PLANEWAVE L-550 DIRECT DRIVE ALT-AZ MOUNT

The PlaneWave L-550 Direct Drive Mount exemplifies advanced engineering, tailored to exceed the expectations of astrophotography enthusiasts and astronomy researchers. As a robust member of the L-Series, the L-550 integrates superior technology to deliver an exceptional observational platform.

*Price excludes shipping and crating. Contact us for full details.

 

Key Features

• 300 lbs load capacity
• Direct drive motors for zero backlash, zero periodic error, and fast 50-degree-per-second slew speeds
• High-resolution encoders for precise positioning
• Enclosed electronics
• Though the mount cabling
• Alt/Az or equatorial installation orientations with optional equatorial wedge
• Ideal for the DeltaRho 500, CDK 17", CDK20" f/6.8, CDK 24", RC20 and  RC24 optical tube assemblies

 

State-of-the-Art Direct-Drive Motors

Equipped with PlaneWave's proprietary direct-drive motors on each axis, the L-550 ensures the telescopes' smooth, fast, and whisper-quiet movement. This rapid adjustment capability is ideal for tracking celestial objects and satellites across the sky with minimal vibration and maximal accuracy.

High-Resolution Encoders

With high-resolution encoders on each axis, the L-550 offers precise positioning, crucial for capturing sharp, detailed images of the night sky. These encoders are fundamental for scientific applications where exact data collection is paramount.

Zero Backlash and Periodic Error

The design of the L-550 eliminates backlash and periodic error, providing steady tracking that is essential for high-quality astrophotography and reliable, long-term observational research.

Flexible Installation Options

Available in both Alt/Az and equatorial configurations, the L-550 meets diverse observational needs. Whether for a fixed installation in an educational observatory or a versatile setup for amateur astronomers, this mount adjusts to various settings and requirements.

Through-the-Mount Cabling

The innovative through-the-mount cabling system enhances setup neatness and safety, preventing cable snagging and reducing setup time.

Azimuth Dovetail Balance System

Provides precise center of gravity adjustments, enhancing the stability and performance of the system in both alt-azimuth and equatorial configurations, crucial for maintaining accurate tracking and reducing strain on the mount during extended observations.

Optional Dual Mounting Bracket

Allows for the attachment of additional telescopes or accessories on the mount, enhancing versatility and enabling simultaneous multi-instrument use, ideal for complex observational setups or educational demonstrations.

Rapid Target Acquisition

Equipped with direct-drive motors capable of slew speeds up to 50 degrees per second, enabling quick and efficient targeting of celestial objects and satellites, crucial for dynamic observations and time-sensitive astrophotography.

PointXP Mount Modeling Software

Included with the mount, PointXP software creates precise models of the mount's tracking behavior, improving its accuracy for critical applications. This software is invaluable for projects requiring exact positioning and tracking over extended periods.

 

Application-Specific Advantages

Astrophotography

The L-550’s rapid slew speeds and silent operation allow astrophotographers to seamlessly and quietly reposition between shots, capturing stunning celestial images without disturbing the observational environment.

Research

Researchers benefit from the L-550’s robust construction and precise tracking capabilities to conduct detailed celestial observations and continuous monitoring with minimal interruption and consistent data quality.

Space Situational Awareness (SSA) and Space Domain Awareness (SDA)

With its ability to swiftly and accurately reposition, the L-550 has been used for tracking satellites and space debris. However, our L-series mounts work best for astrophotography and research applications. 

 

Specifications

Type	Alt-Azimuth / Equatorial Direct-Drive Mount
Weight	338 lbs (153 kg)
Instrument payload capacity	300 lbs (136 kg)
Latitude range	0 to 90 degrees, Northern and Southern hemispheres
Cable Management	Equipment cables can be wired through mount
Swing-Through Length (From Altitude Axis)	650.748 mm (25.62")
Control Electronics	PlaneWave Interface dual axis telescope control
Homing Sensors	Home position sensors are included allowing the mount to find its home position on power up
Slew Rate	20 degrees per second (standard); 50 degrees per second (maximum), both axes
Power Requirement	Accepts 120 to 240 VAC. Supplied with 120 VAC 15A IEC Type B Regulated Power Adapter.
Motor Control	Industrial grade brushless motor control system and built in electronics
Motor – Azimuth and Altitude	Direct-Drive 3 Phase Axial-Flux Torque Motors Encoder – Azimuth and Altitude
Encoder – Azimuth and Altitude	152 mm stainless steel encoder ring with reader built into the azimuth and altitude axes. 18,880,000 counts per revolution (0.069-arcsecond resolution).
Motor Torque	Approximately 20 ft-lbs continuous; 50 ft-lbs peak
Drive Electronics	Industrial grade, off-the-shelf brushless motor drives for each axis with custom designed interface card
Telescope Control Software	Uses PWI4. Incorporates PointXP mount modeling software by Dave Rowe. All ASCOM compatible.
Pointing Accuracy	<10-arcsecond RMS with PointXP Model
Pointing Precision	2 arcseconds at sidereal velocity
Tracking Accuracy	0.3 arcseconds over a 5-minute period at sidereal velocity
System Natural Frequency	10 Hz or greater
SKU	PW-600552

 

 Included Items

• Dovetail Saddle (200919): The PW wide saddle comes standard with the L-550 mount.
• Hardware:
  • Six 1/2-13 x 1 1/4″ socket head cap screws to bolt the mount to the pier or wedge
  • Six 1/2-13 washers
  • One extended length shoulder bolt for RA axis to EQ wedge alignment
• One 16' USB Cable: To connect the mount to the observatory control computer.
• One 120VAC Power Cable: To provide power to the mount.
• Standard Allen Key Set: For tightening bolts used on the mount.
• Flash Drive: Contains PWI4 software for mount control and instructions for installation.
• 3/8 Socket: Used for operating the RA balance leadscrew on the mount.
• Gamepad: Used for control of the mount tracking speeds for visual observing.