PlaneWave CDK700 Nasmyth Astrograph f/6.6 28" Astrograph

The CDK700, a 0.7 meter, is a fully automated observatory class telescope and direct drive alt-azimuth mounting system designed and engineered by PlaneWave. PlaneWave is combining the revolutionary CDK optical design with an innovative direct-drive alt/az mount technology that sets a new standard for small observatory telescopes.

With a 70mm image circle, the CDK700 is designed to excel at imaging on large format CCD cameras. The optical system utilizes a Nasmyth focus through both altitude bearings allowing your camera or eyepiece to remian at a fixed height while holding heavy instruments without needing to rebalance the optical tube assembly. Instrument can be installed on both sides of the fork mount and easily accessed using the included rotating tertiary mirror system. The Focusser / Image Rotator is available as an accessory with encoders for 20 kg instrument weight, as well as a larger version for instruments up to 60 kg.

With high-resolution encoders providing the feedback for the direct drive motors, not only will the telescope track without periodic error or have any backlash at all, but the mount will be able to counter against wind gusts. The direct drive motors can move the telescope at incredible speeds for tracking satellites or just to minimize target acquisition time.

The telescope is also available in Ritchey-Chrétien (RC) optics

Requires a crating #1323507. The crating will be charged extra.

Features

• Pinpoint stars out to a 70mm image circle
• Direct-drive motors on each axis for smooth, fast, and virtually silent movement of the telescope. Direct Drive motors mean that there are no gears to cause backlash and periodic error
• High resolution encoders on each axis for precise positioning
• Incorporates PointXP mount modeling software by Dave Rowe All ASCOM compatible.
• Dual Nasmyth focus, allowing simultaneous mounting of two instruments or easy switching between visual and imaging use
• integrated rotator for the tertiary mirror, with magnetic locks to position the mirror precisely for either Nasmyth focus position. The rotator can move from one port to the other in under 10 seconds.
• Field de-rotator / rotational field framing

Benefits of Nasmyth Focus: The Nasmyth Focus is along the altitude axis so there are virtually no balancing issue as you change out equipment. Eyepieces remain at a constant wheelchair-accessible height, greatly simplifying access to the telescope for public observatories. The rotating tertiary mirror allows you to switch from one Nasmyth port to the other in just seconds, allowing observers to easily transition between imaging and visual use

Fused Silica

Fused silica is a synthetic amorphous silica glass of the highest purity and one of the most transparent glasses made. The optical and thermal properties of fused silica are superior to other types of glass due to its purity. Its transmission and homogeneity exceed those of crystalline quartz without the problems of temperature instability inherent in the crystalline form. Fused Silica has a coefficient of thermal expansion six times lower than Borosilicate (Pyrex) glass, which means that as fused silica cools down, it preserves its shape to a high degree of accuracy. This translates into consistent optical performance and unchanging focus over temperature changes. With its high melting temperature ()~ 1.600 degree Celsius), a very low coefficient of thermal expansion and resistance to thermal shock, fused silica is the material of choice for professional observatories as well as various scientific applications.

Focusing unit

For the CDK 700, a focusing unit is under devolopment, which also compensates the image field rotation in the Nasmyth Foki. The motor-driven focussing uses three guidances and toothed belts and is therefore "free from play and tipping". The rotation of the unit is realized by a worm gear transmission.

Scope of Delivery

• Heating elements for dew prevention - The heating pads on the primary and secondary mirror require the #1329110 Delta-T controller sold separately
• OTA Cover - To protect the primary mirror and inside of the optical tube
• Flash Drive - Contains software and instructions for collimation and spacing the primary to secondary mirror
• EFA Kit and IRF90 - Port one includes an IRF90 and EFA kit for focusing and de-rotating within PWI2 software and also relaying mirror temperature data back to the control computer
• Feathertouch Focuser and Adapter - Used for visual observing through Port 2 with a user supplied eyepiece
• Soft cover for secondary mirror
• Wireless Gamepad
• Collimating laser assembly
• 12v AC Adapter (for EFA)

Specifications

Optics

• Optical Design: Corrected Dall-Kirkham (CDK)
• Aperture (mm): 27.56" (700 mm)
• Focal Length: 4.540 mm (175.74 inch)
• Focal Ratio: f/6.5
• Image Field: 70 mm
• Back Focus Distance: 12.2" (309 mm) from Mounting Surface
• Central Obstruction: 47% of the Primary Mirror Diameter
• Substrate: Fused Silica
• Optical Tube Weight: 1200 lbs (544 kg)

Mount

• No mount (OTA only)

General

• SKU: 1323270Q
• Manufacturer SKU: 700101Q
• EAN Code: 4047825035158