L-550 Direct Drive Mount

L-Series Direct Drive Mounts

Alt-Az / Equatorial Direct Drive Mount

The L-Series combines versatility, simplicity and affordability by combining all the technology of our Observatory class telescopes into a compact stand-alone mount.

• L-350 can hold payload up to 100 lbs
• L-500 can hold payload up to 200 lbs
• L-550 can hold up to 300 lbs
• L-600 can hold up to 300 lbs

The mount is equipped with direct drives motors as well as high-resolution encorders. The software is ASCOM compatible and the direct drive motors can move the telescope at incredible speeds for tracking satellites.

In its Alt/Az configuration it is considerably more compact than its equatorial counterpart, allowing a larger telescope to fit in a smaller enclosure. The mass it takes to make a rigid alt/az mount is substantially less, leading to cost savings. Unlike German Equatorial mounts, there are no meridian flips to deal with, and no  large protruding counterweights to create a dangerous hazard in a public observatory. Alt/Az is more intuitive to use and no polar alignment is needed.

With its ability to swiftly and accurately reposition, the L-550 has ben been used for tracking satellites and space debris. However, our L-series mounts work best for astrophotography and research applications. To exceed the ideal performance requirements for SSA/SDA applications, PlaneWave Instruments created the T-600 Direct-Drive Gimbal.

• L-Serie Direct Drive Mount by PlaneWave Intruments. Direct-drive motors on each axis. This capability is crucial for swiftly tracking celestial objects and satellites across the sky with minimal vibration and maximum accuracy
• Alt/Az or equatorial installation orientations
• 300 lbs load capacity
• Ideal for the DeltaRho 500, CDK17, CDK20 f/6.8, CDK20 f/7.7, IRDK17, and IRDK20 optical tube assemblies
• Equipped with L-600 mount motors in an L-500 mount housing
• High-resolution encoders for precise positioning
• Direct drive motors for zero backlash, zero periodic error, and fast 50-degree-per-second slew speeds
• Through the mount cabling
• Optional Dual Mounting Bracket
• Requires a crating #1323505. The crating will be charged extra
• L-550 Mount on Equatorial Wedge: requires external sliding weight accessory, including 1x each 2lbs, 5lbs and 10lbs weight #1321353