L-Series Direct Drive Mounts
The L-Series combines versatility, simplicity and affordability by packaging proven technology, such as the CDK700 and the 1-metre PW 1000 telescope used in universities around the world, into a compact, stand-alone mount.
- The L-350, with a payload of over 45 kg, is ideal for the CDK14 and CDK12.5.
- The L-500, with a payload of over 90 kg, is ideal for the CDK17 and CDK20.
- The L-600 carries up to 136 kg and is ideal for the CDK24.
The mount is equipped with direct drives and high-precision encoders. The software is fully ASCOM-compatible and allows precise positioning and satellite tracking.
In Alt / Azimuth configuration, it is much more compact than a parallactic mount. This allows the movement radius of a larger telescope to be much smaller. This means that large instruments can be housed in small protective structures, saving a lot of money on the dome or building. Unlike parallactic mounts, there are no meridian flips and no large, protruding counterweights. The Alt/Az mode is more intuitive to use and there is no need for polar alignment.
- Motor: Direct drive 3-phase axial flux torque motors for azimuth and elevation
- Motor torque: approx. 20 ft-lbs continuous; 50 ft-lbs peak
- Encoder: built-in 152 mm disc in the azimuth and elevation axes with stainless steel encoder. Equivalent to approximately 0.069 arc seconds resolution
- Motor control system: Industry standard Parker brushless motor control and built-in electronics
- Power requirements: accepts 120 VAC. Supplied with regulated 12VDC 15A power pack
Accessories included:
- Six 3/8-16 x ¼" hexagon socket screws for screwing the mount to the column or polar wedges
- Six 3/8-16 x ¼" washers
- One extension bolt for the RA axis for polar alignment with the polar wedges
- The "EZ Saddle" 3" dovetail clamp accepts Losmandy D-dovetail rails such as those on the CDK12.5 and CDK14.
- A 4.8-metre USB cable – for connecting the mount to the observatory's control computer
- A 120V AC power cable – to power the mount
- A standard hex key set – for tightening the screws on the mount
- Flash drive - Contains the PWI4 software for controlling the mount and installation instructions
