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Planewave

Planewave L-550 Direct-Drive Telescope Mount

Planewave L-550 Direct-Drive Telescope Mount

Regular price Rs. 3,099,999.00
Regular price Sale price Rs. 3,099,999.00
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The PlaneWave L-550 Direct Drive Mount exemplifies advanced engineering, tailored to exceed the expectations of astrophotography enthusiasts and astronomy researchers. As a robust member of our L-Series, the L-550 integrates superior technology to deliver an exceptional observational platform.

Key Features Overview

Its impressive specifications and features that distinguish the L-550:

  • 300 lbs load capacity
  • Direct drive motors for zero backlash, zero periodic error, and fast 50-degree-per-second slew speeds
  • High-resolution encoders for precise positioning
  • Enclosed electronics
  • Through the mount cabling
  • Alt/Az or equatorial installation orientations
  • Ideal for the DeltaRho 500, CDK17, CDK20 f/6.8, CDK20 f/7.7, IRDK17, and IRDK20 optical tube assemblies
  • About the L-550 Direct-Drive Telescope Mount

    Core Features of the L-550 Direct Drive Mount

    State-of-the-Art Direct-Drive Motors

    Equipped with PlaneWave's proprietary direct-drive motors on each axis, the L-550 ensures the telescopes' smooth, fast, and whisper-quiet movement. This capability is crucial for swiftly tracking celestial objects and satellites across the sky with minimal vibration and maximum accuracy.

    High-Resolution Encoders

    With high-resolution encoders on each axis, the L-550 delivers exact positioning, essential for capturing crisp, detailed night sky images. These encoders are vital for scientific applications demanding precise data collection.

    Zero Backlash and Periodic Error

    The L-550's design eliminates backlash and periodic error, facilitating steady tracking vital for top-notch astrophotography and dependable, long-term observational research.

    Flexible Installation Options

    The L-550 is available in both Alt/Az and equatorial configurations to meet a variety of observational needs. This versatility makes it suitable for fixed installations in educational observatories and adaptable setups for amateur astronomers.

    Through-the-Mount Cabling

    The innovative through-the-mount cabling system enhances setup cleanliness and safety, preventing cable snagging and reducing setup time.

    Azimuth Dovetail Balance System

    Provides precise center of gravity adjustments, enhancing the stability and performance of the system in both alt-azimuth and equatorial configurations, crucial for maintaining accurate tracking and reducing strain on the mount during extended observations.

    Optional Dual Mounting Bracket

    Allows for the attachment of additional telescopes or accessories on the mount, enhancing versatility and enabling simultaneous multi-instrument use, ideal for complex observational setups or educational demonstrations.

    Rapid Target Acquisition

    Equipped with direct-drive motors capable of slew speeds up to 50 degrees per second, enabling quick and efficient targeting of celestial objects and satellites, crucial for dynamic observations and time-sensitive astrophotography.

    PointXP Mount Modeling Software

    Included with the mount, PointXP software precisely models the mount's tracking behavior, enhancing its accuracy for critical applications. This software is invaluable for projects that require exact positioning and consistent tracking over extended periods.

    Application-Specific Advantages

    Astrophotography

    The L-550's rapid slew speeds and silent operation allow astrophotographers to reposition swiftly and quietly between shots, capturing stunning celestial images without disrupting the observational setting.

    Research

    Researchers benefit from the L-550's robust construction and precise tracking to conduct detailed celestial observations and night-long monitoring with minimal interruption and consistent data quality.

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

    With its ability to swiftly and accurately reposition, the L-550 has ben been used for tracking satellites and space debris. However, our L-series mounts work best for astrophotography and research applications. To exceed the ideal performance requirements for SSA/SDA applications, we created the T-600 Direct-Drive Gimbal.

    Type Alt-Azimuth / Equatorial Direct Drive Mount
    Weight 338 lbs (153 kg)
    Max. Load Capacity 300 lbs (136 kg)
    Latitude Range 0 to 90 degrees, Northern and Southern hemispheres
    Cable Management Equipment cables can be wired through mount
    Swing-Through Length (From Altitude Axis) 650.748 mm (25.62")
    Control Electronics PlaneWave Interface dual axis telescope control
    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 to 240 VAC. Supplied with 120 VAC 15A IEC Type B Regulated Power Adapter.
    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 Uses PWI4. Incorporates PointXP mount modeling software by Dave Rowe. All ASCOM compatible.
    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 Dovetail Saddle (200919) - The PW wide saddle comes standard with the L-550 mount
    Hardware - Six 1/2-13 x 1 1/4″ socket head cap screws to bolt the mount to the pier or wedge; Six 1/2-13 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
    Flash drive- Contains PWI4 software for mount control and instructions for installation
    3/8 Socket - Used for operating the RA balance leadscrew on the mount
    Gamepad - Used for control of the mount tracking speeds for visual observing
    Standard Allen Key Set- For tightening bolts used on the mount
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