The PlaneWave CDK 17 is a 17 inch (0.43 m) f/6.8 Corrected Dall-Kirkham Astrograph telescope. The PlaneWave CDK 17 has a dual carbon-fiber truss design, with 3 cooling fans ejecting air from the back of the telescope, and 4 fans blowing across the boundary layer of the mirror’s surface. The CDK 17 covers a 70 mm field of view without any field curvature, off-axis coma, or astigmatism. The instrument weight is 94 lbs (43 kg) and comes standard with a back plate retaining ring ready to accept the focuser of your choice.
The CDK (Corrected Dall-Kirkham) Optical Design is an innovative solution for unsurpassed astroimaging quality at an affordable price. The CDK telescope design provides excellent imaging with large format CCD cameras while remaining superb for visual use. The CDK design far exceeds the off-axis performance of most commercial telescope designs including the Ritchey-Chrétien design.
This no-compromise design is unique in making the optical alignment forgiving and collimation very easy. This guarantees the user the best possible performance from the telescope. The end result at the image plane of the CDK design is no off-axis coma, no off-axis astigmatism, perfectly flat field (no off-axis defocus). The CDK design will give you pinpoint stars from the center to the corner of the field of view.
PlaneWave CDK 17 Features:
Carbon Fiber Truss Design |
Open truss tube design with carbon fiber frame minimizes thermal expansion which causes focus shift with changes in temperature. Carbon fiber truss design also promotes quick thermal cooling and provides a rigid, lightweight structure. |
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3D Printed Baffles |
Planewave uses digital 3D printing technology to produce lightweight baffle tubes. 3D printers add successive layers of material to construct a baffle system with precision positioned internal stray light baffles to minimize vignetting and maximize image contrast. |
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Dovetail Expansion Joint |
Allows for the difference in thermal expansion between carbon fiber and aluminium. The expansion joint allows the aluminium dovetail expand and contract without stressing the carbon fiber lower truss. |
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Cooling Fans |
Three cooling fans ejecting air from the back of the telescope and four fans blowing across the boundary layer of the mirror surface. This helps the telescope to reach thermal equilibrium quickly. The fans are controlled by a computer if the optional Electronic Focus Accessory (EFA Kit) is purchased. |
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OPTICAL SYSTEM
Optical Design |
Corrected Dall-Kirkham |
Aperture |
17 inch (432 mm) |
Focal Length |
2939 mm (115.71 inch) |
Focal ratio |
F/6.8 |
Central Obstruction |
23.7% by surface area; 48.6% of the Primary Mirror Diameter |
Back Focus from Mounting Surface |
10.24 inch (260 mm) |
Back Focus from Racked in Focuser |
7.24 inch (184 mm) |
Weight |
106 lbs (48 kg) |
OTA Length |
42 inch (1067 mm) |
Optical Performance |
6.5 micron rms at 21mm and 9.6 micron at 26mm off-axis |
Upper Cage |
Carbon Fiber Truss |
Lower Cage |
Carbon Fiber Truss with Carbon Fiber Light Shroud |
Optimal Field of View |
70mm Image Circle |
SECONDARY MIRROR
Diameter |
190 mm (7.48 inch) |
Material |
Precision Annealed Pyrex |
Shape |
Spherical |
Coating |
Enhanced Aluminium – 96% |
PRIMARY MIRROR
Optical Diameter |
17 inch (432 mm) |
Outer Diameter |
17.5 inch (445 mm) |
Shape |
Prolate Ellipsoid |
Material |
Precision Annealed Borosilicate or Fused Silica |
Coating |
Enhanced Aluminium – 96% |
LENS GROUP
Diameter |
105 mm (4.13 inch) |
Number of lenses |
2 |
Coating |
Broadband AR Coatings (less than .5% reflected from 400 to 700nm) |
STANDARD FEATURES
Carbon Fiber Truss Design |
Minimizes thermal expansion which causes focus shift with changes in temperature |
Dovetail Expansion Joint |
Allows for the difference in thermal expansion between carbon fiber and aluminium. The expansion joint allows the aluminium dovetail expand and contract without stressing the carbon fiber lower truss |
Cooling Fans |
Three cooling fans ejecting air from the back of the telescope and four fans blowing across the boundary layer of the mirror surface. This helps the telescope to reach thermal equilibrium quickly. The fans are controlled by a computer if the optional Electronic Focus Accessory (EFA Kit) is purchased. |
SHIPPING
Crated Shipping Weight |
102.1 kg (225lbs) |
Crate Width |
762mm (30 inch) |
Crate Height |
940mm (37 inch ) |
Crate Length |
1473mm (58 inch) |
INCLUDED ACCESSORIES
Ronchi Spacer (600341 & 600343) |
This spacer sits in place of a focuser and is used for setting the primary to secondary spacing. It has an 1-1/4 inner diameter and may be used with 1-1/4 oculars for collimation |
Ronchi Ocular |
This ocular is a Ronchi screen used for setting the primary to secondary spacing |
Primary Mirror Cover |
The Primary Mirror Cover protects the primary mirror |
Planewave Thumb Drive |
Containing all documentation and software for collimation and spacing |
12VDC Power Supply |
Provides power for the fans (Not included for European Orders) |
Wrench Set (5812A35) |
English Hex Wrenches (European Orders Only) |
NOTE: The Leadtime for this telescope is considerable for better estimates please email Education@bintel.com.au