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PlaneWave L-500 Direct Drive Mount

PlaneWave L-500 Direct Drive Mount

Starting Price: $26,000.00
Price as Configured: $26,000.00
Brand: PlaneWave Instruments / SKU: PW-600550
The PlaneWave L-500 Direct Drive Mount embodies the pinnacle of engineering precision, designed to meet the rigorous demands of advanced astrophotographers and astronomical researchers. As a critical part of our L-Series, this mount leverages sophisticated technology to provide an unmatched observational platform.

The L-500 distinguishes itself with its significant specifications and features:
  • 200 lbs load capacity
  • Direct drive motors for zero backlash, zero periodic error, and swift 50-degree-per-second slew speeds
  • High-resolution encoders for precise positioning
  • Enclosed electronics
  • Through the mount cabling
  • Alt/Az or equatorial installation orientations
  • Ideal for DeltaRho 350, CDK14, CDK17, CDK20 f/6.8, CDK20 f7.7, IRDK14, IRDK17, IRDK20 and RC20 Optical Tube Assemblies
Complete your set up with a PlaneWave pier and wedge - see "RELATED PRODUCTS" at the bottom of the page.

NOTE: Shipping cost will be determined after the order is made and must be paid for before the mount will ship. A shipping quote can be obtained on request.
Packaging (Required)
Recommended Add-ons and Accessories
Product Price Quantity
PW-L500204 - PlaneWave L-500/L-600 Mount Internal Sliding Weight Accessory
PW-L500204 - PlaneWave L-500/L-600 Mount Internal Sliding Weight Accessory
About This Product
Add to the versatility of your L-500/L-600 mount with this internal Right Ascension sliding weight balance accessory. The accessory includes one 5 lb weight and shaft that installs inside the Right Ascension axis. Balance of the mount is important for optimal direct drive motor performance and with this accessory, users have the ability to fine-tune Right Ascension balance.

The L500204 balance accessory is required to install the L500206 Right Ascension balance accessory.

This item is included with the L-600 Direct Drive Mount.
$520.00 each
PW-L500206 - PlaneWave L-500 Right Ascension Balance Accessory
PW-L500206 - PlaneWave L-500 Right Ascension Balance Accessory
About This Product
Add to the versatility of your L-500/L-600 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 Right Ascension balance.

The accessory includes one 2, 5, and 10 lb weights.

Please note this balance accessory requires the Right Ascension sliding weight accessory (L500204) to be already installed inside the mount in order to fit the additional weight system.

The L500204 is a required product to install with the item L500206 for L-500, L-550, and L-600 Direct Drive Mounts.
$1,080.00 each
View More Add-ons and Accessories

Recommended Add-ons and Accessories

Enter the quantity desired for each item and click the close button to continue with your purchase.
PW-L500204 - PlaneWave L-500/L-600 Mount Internal Sliding Weight Accessory
PW-L500204 - PlaneWave L-500/L-600 Mount Internal Sliding Weight Accessory
$520.00
Qty:
View Details
« Back to All Add-ons
PW-L500204 - PlaneWave L-500/L-600 Mount Internal Sliding Weight Accessory
About This Product
Add to the versatility of your L-500/L-600 mount with this internal Right Ascension sliding weight balance accessory. The accessory includes one 5 lb weight and shaft that installs inside the Right Ascension axis. Balance of the mount is important for optimal direct drive motor performance and with this accessory, users have the ability to fine-tune Right Ascension balance.

The L500204 balance accessory is required to install the L500206 Right Ascension balance accessory.

This item is included with the L-600 Direct Drive Mount.
PW-L500206 - PlaneWave L-500 Right Ascension Balance Accessory
PW-L500206 - PlaneWave L-500 Right Ascension Balance Accessory
$1,080.00
Qty:
View Details
« Back to All Add-ons
PW-L500206 - PlaneWave L-500 Right Ascension Balance Accessory
About This Product
Add to the versatility of your L-500/L-600 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 Right Ascension balance.

The accessory includes one 2, 5, and 10 lb weights.

Please note this balance accessory requires the Right Ascension sliding weight accessory (L500204) to be already installed inside the mount in order to fit the additional weight system.

The L500204 is a required product to install with the item L500206 for L-500, L-550, and L-600 Direct Drive Mounts.
PW-600359-L - PlaneWave Two-Axis Adjustable Saddle for Tandem Mounting
PW-600359-L - PlaneWave Two-Axis Adjustable Saddle for Tandem Mounting
$1,600.00
Qty:
View Details
« Back to All Add-ons
PW-600359-L - PlaneWave Two-Axis Adjustable Saddle for Tandem Mounting
About This Product
  • Add to the versatility of your L-Series mount with this two-axis adjustable saddle to co-align two optical tubes.
  • This saddle accepts Losmandy-D style dovetail plates and secures to the L-Series declination/altitude axis.
  • Fits L-350, L-500, and L-600 mounts.
PW-L500207 - PlaneWave Counterweight, 2lbs for Sliding Weight Systems
PW-L500207 - PlaneWave Counterweight, 2lbs for Sliding Weight Systems
$175.00
Qty:
View Details
PW-L500205 - PlaneWave Counterweight, 5lbs for Sliding Weight Systems
PW-L500205 - PlaneWave Counterweight, 5lbs for Sliding Weight Systems
$290.00
Qty:
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PW-L500209 - PlaneWave Counterweight, 10lbs for Sliding Weight Systems
PW-L500209 - PlaneWave Counterweight, 10lbs for Sliding Weight Systems
$345.00
Qty:
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PW-L5003060 - PlaneWave L-500/L-600 Concrete Pier Adapter
PW-L5003060 - PlaneWave L-500/L-600 Concrete Pier Adapter
$1,150.00
Qty:
View Details
QTY:  
Price as Configured: $26,000.00

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State-of-the-Art Direct-Drive Motors
Equipped with PlaneWave’s proprietary direct-drive motors on each axis, the L-500 ensures smooth, fast, and virtually silent movement of the telescope. This capability is ideal for tracking celestial objects and satellites across the sky with minimal vibration and maximal accuracy.

High-Resolution Encoders
With high-resolution encoders on each axis, the L-500 offers exceptionally precise positioning, crucial for capturing sharp, detailed images of the night sky. These encoders are indispensable for scientific applications where exact data collection is paramount.

Zero Backlash and Periodic Error
The design of the L-500 eliminates backlash and periodic error, offering stable tracking essential for high-quality astrophotography and dependable, long-term astronomical research.

Flexible Installation Options
Available in both Alt/Az and equatorial configurations, the L-500 caters to a variety of observational needs. It is suited for both permanent installations in professional observatories and adaptable setups for serious amateur astronomers.

Through-the-Mount Cabling
The innovative through-the-mount cabling system keeps the setup tidy and safe, preventing cable snagging and reducing setup time.

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.

Optional Dual Mounting Bracket
Allows for the attachment of additional telescopes or accessories on the mount, enhancing versatility and enabling simultaneous multi-instrument use, ideal for complex observational setups or educational demonstrations.

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.

PointXP Mount Modeling Software
Included with the mount, the PointXP software models the mount’s tracking behavior precisely, enhancing its accuracy for critical applications. This software is invaluable for projects that require exact positioning and tracking over extended periods.

Application-Specific Advantages
Astrophotography
The L-500’s rapid slew speeds and silent operation allow astrophotographers to seamlessly and quietly reposition between shots, capturing stunning celestial images without disturbing the observational environment.

Research
Researchers benefit from the L-500’s robust construction and precise tracking capabilities to conduct detailed celestial observations and continuous monitoring with minimal interruption and consistent data quality.

Space Situational Awareness (SSA) and Space Domain Awareness (SDA)
With its ability to swiftly and accurately reposition, the L-350 has ben been used for tracking satellites and space debris. However, our L-series mounts work best for astrophotography and research applications.