PlaneWave CDK400 Observatory System

Starting Price: $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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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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With PlaneWaves's Delta T Heater you can:

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PW-125166 - PlaneWave Reducer 0.66X CDK12.5/14/17
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This is a reducer designed specifically for flat field telescopes like the CDK. This reduces the f ratio of the CDK telescope 66%. The CDK12.5 f/8 telescope will be reduced down to f/5.3. The CDK14 will be f/4.8  and for CDK17 f/6.8 will be reduced to f/4.5

**NOTE – 125166 adapter is compatible with CDK17 that have 10.24″ back focus.   CDK17 with 8.81″ back focus will use the 200166 focal reducer. See instruction manual for details.

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PW-1702103 - PlaneWave Sliding Counterweight System Rail & Brackets for CDK17
About This Product
Requires sliding weight system counterweights, not included.
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Price as Configured: $44,500.00

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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 17 inch (432 mm)
Focal Length 2939 mm (115.71 inch)
Focal ratio F/6.8
Central Obstruction 23.7% by surface area; 48.6% of the Primary Mirror Diameter
Back Focus from Mounting Surface 10.32 inch (262.33 mm)
Weight 106 lbs (48 kg)
Optimal Field of View 70mm Image Circle

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