Cloud Break Optics

14" CDK f/7.2 OTA with Fused Silica Optics

14" CDK f/7.2 OTA with Fused Silica Optics - Main image
$11840 $18500 In stock

Category: Catadioptric Telescopes

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Description

ThePlaneWave Instruments CDK14 is a 14 inch (0.36 m) f/7.2 Corrected Dall-Kirkham Astrograph telescope. The CDK14 covers a 70 mm field of view without any field curvature, off-axis coma, or astigmatism. The CDK14 is a lightweight carbon-fiber truss design weighing less than 50lbs, with 3 cooling fans blowing air throughout the back of the telescope. The CDK optical design is the innovative solution for unsurpassed astro-imaging quality at an affordable price.

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.

Specifications

OPTICAL SYSTEM

Optical Design Corrected Dall-Kirkham (CDK)
Aperture 14 inch (356mm)
Focal Length 2563mm (101 inch)
Focal ratio F/7.2
Central Obstruction 23.5% by surface area; 48.5% by diameter
Back Focus from Mounting Surface 11.09 inch (282 mm)
Weight 48 lbs (22 kg)
OTA Length 35 inch (889 mm)
Optical Performance 3.1 micron RMS at 13mm off-axis; 6.0 micron RMS at 35mm off-axis - Spot Diagram
Upper Cage Carbon Fiber Truss
Lower Cage Carbon Fiber Truss and Light Shroud
Optimal Field of View 70mm Image Circle


SECONDARY MIRROR

Diameter 165 mm (6.5 inch)
Material Precision Annealed Borosilicate
Shape Spherical
Coating Enhanced Aluminum - 96%

PRIMARY MIRROR

Optical Diameter 14 inches (355.6)
Outer Diameter 14.5 inches (468.3mm)
Shape Prolate Ellipsoid
Material Precision Annealed Borosilicate or Fused Silica
Coating Enhanced Aluminum - 96%


LENS GROUP

Diameter 95mm (3.7 inch)
Number of lenses Two
Coating broadband AR Coatings (less than .5% reflected from 400 to 700nm)


STANDARD FEATURES

CDK Optics The Corrected Dall-Kirkham design yields a perfectly flat field free from off-axis astigmatism, coma and defocus.
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 aluminum. The expansion joint allows the aluminum dovetail expand and contract without stressing the carbon fiber lower truss
Cooling Fans Three cooling fans blow air inside the back of the telescope. 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.
Delta-T Ready For added dew prevention, the CDK14 is internally wired with polyimide film heater pads and temperature sensor, ready to be controlled with the optional Delta-T controller.


INCLUDED ACCESSORIES

Ronchi Spacer (600341 & 600344) 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)

Optional Mount

MOUNT SYSTEM

Type Alt-Azimuth / Equatorial Direct Drive Mount
Weight 110 lbs (50 kg)
Max. Load Capacity 100 lbs (45 kg)
Latitude Range 0 to 90 degrees, Northern and Southern hemispheres
Cable Management Equipment cables can be wired through mount


CONTROL SYSTEM

Control Electronics PlaneWave Interface dual axis telescope control
User Interface PlaneWave Interface 4 (PWI4) Control Software with integrated PointXP mount modeling software
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 VAC. Supplied with 12VDC 15A Regulated Power Adapter

MOTION CONTROL

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 disk built into the azimuth and altitude axes with stainless steel encoder on the circumference with reader yields 18,880,000 counts per revolution of the telescope. This translates to about 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 PlaneWave Interface (PWI4). Incorporates PointXP mount modeling software by Dave Rowe All ASCOM compatible.


SYSTEM PERFORMANCE

Pointing Accuracy <10 arcsecond RMS with PointXP Model
Pointing Precision 2 arcsecond
Tracking Accuracy < .3 arcsecond error over 5 minute period
System Natural Frequency 10 Hz or greater

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United States · Return window (days after delivery): 30. Return method: By mail. Return postage: Seller pays.

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Customer Reviews (4.6 / 5 · 5 reviews)

Richard H. ★★★★★

The fused silica optics really deliver—saturn's rings were crisp and defined even at 300x magnification. Setup was more involved than a grab-and-go scope, but the views are absolutely worth the extra effort.

Andrew V. ★★★★★

The diffraction-limited views on this 14" CDK are absolutely stunning; even at high power, stars are pinpoint sharp. It took some effort to coordinate the separate shipping quote and lead time, but the wait was worth it for these fused silica optics.

Kevin K. ★★★★★

The fused silica optics really shine on nights with steady seeing—I’m picking out double stars that my old scope couldn’t touch. The f/7.2 focal ratio makes collimation straightforward, and the views stay crisp even at higher magnifications.