PlaneWave CDK17 Telescope

Starting Price: $26,000.00
Price as Configured: $26,000.00
Brand: PlaneWave Instruments / SKU: PW-170101Q
The CDK17 from PlaneWave Instruments is a testament to advanced engineering and innovation, specifically designed for astrophotographers and astronomers seeking high-level performance. This telescope integrates PlaneWave’s precision optics and durable construction to provide exceptional image quality across various observational and scientific applications.

The CDK17 stands out with its robust specifications and features:
  • 17-inch (432 mm) aperture
  • 2939 mm focal length
  • f/6.8 focal ratio
  • 262.33 mm back focus from mounting surface
  • Perfectly flat field across the entire 70mm image circle
  • No off-axis coma or astigmatism
  • Rock-solid fused silica mirrors with low thermal expansion
  • Lightweight and rigid carbon fiber optical tube assembly
NOTE: Shipping cost will be determined after the order is made and must be paid before the telescope will ship. A shipping quote can be obtained on request.
Packaging (Required)
Recommended Add-ons and Accessories
Product Price Quantity
PW-6011001 - PlaneWave Series-5 Focuser (Stackable with Series-5 Rotator)
PW-6011001 - PlaneWave Series-5 Focuser (Stackable with Series-5 Rotator)
About This Product
The Series-5 focuser is a large capacity focuser for use with Alt/Az, or equatorially mounted systems.
The focuser is capable of lifting 40 lbs (18 kg) with a travel range of 0.6-inches (15,200 microns).
The Series-5 focuser can be stacked with the Series-5 rotator for a complete focusing rotator solution (combined 2.78″ of occupied backfocus).
Occupies only 1.675” of backfocus.
464.4283 encoder counts per micron
Controlled via PWI4 software for autofocusing and optional field de-rotation (if using an Alt/Az mounted system).
Requires the Series-5 Controller.
Compatible with the DeltaRho 350 and RC700 telescopes.
$3,000.00 each
PW-6021001 - PlaneWave Series-5 Rotator (Stackable with Series-5 Focuser)
PW-6021001 - PlaneWave Series-5 Rotator (Stackable with Series-5 Focuser)
About This Product
The Series-5 rotator is a large-capacity rotator for use with Alt/Az, or equatorially mounted systems.
The rotator is capable of lifting 40 lbs (18 kg) with a travel range of 680 degrees between mechanical hardstops.
The Series-5 rotator can be stacked with the Series-5 focuser for a complete focusing rotator solution (combined 2.78″ of occupied back focus).
Occupies only 1.105” of back focus.
Controlled via PWI4 software for autofocusing and optional field de-rotation (if using an Alt/Az mounted system).
Requires the Series-5 Controller.
Compatible with DeltaRho and RC700 telescopes.
3,637,531 encoder counts per rotation (10104.25 counts per degree, 2.806 counts per arcsecond).
*Series-5 rotator shown stacked with the focuser is sold separately.
$3,000.00 each
PW-600199 - PlaneWave Series-5 Controller
PW-600199 - PlaneWave Series-5 Controller
About This Product
PlaneWave has designed a new 5-wire bus communication box that controls the Series-5 Focuser and Rotator, which includes M12 circular 5-wire threaded connector heads for environmental sealing.

The Series -5 Controller has been designed for:
  • Operating the Series-5 Focuser and Rotator
  • Powering the fans for temperature control on DeltaRho Astrographs, as well as CDK12.5 to CDK24 telescopes
  • Powering and controlling the telescope’s built-in anti-dew heating pads.
  • Includes M12 circular 5-wire threaded connector heads for environmental sealing.
  • Controlled via PlaneWave Interface 4 software with ASCOM support.
$800.00 each
PW-170970 - PlaneWave CDK17 Fabric Light Shroud
PW-170970 - PlaneWave CDK17 Fabric Light Shroud
About This Product
This is a spandex fabric light shroud that blocks out stray light and minimizes dust on the primary mirror.
$207.00 each
PW-600195 - PlaneWave Delta T Heater
PW-600195 - PlaneWave Delta T Heater
About This Product
  • The Delta T controller is an optional accessory for dew prevention on CDK14 through CDK24 OTAs and the CDK700 system.
  • CDK14 to CDK24 and CDK700 telescopes come with primary and secondary mirror dew heating pads (CDK700 adds tertiary mirror heating), which are ready to accept the Delta T controller.
  • Controlled via PWI3 software for CDK14 through CDK24 OTAs (PWI2 for the CDK700).
$750.00 each
PW-125166 - PlaneWave Reducer 0.66X CDK12.5/14/17
PW-125166 - PlaneWave Reducer 0.66X CDK12.5/14/17
About This Product

This is a reducer designed specifically for flat field telescopes like the CDK. This reduces the f/ratio of the CDK telescope 66% and creates a 30mm illuminated field. The CDK12.5 f/8 telescope will be reduced down to f/5.3.

$1,600.00 each
PW-6003148 - PlaneWave Adapter, Series-5 Focuser or Rotator to SecureFit Spacers
PW-6003148 - PlaneWave Adapter, Series-5 Focuser or Rotator to SecureFit Spacers
About This Product
This adapter bolts to PlaneWave 7.125″ flanges and presents SecureFit bolt pattern.
Works with CDK14, CDK17, CDK20, CDK24, CDK700, and RC700 telescopes.
Also works with DeltaRho 350 optical tubes that have the Series-5 Focuser, or Rotator installed.
Occupies 0.25″ of backfocus.
$173.00 each
PW-170990 - PlaneWave Piggyback Dovetail Bar for CDK17
PW-170990 - PlaneWave Piggyback Dovetail Bar for CDK17
About This Product
Piggyback dovetails for mounting accessories atop an optical tube. These dovetails accept Losmandy D-style accessories.
Piggyback Dovetail Assemblies come with mounting brackets and a Losmandy style dovetail for mounting accessories on your CDK14, 17, 20, 24, and 700.
Please Note- For CDK17 users: 170990 – is for the current CDK17 design with 10.24” of backfocus
$460.00 each
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PW-6011001 - PlaneWave Series-5 Focuser (Stackable with Series-5 Rotator)
PW-6011001 - PlaneWave Series-5 Focuser (Stackable with Series-5 Rotator)
$3,000.00
« Back to All Add-ons
PW-6011001 - PlaneWave Series-5 Focuser (Stackable with Series-5 Rotator)
About This Product
The Series-5 focuser is a large capacity focuser for use with Alt/Az, or equatorially mounted systems.
The focuser is capable of lifting 40 lbs (18 kg) with a travel range of 0.6-inches (15,200 microns).
The Series-5 focuser can be stacked with the Series-5 rotator for a complete focusing rotator solution (combined 2.78″ of occupied backfocus).
Occupies only 1.675” of backfocus.
464.4283 encoder counts per micron
Controlled via PWI4 software for autofocusing and optional field de-rotation (if using an Alt/Az mounted system).
Requires the Series-5 Controller.
Compatible with the DeltaRho 350 and RC700 telescopes.
PW-6021001 - PlaneWave Series-5 Rotator (Stackable with Series-5 Focuser)
PW-6021001 - PlaneWave Series-5 Rotator (Stackable with Series-5 Focuser)
$3,000.00
« Back to All Add-ons
PW-6021001 - PlaneWave Series-5 Rotator (Stackable with Series-5 Focuser)
About This Product
The Series-5 rotator is a large-capacity rotator for use with Alt/Az, or equatorially mounted systems.
The rotator is capable of lifting 40 lbs (18 kg) with a travel range of 680 degrees between mechanical hardstops.
The Series-5 rotator can be stacked with the Series-5 focuser for a complete focusing rotator solution (combined 2.78″ of occupied back focus).
Occupies only 1.105” of back focus.
Controlled via PWI4 software for autofocusing and optional field de-rotation (if using an Alt/Az mounted system).
Requires the Series-5 Controller.
Compatible with DeltaRho and RC700 telescopes.
3,637,531 encoder counts per rotation (10104.25 counts per degree, 2.806 counts per arcsecond).
*Series-5 rotator shown stacked with the focuser is sold separately.
PW-600199 - PlaneWave Series-5 Controller
PW-600199 - PlaneWave Series-5 Controller
$800.00
« Back to All Add-ons
PW-600199 - PlaneWave Series-5 Controller
About This Product
PlaneWave has designed a new 5-wire bus communication box that controls the Series-5 Focuser and Rotator, which includes M12 circular 5-wire threaded connector heads for environmental sealing.

The Series -5 Controller has been designed for:
  • Operating the Series-5 Focuser and Rotator
  • Powering the fans for temperature control on DeltaRho Astrographs, as well as CDK12.5 to CDK24 telescopes
  • Powering and controlling the telescope’s built-in anti-dew heating pads.
  • Includes M12 circular 5-wire threaded connector heads for environmental sealing.
  • Controlled via PlaneWave Interface 4 software with ASCOM support.
PW-170970 - PlaneWave CDK17 Fabric Light Shroud
PW-170970 - PlaneWave CDK17 Fabric Light Shroud
$207.00
« Back to All Add-ons
PW-170970 - PlaneWave CDK17 Fabric Light Shroud
About This Product
This is a spandex fabric light shroud that blocks out stray light and minimizes dust on the primary mirror.
PW-600195 - PlaneWave Delta T Heater
PW-600195 - PlaneWave Delta T Heater
$750.00
« Back to All Add-ons
PW-600195 - PlaneWave Delta T Heater
About This Product
  • The Delta T controller is an optional accessory for dew prevention on CDK14 through CDK24 OTAs and the CDK700 system.
  • CDK14 to CDK24 and CDK700 telescopes come with primary and secondary mirror dew heating pads (CDK700 adds tertiary mirror heating), which are ready to accept the Delta T controller.
  • Controlled via PWI3 software for CDK14 through CDK24 OTAs (PWI2 for the CDK700).
PW-125166 - PlaneWave Reducer 0.66X CDK12.5/14/17
PW-125166 - PlaneWave Reducer 0.66X CDK12.5/14/17
$1,600.00
« Back to All Add-ons
PW-125166 - PlaneWave Reducer 0.66X CDK12.5/14/17
About This Product

This is a reducer designed specifically for flat field telescopes like the CDK. This reduces the f/ratio of the CDK telescope 66% and creates a 30mm illuminated field. The CDK12.5 f/8 telescope will be reduced down to f/5.3.

PW-6003148 - PlaneWave Adapter, Series-5 Focuser or Rotator to SecureFit Spacers
PW-6003148 - PlaneWave Adapter, Series-5 Focuser or Rotator to SecureFit Spacers
$173.00
« Back to All Add-ons
PW-6003148 - PlaneWave Adapter, Series-5 Focuser or Rotator to SecureFit Spacers
About This Product
This adapter bolts to PlaneWave 7.125″ flanges and presents SecureFit bolt pattern.
Works with CDK14, CDK17, CDK20, CDK24, CDK700, and RC700 telescopes.
Also works with DeltaRho 350 optical tubes that have the Series-5 Focuser, or Rotator installed.
Occupies 0.25″ of backfocus.
PW-170990 - PlaneWave Piggyback Dovetail Bar for CDK17
PW-170990 - PlaneWave Piggyback Dovetail Bar for CDK17
$460.00
« Back to All Add-ons
PW-170990 - PlaneWave Piggyback Dovetail Bar for CDK17
About This Product
Piggyback dovetails for mounting accessories atop an optical tube. These dovetails accept Losmandy D-style accessories.
Piggyback Dovetail Assemblies come with mounting brackets and a Losmandy style dovetail for mounting accessories on your CDK14, 17, 20, 24, and 700.
Please Note- For CDK17 users: 170990 – is for the current CDK17 design with 10.24” of backfocus
PW-600390 - PlaneWave Adapter, SecureFit to M68 X 1
PW-600390 - PlaneWave Adapter, SecureFit to M68 X 1
$184.00
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PW-600390 - PlaneWave Adapter, SecureFit to M68 X 1
About This Product
This adapter presents M68 x 1 male threads on the camera side and presents SecureFit on the telescope side.
Backfocus distance occupied by this adapter is 0.25″.
Designed for use with ZWO and QHY cameras and filterwheels that accept M68.
PW-200361-2 - PlaneWave Spacer, CCD SecureFit L=2.1"
PW-200361-2 - PlaneWave Spacer, CCD SecureFit L=2.1"
$290.00
PW-200361-3 - PlaneWave Spacer, CCD SecureFit L=4.5"
PW-200361-3 - PlaneWave Spacer, CCD SecureFit L=4.5"
$290.00
PW-200361-4 - PlaneWave Spacer, CCD SecureFit L=5.2"
PW-200361-4 - PlaneWave Spacer, CCD SecureFit L=5.2"
$290.00
PW-200361-5 - PlaneWave Spacer, CCD SecureFit L=5.9"
PW-200361-5 - PlaneWave Spacer, CCD SecureFit L=5.9"
$320.00
PW-200361-6 - PlaneWave Spacer, CCD SecureFit L=6.75"
PW-200361-6 - PlaneWave Spacer, CCD SecureFit L=6.75"
$320.00
PW-200361-7 - PlaneWave Spacer, CCD SecureFit L=7.5"
PW-200361-7 - PlaneWave Spacer, CCD SecureFit L=7.5"
$345.00
PW-200361-8 - PlaneWave Spacer, CCD SecureFit L=8.25"
PW-200361-8 - PlaneWave Spacer, CCD SecureFit L=8.25"
$345.00
PW-1702103 - PlaneWave Sliding Counterweight System Rail & Brackets for CDK17
PW-1702103 - PlaneWave Sliding Counterweight System Rail & Brackets for CDK17
$690.00
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PW-1702103 - PlaneWave Sliding Counterweight System Rail & Brackets for CDK17
About This Product
Requires sliding weight system counterweights, not included.
PW-170350 - PlaneWave Solid Aluminum Shroud CDK17 (Factory Installation Required)
PW-170350 - PlaneWave Solid Aluminum Shroud CDK17 (Factory Installation Required)
$690.00
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PW-170350 - PlaneWave Solid Aluminum Shroud CDK17 (Factory Installation Required)
About This Product
Enhance the protection of your telescope’s primary mirror with PlaneWave's Solid Aluminum Shrouds.

Specifically designed for OTAs like the CDK14, CDK17, CDK20, and CDK24, these ruggedized shrouds offer debris and light mitigation ensuring optimal optical performance.
PW-170380 - PlaneWave Adapter, Optec TCF-S2 to CDK17 & CDK20
PW-170380 - PlaneWave Adapter, Optec TCF-S2 to CDK17 & CDK20
$160.00
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PW-170380 - PlaneWave Adapter, Optec TCF-S2 to CDK17 & CDK20
About This Product
This adapter provides space between the CDK17 or CDK24 telescopes and the OPTEC TCF-S2 or TCF-S3.

OPTEC TCF- S2 (#170380) provides 0.46″ in length
OPTEC TCF-S3 (#170379) provides 0.26″ in length
PW-170379 - PlaneWave Adapter, Optec TCF-S3 to CDK17 & CDK20
PW-170379 - PlaneWave Adapter, Optec TCF-S3 to CDK17 & CDK20
$160.00
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PW-170379 - PlaneWave Adapter, Optec TCF-S3 to CDK17 & CDK20
About This Product
This adapter provides space between the CDK17 or CDK24 telescopes and the OPTEC TCF-S2 or TCF-S3.

OPTEC TCF- S2 (#170380) provides 0.46″ in length
OPTEC TCF-S3 (#170379) provides 0.26″ in length
PW-170398 - PlaneWave Counterweight Bracket for CDK17
PW-170398 - PlaneWave Counterweight Bracket for CDK17
$80.00
PW-170399 - PlaneWave Visual Adapter - CDK17
PW-170399 - PlaneWave Visual Adapter - CDK17
$184.00
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PW-170399 - PlaneWave Visual Adapter - CDK17
About This Product
This Visual Adapter for the CDK 17 allows you to attach standard 2″ visual accessories to the Hedrick Focuser.

The adapter steps the 3″ 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.
PW-170915 - PlaneWave Ronchi Eyepiece and Adapter Kit for CDK17
PW-170915 - PlaneWave Ronchi Eyepiece and Adapter Kit for CDK17
$334.00
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PW-170915 - PlaneWave Ronchi Eyepiece and Adapter Kit for CDK17
About This Product
INCLUDES: CDK BACKPLATE ADAPTER, RONCHI EYEPIECE, and RONCHI EYEPIECE SPACERS (CDK17WF SPECIFIC SPACER + CDK14-CDK24 STandARD SPACER)
PW-170150 - PlaneWave Counterweight Accessory for CDK17
PW-170150 - PlaneWave Counterweight Accessory for CDK17
$265.00
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PW-170150 - PlaneWave Counterweight Accessory for CDK17
About This Product
Counterweight accessory mounts to the front ring of the CDK17 for critical balance in Declination. Comes with three 0.5 LB Stackable (#125382) weights.
PW-6081010 - PlaneWave Primary Mirror Shutter, CDK17
PW-6081010 - PlaneWave Primary Mirror Shutter, CDK17
$4,600.00
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PW-6081010 - PlaneWave Primary Mirror Shutter, CDK17
About This Product
Safeguard your CDK17’s primary mirror from dust and moisture with the PlaneWave Primary Mirror Shutter.

This 2-petal shutter cover seamlessly attaches to the front ring of the CDK17, providing reliable protection*.

*In conjunction with the CDK17 dust cover, the Solid Aluminum Shroud is required to provide reliable dust protection to the inside of the OTA.
QTY:  
Price as Configured: $26,000.00

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Large Aperture and Moderate Focal Ratio
The CDK17 features a 432 mm aperture and an f/6.8 focal ratio. This combination enhances its capability to capture deep-sky objects with exceptional detail, offering excellent light-gathering efficiency and a broad field of view suitable for advanced research and high-quality imaging.

Advanced Optical Design
Equipped with a state-of-the-art Corrected Dall-Kirkham optical system, the CDK17 delivers outstanding image clarity. Its innovative design eliminates off-axis coma and astigmatism. It provides a perfectly flat field, ensuring images are sharp and detailed across the entire field of view with minimal need for post-processing.

Robust Mechanical Structure
Constructed with a carbon fiber optical tube, the CDK17 is lightweight and durable. Its design minimizes thermal expansion, ensuring minimal focus shift with temperature changes, making it ideal for extended observing sessions under varying environmental conditions.

High-Performance Mirrors and Coatings
Using fused silica mirrors, the CDK17 maintains precise optical alignment and surface accuracy, even amid temperature fluctuations. The high-quality coatings enhance light transmission and reduce stray light, optimizing performance for specialized observational tasks.

Thermal Management
The CDK17 is equipped with cooling fans and a Delta-T ready system to achieve thermal equilibrium swiftly. These features help to minimize air turbulence within the tube, thus reducing image distortion and maintaining consistent imaging quality.

Integrated Dew Control
The telescope incorporates advanced dew prevention technology with heater pads controlled by PlaneWave’s software. This ensures that optical surfaces remain clear of condensation during humid conditions, thus maintaining clear and consistent imaging performance.

Application-Specific Benefits
Astrophotography
With its large image circle and exceptional field flatness, the CDK17 allows astrophotographers to capture expansive and breathtaking views of the cosmos with incredible detail and clarity.

Astronomy Research
The precise and stable imaging capabilities of the CDK17 make it an invaluable tool for academic institutions and observatories engaged in complex astronomical research, including deep-sky surveys and detailed photometric studies.

Visual Observations
The CDK17 excels in visual observation, offering bright and crisp views ideal for star parties and serious visual astronomy. The telescope's superior optical quality provides stunning views of planetary, lunar, and deep-sky objects, making every viewing session a remarkable experience.

Space Situational Awareness (SSA) and Space Domain Awareness (SDA)
The CDK17 also lends itself to Space Situational Awareness and Space Domain Awareness applications. Its capability to provide detailed observations can be essential for tracking and monitoring satellites and other space debris, contributing valuable data for space traffic management and safety initiatives.