Planewave CDK700 Telescope System

The CDK700 Observatory System from PlaneWave Instruments is crafted for advanced astronomers and astrophotographers who demand precision, versatility, and high performance. Integrating the powerful CDK700 optical tube with a robust and innovative alt-azimuth direct-drive mount, this system excels across a spectrum of demanding applications, from detailed astronomical studies to capturing breathtaking astro-images.  

Key Features of the CDK700 Observatory System

CDK700 Optical Tube Assembly

• Aperture and Focal Length: Boasts a 28-inch aperture and a 4540 mm focal length at an f/6.5 focal ratio, offering expansive deep-sky imaging capabilities and superb depth and clarity.
• Advanced Optical Design: Features a Corrected Dall-Kirkham optical design, free of off-axis coma and astigmatism, achieving a perfectly flat field across a large 70 mm image circle, enabling critically sharp images across the entire viewing area.
• High-Quality Construction: Constructed with ultra-low expansion fused silica mirrors and a rigid carbon fiber truss design, ensuring minimal thermal expansion and rapid thermal equilibration to maintain precise optical alignment under fluctuating temperatures.
• Superior Mirrors and Coatings: Equipped with high-stability mirrors and high-performance coatings that enhance light throughput while minimizing stray light, optimizing the telescope for unparalleled imaging quality.
• Integrated Dual Nasmyth Focus Ports: Supports heavy instrumentation with over 300 lbs capacity on each focus port, facilitated by a controllable tertiary mirror that allows quick switching between instruments or cameras.

Integrated Direct Drive Mount

• Innovative Direct Drive System: Utilizes state-of-the-art direct drive motors on each axis, providing smooth, fast, and virtually silent movement without backlash or periodic error, ideal for precise tracking and detailed astrophotography.
• High-Resolution Encoders: Features high-resolution encoders on both axes, ensuring precise positioning and smooth tracking across the sky, crucial for high-end astronomical research.
• Dual Nasmyth Focus: Includes a dual Nasmyth focus capability, allowing easy switching between multiple instruments and cameras without rebalancing the telescope, enhancing flexibility for both imaging and research.
• Fast Slew Speeds and Rapid Installation: Capable of impressive slew speeds up to 50 degrees per second, the CDK700 ensures swift target acquisition. Additionally, its design allows for fast, one-day installation, making it an ideal choice for observatories looking to minimize setup time.

Application-Specific Advantages

Astrophotography

The CDK700 stands as a premier system for astrophotographers, featuring advanced tracking capabilities and exceptional image stability that facilitate the capture of spectacular celestial images with intricate detail and vibrant colors.

Astronomy Research

For researchers, the CDK700 offers a robust platform for sophisticated photometry, spectroscopy, and detailed sky surveys. Its precise data collection capabilities and stable performance provide a solid foundation for scientific discovery and exploration.

Visual Observations

For visual astronomy enthusiasts, the CDK700 delivers vibrant and detailed views of the cosmos. Its significant aperture coupled with high-quality optical components ensures exceptional viewing experiences of planetary, lunar, and deep-sky objects, enriching every observational session.

Space Situational Awareness (SSA) and Space Domain Awareness (SDA)

The CDK700 system, with its precise direct drive motors and high-resolution encoders, is capable of engaging in SSA and SDA applications, such as tracking satellites and space debris. However, while it offers notable capabilities in these areas, it is not the ideal system for dedicated SSA/SDA operations due to its primary design focus on astrophotography and astronomical research. For those seeking a system optimized for the rigorous demands of SSA/SDA, we recommend considering the T-600 Direct-Drive Gimbal.