PlaneWave T-600 Direct Drive Gimbal
Starting Price: $81,000.00
Price as Configured: $81,000.00
Price as Configured: $81,000.00
Brand: PlaneWave Instruments / SKU: PW-T6001001
The PlaneWave T-600 Direct Drive Gimbal is engineered to meet the rigorous demands of advanced astrophotography, complex astronomical research, SSA/SDA, and FSOC applications. Leveraging cutting-edge technology, this gimbal provides a robust, precise, versatile observational platform suitable for demanding environments.
The T-600 Gimbal stands out with its formidable specifications:
- 600 lbs payload capacity
- High-torque, double-stacked direct-drive motors for zero backlash, zero periodic error, and high-speed slewing capabilities up to 100 degrees per second
- High-resolution absolute encoders for ultra-precise positioning
- Enhanced ruggedization with double-layer labyrinth seals on each axis
- Advanced PointXP mount modeling software included
- Configurable for diverse operational goals, including Alt/Az, Alt/Alt, or Equatorial configurations
NOTE: Crating and shipping cost will be determined after the order is made and must be paid before the gimbal will ship. A quote can be obtained on request.
Need help deciding?
Tell us what you're looking for, and we’ll point you in the right direction. Email Us.
Tell us what you're looking for, and we’ll point you in the right direction. Email Us.
System Performance
| Acceleration (Azimuth and Altitude) | Acceleration up to 100°/second² *Depending upon installed payload-induced moment of inertia |
| Velocity | Up to 100 degrees per second *Depending upon acceleration and distance traveled |
| Pointing Accuracy | <5-arcsecond RMS* with PointXP Model *Under stable environmental conditions |
| Pointing Precision | 2 arcseconds at sidereal velocity |
| Open Loop Tracking Accuracy | 0.2 arcseconds RMS over 300 second exposure at siderial rate |
| Open Loop Axis Following Error | <0.15 arcseconds RMS at sidereal rate, <0.3 arcseconds RMS at 1 degree per second* <2 arcseconds RMS at 10 degrees per second* *Dependent on Payload |
| Internal Servo-Loop (Drive to Motor) | 10 kHz cascaded velocity/position controller, PID + Filters |
| Software Command Round-Trip | 5 – 25 msec (depending on application) |
| System Natural Frequency | 20 Hz or greater (for gimbal only) |
Mount System
| Type | Alt-Azimuth / Equatorial Direct-Drive Mount |
| Weight | 605 lbs |
| Max. Load Capacity | 600 lbs (with payload limited to 100 kg-m² moment per port with center of gravity ≤ 15 inches from mounting surface and an lowest eigenmode frequency of 20 Hz. i.e. dual mounted CDK24 telescopes are compatible) |
| Dimensions | 34” x 20” x 23.5” (H/D/W) |
| Latitude Range | 0 to 90 degrees, Northern and Southern hemispheres |
| Motor Torque (Azimuth and Altitude) | 127 ft-lbs (peak) |
| Azimuth Axis Range of Motion (Optional) | |
| Cable Management | Through-the-mount cabling |
| Coudé Path (Optional) | Limits elevation axis range of motion to 180º |
| Power Requirement | 100 to 240 VAC (50-60 Hz), 20 amp service at 120 VAC, 10 amp service at 240 VAC |
| Operating Temperature Range | -30 C to +50 C |
| Storage Temperature Range | -50 C to +70 C |
Mechanical Structure
| Gimbal Assembly | Fully CNC machined construction (Surface finish treated with UV resistant coating on all exposed metal surfaces) |
| Default Weatherization | 2-Layer non-contact labrynth sealing at each motion-surface to prevent water (light-to-moderate rain) and debris entry. *Optional rubber seals may be added for further ruggedization. |
| Azimuth Bearing | 4-way loaded radial ball bearings |
| Altitude Bearing | 4-way loaded radial ball bearings |
| Instrument Mounting | Breadboard plate on both mounting surfaces (see interface document for complete mounting information) |
| Lifting Points | Present for lifting in “any orientation” |
Motion Control
| Drive Electronics (Azimuth and Altitude) | Elmo Motion Control Systems industrial grade off-the-shelf brushless motor drives |
| Motors (Azimuth and Altitude) | Each axis includes a double stacked direct-drive 3 phase axial-flux torque motor |
| Encoders (Azimuth and Altitude) | 26-bit absolute encoder ring with readhead |
| User Interface | PlaneWave Interface 4 (PWI4) Control Software with integrated PointXP mount modeling software by Dave Rowe. Includes ASCOM driver. |
| Advanced Timing Features (Optional) | Timestamped using GPS Reciever, or PTP/NPT Server <100-microseconds accuracy |
