PlaneWave CDK500 Telescope System

Starting Price: $56,000.00
Price as Configured: $56,000.00
Brand: PlaneWave Instruments / SKU: PW-200130Q
Enjoy exceptional optical and tracking performance for astrophotography, or research, with the CDK400 package! Includes a CDK20 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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Recommended Add-ons and Accessories

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  • This is an L-shaped bracket that attaches in four different places on the back of any of the CDK models.
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About This Product
This adapter slides into the optional 3.5″ Hedrick Focuser.  The adapter steps the 3.5″ opening down to 2″ for standard 2″ accessories.  The adapter also adds some additional spacing to optimize the use of a 2″ diagonal so focus is reached with most eyepieces.
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PW-6001106 - PlaneWave Pier for L-500/L-600 Mount
About This Product
NOTE: Shipping cost will be determined after the order is made and must be paid for before the pier will ship. A shipping quote can be obtained on request.
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PW-600128 - PlaneWave Portable Rolling Pier
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NOTE: Shipping cost will be determined after the order is made and must be paid for before the pier will ship. A shipping quote can be obtained on request.
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The PlaneWave IRF90 is a large-capacity integrated focuser and rotator for use with ALT/AZ or equatorially-mounted systems. The IRF90 is compatible with the CDK14, CDK17, CDK20, CDK24, and the CDK700. The IRF90 requires a standard Electronic Focuser Assembly (see Options below).

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PW-600195 - PlaneWave Delta T Heater
About This Product

With PlaneWaves's Delta T Heater you can:

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PW-600560 - PlaneWave L-500/L-600 Equatorial Wedge
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PW-600560 - PlaneWave L-500/L-600 Equatorial Wedge
About This Product

Add to the versatility of your L500/600 direct drive mount with PlaneWave’s Equatorial Wedge for precise polar alignment and tracking accuracy. Each wedge is made for your specific latitude and has alignment range of +/- 3 degrees. Uses oversized fine thread adjustment screws and brass tightening nuts for fine latitude adjustment.

Weighs 145lbs fully assembled.

NOTE: Shipping cost will be determined after the order is made and must be paid for before the wedge will ship. A shipping quote can be obtained on request.

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Price as Configured: $56,000.00

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Mount System

Type Alt-Azimuth / Equatorial Direct Drive Mount
Weight 257 lbs (100 kg)
Component Weights Azimuth Base – 121 lbs, Fork Arm – 136 lbs
Max. Load Capacity 200 lbs (91 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 VAC. Supplied with 12VDC 15A Regulated Power Adapter

Optical System

Aperture 20 inch (508 mm)
Focal Length 3454 mm (135.98 inch)
Focal ratio F/6.8
Central Obstruction 39% of the Primary Mirror Diameter
Back Focus from Racked in Focuser 5.8 inch (147 mm)
Weight 140 lbs (63.5 kg)

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 PlaneWave Interface (PWI4). Incorporates PointXP mount modeling software by Dave Rowe. Provides HTTP and ASCOM control interfaces.

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