Product Details

• Description
• Specifications
• Included Items
• Reviews

• The PlaneWave Instruments CDK500 is a 20 inch (0.51 m) f/6.8 Corrected Dall-Kirkham Astrograph telescope. The CDK500 has a dual carbon-fiber truss design, with 3 cooling fans ejecting air from the back of the telescope. The CDK500 covers a 52 mm field of view without any field curvature, off-axis coma, or astigmatism. The instrument weight is 140 lbs (64 kg) and comes standard with a back plate retaining ring ready to accept the focuser of your choice.

  All CDK500 telescopes come with Fused Silica primary and secondary mirrors.

  The L-Series combines versatility, simplicity and affordability by combining all the technology of our Observatory class telescopes into a compact stand-alone mount. In its Alt/Az configuration it is 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, and no large protruding counterweights to create a dangerous hazard in a public observatory. Alt/Az is more intuitive to use and no polar alignment is needed. Besides, it is the way the pros do it!

  L-Series Mount Features:

  • Direct-drive motors on each axis for smooth, fast, and virtually silent movement of the telescope
  • Slew speeds up to 50 degrees per second
  • High-resolution encoders on each axis for precise positioning
  • Zero backlash
  • Zero periodic error
  • PointXP mount modeling software
  • Enclosed electronics

  The L-Series mount combines versatility, simplicity, and affordability by combining all the technology of our Observatory class telescopes into a compact stand-alone mount. In its Alt/Az configuration, it is considerably more compact than its German equatorial counterpart, allowing a larger telescope to fit in a smaller enclosure.  Unlike German Equatorial mounts, there are no meridian flips to deal with, and no large protruding counterweights to create a dangerous hazard in a public observatory. Alt/Az is more intuitive to use and no polar alignment is needed. Besides, it is the way the pros do it!

  Direct drive motors and encoders	Direct Drive motors and on-axis encoders eliminate the need for gears, thereby eliminating 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 and backlash, but the mount will also counter wind gusts with precise servo feedback.
  Incredible Slew Speed	The direct-drive motors can move the telescope at speeds up to 50 degrees per second for tracking satellites or just to minimize target acquisition time.
  Dual mounting bracket	PlaneWave style mounting bracket to hold CDK17/20 onto inside of fork arm with the additional option of mounting a scope on the outside of the fork arm. Optional dovetail clamp required.
  Azimuth dovetail balance system	For precise center of gravity balance whether in Alt-Az or Equatorial configuration
  Through the mount cabling	Access panels in the fork arm and azimuth axis allow for camera equipment cabling through the inside of the mount.
  Proven CDK700/PW1000 Technology	The L-Series uses the same proven technology as the CDK700 and 1-Meter PW1000 which are being used in Universities around the world.

• specifications

  Aperture	508 mm (20")
  Back Focus	147 mm
  Computerized	Computerized
  Corrected Image Circle	70 mm
  Dawes Limit	0.23 arcseconds
  Drive Type	Direct
  Focal Length	3454 mm
  Focal Ratio	f/6.8
  Glass Type	Fused SIlica
  Head Design	Altitude Azimuth
  Highest Magnification	1016x
  Latitude Range	0 to 90 Degrees
  Light Gathering Power	5267x
  Mount Head Weight	257 lb
  Optical Design	Corrected Dall Kirkham
  PEC	Yes
  Tracking Accuracy	0.3 Arcseconds
  Tube Diameter	521 mm/9.37 inches
  Tube Length	1194 mm
  Tube Weight	140 lb

• included items

  This product is delivered via Freight. Shipping costs and crating fees will be determined after the order is placed.

  • Full system weight: 397 lbs.
  • Max load capacity: 200 lbs.
  • Focal length: 3454 mm (136 inches)
  • Focal ratio: f/6.8
  • Aperture: 508 mm (20 inches)
  • Image circle: 70 mm
  • Please note: wedge featured in the image is SOLD SEPARATELY