Astronomy Specialist

PLANEWAVE CDK300 OBSERVATORY SYSTEM

$45,999.00AUD
SKU: PW-125130Q

PLANEWAVE CDK300 OBSERVATORY SYSTEM is not in stock but it can be backordered.

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The PlaneWave Instruments CDK300 Observatory System is an elite configuration for professional astronomy research and advanced astrophotography applications, combining the CDK 12.5" Corrected Dall-Kirkham telescope and L-350 Direct-Drive mount.

The CDK 12.5" 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 12.5 is the capable of capturing the most stunning astrophotographs possible.

The CDK 12.5 is an incredible breakthrough in telescope technology and produces no off-axis coma and no off-axis astigmatism. Additionally, the CDK12.5 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 L-350 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-350 Direct Drive Mount Features

  • Equipped with PlaneWave's proprietary direct-drive motors on each axis, the L-350 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-350 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-350 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 12.5" 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.
  • 2.75-inch heavy-duty, no-slip Hedrick Focuser with 1.3" of drawtube travel when fully racked out. The focus tube runs on 5 bearings and is driven by a leadscrew, so there is no chance of slipping. Focusing is automated through PlaneWave Interface 3 (PWI3) software when using the sold separately PlaneWave Electronic Focuser Accessory.
  • 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

OTA

Aperture 12.5" (318 mm)
Focal length
 2541 mm
Focal ratio
 f/8
Central obstruction
 42%
Backfocus from mounting surface
 265 mm
Backfocus from racked in focuser
 183 mm
OTA length
 787 mm
Optimal field of view 52 mm image circle
Weight (with manual focuser & dovetail) 20.9 kg
Weight (with electronic focuser & dovetail) 22 kg


Primary mirror

Optical diameter
 318 mm
Outer diameter 330 mm
Material
 Fused silica (quartz)
Shape
 Prolate ellipsoid
Coating
 Enhanced aluminium - 96%

 

Secondary mirror

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

 

Lens group

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

 

L-350 Mount

 

Type
 Alt-Azimuth / Equatorial Direct-Drive Mount
Weight 110 lbs (50 kg)
Instrument payload capacity 100 lbs (45 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) 571.5 mm (22.5")
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

 

  • CDK12.5 OTA
  • L-350 mount
  • OTA cover to protect primary mirror
  • 600182 Keller EZ-Saddle
  • 6 x 3/8-16 x 1/4" socket head cap screws to bolt the mount to the pier
  • 6 x 3/8-16 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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