Planewave CDK1000 with periscope (photo courtesy Paul Gardner of Observatory Systems).
Expertise in ADA Compliance
Sea West Observatories is dedicated to helping institutions meet the accessibility standards, set by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) for new construction projects. Our extensive experience ensures that staff, students, and visitors with disabilities can fully access and benefit from your institution’s astronomical observatory. We specialize in designing and constructing observatories from the ground up that adhere to ADA standards, including providing accessible pathways to the telescope itself.
Sea West and PlaneWave teams with a periscope-equipped CDK700 at Bruneau Dunes State Park.
Sea West’s Partnership with PlaneWave Instruments
Since its formation in 2006, PlaneWave Instruments has aimed to deliver research-grade telescopes at an exceptional value and with innovative features. Their advancements in direct drive motor design and integration of a rotating tertiary mirror with a dual-Nasmyth focus have led to the creation of the CDK700 and CDK1000 telescopes, with primary mirrors of 0.7 and 1-meter diameter respectively. These telescopes, featuring compact Alt-Azimuth mounts for their size, maintain a constant instrument package or eyepiece height as they track the sky. This design not only supports advanced astronomical research but also facilitates accessibility for visitors and students. The electronic rotation of the tertiary mirror to the eyepiece side allows easy switching without disturbing calibrated instruments mounted to the opposite side of the mount.
A Planewave CDK700 telescope with periscope at the Rancho Mirage Library.
Advanced Accessibility Features
PlaneWave’s periscope relay system for the CDK700 and CDK1000 models enhances accessibility by allowing the telescope to be mounted on a high pier for safety while lowering the eyepiece to a comfortable sitting height. This periscope system uses two high-quality refractive telescopes to create a collimated beam, making it possible to set the visual focal plane at an ideal height for accessibility. Users can focus the eyepiece while the main telescope remains out of reach of unauthorized personnel. The height of the pier and length of the periscope can be adapted to each customer’s needs and the space available in the observatory dome provides maximum accessibility.
The instrumentation port side of a Planewave CDK700 telescope at Bruneau Dunes State Park, allowing multiple cameras or instruments to be attached to a field-derotator and independent electronic focuser on an Optec Perseus instrument selector. The periscope for visitor accessibility remains attached to the opposite side of the telescope.
Monitored Access and Control
Sea West’s software control package, integrating PlaneWave’s PWI software and the observatory control program Voyager, allows designated staff to fully control the telescope from a nearby computer. This system enables operators to guide visitors through the night sky, effortlessly pointing the CDK700, or CDK1000 telescope at various celestial objects. For educational purposes, the telescope can be programmed to target specific objects, allowing students to observe and capture data. When conducting serious photography, or research, the periscope remains attached and the tertiary mirror electronically rotates to the instrumentation port of the telescope.
Trusted Expertise from Sea West Observatories
With decades of experience designing and installing observatories for educational, commercial, and government institutions nationwide, Sea West Observatories is your ideal partner. We are committed to creating advanced astronomical observatories that are accessible to all, ensuring compliance with ADA standards and enhancing the experience for every visitor. Our industry-leading partners including PlaneWave Instruments and Observatory Systems, ensure that we can make your institution’s observatory project successful. Contact Sea West today to get started on your observatory project.