CDK17’s Key Features

Large Aperture and Moderate Focal Ratio

The CDK17 features a 432 mm aperture and an f/6.8 focal ratio. This combination enhances its capability to capture deep-sky objects with exceptional detail, offering excellent light-gathering efficiency and a broad field of view suitable for advanced research and high-quality imaging.

Advanced Optical Design

Equipped with a state-of-the-art Corrected Dall-Kirkham optical system, the CDK17 delivers outstanding image clarity. Its innovative design eliminates off-axis coma and astigmatism. It provides a perfectly flat field, ensuring images are sharp and detailed across the entire field of view with minimal need for post-processing.

Robust Mechanical Structure

Constructed with a carbon fiber optical tube, the CDK17 is lightweight and durable. Its design minimizes thermal expansion, ensuring minimal focus shift with temperature changes, making it ideal for extended observing sessions under varying environmental conditions.

High-Performance Mirrors and Coatings

Using fused silica mirrors, the CDK17 maintains precise optical alignment and surface accuracy, even amid temperature fluctuations. The high-quality coatings enhance light transmission and reduce stray light, optimizing performance for specialized observational tasks.

Thermal Management

The CDK17 is equipped with cooling fans and a Delta-T ready system to achieve thermal equilibrium swiftly. These features help to minimize air turbulence within the tube, thus reducing image distortion and maintaining consistent imaging quality.

Integrated Dew Control

The telescope incorporates advanced dew prevention technology with heater pads controlled by PlaneWave’s software. This ensures that optical surfaces remain clear of condensation during humid conditions, thus maintaining clear and consistent imaging performance.

Application-Specific Benefits

Astrophotography

With its large image circle and exceptional field flatness, the CDK17 allows astrophotographers to capture expansive and breathtaking views of the cosmos with incredible detail and clarity.

Astronomy Research

The precise and stable imaging capabilities of the CDK17 make it an invaluable tool for academic institutions and observatories engaged in complex astronomical research, including deep-sky surveys and detailed photometric studies.

Visual Observations

The CDK17 excels in visual observation, offering bright and crisp views ideal for star parties and serious visual astronomy. The telescope's superior optical quality provides stunning views of planetary, lunar, and deep-sky objects, making every viewing session a remarkable experience.

Space Situational Awareness (SSA) and Space Domain Awareness (SDA)

The CDK17 also lends itself to Space Situational Awareness and Space Domain Awareness applications. Its capability to provide detailed observations can be essential for tracking and monitoring satellites and other space debris, contributing valuable data for space traffic management and safety initiatives.

Optical Systems

Secondary Mirror

Lens Group

Primary Mirror