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The new CFW10 is a ten-position filter wheel designed for the USB version of SBIG's ST camera series or any camera where a serial port is available for controlling the wheel. The CFW10 accepts control input via either the I2C port or the RS232 serial port. When attached to an ST-7/8/9/10/2000 USB camera, the filter wheel receives power and control commands through the I2C accessory port of the camera - no additional power or cable to the computer is required. The stand alone version, CFW10-SA, is for use with other cameras, the filter wheel is controlled via an RS232 serial port and is powered by an external 12VDC power supply. The filter slots are threaded for standard 1.25" filters.
The portion of the housing between the camera and the telescope is only about 3/4" (20mm) thick for minimum back focus. Two versions of the housing make it possible to use the CFW10 either as a separate unit, or as an integral piece replacing the face plate of the ST series camera. The replacement version contains a high quality optical window with superior AR coatings. By using the filter wheel housing as a replacement face plate for the camera, an additional 1/4" (6mm) in back focus is eliminated and normal 35mm camera lenses may be used with the filter wheel in place.
The front aperture of the CFW10 contains standard t-threads. A custom camera lens adapter will be available for commonly available 35mm Nikon, Canon, Olympus and other lenses. For attachment to the telescope, a 1.25" nosepiece (shown) or 2" nosepiece may be used, or a t-thread to visual back adapter for more secure fit to Schmidt-Cassegrain scopes. For other scopes, any adapter with male t-threads can be used to secure the filter wheel.
The CFW10 will be offered in addition to the CFW8A as an option for any ST series camera. It should be noted, however, that the CFW10 will not work with older parallel cameras unless one has an available serial port on the computer to control the CFW10 through a separate serial cable.
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