The CDK400 Observatory System from PlaneWave Instruments is designed for the sophisticated astrophotographer and dedicated astronomy researcher. This premium package combines the high-performing CDK17 optical tube with the advanced L-500 direct-drive mount to provide a superior observational platform that excels in a range of applications, from detailed celestial research to high-end astrophotography.
Key Features of the CDK400 Observatory System
CDK17 Optical Tube Assembly
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Aperture and Focal Length: Features a 17-inch aperture and a 2939 mm focal length at an f/6.8 focal ratio, optimizing it for deep-sky imaging with excellent depth and clarity.
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Advanced Optical Design: Utilizes a Corrected Dall-Kirkham optical design, delivering a field free of off-axis coma and astigmatism and achieving a perfectly flat field across a 70 mm image circle, resulting in critically sharp images across the entire viewing area.
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High-Quality Construction: Made with lightweight yet robust carbon fiber, reducing thermal expansion and allowing for rapid thermal equilibration, which helps maintain precise optical alignment under fluctuating temperatures.
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Superior Mirrors and Coatings: Equipped with high-stability fused silica mirrors known for minimal thermal expansion, paired with high-performance coatings that maximize light throughput while minimizing stray light for optimal imaging quality.
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Thermal Management: Features an advanced cooling system with strategically placed fans that promote rapid thermal stabilization, essential for maintaining consistent high-quality imaging and minimizing focus shifts caused by temperature changes.
L-500 Direct Drive Mount
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Direct Drive Motors: Employs state-of-the-art direct-drive motors on each axis, ensuring smooth, fast, and virtually silent movement of the telescope with zero backlash and zero periodic error, perfect for precise tracking and swift repositioning of celestial objects.
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High-Resolution Encoders: Outfitted with high-resolution optical encoders on both axes, providing exacting positioning and movement, crucial for top-tier astrophotography and detailed astronomical studies.
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Azimuth Dovetail Balance System: Incorporates a finely adjustable balance system that improves the stability and performance of the setup in both alt-azimuth and equatorial configurations, essential for prolonged accurate tracking and reducing stress on the mount during extended observations.
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Rapid Target Acquisition: Achieves impressive slew speeds up to 50 degrees per second, allowing for quick and efficient targeting of celestial bodies and satellites, vital for dynamic observations and responsive astrophotography.
Application-Specific Advantages
Astrophotography
The CDK400 stands out as a formidable system for astrophotographers, offering unmatched tracking accuracy and image stability which facilitate capturing spectacular celestial images with detailed resolution and vibrant colors.
Astronomy Research
Researchers will appreciate the CDK400 for its consistent performance and precise data collection capabilities. It serves as a robust platform for sophisticated photometry, spectroscopy, and minor planet tracking, offering a solid foundation for scientific discovery and exploration.
Visual Observations
For enthusiasts of visual astronomy, the CDK400 delivers vibrant and detailed views of the universe. Its significant aperture and high-quality optical components ensure exceptional viewing of planetary, lunar, and deep-sky objects, enriching every observational experience.
Space Situational Awareness (SSA) and Space Domain Awareness (SDA)
With its swift and precise repositioning capabilities, the L-500 mount in the CDK400 system is capable of tracking satellites and space debris. However, it's important to note that while the L-series mounts are highly effective for astrophotography and research applications, they might not meet the optimal performance standards required for dedicated SSA/SDA operations. For those needs, we recommend exploring our T-600 Direct-Drive Gimbal, specifically engineered to exceed the demanding requirements for SSA/SDA applications, ensuring superior tracking and responsiveness in monitoring and cataloging space objects.
Mount System
| Mount Weight |
338 lbs (153 kg) |
| Max. Load Capacity |
300 lbs (136 kg) |
| Latitude Range |
0 to 90 degrees, Northern and Southern hemispheres |
| Cable Management |
Equipment cables can be wired through mount |
Control System
| Control Electronics |
PlaneWave Interface dual axis telescope control |
| User Interface |
PlaneWave Interface 4 (PWI4) Control Software with integrated PointXP mount modeling software |
| 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. |
Optical Systems
| Aperture |
17 inch (432 mm) |
| Focal Length |
2939 mm (115.71 inch) |
| Focal Ratio |
f/6.8 |
| Central Obstruction |
23.7% by surface area; 48.6% of the primary mirror diameter |
| Backfocus from Mounting Surface |
10.32 inch (262.33 mm) |
| Backfocus from Racked in Focuser |
7.24 inch (184 mm) |
| Weight |
106 lbs (48 kg) |
| Optimal Field of View |
70mm image circle |
Mechanical Structure
| Fork Assembly |
L-500 Mount |
| Fork Base |
Welded stainless steel torsion box |
| Optical Tube |
Carbon Fiber Truss with Carbon Fiber Light Shroud |
| Instrument Payload |
201 lbs (91 kg) |
Motion control
| 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. |
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
| Included Items |
Heating elements for dew prevention - The heating pads on the primary and secondary mirror require the 600195 Delta-T controller sold separately |
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OTA Cover - To protect the primary mirror and inside of the optical tube |
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Flash drive - Contains PWI4 software for mount control , instructions for installation, software, and instructions for collimation and spacing the primary to secondary mirror |
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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 |
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One 16′ USB cable - To connect the mount to the observatory control computer |
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One 120VAC power cable - To provide power to the mount |
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Standard Allen Key set - For tightening bolts used on the mount |
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Gamepad - Used for control of the mount tracking speeds for visual observing |
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Dovetail Saddle (200919) - The PW wide saddle comes standard with the L-500 mount |
