The Planewave CDK600 is an observatory system built on the Planewave L600 direct drive mount paired with a CDK24 astrograph.  Designed and manufacturered in the U.S.A., Planewave's CDK systems build on the legacy of the PW-1000 1 meter telescope, Planewave has drawn from that same advanced optical system and high performance direct drive mount to meet the demands of research and educational observatories.   

This observatory system was designed for ease of use and affordability in mind.  While in Alt-Azimuth configuration, the system is considerably more compact than when in Equatorial configuration which allows for  smaller observatory footprint for applications requiring limited space or challenging builds.  

• f/6.5 and 3974mm 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.

The CDK24 (0.61 m) f/6.5 Corrected Dall-Kirkham Astrograph telescope has a dual truss design, with 3 cooling fans for the back of the primary mirror and 4 fans for the front surface of the primary mirror. The CDK24 covers a 70mm field of view without any field curvature, off-axis coma, or astigmatism. The optical tube weight is 240 lbs (109 kg) and comes standard with a back plate retaining ring ready to accept the focuser of your choice.

Prewired for Delta-T.  The CDK24 is ready to accept the optional Delta-T control hub.  

Planewave Fused Silica Mirrors

With a coefficient of thermal expansion 6 times lower than Borosilicate Pyrex glass, fused silica optical glass is exponentially more stable as temperatures change.  For long observing or imaging sessions, this added stability reduces the need to adjust focus.  

3D Printed Baffles

Using 3D printing technology, Planewave is able to produce a lightweight successive layers with highly precise positioning to minimize stray light and vignetting while maximizing contrast. 

Dovetail Expansion Joint

To provide additional thermal expansion stability, the CDK24 is equipped with an expansion joint to account for the different expansion rates of the carbon fiber trusses and the aluminum dovetail.  

Cooling Fans

Three rear cooling fans pull air through the optical tube near the primary mirror, and three additional fans blow air across the primary from the side of the telescope body.   This combination of fans and open truss design allow the CDK24 to reach thermal equilibrium quickly.   The fans are controlled by a manual switch on the optical tube or can be controlled with PWI3 software when the Planewave EFA kit is added. 

CDK vs. RC Optical Design

Ritchey Chretien optical design, though highly successful in eliminating many typical optical problems naturally found in preceding designs, does not correct off-axis astigmatism and field curvature.  While these issues can be corrected with the addition of correctors and flatteners as accessories to the telescope, David Rowe developed a new Corrected Dall Kirkham design that effectively incorporates these correctors into the optics. By utilizing an ellipsoid primary mirror, a spherical secondary mirror and a lens specifically configured doublet lens group, coma, off-axis astigmatism and field curvature are eliminated.  

The L-Series mount 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 German equatorial counterpart, allowing a larger telescope to fit in a smaller enclosure. 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.

• Direct-drive motors on each axis for smooth, fast, and virtually silent movement.  A lack of gears also eliminates backlash and periodic error.  
• High resolution on-axis encoders provide feedback to counteract wind gusts.  
• Maximum load capacity 300 pounds. 
• Total system weight of 480 pounds. 
• Slew speeds up to 50 degrees per second allowing for satellite tracking and fast target acquisition. 
• High resolution encoders on each axis for precise positioning, sidereal accuracy of <0.30 arc seconds RMS over 5 minutes. 
• Zero backlash
• Zero periodic error
• PointXP mount modeling software
• Enclosed electronics
• Through the mount cabling allowing for smart cable management with easy to access panels. 
• Includes PWI4 software, ASCOM compliant, for mount control. 
• A versatile mount, the L600 can be configured in either AZ or EQ. 
• Azimuth dovetail balance system, for precise center of gravity balance regardless of configuration. 
• Dual mounting bracket allows for the attachment of a second optical tube.  An optional dovetail clamp is required.  

CDK24 Specifications: 

L600 Specifications: 

The crated weight of the CDK600 system is 500 pounds (226.8.kg), 40x48x70 inches. This is an oversize and heavy crated shipment that does require air, ship or truck freight delivery.  At this time our website is not able to calculate shipping rates for freight You will be contacted to discuss shipping options and crating fees for your order.  If you require a quote at any time prior to placing an order, please reach out to us at [email protected].