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PlaneWave L-550 Direct Drive Mount

PlaneWave L-550 Direct Drive Mount

Starting Price: $34,500.00
Price as Configured: $34,500.00
Brand: PlaneWave Instruments / SKU: PW-600552
he PlaneWave L-550 Direct Drive Mount exemplifies advanced engineering, tailored to exceed the expectations of astrophotography enthusiasts and astronomy researchers. As a robust member of our L-Series, the L-550 integrates superior technology to deliver an exceptional observational platform.

Its impressive specifications and features that distinguish the L-550:
  • 300 lbs load capacity
  • Direct drive motors for zero backlash, zero periodic error, and fast 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 the DeltaRho 500, CDK17, CDK20 f/6.8, CDK20 f/7.7, IRDK17, and IRDK20 optical tube assemblies
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)
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PW-L500204 - PlaneWave L-500/L-600 Mount Internal Sliding Weight Accessory
PW-L500204 - PlaneWave L-500/L-600 Mount Internal Sliding Weight Accessory
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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.
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PW-L500206 - PlaneWave L-500 Right Ascension Balance Accessory
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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
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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
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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
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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 L-Series Adjustable Saddle for Tandem Mounting, D-Style Pivot Dovetail Assembly
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PW-600359-L - PlaneWave L-Series Adjustable Saddle for Tandem Mounting, D-Style Pivot Dovetail Assembly
About This Product
  • Add to the versatility of your L-Series mount with this two-axis adjustable saddle to co-align two optical tubes.
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PW-600182 - PlaneWave Keller EZ Saddle for CDK12.5 or CDK14
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The Keller EZ Saddle accepts Losmandy D style dovetail rails such as the CDK12.5 and CDK14. This saddle is for the L-350 mount and can also be attached to the outside arm of any L-series mount for dual mounted OTA configurations.

Keller EZ Saddle, 3" universal tilt-in saddle. 16". Compatible with inside and outside mounting surfaces of L-350, L-500, and L-600.
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PW-200919 - PlaneWave Saddle for CDK17, CDK20, or CDK24
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The Keller EZ Saddle wide saddle for L-500 and L-600 mounts for securing CDK17, CDK20, or CDK24 telescopes (inside mounting surface only). The 200919 wide saddle comes standard with L-500 and L-600 mounts for securing CDK17, CDK20, or CDK24 telescopes.

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PW-L500205 - PlaneWave Counterweight, 5lbs for Sliding Weight Systems
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PW-L500209 - PlaneWave Counterweight, 10lbs for Sliding Weight Systems
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PW-L5003060 - PlaneWave L-500/L-600 Concrete Pier Adapter
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NOTE: Shipping cost will be determined after the order is made and must be paid for before the item will ship. A shipping quote can be obtained on request.
QTY:  
Price as Configured: $34,500.00
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State-of-the-Art Direct-Drive Motors
Equipped with PlaneWave's proprietary direct-drive motors on each axis, the L-550 ensures the telescopes' smooth, fast, and whisper-quiet movement. This capability is crucial for swiftly tracking celestial objects and satellites across the sky with minimal vibration and maximum accuracy.

High-Resolution Encoders
With high-resolution encoders on each axis, the L-550 delivers exact positioning, essential for capturing crisp, detailed night sky images. These encoders are vital for scientific applications demanding precise data collection.

Zero Backlash and Periodic Error
The L-550's design eliminates backlash and periodic error, facilitating steady tracking vital for top-notch astrophotography and dependable, long-term observational research.

Flexible Installation Options
The L-550 is available in both Alt/Az and equatorial configurations to meet a variety of observational needs. This versatility makes it suitable for fixed installations in educational observatories and adaptable setups for amateur astronomers.

Through-the-Mount Cabling
The innovative through-the-mount cabling system enhances setup cleanliness and safety, 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, PointXP software precisely models the mount's tracking behavior, enhancing its accuracy for critical applications. This software is invaluable for projects that require exact positioning and consistent tracking over extended periods.

Application-Specific Advantages
Astrophotography
The L-550's rapid slew speeds and silent operation allow astrophotographers to reposition swiftly and quietly between shots, capturing stunning celestial images without disrupting the observational setting.

Research
Researchers benefit from the L-550's robust construction and precise tracking to conduct detailed celestial observations and night-long 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-550 has ben been used for tracking satellites and space debris. However, our L-series mounts work best for astrophotography and research applications. To exceed the ideal performance requirements for SSA/SDA applications, PlaneWave created the T-600 Direct-Drive Gimbal.