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State-of-the-Art Direct-Drive Motors
Equipped with PlaneWave's proprietary direct-drive motors on each axis, the L-550 ensures the telescopes' smooth, fast, and whisper-quiet movement. This capability is crucial for swiftly tracking celestial objects and satellites across the sky with minimal vibration and maximum accuracy.
High-Resolution Encoders
With high-resolution encoders on each axis, the L-550 delivers exact positioning, essential for capturing crisp, detailed night sky images. These encoders are vital for scientific applications demanding precise data collection.
Zero Backlash and Periodic Error
The L-550's design eliminates backlash and periodic error, facilitating steady tracking vital for top-notch astrophotography and dependable, long-term observational research.
Flexible Installation Options
The L-550 is available in both Alt/Az and equatorial configurations to meet a variety of observational needs. This versatility makes it suitable for fixed installations in educational observatories and adaptable setups for amateur astronomers.
Through-the-Mount Cabling
The innovative through-the-mount cabling system enhances setup cleanliness 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.
Rapid Target Acquisition
Equipped with direct-drive motors capable of slew speeds up to 50 degrees per second, enabling quick and efficient targeting of celestial objects and satellites, crucial for dynamic observations and time-sensitive astrophotography.
PointXP Mount Modeling Software
Included with the mount, PointXP software precisely models the mount's tracking behavior, enhancing its accuracy for critical applications. This software is invaluable for projects that require exact positioning and consistent tracking over extended periods.
Application-Specific Advantages
Astrophotography
The L-550's rapid slew speeds and silent operation allow astrophotographers to reposition swiftly and quietly between shots, capturing stunning celestial images without disrupting the observational setting.
Research
Researchers benefit from the L-550's robust construction and precise tracking to conduct detailed celestial observations and night-long monitoring with minimal interruption and consistent data quality.
Space Situational Awareness (SSA) and Space Domain Awareness (SDA)
With its ability to swiftly and accurately reposition, the L-550 has ben been used for tracking satellites and space debris. However, our L-series mounts work best for astrophotography and research applications. To exceed the ideal performance requirements for SSA/SDA applications, we created the T-600 Direct-Drive Gimbal.
Mount Systems
| Type | Alt-Azimuth / Equatorial Direct Drive Mount |
| Weight | 153kg (338 lbs) |
| Max Load Capacity | 136kg (300 lbs) |
| 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) | 650.748 mm (25.62") |
Control Systems
| Control Electronics | PlaneWave Interface dual axis telescope control |
| Homing Sensors | Home position sensors are included allowing the mount can 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. |
Motion control
| 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 | 152mm 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. |
System Performance
| 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 | Dovetail Saddle (200919) - The PW wide saddle comes standard with the L-550 mount |
| Hardware - Six 1/2-13 x 1 1/4″ socket head cap screws to bolt the mount to the pier or wedge; Six 1/2-13 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 | |
| One 120VAC power cable- To provide power to the mount | |
| Standard Allen Key Set- For tightening bolts used on the mount | |
| Flash drive- Contains PWI4 software for mount control and instructions for installation | |
| 3/8 Socket - Used for operating the RA balance leadscrew on the mount | |
| Gamepad - Used for control of the mount tracking speeds for visual observing | |
| Standard Allen Key Set- For tightening bolts used on the mount |
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