PlaneWave CDK400 Telescope System
Starting Price: $44,500.00
Price as Configured: $44,500.00
Price as Configured: $44,500.00
Brand: PlaneWave Instruments / SKU: PW-170130Q
Enjoy exceptional optical and tracking performance for astrophotography, or research, with the CDK400 package! Includes a CDK17 optical tube and L-500 mount.
NOTE: Packaging and shipping cost will be determined when the order is ready to ship and must be paid for before the equipment will ship. A shipping quote can be obtained on request
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Key Features of the CDK400 Observatory System
CDK17 Optical Tube Assembly 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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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, 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.
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