Key Features of the CDK350 Observatory System

CDK14 Optical Tube Assembly

Aperture and Focal Length: Boasts a 14-inch aperture and a 2563 mm focal length at an f/7.2 focal ratio, ideal for capturing wide-field views of the cosmos with incredible depth and clarity.

Advanced Optical Design: Features a Corrected Dall-Kirkham optical design, providing a field free of off-axis coma and astigmatism while achieving a perfectly flat field across a 70 mm image circle, ensuring critically sharp images throughout the entire field.

High-Quality Construction: Constructed from lightweight yet durable carbon fiber, minimizing thermal expansion and allowing for rapid thermal equilibration, which helps maintain optical precision in fluctuating temperatures.

Superior Mirrors and Coatings: Fitted with rock-solid fused silica mirrors known for their minimal thermal expansion, paired with premium coatings that enhance light throughput while minimizing stray light for optimal image quality.

Thermal Management: Integrates an advanced cooling system with multiple fans that

promote rapid thermal stabilization, essential for maintaining consistent high-quality imaging during lengthy exposures and minimizing focus shifts caused by temperature variations.

L-350 Direct Drive Mount

Direct Drive Motors: Features sophisticated direct-drive motors on each axis, ensuring smooth, swift, and near-silent movement of the telescope with zero backlash and zero periodic error, perfect for both tracking celestial objects and quick repositioning.

High-Resolution Encoders: Comes equipped with high-resolution optical encoders on both axes, delivering precise positioning and movement, which is critical for high-quality astrophotography and detailed celestial research.

Azimuth Dovetail Balance System: Includes a finely adjustable balance system that enhances the stability and performance of the setup in both alt-azimuth and equatorial configurations, critical for sustained accurate tracking and easing the strain on the mount during prolonged observations.

Rapid Target Acquisition: Boasts direct-drive motors capable of impressive slew speeds up to 50 degrees per second, allowing for quick and efficient targeting of celestial objects and satellites, vital for dynamic observations and responsive astrophotography.

Application-Specific Advantages

Astrophotography

The CDK350 is a powerhouse for astrophotographers, offering exceptional tracking accuracy and image stability which facilitate capturing breathtaking celestial images with intricate details and vibrant colors.

Astronomy Research

Researchers will find the CDK350 invaluable for its consistent performance and precise data collection capabilities. It serves as a reliable platform for photometry, spectroscopy, and minor planet tracking, providing a robust foundation for scientific exploration and discovery.

Visual Observations

For enthusiasts of visual astronomy, the CDK350 delivers vibrant and detailed views of the universe. Its substantial aperture and high-quality optical components ensure superb viewing of planetary, lunar, and deep-sky objects, enhancing every observational session.

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

With its swift and precise repositioning capabilities, the L-350 mount in the CDK350 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, PlaneWave recommends exploring the 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.