WANDERER SNOWFLAKE FILTER WHEEL 8 x 36mm

The WandererAstro Snowflake 8 x 36mm is a low-profile motorized filter wheel with space for 8 x 36mm unmounted filters. With an ultra-thin optical thickness of just 14mm, the Snowflake 8 x 36mm is ideal for systems with limited backfocus.

Thanks to the ultra-thin design, the reduced distance between the filters and camera sensor increases the effective aperture of the filters, helping to minimize vignetting when paired with fast optical systems. 

The Snowflake includes a series of 2mm backfocus spacers which allow you to increase the overall thickness of the filter wheel up to 20mm to accommodate standard image trains. Also included is a dark filter which you can attach to the 8th slot, allowing you to capture dark frames with ease.

WandererAstro Snowflake filter wheels are gear-driven with a damping anti-backlash mechanism paired with high precision sensors to achieve remarkable repeatability, essential for consistent flat frames. The fully enclosed design means no exposed motors or circuit boards, aiding in long term reliability. 

Unlike most filter wheels, which only have fixing screws around the perimeter, the Snowflake filter wheel includes a central mounting screw, creating a more rigid, unified structure. Under the same conditions, deformation is reduced by half compared to conventional designs, effectively doubling rigidity.

Some cameras require a light-blocking gasket to maintain full sealing. To help with this, the Snowflake includes a self-adhesive foam sealing ring as standard. Stepped light-blocking grooves provide full sealing, preventing any stray light intrusion.

The Snowflake includes 8 standard filter masks along with a large one-piece mask, which greatly simplifies installation. The one-piece mask requires just half the number of screws to securely hold the filters, while preventing accidental screw drops into the filter wheel gaps or onto the camera.

The 8th slot features a unique shape which allows you to easily screw the wheel to the face of the camera without removing the carousel. A series of different mounting holes lets you attach the wheel to ZWO, QHY, ToupTek and PlayerOne APS-C and full-frame cameras, as well as many common OAGs. A recessed groove is specifically designed to accommodate QHY cameras without increasing backfocus.

The powerful motor and zero-flex design allow the Snowflake filter wheel to operate smoothly even in winter conditions (-30℃). The wheel requires a 12V power supply such as that provided by WandererAstro powerboxes and other common control units. The Snowflake is compatible with ASCOM / INDI and simultaneous connection and individual identification of multiple filter wheels is supported via ASCOM.

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