" f/7.77 is an innovative telescope for unsurpassed astroimaging, research, or satellite tracking. With rock-solid fused silica mirrors, carbon fibre construction and pinpoint stars across a 52mm image circle, the CDK 20 is the capable of capturing the most stunning astrophotographs possible.

The CDK 20 is an incredible breakthrough in telescope technology and produces no off-axis coma and no off-axis astigmatism. Additionally, the CDK 20 provides a perfectly flat field so your astrophotographs will have stunning clarity from corner to corner of the image without field curvature degrading the photos.

The PlaneWave L550 Direct Drive Mount represents a pinnacle of engineering excellence, designed to meet astrophotography enthusiasts’ and astronomy researchers’ demands. This mount, a key component in the L-Series, integrates advanced technology to provide an unparalleled observational platform.

L-550 Direct Drive Mount Features

  • Equipped with PlaneWave's proprietary direct-drive motors on each axis, the L-550 ensures the telescopes' smooth, fast, and whisper-quiet movement, capable of slew speeds up to 50 degrees per second. This rapid adjustment capability is ideal for tracking celestial objects and satellites across the sky with minimal vibration and maximal accuracy.
  • With high-resolution encoders on each axis, the L-550 offers precise positioning, crucial for capturing sharp, detailed images of the night sky. These encoders are fundamental for scientific applications where exact data collection is paramount.
  • The design of the L-550 eliminates backlash and periodic error, providing steady tracking that is essential for high-quality astrophotography and reliable, long-term observational research.
  • Through-the-mount cabling system enhances setup neatness and safety, preventing cable snagging and reducing setup time.
  • Azimuth Dovetail Balance System provides precise center of gravity adjustments, enhancing the stability and performance of the system in both alt-azimuth and equatorial configurations, crucial for maintaining accurate tracking and reducing strain on the mount during extended observations.
  • Optional Dual Mounting Bracket allows for the attachment of additional telescopes or accessories on the mount, enhancing versatility and enabling simultaneous multi-instrument use, ideal for complex observational setups or educational demonstrations.
  • PointXP software creates precise models of the mount's tracking behavior, improving its accuracy for critical applications. This software is invaluable for projects requiring exact positioning and tracking over extended periods.

CDK 20" Optical Tube Assembly Features

  • Carbon fibre tube minimizes thermal expansion, which causes focus shift as temperature changes during an imaging session. Carbon fibre also reaches ambient temperatures quickly and is extremely lightweight and rigid to help ensure excellent imaging data is produced.
  • Dovetail Expansion Joint allows for the difference in thermal expansion between carbon fiber and aluminium. The expansion joint allows the aluminium dovetail to expand and contract without stressing the carbon fiber lower truss.
  • Delta-T ready - For added dew prevention, the CDK20 is internally wired with polyimide film heater pads and temperature sensor, which is ready to be controlled with the Delta-T via PlaneWave Interface 3 software.
  • Three cooling fans blow out of the optical tube pulling air through the telescope and by the primary mirror. This helps the telescope to reach thermal equilibrium quickly. The fans are controlled by a switch on the optical tube, or can be controlled by via PWI3 software.
Specifications

 

Optical system

Aperture 20" (508 mm)
Focal length
 3951 mm
Focal ratio
 f/7.77
Central obstruction
 39% of primary mirror diameter
Backfocus from mounting surface
 269.24 mm
OTA length
 1194 mm
Optimal field of view 52 mm image circle
Construction
 Carbon fibre truss and light shroud
Weight 63.5 kg


Primary mirror

Optical diameter
 508 mm
Outer diameter 521 mm
Material
 Fused silica (quartz)
Shape
 Prolate ellipsoid
Coating
 Enhanced aluminium - 96%

 

Secondary mirror

Diameter
 191 mm
Material
 Fused silica (quartz)
Shape
 Spherical
Coating
 Enhanced aluminium - 96%

 

Lens group

Diameter
 90 mm
Number of lenses
 2
Coating
 Broadband AR coatings (less than .5% reflected from 400 to 700nm)

 

L-550 Mount

 

Type
 Alt-Azimuth / Equatorial Direct-Drive Mount
Weight 338 lbs (153 kg)
Instrument payload capacity 300 lbs (136 kg)
Latitude range
 0 to 90 degrees, Northern and Southern hemispheres
Cable Management
 Equipment cables can be wired through mount
Swing-Through Length (From Altitude Axis) 650.748 mm (25.62")
Control Electronics PlaneWave Interface dual axis telescope control
Homing Sensors Home position sensors are included allowing the mount to find its home position on power up
Slew Rate 20 degrees per second (standard); 50 degrees per second (maximum), both axes
Power Requirement Accepts 120 to 240 VAC. Supplied with 120 VAC 15A IEC Type B Regulated Power Adapter.
Motor Control Industrial grade brushless motor control system and built in electronics
Motor – Azimuth and Altitude Direct-Drive 3 Phase Axial-Flux Torque Motors Encoder – Azimuth and Altitude
Encoder – Azimuth and Altitude 152 mm stainless steel encoder ring with reader built into the azimuth and altitude axes. 18,880,000 counts per revolution (0.069-arcsecond resolution).
Motor Torque Approximately 20 ft-lbs continuous; 50 ft-lbs peak
Drive Electronics Industrial grade, off-the-shelf brushless motor drives for each axis with custom designed interface card
Telescope Control Software Uses PWI4. Incorporates PointXP mount modeling software by Dave Rowe. All ASCOM compatible.
Pointing Accuracy <10-arcsecond RMS with PointXP Model
Pointing Precision 2 arcseconds at sidereal velocity
Tracking Accuracy 0.3 arcseconds over a 5-minute period at sidereal velocity
System Natural Frequency 10 Hz or greater

 

Included items

 

  • CDK20 f/7.77 OTA
  • L-550 mount
  • OTA cover to protect primary mirror
  • 200919 Dovetail Saddle
  • 6 x 1/2-13 x 1/4" socket head cap screws to bolt the mount to the pier
  • 6 x 1/2-13 x 1/4″ washers
  • One extended length shoulder bolt for RA axis to EQ wedge alignment
  • One 16′ USB cable - To connect the mount to the observatory control computer
  • Power cable for mount
  • Standard Allen Key set - For tightening bolts used on the mount
  • Gamepad - Used for control of the mount tracking speeds for visual observing
  • Printed instructions
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