PLANEWAVE CDK700 OBSERVATORY SYSTEM

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PlaneWave Instruments brings a fully automated observatory class telescope to the market with the CDK700, a 0.7 meter Alt-Az telescope system, combining the revolutionary CDK optical design that founded PlaneWave Instruments with an innovative direct-drive alt/az mount technology that sets a new standard for small observatory telescopes.

CDK700 Features

• Pinpoint stars out to a 70mm 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
  
• Now compatible with Series-5 Low Profile Focuser/Rotator
• Optional hard upper shroud and mirror shutter for environmental protection
• Edge Controller electronics enables direct web-based control with built-in Wi-Fi, 5G and LTE

 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.

Unlike German Equatorial mounts, there are no meridian flips to deal with. You can image from horizon to horizon continuously if desired. Alt/Az is more intuitive to use and no polar alignment is needed. Besides, it is the way the professionals do it!

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 CDK700 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.

All PlaneWave telescopes feature the following ports for dew heater and fan management:

• Two RCA connectors to power the dew heater (from the Delta T or from a 12V source)
• One RJ connector for the Delta T to the telescope to transmit temperature data
• One EFA connector to power the fans (EFA to 5.5-2.1 jack included)
• One auxiliary output port

The built-in dew heaters can be powered by any 12V DC source which has an RCA connector, but the Delta T is required to keep the mirror just above the dew point to avoid overheating and the resulting internal turbulences.

The EFA connector can be powered by the separate EFA controller, any 12V DC source using the supplied EFA to 5.5 x 2.1 jack, or by the Series-5 controller.

Optics

Optical system

Mechanical structure

Motion control

System performance