PLANEWAVE CDK600 OBSERVATORY SYSTEM

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The PlaneWave Instruments CDK600 Observatory System is an elite configuration for professional astronomy research and advanced astrophotography applications, combining the CDK 24" Corrected Dall-Kirkham telescope and L-600 Direct-Drive mount.

The CDK 24" 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 70mm image circle, the CDK 24 is the capable of capturing the most stunning astrophotographs possible.

The CDK 24 is an incredible breakthrough in telescope technology and produces no off-axis coma and no off-axis astigmatism. Additionally, the CDK 24 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 L600 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-600 Direct Drive Mount Features

• Equipped with PlaneWave's proprietary direct-drive motors on each axis, the L-600 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-600 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-600 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 24" 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 CDK24 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

Primary mirror

Secondary mirror

Lens group

L-600 Mount

Included items

• CDK24 OTA
• L-600 mount
• OTA cover to protect primary mirror
• 200919 Dovetail Saddle
• L-500/L-600 Internal Right Ascension Sliding Weight Accessory (L500204)
• 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
• Secure Fit Adapter (CDK24) - 5.539"
• Spacer (240343-1)
• 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