Planewave
Planewave CDK12.5 f/8 Optical Tube Assembly
Planewave CDK12.5 f/8 Optical Tube Assembly
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The CDK12.5 from PlaneWave Instruments represents a fusion of precise engineering and innovative design tailored for the avid astrophotographer and the discerning astronomer. With its advanced technology and refined design, the CDK12.5 delivers exceptional image quality for a range of observational and scientific applications.
Key Features Overview
The CDK12.5 stands out with its notable specifications and features:
- 12.5-inch (318 mm) aperture
- 2541 mm focal length
- f/8 focal ratio
- 265 mm back focus from mounting surface
- Perfectly flat field across the entire 52 mm image circle
- No off-axis coma or astigmatism
- Rock-solid fused silica mirrors with low thermal expansion
- Lightweight and rigid carbon fiber optical tube assembly
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About the CDK12.5 f/8 Optical Tube Assembly
CDK12.5’s Key Features
Large Aperture and Extended Focal Ratio
The CDK12.5 features a 318 mm aperture paired with an f/8 focal ratio. This combination provides superb depth of field and excellent resolution, making it highly effective for detailed lunar, planetary, and deep-sky imaging.
Advanced Optical Design
The CDK12.5 has a state-of-the-art Corrected Dall-Kirkham optical system, offering outstanding image clarity. This design eliminates off-axis coma and astigmatism and achieves a perfectly flat field, ensuring images are consistently sharp and detailed across the entire field with minimal post-processing adjustments.
Robust Mechanical Structure
Built with a carbon fiber optical tube, the CDK12.5 is lightweight and highly durable. Its design accounts for minimal thermal expansion, which ensures stable focus across a range of temperatures which is ideal for extended observing sessions in diverse environmental conditions.
High-Performance Mirrors and Coatings
Featuring fused silica mirrors, the CDK12.5 maintains precise optical alignment and surface accuracy under temperature shifts. The superior coatings enhance light transmission and reduce stray light, optimizing the telescope’s performance for demanding observational tasks.
Thermal Management
The CDK12.5 includes cooling fans and a system ready for Delta-T control to reach thermal equilibrium rapidly. This setup minimizes air turbulence inside the tube, reducing image distortion and maintaining consistent imaging quality.
Integrated Dew Control
This telescope integrates sophisticated dew prevention technology with heating pads managed through PlaneWave’s software. This system ensures that optical surfaces remain clear from condensation under varying humidity levels, maintaining clarity and performance during observational sessions.
Application-Specific Benefits
Astrophotography
With its precise optical system and stable performance, the CDK12.5 allows astrophotographers to capture stunning images of the cosmos with remarkable detail and clarity.
Astronomy Research
The reliable and detailed imaging capabilities of the CDK12.5 make it an excellent resource for academic institutions and observatories conducting sophisticated astronomical studies, including stellar photometry and minor planet tracking.
Visual Observations
The CDK12.5 excels in visual observation, offering vibrant and clear views, making it perfect for star parties and serious visual astronomy. Its large aperture and high-quality optical components provide stunning views of planetary, lunar, and deep-sky objects, enriching every visual experience.
Space Situational Awareness (SSA) and Space Domain Awareness (SDA)
The CDK12.5 also lends itself to Space Situational Awareness and Space Domain Awareness applications. Its capability to provide detailed observations can be essential for tracking and monitoring satellites and other space debris, contributing valuable data for space traffic management and safety initiatives.
Aperture 318 mm (12.5") Focal Length 2541 mm (100") Focal Ratio f/8 Central Obstruction 42% of the primary mirror diameter Back Focus from Mounting Surface 265 mm (10.445") Back Focus from Racked in Focuser 183 mm (7.2") Weight 42 lbs (19 kg) OTA Length 787 mm (31") Optical Design Performance 2.8-micron RMS on-axis, 3.8-micron RMS at 11 mm off-axis, 8.0-micron RMS at 21 mm off-axis Upper Cage Carbon fiber Image Circle Size 52 mm Diameter70 mm (2.76")CoatingBroadband AR Coatings (less than .5% reflected from 400 to 700 nm)
Diameter 118 mm (4.65") Material Fused silica (quartz) Shape Spherical Coating Enhanced aluminum – 96% Optical Diameter318 mm (12.5")Outer Diameter330 mm (13")ShapeProlate EllipsoidMaterialFused Silica (quartz)CoatingEnhanced aluminum – 96%
Included Items Motorized 2.75″ Hedrick Focuser - Offers 1.3″ of focuser travel and takes up 3.25″ of backfocus. Requires the 125901 EFA kit sold separately 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 Wrench Set (5812A35) - Standard hex wrenches (European orders only) Cable connector for fan power - Provides a connection method for powering for the fans if the user does not have the 125901 EFA kit. User must provide 12VDC powersupply 2.1 barrel jack connector that is center positive. (Not included for European orders)

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