Astronomy Specialist
1 3

PLANEWAVE CDK1000 OBSERVATORY SYSTEM

$999,999.00AUD
SKU: PW-1000101

PLANEWAVE CDK1000 OBSERVATORY SYSTEM is not in stock but it can be backordered.

Contact us

 

Prices do not include shipping costs. Contact us for exact shipping prices before purchasing. 

The CDK1000 is a complete 1-meter observatory-class telescope featuring a direct drive altitude-azimuth (Alt-Az) mounting system designed and engineered by PlaneWave. With a diffraction-limited 100mm image circle, the CDK1000 is designed to excel at imaging on the largest format CMOS cameras available today.

Light-weighted optics are made of zero expansion fused silica materials for excellent thermal stability and maximum throughput. The dual Nasmyth ports allow two instruments to be installed simultaneously, and a computer-controlled tertiary mirror allows either instrument to be remotely selected in seconds. With direct-drive motors, high-resolution encoders, zero-backlash and no periodic error, the CDK1000 sets a new standard in 1-meter class observatory telescopes. 

 

PW1000 Features

  • Pinpoint stars out to a 100mm image circle
  • Ultra-low thermal expansion fused silica optics
  • Dual Nasmyth focus, allowing simultaneous mounting of two instruments or easy switching between visual and imaging use
  • Direct-drive motors on each axis for smooth, fast, and virtually silent movement of the telescope
  • High resolution encoders on each axis for precise positioning
  • Zero backlash
  • Zero periodic error
  • PointXP mount modelling software
  • Field de-rotator / rotational field framing

 

An alt/az mount is inherently more stable than an equatorial mount since there is no cantilevered mass, nor are there any large protruding counterweights to create a dangerous hazard in a public observatory. An alt/az telescope is also considerably more compact than its equatorial counterpart, allowing a larger telescope to fit in a smaller enclosure. The mass it takes to make a rigid alt/az mount is substantially less, leading to cost savings.


Benefits of Nasmyth focus

The Nasmyth Focus is along the altitude axis so there are virtually no balancing issue as you change out equipment. Eyepieces remain at a constant wheelchair-accessible height, greatly simplifying access to the telescope for public observatories. The rotating tertiary mirror allows you to switch from one Nasmyth port to the other in just seconds, allowing observers to easily transition between imaging and visual use.

Rotating tertiary mirror

The PW1000 includes an integrated rotator for the tertiary mirror, with magnetic locks to position the mirror precisely for either Nasmyth focus position. The rotator can move from one port to the other in under 10 seconds.

Direct drive motors and encoders

Direct Drive motors mean that there are no gears to cause backlash and periodic error. With high-resolution encoders providing the feedback for the direct drive motors, not only will the telescope track without periodic error or have any backlash at all, but the mount will be able to counter against wind gusts. The direct drive motors can move the telescope at incredible speeds for tracking satellites or just to minimize target acquisition time.

Automated primary mirror shutter

Protects the primary mirror from unwanted dust and moisture with integrated four shutter automated system, fully controllable with PlaneWave’s PWI software.

Optics

 

Optical system

Aperture 1000 mm (39.37")
Focal length
 6000 mm
Focal ratio
 f/6
Central obstruction
 47% of the primary mirror diameter
Backfocus from mounting surface
 370 mm
Optical performance (400-900 nm)
 3.7μ RMS at 35 mm on-axis; 5.0μ RMS at 50 mm off-axis
Image scale
 29μ per arcsecond at f/6
Optimal field of view 100 mm image circle (1.0 degrees)
Construction
 Dual truss structure with Nasmyth focus
Weight 1587 kg
Dimensions 129.73″ H x 72″ W

Mechanical structure

Fork assembly
 Space frame steel truss
Fork base Welded stainless steel torsion box
Azimuth bearing
 26.7 inch slew ring bearing
Altitude bearing
 Three 9.5 inch 4 way loaded ball bearings (two pre-loaded on motor side, one on non motor side)
Optical tube
 Dual truss structure with Nasmyth focus
Instrument payload 136 kg (150-ft-lbs mounted on the field de-rotator plate)

 

Motion control

Motor control
 Industrial grade brushless motor control system and built in electronics
Motors
 Direct Drive 3 Phase Axial-Flux Torque Motors
Encoders
 Absolute encoder with a resolution of 0.005 arcseconds (268 million counts per revolution)
Motor torque
 Greater than 200 ft-lbs of peak torque
Drive electronics
 Controls the altitude and azimuth motors and encoders, 2 direct drive de-rotators with absolute encoders, 4 fans zones, 3 dew heater zones, two focusers, an array of temperature sensors, M3 port selector, primary mirror covers and magnetic axis deceleration
Control software Incorporates PointXP mount modelling software by Dave Rowe All ASCOM compatible.

 

System performance

Pointing accuracy Better than 10 arcsecond RMS with PointXP Model
Pointing precision
 2 arcsecond at sidereal velocity
Tracking accuracy
 <1 arcsecond error over 10 minute period at sidereal velocity
System natural frequency
 10 Hz or greater
Field de-rotator accuracy
 3 microns of peak to peak error at 35mm off-axis over 1 hour of tracking (18 arcsec)


Back to top