The CDK300 observatory system from Planewave Instruments offers an affordable observatory solution to users and organizations needing to save space and remain budget conscience.  It includes a 12.5” CDK with fused silica optics and the L-350 mount.  

• f/8 and 2541mm focal length
• No coma, no off-axis astigmatism, and no field curvature
• Tack sharp stars across a 52mm image circle
• Solid fused silica mirrors with low thermal expansion for consistent results and long term performance
• Carbon fiber optical tube assembly for rigidity and fast cooling
• Simplified secondary mirror collimation due to the fixed primary mirror.

• Load capacity of 100 lbs (45 kg)
• 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 modeling software
• Enclosed electronics
• Through the mount cabling

The PlaneWave Instruments CDK12.5 is a 12.5 inch (0.32 m) f/8 Corrected Dall-Kirkham Astrograph telescope with a closed carbon fiber tube and three built in cooling fans which push air from the back of the optical tube.  The 12.5" Corrected Dall Kirkham covers a 52mm field of view without field curvature, astigmatism or coma. Weighing 46 pounds, the OTA includes a standard high capacity 2.75" Hedrick focuser. 

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.

Designed without compromise, the CDK is unique in making the optical alignment forgiving and collimation very easy for 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 and no off-axis defocus. The CDK design will give you pinpoint stars from the center to the corner of the field of view.

Click here for more details including specifications, information about the Hedrick focuser, cooling and more.  

The Planewave L-350 utilizes all of the technology that Planewave's larger mounts offer in a simple and affordable mount option for users needing a more compact solution.  This mount is especially compact in the Alt-Azimuth configuration allowing for considerably smaller enclosures.  With no meridian flip, no heavy and potentially dangerous counterweights to get in the way in observatories used by the public, the L-350 offers an elegant option with precision results.  By adding a wedge, you can tap into the mount's EQ mode.   

An impressive load capacity of 100 pounds is combined with smart features like through mount cabling, enclosed electronics for tidy cord management, zero backlash and zero periodic error by capitalizing on direct drive design.  

Click here to read more about the L-350 including specifications.