{"product_id":"cdk500-telescope-system","title":"PlaneWave CDK500 Telescope System","description":"\u003ch3 data-start=\"178\" data-end=\"246\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"182\" data-end=\"244\"\u003ePlaneWave CDK500 – 0.51-Meter Observatory Telescope System\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"247\" data-end=\"328\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"247\" data-end=\"328\"\u003eA professional observatory system for research-grade imaging and performance.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"330\" data-end=\"664\"\u003eThe PlaneWave CDK500 is a precision-engineered observatory-class system, combining the renowned \u003cstrong data-start=\"426\" data-end=\"448\"\u003eCDK20 optical tube\u003c\/strong\u003e with the advanced \u003cstrong data-start=\"467\" data-end=\"495\"\u003eL-500 Direct Drive Mount\u003c\/strong\u003e. This platform is designed for serious astrophotographers and professional researchers who demand accuracy, reliability, and high-quality imaging across a wide field.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"666\" data-end=\"893\"\u003eModeled after the PW-1000 1-meter telescope, the CDK500 incorporates PlaneWave’s signature optical performance with its next-generation L-Series direct drive technology—setting a new standard for compact observatory telescopes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr data-start=\"895\" data-end=\"898\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"900\" data-end=\"926\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"904\" data-end=\"926\"\u003eKey Specifications\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"928\" data-end=\"1539\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"928\" data-end=\"947\"\u003eOptical Design:\u003c\/strong\u003e Corrected Dall-Kirkham (CDK) Astrograph\u003cbr data-start=\"987\" data-end=\"990\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"990\" data-end=\"1009\"\u003eClear Aperture:\u003c\/strong\u003e 508mm (20 in)\u003cbr data-start=\"1023\" data-end=\"1026\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1026\" data-end=\"1049\"\u003eSystem Focal Ratio:\u003c\/strong\u003e f\/6.8\u003cbr data-start=\"1055\" data-end=\"1058\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1058\" data-end=\"1075\"\u003eFocal Length:\u003c\/strong\u003e 3454mm\u003cbr data-start=\"1082\" data-end=\"1085\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1085\" data-end=\"1101\"\u003eImage Field:\u003c\/strong\u003e 52mm, flat field with no curvature, coma, or astigmatism\u003cbr data-start=\"1158\" data-end=\"1161\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1161\" data-end=\"1177\"\u003eCollimation:\u003c\/strong\u003e Precision collimation system ensures ease of alignment and consistent performance\u003cbr data-start=\"1259\" data-end=\"1262\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1262\" data-end=\"1287\"\u003eBack Plate Interface:\u003c\/strong\u003e Retaining ring supports 3.5\" Hedrick Focuser (sold separately)\u003cbr data-start=\"1350\" data-end=\"1353\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1353\" data-end=\"1372\"\u003eDelta T System:\u003c\/strong\u003e Ready for optional mirror heating\u003cbr data-start=\"1406\" data-end=\"1409\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1409\" data-end=\"1430\" data-is-only-node=\"\"\u003eTelescope Weight:\u003c\/strong\u003e Approx. 95 kg (210 lbs)\u003cbr data-start=\"1454\" data-end=\"1457\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1457\" data-end=\"1475\"\u003eDovetail Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e 8-inch\u003cbr data-start=\"1482\" data-end=\"1485\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1485\" data-end=\"1509\"\u003eCrating Requirement:\u003c\/strong\u003e #1323520 (charged separately)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr data-start=\"1541\" data-end=\"1544\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"1546\" data-end=\"1601\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1550\" data-end=\"1601\"\u003eMount Specifications – L-500 Direct Drive Mount\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1603\" data-end=\"1977\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1603\" data-end=\"1621\"\u003eLoad Capacity:\u003c\/strong\u003e Supports payloads over 90 kg (200+ lbs), ideal for CDK20\u003cbr data-start=\"1678\" data-end=\"1681\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1681\" data-end=\"1696\"\u003eDrive Type:\u003c\/strong\u003e Direct Drive with zero backlash and zero periodic error\u003cbr data-start=\"1752\" data-end=\"1755\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1755\" data-end=\"1770\"\u003eSlew Speed:\u003c\/strong\u003e Up to 50°\/second\u003cbr data-start=\"1787\" data-end=\"1790\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1790\" data-end=\"1803\"\u003eEncoders:\u003c\/strong\u003e Integrated high-resolution absolute encoders\u003cbr data-start=\"1848\" data-end=\"1851\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1851\" data-end=\"1872\"\u003eCable Management:\u003c\/strong\u003e Through-the-mount cabling for clean integration\u003cbr data-start=\"1920\" data-end=\"1923\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1923\" data-end=\"1947\"\u003eCrating Requirement:\u003c\/strong\u003e #1323505 (charged separately)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr data-start=\"1979\" data-end=\"1982\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"1984\" data-end=\"2007\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1988\" data-end=\"2007\"\u003eSystem Features\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2011\" data-end=\"2097\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e- \u003c\/strong\u003eHigh-performance observatory system combining the CDK20 with PlaneWave’s L-500 mount\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2100\" data-end=\"2195\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e- \u003c\/strong\u003eFully corrected optical system with a flat 52mm image circle for large-format imaging sensors\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2198\" data-end=\"2248\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e- \u003c\/strong\u003eReliable and easy-to-maintain collimation system\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2251\" data-end=\"2335\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e-\u003c\/strong\u003e Sleek and robust mount designed for fast, accurate target acquisition and tracking\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2338\" data-end=\"2394\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e-\u003c\/strong\u003e Ideal for both remote imaging and in-person visual use\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"PlaneWave Instruments","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":49937789649184,"sku":"200130Q","price":65000.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0849\/2135\/2480\/files\/cdk500_01.jpg?v=1746224788","url":"https:\/\/firstlightastro.com\/products\/cdk500-telescope-system","provider":"First Light Astro","version":"1.0","type":"link"}