Planewave CDK17 astrograph tube with 8' dovetail 1323217

The CDK17 is the latest member of the CDK family. The new CDK optical design is the most innovative solution currently on the market for unparalleled astrophotography quality at a reasonable price. The goal of the CDK design is to offer a telescope that excels in astrophotography with large format CCD cameras (SBIG STL type) and at the same time performs splendidly in visual observation. The CDK design far exceeds the performance of most commercial optical designs, including the famous Ritchey-Chrétien, in imaging the peripheral areas of the field of view. The RMS spot sizes in the peripheral area of the field of view captured by a 35mm chip remain smaller than the pixel size of most amateur CCD cameras available today. This design is unique in making optical alignment an unobtrusive task and collimation an extremely easy operation. This assures the user that he can always get the best possible performance from his equipment. The end result in the focal plane of the CDK design is an image with no coma or astigmatism, neither in the central nor in the peripheral part of the field of view, and a perfect flat field (no field curvature). All this is achieved in a 52mm circular image. Therefore, the stars will be totally point-like objects from the center to the far corner of the field of view. Given the weight of the CDK17 tube it is recommended to use the PARAMOUNT ME mount from the manufacturer SOFTWARE BISQUE (ask for information). System: - Diameter: 17" (432mm) - Focal Length: 2,939mm - Focal Ratio: f/6.8 - Central Obstruction: 39% - Weight: 42.30kg - Tube Length: 94cm Primary Mirror: - Diameter: 451mm - Aperture: 432mm - Focal Ratio: f/2.6 - Laser collimated and permanently fixed - Material: precision tempered Pyrex - Geometry: Ellipsoidal - Enhanced aluminum treatment with 96% reflection Secondary Mirror: - Diameter: 159mm - Material: precision tempered Pyrex - Geometry: spherical - Aluminum treatment enhanced with 96% reflection Lens Group: - Diameter: 90mm - Number of elements: 2 - Broadband treatment: anti-reflection treatment (less than 0.5% between 400 and 700nm) Standard Specifications: - "Dual Carbon Fiber Truss" design minimizes thermal expansion resulting in focus variations due to temperature changes. - The carbon fiber structure located at the bottom of the primary mirror envelope protects it from possible interference caused by remanent light. - The expansion joint in the dovetail compensates for the differences in thermal expansion between the carbon fiber and the aluminum. The expansion joint allows the aluminum dovetail to expand and contract without stressing the carbon fiber structure. - 3.5" "Hedrick Heavy Duty" focuser. The focuser tube slides on 5 bearings and is moved by a screw mechanism so there is no possibility of focuser slippage. Accepts as optional items a Dial Indicator and EFA Kit (Electronic Focus Accessory) to control various electronic accessories. - Cooling fans: 3 fans blow filtered air over the rear of the primary mirror to help it achieve thermal equilibrium very quickly. The fans are controlled by a switch located on the optical tube or can be controlled from the PC if the optional EFA kit is purchased. Dimensions and Weight with packing box: - Dimensions: 114 X 74 X 84cm - Weight: 102.1kg