PlaneWave CDK350 Observatory System
Enjoy exceptional optical and tracking performance for astrophotography, or research, with the CDK350 package! Includes a CDK14 optical tube and L-350 mount.
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CDK14 optical tube:
- f/7.2 and 2563mm focal length
- No coma, no off-axis astigmatism, and no field curvature.
- Pinpoint stars across a 70mm 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.
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L-350 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 PlaneWave Instruments CDK14 is a 14 inch (0.35 m) f/7.2 Corrected Dall-Kirkham Astrograph telescope. The CDK14 has a dual carbon-fiber truss design, with 3 cooling fans ejecting air from the back of the telescope, and 4 fans blowing across the boundary layer of the mirror’s surface. The CDK14 covers a 70 mm field of view without any field curvature, off-axis coma, or astigmatism. The instrument weight is 48 lbs (21.8 kg) and comes standard with a backplate retaining ring ready to accept the focuser of your choice.
All CDK14 telescopes come with fused silica primary and secondary mirrors.
The L-Series combines versatility, simplicity and affordability by combining all the technology of our 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. Besides, it is the way the pros do it!
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
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Direct drive motors and encoders
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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.
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Incredible Slew Speed
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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.
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Dual mounting bracket
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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.
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Azimuth dovetail balance system
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For precise center of gravity balance whether in Alt-Az or Equatorial configuration
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Through the mount cabling
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Access panels in the fork arm and azimuth axis allow for camera equipment cabling through the inside of the mount.
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Proven CDK700/PW1000 Technology
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The L-Series uses the same proven technology as the CDK700 and 1-Meter PW1000 which are being used in Universities round the world. |
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Technical Specifications
Mount System
| Type |
Alt-Azimuth / Equatorial Direct-Drive Mount |
| Weight |
110 lbs (50kg) |
| Component Weights |
Azimuth Base – 40 lbs, Fork Arm – 70 lbs |
| Max. Load Capacity |
100 lbs (45 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 to 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 to 240 VAC. Supplied with 120 VAC 15A IEC Type B Regulated Power Adapter |
Optical System
| Aperture |
14 inch (356mm) |
| Focal Length |
2563 mm (101 in.) |
| Focal Ratio |
F/7.2 |
| Central Obstruction |
23.5% by surface area; 48.5% of the Primary Mirror Diameter |
| Back Focus from Mounting Surface |
11.09 in. (282 mm) |
| Weight |
48 lbs (22 kg) |
| Optimal Field of View |
52 mm Image Circle |
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. MaxIm DL is required for camera control when building a pointing model within our PWI4 software. |
System Performance
| Pointing Accuracy |
<10 arcsecond RMS with PointXP Model |
| Pointing Precision |
2 arcseconds at sidereal velocity
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| Tracking Accuracy |
0.3 arcseconds over a 5-minute period at sidereal velocity
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| System Natural Frequency |
10 Hz or greater |
In the Box
| Heating elements for dew prevention |
The heating pads on the primary and secondary mirror require the 600195 Delta-T controller sold separately |
| OTA Cover |
To protect the primary mirror and inside of the optical tube |
| Flashdrive |
Contains software and instructions for collimation and spacing the primary to secondary mirror |
| Hardware |
Six 3/8-16 x 1/4″ socket head cap screws to bolt the mount to the pier, or wedge
Six 3/8-16 x 1/4″ washers
One extended length shoulder bolt for RA axis to EQ wedge alignment
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| One 16′ USB cable |
To connect the mount to the observatory control computer |
| One 120VAC power cable |
To provide power to the mount |
| Standard Allen Key set |
For tightening bolts used on the mount |
| Flashdrive |
Contains PWI4 software for mount control and instructions for installation |
| Gamepad |
Used for control of the mount tracking speeds for visual observing |
Manuals & Warranty
Planewave Warranty (1 year for optical coatings and 2 years mechanics and electronics from the date of delivery)
Drawings and Diagrams
L-350 Pier Interface Drawing
L-350 Mount Dimensions
Instruction Manuals
PlaneWave Interface 4 Software User Manual_V15 1.7.2021
L-350 Mechanical Installation Guide
