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PlaneWave CDK500 Observatory System

PlaneWave CDK500 Observatory 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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PW-600195 - PlaneWave Delta T Heater
About This Product

With PlaneWaves's Delta T Heater you can:

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Price as Configured: $56,000.00

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The CD500 System includes:
  • CDK20 optical tube:
    • f/6.8 and 3454mm focal length
    • No coma, no off-axis astigmatism, and no field curvature.
    • Pinpoint stars across a 52mm image circle.
    • Rock solid fused silica mirrors with low thermal expansion.
    • Carbon fiber optical tube assembly for rigidity and fast cooling.
    • Simple secondary mirror collimation thanks to the fixed primary mirror.

  • The PlaneWave Instruments CDK20 is a 20-inch (0.51m) f/6.8 Corrected Dall-Kirkham Astrograph telescope.The CDK20 has a dual carbon-fiber truss design, with 3 cooling fans ejecting air from the back of the telescope. The CDK20 covers a 52 mm field of view without any field curvature, off-axis coma, or astigmatism. The instrument weight is 140 lbs (64 kg) and comes standard with a back plate retaining ring ready to accept the focuser of your choice. All CDK20 telescopes come with fused silica primary and secondary mirrors. 

  • L-500 direct drive mount:
    • Zero periodic error, zero backlash, and minimal maintenance due to the lack of gears.
    • Slew speeds up to 50 degrees/sec for satellite tracking and fast target acquisition.
    • Sidereal tracking accuracy of < 0.30 arcseconds RMS over 5 minutes.
    • High resolution optical encoders on both axes for precision feedback.
    • Can be installed in either equatorial, or alt/az configuration.
    • Includes PWI4 software (ASCOM compliant) for mount control
The L-Series combines versatility, simplicity and affordability by combining all the technology of Planewave's Observatory class telescopes into a compact stand-alone mount. In its Alt/Az configuration, it is considerably more compact than its equatorial counterpart, allowing a larger telescope to fit in a smaller enclosure. The mass it takes to make a rigid alt/az mount is substantially less, leading to cost savings. Unlike German Equatorial mounts, there are no meridian flips to deal with, and no large protruding counterweights to create a dangerous hazard in a public observatory. Alt/Az is more intuitive to use and no polar alignment is needed.

Planewave L Series Mount features:
  • Direct-drive motors on each axis for smooth, fast, and virtually silent movement of the telescope
  • Slew speeds up to 50 degrees per second
  • High-resolution encoders on each axis for precise positioning
  • Zero backlash
  • Zero periodic error
  • PointXP mount modelling software
  • Enclosed electronics
  • Through the mount cabling


Direct drive motors and encoders

Direct Drive motors and on-axis encoders eliminate the need for  gears, thereby eliminating backlash and periodic error. With high-resolution encoders providing the feedback for the direct drive motors, not only will the telescope track without periodic error and backlash, the mount will also counter wind gusts with precise servo feedback.  

Incredible Slew Speed

The direct drive motors can move the telescope at speeds up to 50 degrees per second for tracking satellites or just to minimize target acquisition time.  

Dual mounting bracket

PlaneWave style mounting bracket to hold CDK17/20 onto inside of fork arm with additional option of mounting a scope on the outside of the fork arm. Optional dovetail clamp required.  

Azimuth dovetail balance system

For precise center of gravity balance whether in Alt-Az or Equatorial configuration  

Through the mount cabling

Access panels in the fork arm and azimuth axis allow for camera equipment cabling through the inside of the mount.  

Proven CDK700/PW1000 Technology

The L-Series uses the same proven technology as the CDK700 and 1-Meter PW1000 which are being used in Universities round the world.