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Description
The PlaneWave Instruments CDK14 is a 14 inch (0.36 m) f/7.2 Corrected Dall-Kirkham Astrograph telescope. The CDK14 covers a 70 mm field of view without any field curvature, off-axis coma, or astigmatism. The CDK14 is a lightweight carbon-fiber truss design weighing less than 50lbs, with 3 cooling fans blowing air throughout the back of the telescope. The CDK optical design is the innovative solution for unsurpassed astro-imaging quality at an affordable price.
The CDK (Corrected Dall-Kirkham) Optical Design is an innovative solution for unsurpassed astroimaging quality at an affordable price. The CDK telescope design provides excellent imaging with large format CCD cameras while remaining superb for visual use. The CDK design far exceeds the off-axis performance of most commercial telescope designs including the Ritchey-Chrétien design.
This no-compromise design is unique in making the optical alignment forgiving and collimation very easy. This guarantees the user the best possible performance from the telescope. The end result at the image plane of the CDK design is no off-axis coma, no off-axis astigmatism, perfectly flat field (no off-axis defocus). The CDK design will give you pinpoint stars from the center to the corner of the field of view.
Specifications
OPTICAL SYSTEM
Optical Design | Corrected Dall-Kirkham (CDK) |
Aperture | 14 inch (356mm) |
Focal Length | 2563mm (101 inch) |
Focal ratio | F/7.2 |
Central Obstruction | 23.5% by surface area; 48.5% by diameter |
Back Focus from Mounting Surface | 11.09 inch (282 mm) |
Weight | 48 lbs (22 kg) |
OTA Length | 35 inch (889 mm) |
Optical Performance | 3.1 micron RMS at 13mm off-axis; 6.0 micron RMS at 35mm off-axis - Spot Diagram |
Upper Cage | Carbon Fiber Truss |
Lower Cage | Carbon Fiber Truss and Light Shroud |
Optimal Field of View | 70mm Image Circle |
SECONDARY MIRROR
Diameter | 165 mm (6.5 inch) |
Material | Precision Annealed Borosilicate |
Shape | Spherical |
Coating | Enhanced Aluminum - 96% |
PRIMARY MIRROR
Optical Diameter | 14 inches (355.6) |
Outer Diameter | 14.5 inches (468.3mm) |
Shape | Prolate Ellipsoid |
Material | Precision Annealed Borosilicate or Fused Silica |
Coating | Enhanced Aluminum - 96% |
LENS GROUP
Diameter | 95mm (3.7 inch) |
Number of lenses | Two |
Coating | broadband AR Coatings (less than .5% reflected from 400 to 700nm) |
STANDARD FEATURES
CDK Optics | The Corrected Dall-Kirkham design yields a perfectly flat field free from off-axis astigmatism, coma and defocus. |
Carbon Fiber Truss Design | Minimizes thermal expansion which causes focus shift with changes in temperature |
Dovetail Expansion Joint | Allows for the difference in thermal expansion between carbon fiber and aluminum. The expansion joint allows the aluminum dovetail expand and contract without stressing the carbon fiber lower truss |
Cooling Fans | Three cooling fans blow air inside the back of the telescope. This helps the telescope to reach thermal equilibrium quickly. The fans are controlled by a computer if the optional Electronic Focus Accessory (EFA Kit) is purchased. |
Delta-T Ready | For added dew prevention, the CDK14 is internally wired with polyimide film heater pads and temperature sensor, ready to be controlled with the optional Delta-T controller. |
INCLUDED ACCESSORIES
Ronchi Spacer (600341 & 600344) | This spacer sits in place of a focuser and is used for setting the primary to secondary spacing. It has an 1-1/4 inner diameter and may be used with 1-1/4 oculars for collimation |
Ronchi Ocular | This ocular is a Ronchi screen used for setting the primary to secondary spacing |
Primary Mirror Cover | The Primary Mirror Cover protects the primary mirror |
Planewave Thumb Drive | Containing all documentation and software for collimation and spacing |
12VDC Power Supply | Provides power for the fans (Not included for European Orders) |
Wrench Set (5812A35) | English Hex Wrenches (European Orders Only) |
Optional Mount
MOUNT SYSTEM
Type | Alt-Azimuth / Equatorial Direct Drive Mount |
Weight | 110 lbs (50 kg) |
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 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 |
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 disk built into the azimuth and altitude axes with stainless steel encoder on the circumference with reader yields 18,880,000 counts per revolution of the telescope. This translates to about 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 All ASCOM compatible. |
SYSTEM PERFORMANCE
Pointing Accuracy | <10 arcsecond RMS with PointXP Model |
Pointing Precision | 2 arcsecond |
Tracking Accuracy | < .3 arcsecond error over 5 minute period |
System Natural Frequency | 10 Hz or greater |
Final Shipping Costs to be Determined After Checkout
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