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Enjoy exceptional optical and tracking performance for astrophotography, or research, with the CDK350 package! Includes a CDK14 optical tube and L-350 mount.
- 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.
- 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.
Description
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
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 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 |
Optical System
Aperture | 14 inch (355 mm) |
Focal Length | 2563 mm (100.9inch) |
Focal ratio | F/7.2 |
Central Obstruction | 23.7% by surface area; 48.6% of the Primary Mirror Diameter |
Back Focus from Mounting Surface | 11.09 inch (281.6 mm) |
Weight | 48 lbs (48 kg) |
Optimal Field of View | 70mm 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. |
System Performance
Pointing Accuracy | <10 arcsecond RMS with PointXP Model |
Pointing Precision |
2 arcseconds at sidereal velocity |
Tracking Accuracy |
< 0.3 arcseconds over a 5 minute period at sidereal velocity |
System Natural Frequency | 10 Hz or greater |
Included Items
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 |
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 |
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