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PlaneWave CDK500 Observatory System

PlaneWave CDK500 Observatory System

Starting Price: $65,000.00
Price as Configured: $65,000.00
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


Packaging (Required)
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Counterweights and Bracket for CDK14 (Front Ring Only) and CDK20, comes with three 0.5 LB Stackable (#125382) weights.
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PW-200150 - PlaneWave Counterweight Accessory for CDK14 & 20
About This Product
Counterweights and Bracket for CDK14 (Front Ring Only) and CDK20, comes with three 0.5 LB Stackable (#125382) weights.
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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-200340 - PlaneWave Hedrick Focuser
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PW-200340 - PlaneWave Hedrick Focuser
About This Product
The Hedrick focuser designed by PlaneWave is a heavy duty no-slip focuser capable of handling an imaging payload of up to 20lbs.
Occupies 3″ of backfocus with the focuser fully racked in, and 4.2″ when fully racked out.
Focuser travel range of 30mm (30000 microns/1.2″)
The focus tube runs on 5 bearings and is driven by a leadscrew so there is no chance of slipping.
Focus may be automated through a computer using PlaneWave’s EFA Kit and PWI3 software.
The focuser comes with pre-installed motor that can be controlled with the EFA hand controller or PWI3 software.
PW-200399 - PlaneWave Visual Adapter - CDK20/24
PW-200399 - PlaneWave Visual Adapter - CDK20/24
$184.00
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PW-200399 - PlaneWave Visual Adapter - CDK20/24
About This Product
This 3.5″-2″ Visual Adapter, for the CDK20 and CDK24, 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.
PW-240901-KIT - PlaneWave Electronic Focus Accessory (EFA) Kit for CDK14, CDK17, CDK20, & CDK24
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PW-240901-KIT - PlaneWave Electronic Focus Accessory (EFA) Kit for CDK14, CDK17, CDK20, & CDK24
About This Product
The EFA kit automates focusing on the optional Hedrick Focuser, or IRF90 rotating focuser.
Monitors temperature (primary-mirror and OTA back-plate).
Controls the fans built into CDK telescopes.
Ensure you have the proper EFA kit selected for your telescope below.
125901-Kit is for all 12.5″ OTAs (CDK/ IRDK).
240901-Kit is for all 14-24″ OTAs (CDK/ IRDK/ RC) and CDK700s

Hand Controller is not included

*If the EFA is not purchased, the ability to automate temperature regulation for the primary mirror will be lost. This is especially significant when using a third-party focuser, as the EFA is required for full automation.
PW-6001106 - PlaneWave Pier for L Series Mount
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PW-6001106 - PlaneWave Pier for L Series Mount
About This Product
Create a rock-solid foundation for your PlaneWave Direct-Drive mount by using a PlaneWave heavy-duty steel pier.
PlaneWave piers come in standard 12″ increments ranging from 12″ tall to 48″ tall.
Each pier has a cutout in the top plate and side for routing cables.
Custom pier heights are available. Please contact us if you require a custom pier.
PW-600128 - PlaneWave Portable Rolling Pier
PW-600128 - PlaneWave Portable Rolling Pier
$10,000.00
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PW-600128 - PlaneWave Portable Rolling Pier
About This Product
The Portable Rolling Pier lets you move your L-series Mount and telescope to the best spot for stargazing in no time. Just grab the steering T-handle and roll it wherever you want! With the auto-mount modeling feature in our PWI software, your L-Mount will be ready to capture amazing night sky images in minutes.

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.
PW-600180 - PlaneWave IRF90 - Integrated Rotating Focuser
PW-600180 - PlaneWave IRF90 - Integrated Rotating Focuser
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PW-600180 - PlaneWave IRF90 - Integrated Rotating Focuser
About This Product
The IRF90 is a large capacity Integrated Focuser and Rotator for use with Alt/Az, or equatorially mounted systems.
  • Occupies 3.5″ of backfocus with the focuser fully racked in, and 4.7″ when fully racked out.
  • The Focuser is capable of lifting 40 lbs (18 kg) with a range of 30mm (30000 microns/1.2″).
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  • IRF90 is controlled via PWI4 software for autofocusing and optional field de-rotation (if using an Alt/Az mounted system).
  • Requires the EFA Kit sold separately


PW-600195 - PlaneWave Delta T Heater
PW-600195 - PlaneWave Delta T Heater
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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-600560 - PlaneWave L-500/L-600 Equatorial Wedge
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$4,000.00
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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 an 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: $65,000.00

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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