PlaneWave CDK500 Observatory System — CDK20 / L-500 The CDK500 pairs PlaneWave's CDK20 f/6.8 Corrected Dall-Kirkham optical tube with the L-500 direct-drive mount. The telescope gives a flat field free of off-axis coma and astigmatism, while the mount's direct-drive motors provide zero backlash, zero periodic error and slews of up to 50° per second in…
Manufacturer model: PlaneWave CDK500 (CDK20 f/6.8 / L-500) · Specifications checked against manufacturer data on 2026-11-03
The CDK500 pairs PlaneWave's CDK20 f/6.8 Corrected Dall-Kirkham optical tube with the L-500 direct-drive mount. The telescope gives a flat field free of off-axis coma and astigmatism, while the mount's direct-drive motors provide zero backlash, zero periodic error and slews of up to 50° per second in alt-azimuth or equatorial orientation.
The fork base is a welded stainless steel torsion box. Control is through PlaneWave's PWI4 software with PointXP mount modelling, ASCOM compatible, and equipment cables can be routed through the mount.
| Optical tube | CDK20 f/6.8, Corrected Dall-Kirkham |
|---|---|
| Aperture | 508 mm (20") |
| Focal length | 3454 mm |
| Focal ratio | f/6.8 |
| Central obstruction | 39% of primary diameter |
| Image circle | 52 mm |
| Back focus | 224 mm from mounting surface |
| OTA weight | 63.5 kg |
| Mount | L-500 direct-drive, alt-az / equatorial |
|---|---|
| Fork base | Welded stainless steel torsion box |
| Mount weight | published as 257 lb (100 kg) |
| Maximum load | 91 kg (200 lb) |
| Swing-through length | 650.748 mm from altitude axis |
| Encoders | 18,880,000 counts/rev (0.069") |
| Slew rate | 20°/s standard; 50°/s maximum |
| Latitude range | 0–90°, both hemispheres |
| Power | 100–240 V AC 50/60 Hz |
| Saddle | PlaneWave Wide Saddle |
CDK500 = CDK20 f/6.8 + L-500. No dedicated PlaneWave CDK500 page found; data from the component pages, CDK20 f/6.8 assumed. L-500 weight conflict (257 lb vs 100 kg) shown as published. Piers, wedges and focus accessories sold separately.
Data sheet
PlaneWave CDK500 Observatory System — CDK20 / L-500 The CDK500 pairs PlaneWave's CDK20 f/6.8 Corrected Dall-Kirkham optical tube with the L-500 direct-drive mount. The telescope gives a flat field free of off-axis coma and astigmatism, while the mount's direct-drive motors provide zero backlash, zero periodic error and slews of up to 50° per second in…
Manufacturer model: PlaneWave CDK500 (CDK20 f/6.8 / L-500) · Specifications checked against manufacturer data on 2026-11-03
