CDK700 Nasmyth Astrograph f/6.6

The CDK700, a 0.7 meter, is a fully automated observatory class telescope and direct drive alt-azimuth mounting system designed and engineered by PlaneWave. PlaneWave is combining the revolutionary CDK optical design with an innovative direct-drive alt/az mount technology that sets a new standard for small observatory telescopes. More about the Optical Design.

With a 70mm image circle, the CDK700 is designed to excel at imaging on large format CCD cameras. The optical system utilizes a Nasmyth focus through both altitude bearings allowing your camera or eyepiece to remian at a fixed height while holding heavy instruments without needing to rebalance the optical tube assembly. Instrument can be installed on both sides of the fork mount and easily accessed using the included rotating tertiary mirror system. The Focusser / Image Rotator is available as an accessory with encoders for 20 kg instrument weight, as well as a larger version for instruments up to 60 kg.

With high-resolution encoders providing the feedback for the direct drive motors, not only will the telescope track without periodic error or have any backlash at all, but the mount will be able to counter against wind gusts. The direct drive motors can move the telescope at incredible speeds for tracking satellites or just to minimize target acquisition time.

The telescope is also available in Ritchey-Chrétien (RC) optics

Requires a crating #1323507. The crating will be charged extra.

Features

• Pinpoint stars out to a 70mm image circle
• Direct-drive motors on each axis for smooth, fast, and virtually silent movement of the telescope. Direct Drive motors mean that there are no gears to cause backlash and periodic error
• High resolution encoders on each axis for precise positioning
• Incorporates PointXP mount modeling software by Dave Rowe All ASCOM compatible.
• Dual Nasmyth focus, allowing simultaneous mounting of two instruments or easy switching between visual and imaging use
• integrated rotator for the tertiary mirror, with magnetic locks to position the mirror precisely for either Nasmyth focus position. The rotator can move from one port to the other in under 10 seconds.
• Field de-rotator / rotational field framing

Benefits of Nasmyth Focus: The Nasmyth Focus is along the altitude axis so there are virtually no balancing issue as you change out equipment. Eyepieces remain at a constant wheelchair-accessible height, greatly simplifying access to the telescope for public observatories. The rotating tertiary mirror allows you to switch from one Nasmyth port to the other in just seconds, allowing observers to easily transition between imaging and visual use