PlaneWave CDK1000 Telescope System

PlaneWave CDK1000 – 1-Meter Corrected Dall-Kirkham Observatory System

A premium, fully automated 1-meter-class Alt-Az telescope system for elite astronomical research and deep-sky imaging.

The PlaneWave CDK1000 is the pinnacle of PlaneWave’s engineering, combining a massive 1-meter aperture Corrected Dall-Kirkham optical tube with a cutting-edge direct drive Alt-Az mount. Designed for demanding observatory environments, the CDK1000 supports simultaneous dual-instrument use via its dual Nasmyth focus ports and delivers diffraction-limited performance across a 100mm image circle—ideal for the largest format CCD cameras in use today.

Key Specifications

Optical Design: Corrected Dall-Kirkham (CDK)
Clear Aperture: 1000mm (39.4 in)
System Focal Ratio: f/6.5 (assumed, based on CDK standard unless specified otherwise)
Image Circle: 100mm diffraction-limited
Focus Positions: Dual Nasmyth ports with integrated rotating tertiary mirror
Mirror Material: Fused Silica (light-weighted, zero thermal expansion)
Coating: Enhanced Aluminum + SiO₂

Performance & Control

Mount Type: Altitude-Azimuth (Alt-Az) with direct-drive motors
Slew Speed: Up to 50°/sec
Tracking: Zero backlash, zero periodic error
Encoders: High-resolution encoders with PointXP mount modeling software
Field Rotation: Integrated field de-rotator for long-exposure imaging
Mirror Protection: Integrated primary mirror shutter cover
Instrument Switching: Dual Nasmyth ports for simultaneous instrument mounting and easy switching

Ideal Applications

Advanced Astrophotography:

- Supports large-format CCDs with sharp imagery across a wide field

- Excellent thermal and mechanical stability for long integration times

Professional Research:

- Designed for university and institutional observatories

- Dual-port versatility for multi-instrument observational setups

Automated Observatories:

- Fully remote-capable system with minimal maintenance

- Ideal for high-throughput data collection, surveys, and public outreach