PlaneWave CDK400 Install!

The PlaneWave CDK17 telescope and L-500 direct-drive mount make up the CDK400 package. This observatory system is an impressive rig for astrophotography and research applications.
I created this video especially to showcase how to use our PlaneWave software for polar aligning the mount, which starts at the 6:15 mark.
For more information checking planewave.com/...
#planewaveinstruments #astronomy #telescopes

[@astrophotonics9470]

Perfect Home observatory system, thanks for posting .

[@MattDieterich]

Thanks for watching. The CDK400 is indeed an excellent home observatory system.

[@800mmTelescopeProject]

Awesome! Thanks for sharing

[@MattDieterich]

Thanks for watching!

[@thegerms607]

Perfect job!.

[@MattDieterich]

Thanks for watching!

[@thegerms607]

@@MattDieterich Your welcome ! This setup is a dream.👍 Good continuation. Take Care.

[@thimitri1]

I'd love to have this in Greece on the island home by the open waters at bortle 2..

[@MattDieterich]

Now that would be a beautiful observatory!

[@marcosastrophotography100]

Absolutely stunning 🔭🤩👍

[@MattDieterich]

Thanks Marco!

[@alphaadhito]

Beautiful! I think sandwiches is a mandatory for Matt beside torque wrench and screwdriver for installing those gears, hehe

[@MattDieterich]

Hahah had to start out the long day on a high note with sandwiches lol!

[@tomhoskins4913]

Outstanding, I learned a few things.

[@MattDieterich]

Thanks for watching Tom! These CDK17s are impressive telescopes to work with.

[@Zealor365]

All that work and no pretty pictures at the end? Whaaa!

[@MattDieterich]

Haha I know Mark sorry about that! Some installs we only have enough clear skies for doing the pointing model and polar alignment before the clouds move in.

[@Pipe-organ-recordings]

A little like the final alignment in Sky X. So you have the software correct to the star and then physically correct it?

[@MattDieterich]

Yes that's is correct. Our PWI4 software has a polar alignment routine that helps dial it in like TSX.

[@Pipe-organ-recordings]

@@MattDieterich thank you

[@JeremyTaylorNZ]

3:04 - why all the adaptor conversions? Why not have a USB-serial converter with a USB-A at one end and an RJ modular connector on the other? Or why use 1970's serial at all on the EFA - USB comms are de rigueur now, comes standard on many micros, or facilitated by a USB interface chip for a few cents... I know some people are "but USB connectors can just fall out!" and that is why screw-lock USB connectors exist...

[@MattDieterich]

Certainly an archaic connection system and one is being replaced with our new Series-5 Controller, focuser and rotator. Series-5 Controller will replace the EFA Kit that has those adapters. It will run via direct USB connection to the computer.

[@digit975]

So dumb question but what kind of programs do people run control these mounts and cameras with typically? Also who are your usual customer types? Universities and labs for research purposes?

[@MattDieterich]

There are a handful of good software automation packages that talk to the camera and our PlaneWave software. I like using Voyager personally, but NINA and ACP are other common automation packages. Our clients range from private amateur astrophotographers to university and defense companies.

[@keithsweat7513]

All that money and such quality and out comes the 1974 rs232 adapter… somebody in that department needs to be fired

[@MattDieterich]

Always room for improvement haha!