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IMPORTANT: Our store is located in Canada. All orders that include products manufactured outside of Canada or USA will be subject to tariffs and duties, regardless of the order value. US customers are responsible for all applicable duties and tariffs, and those will be billed by the carrier, except for the Lacerta upgrade kit, for which we collect them at checkout.
IMPORTANT: Our store is located in Canada. All orders that include products manufactured outside of Canada or USA will be subject to tariffs and duties, regardless of the order value. US customers are responsible for all applicable duties and tariffs, and those will be billed by the carrier, except for the Lacerta upgrade kit, for which we collect them at checkout.
Baader Planetarium IMP85 Adapter S120a to Hedrick Focuser
Baader Planetarium IMP85 Adapter S120a to Hedrick Focuser
Baader Planetarium IMP85 Adapter S120a to Hedrick Focuser
Baader Planetarium IMP85 Adapter S120a to Hedrick Focuser
Baader Planetarium IMP85 Adapter S120a to Hedrick Focuser
Baader Planetarium IMP85 Adapter S120a to Hedrick Focuser

Baader Planetarium IMP85 Adapter S120a to Hedrick Focuser

by Baader Planetarium
SKU BAA-2451310
$223.00 - $223.00
$223.00
$223.00 - $223.00
$223.00
Price Match Policy!
  • Connects IMP85 Instrument Selector to 3.5" Hedrick Focuser
  • Compatible with PlaneWave CDK 14/17/20/24 Telescopes
  • Enables Remote, Electronic Switching Between Three Instruments
  • Solid, Precision-Machined for a Rigid, No-Flex Connection
  • Foundation for a Multi-Purpose, Automated Imaging System
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  • Description
  • FAQ
  • Specifications
  • In the Box
  • Warranty

  • IMP85 Adapter S120a to Hedrick Focuser

    This S120a adapter plate provides the critical mechanical connection between the IMP85 3-port instrument selector and a PlaneWave CDK 14, 17, 20, or 24 telescope equipped with the 3.5-inch Hedrick focuser. By integrating the IMP85 system, you can permanently mount up to three separate instruments—such as a deep-sky camera, a planetary imager, and a spectrograph—and switch between them electronically. This adapter is the key component for unlocking the IMP85's powerful remote-operation capabilities on your PlaneWave telescope, eliminating the need for manual equipment changes.

    The Gateway to a 3-Port Remote Observatory

    This adapter is the mechanical link that integrates the IMP85 instrument selector with your Hedrick focuser, transforming a single-purpose telescope into a multi-role astronomical platform. Once installed, the IMP85 allows you to keep a primary deep-sky camera, a high-speed planetary camera, and a spectrograph simultaneously attached and parfocal. For remote observatories, this eliminates costly and time-consuming manual reconfigurations, maximizing the scientific output of the instrument.

    Preserve the Unobstructed Light Path of Port 1

    The S120a adapter is designed to maintain the optimal optical spacing for the IMP85, ensuring your primary camera on Port 1 receives a direct, unobstructed view. Unlike other instrument selectors that place a mirror permanently in the main optical path, the IMP85's design passes light straight through to the primary imaging sensor without any deviation or light loss. Two high-quality fused silica mirrors can be electronically inserted with high precision to divert the light path to Port 2 or Port 3 only when needed.

    Unlock Remote and Public Outreach Potential

    For any observatory running a PlaneWave CDK with a Hedrick focuser, this adapter is the key to automating your setup. A remote observatory can switch from deep-sky imaging to planetary video capture at the touch of a button. For public outreach, an eyepiece can be mounted on a secondary port for visual use, while the main astrophotography camera remains untouched on Port 1, ready for immediate use after guests have left, requiring zero teardown time.

  • How does the IMP85 adapter for the Hedrick focuser help a remote observatory with a PlaneWave CDK17?

    This adapter allows you to connect the IMP85 instrument selector to your PlaneWave CDK17's 3.5" Hedrick focuser. This enables you to mount three instruments permanently. You can switch between your primary imaging camera, a guide camera, a spectrograph, or a planetary camera electronically, without needing on-site staff to physically reconfigure the telescope.

    Can I use the IMP85 to switch between imaging the Ring Nebula (M57) and guiding on my PlaneWave CDK24?

    Yes. By using this adapter to install the IMP85, you can place your primary camera on the straight-through Port 1 for imaging M57. A guide camera or an eyepiece for visual observation could be placed on one of the electronically-selected mirrored ports (Port 2 or 3), allowing you to switch between functions without disturbing your main imaging train.

    What is the advantage of the IMP85 system's non-mirrored Port 1?

    The primary benefit is maximum light transmission and image quality for your main camera. Unlike designs that use a rotating central mirror, the IMP85's Port 1 is a direct, straight-through light path. This means no light is lost to an additional reflection, and the optical path remains as pure as the telescope designer intended.

    Are other adapters included with this IMP85 Hedrick focuser adapter?

    No. This product is the specific S120a adapter to connect the IMP85 body to the PlaneWave Hedrick focuser. Telescope-side and camera-side adapters for the three instrument ports on the IMP85 are available separately to match your specific equipment.

    How are the secondary instruments on the IMP85 selected?

    The IMP85 uses two high-quality, flat mirrors made of fused silica. These mirrors are on electronic actuators. When you select Port 2 or Port 3, the corresponding mirror is precisely moved into the light path to redirect the focused image from the telescope to your secondary instrument.

    Can I achieve a parfocal setup with three different instruments on the IMP85?

    Yes, the system is designed to allow for a nearly parfocal setup. The backfocus of each port is clearly defined. By using an appropriate combination of standard extension tubes and adapters for each instrument, you can ensure that minimal refocusing is needed when switching between the three ports.

  • Product Type Instrument Selector Adapter
    Telescope Compatibility PlaneWave CDK 14/17/20/24 with 3.5" Hedrick Focuser
    Instrument Interface IMP85 3-Port Instrument Selector

    • IMP85 Adapter S120a to Hedrick Focuser

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  • Please contact us for warranty information.