PlaneWave CDK300 Observatory System

Starting Price: $28,000.00
Price as Configured: $28,000.00
Brand: PlaneWave Instruments / SKU: PW-125130Q
The CDK300 Observatory System from PlaneWave Instruments, an elite configuration designed specifically for the astrophotography enthusiast and serious astronomy researcher. This system combines the precision-engineered CDK12.5 optical tube assembly with the robust L-350 direct-drive mount, offering an unparalleled observational experience that excels in a wide array of applications from detailed celestial studies to advanced astrophotography.

NOTE: Shipping cost will be determined after the order is made and must be paid before the equipment will ship. A shipping quote can be obtained on request.
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Recommended Add-ons and Accessories
Product Price Quantity
PW-125990 - PlaneWave Piggyback Dovetail Bar for CDK12.5
PW-125990 - PlaneWave Piggyback Dovetail Bar for CDK12.5
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
PW-600196 - PlaneWave Hand Control for EFA Kit
PW-600196 - PlaneWave Hand Control for EFA Kit
About This Product
The EFA (Electronic Focusing Accessory) control box can be mounted to the back plate of any PlaneWave telescope OTA (12.5 through 24 inches). The EFA Kit reads the primary mirror and ambient temperature sensors. The EFA controls the fan systems that are built into each telescope.

A Hand Controller is provided to control an optional Focuser or Rotator when standing at the eyepiece. The EFA kit comes with PlaneWave Interface (PWI4), a software package that controls all EFA functions from a PC. Cables and adapters are provided to attach the EFA kit to a PC. The EFA kit is ASCOM compatible.
$350.00 each
PW-125150 - PlaneWave Counterweight Accessory for CDK12.5
PW-125150 - PlaneWave Counterweight Accessory for CDK12.5
About This Product
This PlaneWave counterweight accessory mounts to the dovetail bar of the CDK12.5 for critical balance in declination. The kit comes with a mounting bracket and three 0.5lb weights. Additional weights (PW-125382) can be purchased separately. The kit can also be mounted on larger telescopes (CDK17, 20, 24) with the Piggyback Dovetail & Bracket.
$334.00 each
PW-125399 - PlaneWave Visual Adapter - CDK12.5
PW-125399 - PlaneWave Visual Adapter - CDK12.5
About This Product
This 2.75-2″ visual adapter slides into the Hedrick Focuser that comes standard on the CDK12.5. The adapter steps the 2.75″ 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.
$184.00 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-L350206 - PlaneWave L-350 Right Ascension Balance Accessory
PW-L350206 - PlaneWave L-350 Right Ascension Balance Accessory
About This Product
Add to the versatility of your L-350 mount with this external Right Ascension axis balance accessory.
Balance of the mount is important for optimal direct drive motor performance and with this accessory users have the ability to fine tune the adjustments.
The accessory includes a 2 lb, 5 lb, and 10 lb weight.
$945.00 each
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PW-125990 - PlaneWave Piggyback Dovetail Bar for CDK12.5
PW-125990 - PlaneWave Piggyback Dovetail Bar for CDK12.5
$460.00
« Back to All Add-ons
PW-125990 - PlaneWave Piggyback Dovetail Bar for CDK12.5
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-600196 - PlaneWave Hand Control for EFA Kit
PW-600196 - PlaneWave Hand Control for EFA Kit
$350.00
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PW-600196 - PlaneWave Hand Control for EFA Kit
About This Product
The EFA (Electronic Focusing Accessory) control box can be mounted to the back plate of any PlaneWave telescope OTA (12.5 through 24 inches). The EFA Kit reads the primary mirror and ambient temperature sensors. The EFA controls the fan systems that are built into each telescope.

A Hand Controller is provided to control an optional Focuser or Rotator when standing at the eyepiece. The EFA kit comes with PlaneWave Interface (PWI4), a software package that controls all EFA functions from a PC. Cables and adapters are provided to attach the EFA kit to a PC. The EFA kit is ASCOM compatible.
PW-125150 - PlaneWave Counterweight Accessory for CDK12.5
PW-125150 - PlaneWave Counterweight Accessory for CDK12.5
$334.00
« Back to All Add-ons
PW-125150 - PlaneWave Counterweight Accessory for CDK12.5
About This Product
This PlaneWave counterweight accessory mounts to the dovetail bar of the CDK12.5 for critical balance in declination. The kit comes with a mounting bracket and three 0.5lb weights. Additional weights (PW-125382) can be purchased separately. The kit can also be mounted on larger telescopes (CDK17, 20, 24) with the Piggyback Dovetail & Bracket.
PW-125399 - PlaneWave Visual Adapter - CDK12.5
PW-125399 - PlaneWave Visual Adapter - CDK12.5
$184.00
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PW-125399 - PlaneWave Visual Adapter - CDK12.5
About This Product
This 2.75-2″ visual adapter slides into the Hedrick Focuser that comes standard on the CDK12.5. The adapter steps the 2.75″ 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-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-L350206 - PlaneWave L-350 Right Ascension Balance Accessory
PW-L350206 - PlaneWave L-350 Right Ascension Balance Accessory
$945.00
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PW-L350206 - PlaneWave L-350 Right Ascension Balance Accessory
About This Product
Add to the versatility of your L-350 mount with this external Right Ascension axis balance accessory.
Balance of the mount is important for optimal direct drive motor performance and with this accessory users have the ability to fine tune the adjustments.
The accessory includes a 2 lb, 5 lb, and 10 lb weight.
PW-600195 - PlaneWave Delta T Heater
PW-600195 - PlaneWave Delta T Heater
$750.00
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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-125395 - PlaneWave Adapter, CDK12.5 to IRF90 Rotating-Focuser
PW-125395 - PlaneWave Adapter, CDK12.5 to IRF90 Rotating-Focuser
$229.00
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PW-125395 - PlaneWave Adapter, CDK12.5 to IRF90 Rotating-Focuser
About This Product
This adapter provides 0.48 inches of length between the CDK12.5 telescope and the IRF90 Rotating Focuser, and is also required for use with the IRF90.

PW-125360 - PlaneWave Mounting Bracket for Finderscopes
PW-125360 - PlaneWave Mounting Bracket for Finderscopes
$58.00
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PW-125360 - PlaneWave Mounting Bracket for Finderscopes
About This Product
  • This is an L-shaped bracket that attaches in four different places on the back of any of the CDK models.
  • This is used to mount a finderscope or some other accessory.
  • Two 1/4-20 screws provided attach the bracket to the backplate of the telescope and two 10-32 threaded holes spaced at 1.450″ can be used to mount accessories too.
PW-125357-1 - PlaneWave SecureFit CCD Spacer - CDK12.5 (L=4.8")
PW-125357-1 - PlaneWave SecureFit CCD Spacer - CDK12.5 (L=4.8")
$290.00
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PW-125357-1 - PlaneWave SecureFit CCD Spacer - CDK12.5 (L=4.8")
About This Product
The SecureFit spacers are attached via four screws to the PlaneWave CDK12.5 Hedrick focuser. When using a PlaneWave SecureFit CCD adapter, the CCD camera is also attached via screws so there will be no slipping, movement, or falling equipment. The backfocus of the CDK12.5 is 7.2" from the fully racked Hedrick focuser.

L = 4.8"
PW-125357-2 - PlaneWave SecureFit CCD Spacer - CDK12.5 (L=3.5")
PW-125357-2 - PlaneWave SecureFit CCD Spacer - CDK12.5 (L=3.5")
$290.00
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PW-125357-2 - PlaneWave SecureFit CCD Spacer - CDK12.5 (L=3.5")
About This Product
The SecureFit spacers are attached via four screws to the PlaneWave CDK12.5 Hedrick focuser. When using a PlaneWave SecureFit CCD adapter, the CCD camera is also attached via screws so there will be no slipping, movement, or falling equipment. The backfocus of the CDK12.5 is 7.2" from the fully racked Hedrick focuser.

L = 3.5"
PW-125357-3 - PlaneWave SecureFit CCD Spacer - CDK12.5 (L=2.5")
PW-125357-3 - PlaneWave SecureFit CCD Spacer - CDK12.5 (L=2.5")
$290.00
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PW-125357-3 - PlaneWave SecureFit CCD Spacer - CDK12.5 (L=2.5")
About This Product
The SecureFit spacers are attached via four screws to the PlaneWave CDK12.5 Hedrick focuser. When using a PlaneWave SecureFit CCD adapter, the CCD camera is also attached via screws so there will be no slipping, movement, or falling equipment. The backfocus of the CDK12.5 is 7.2" from the fully racked Hedrick focuser.

L = 2.5"
PW-125370 - PlaneWave Adapter, 2.75" Hedrick Focuser to 2.7" AP Threads
PW-125370 - PlaneWave Adapter, 2.75" Hedrick Focuser to 2.7" AP Threads
$160.00
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PW-125370 - PlaneWave Adapter, 2.75" Hedrick Focuser to 2.7" AP Threads
About This Product
Adapter, 2.75″ Hedrick Focuser to 2.7″ AP Threads (only for CDK12.5): This adapter bolts onto the back of the Hedrick 2.75″ Focuser and provides female Astrophysics threads for use with AP accessories.
PW-125379 - PlaneWave Adapter, CDK12.5 to Optec TCF-S3
PW-125379 - PlaneWave Adapter, CDK12.5 to Optec TCF-S3
$160.00
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PW-125379 - PlaneWave Adapter, CDK12.5 to Optec TCF-S3
About This Product
This adapter provides space between the CDK12.5 telescope and the OPTEC TCF-S2 or TCF-S3.
OPTEC TCF- S2 (#125380) provides 0.46″ in length
OPTEC TCF-S3 (#125379) provides 0.26″ in length
PW-125380 - PlaneWave Adapter, CDK12.5 to Optec TCF-S2
PW-125380 - PlaneWave Adapter, CDK12.5 to Optec TCF-S2
$160.00
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PW-125380 - PlaneWave Adapter, CDK12.5 to Optec TCF-S2
About This Product
This adapter provides space between the CDK12.5 telescope and the OPTEC TCF-S2 or TCF-S3.
OPTEC TCF- S2 (#125380) provides 0.46″ in length
OPTEC TCF-S3 (#125379) provides 0.26″ in length
PW-125381 - PlaneWave Bracket, Dovetail Counterweight Adapter
PW-125381 - PlaneWave Bracket, Dovetail Counterweight Adapter
$138.00
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PW-125381 - PlaneWave Bracket, Dovetail Counterweight Adapter
About This Product
Bracket, Dovetail counterweight adapter ("D-Series" 3" Dovetail compatible clamp/saddle, part of PW-125150 KIT)
PW-125388 - PlaneWave Adapter, Low Profile 2.75" Focuser to SecureFit
PW-125388 - PlaneWave Adapter, Low Profile 2.75" Focuser to SecureFit
$213.00
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PW-125388 - PlaneWave Adapter, Low Profile 2.75" Focuser to SecureFit
About This Product
At 0.5″ in length, this low-profile adapter is designed to connect a 2.75″ focuser to a SecureFit spacer, offering a secure and precise fit with minimal added length.
PW-125915 - PlaneWave Ronchi Eyepiece and Adapter Kit for CDK12.5
PW-125915 - PlaneWave Ronchi Eyepiece and Adapter Kit for CDK12.5
$265.00
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PW-125915 - PlaneWave Ronchi Eyepiece and Adapter Kit for CDK12.5
About This Product
The Ronchi Eyepiece and Adapter Kit is available for CDK 12.5, CDK 14, CDK 17, CDK 20, and CDK 24.

This adapter kit includes 3 pieces: an adapter for the Hedrick Focuser, a Ronchi Eyepiece, and a Ronchi Eyepiece Spacer.
PW-600333 - PlaneWave Adapter, CDK12.5 to AP Female
PW-600333 - PlaneWave Adapter, CDK12.5 to AP Female
$173.00
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PW-600333 - PlaneWave Adapter, CDK12.5 to AP Female
About This Product
This adapter attaches directly to the CDK12.5 in place of the focuser and has female AP thread for attaching AP accessories.
PW-L500205 - PlaneWave Counterweight, 5lbs for Sliding Weight Systems
PW-L500205 - PlaneWave Counterweight, 5lbs for Sliding Weight Systems
$290.00
PW-L500207 - PlaneWave Counterweight, 2lbs for Sliding Weight Systems
PW-L500207 - PlaneWave Counterweight, 2lbs for Sliding Weight Systems
$175.00
PW-L500209 - PlaneWave Counterweight, 10lbs for Sliding Weight Systems
PW-L500209 - PlaneWave Counterweight, 10lbs for Sliding Weight Systems
$345.00
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Price as Configured: $28,000.00
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Key Features of the CDK300 Observatory System

CDK12.5 Optical Tube Assembly
Aperture and Focal: Features a 12.5-inch aperture and a 2541 mm focal at an f/8 focal ratio, perfect for capturing deep-sky objects with exceptional depth of field and clarity.

Advanced Optical Design: Utilizes a Corrected Dall-Kirkham optical design, eliminating off-axis coma and astigmatism while achieving a perfectly flat field across a 52 mm image circle, ensuring sharp and detailed images across the entire field.

High-Quality Construction: The optical tube is constructed from lightweight and sturdy carbon fiber, reducing thermal expansion and allowing rapid cooling, which maintains optical alignment in varying temperatures.

Superior Mirrors and Coatings: Equipped with rock-solid fused silica mirrors known for their low thermal expansion, along with high-quality coatings that maximize light transmission and minimize stray light.

Thermal Management: Incorporates a sophisticated cooling system featuring three rear cooling fans and four boundary layer fans. This setup rapidly achieves thermal equilibrium, essential for maintaining consistent imaging quality during long exposure astrophotography and reducing thermal-induced focus shifts.

L-350 Direct Drive Mount
Direct Drive Motors: Employs state-of-the-art direct-drive motors on each axis, providing smooth, fast, and ultra-quiet movement of the telescope with zero backlash and zero periodic error.

High-Resolution Encoders: Integrated high-resolution encoders offer precise positioning, essential for capturing high-quality astrophotography and conducting detailed astronomical research.

Azimuth Dovetail Balance System: Provides precise center of gravity adjustments, enhancing the stability and performance of the system in both alt-azimuth and equatorial configurations, crucial for maintaining accurate tracking and reducing strain on the mount during extended observations.

Azimuth Dovetail Balance System: Provides precise center of gravity adjustments, enhancing the stability and performance of the system in both alt-azimuth and equatorial configurations, crucial for maintaining accurate tracking and reducing strain on the mount during extended observations.

Rapid Target Acquisition: Equipped with direct-drive motors capable of slew speeds up to 50 degrees per second, enabling quick and efficient targeting of celestial objects and satellites, crucial for dynamic observations and time-sensitive astrophotography.

Application-Specific Advantages

Astrophotography
The CDK300 system is a powerhouse for astrophotographers, providing exceptional tracking accuracy and image stability which allow for capturing breathtaking celestial images with intricate details and vibrant colors.

Astronomy Research
Researchers will find the CDK300 invaluable for its consistent performance and precise data collection capabilities. Ideal for photometry, spectroscopy, and minor planet tracking, it serves as a reliable platform for scientific exploration and discovery.

Visual Observations
For those who enjoy visual astronomy, the CDK300 offers vibrant and detailed views of the cosmos. Its large aperture and high-quality optical components make it perfect for viewing planetary, lunar, and deep-sky objects, enriching 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 CDK300 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.