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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 – Instrument Multi Port
Baader Planetarium IMP85 – Instrument Multi Port
Baader Planetarium IMP85 – Instrument Multi Port
Baader Planetarium IMP85 – Instrument Multi Port
Baader Planetarium IMP85 – Instrument Multi Port
Baader Planetarium IMP85 – Instrument Multi Port
Baader Planetarium IMP85 – Instrument Multi Port
Baader Planetarium IMP85 – Instrument Multi Port
Baader Planetarium IMP85 – Instrument Multi Port
Baader Planetarium IMP85 – Instrument Multi Port
Baader Planetarium IMP85 – Instrument Multi Port
Baader Planetarium IMP85 – Instrument Multi Port
Baader Planetarium IMP85 – Instrument Multi Port
Baader Planetarium IMP85 – Instrument Multi Port
Baader Planetarium IMP85 – Instrument Multi Port
Baader Planetarium IMP85 – Instrument Multi Port

Baader Planetarium IMP85 – Instrument Multi Port

by Baader Planetarium
SKU BAA-2451300
$8,400.00 - $8,400.00
$8,400.00
$8,400.00 - $8,400.00
$8,400.00
Price Match Policy!
  • Enables use of up to three instruments on a single telescope
  • Unmirrored, straight-through main optical path (Port 1)
  • Two electronically-switched side ports (Port 2 & Port 3)
  • Remote control via Ethernet and web interface
  • Powered by Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) or 12V DC input
  • Massive CNC-machined dural aluminium housing for heavy payloads
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  • Description
  • FAQ
  • Specifications
  • In the Box
  • Warranty

  • IMP85 – Instrument Multi Port

    The IMP85 Instrument Multi Port allows you to connect up to three separate instruments to a single telescope, switching between them electronically. Developed for remote observatories, the IMP85 directs light to a straight-through Port 1 for a primary camera or diverts it to Port 2 or Port 3 for secondary tools, all powered by Power-over-Ethernet or a standard 12V input.

    Three Instruments, One Telescope: The IMP85 Remote Observatory Solution

    Designed to eliminate the need for manual equipment changes, the IMP85 allows a remote observatory to be permanently configured for multiple missions. You can keep a deep-sky astro camera, a high-speed planetary camera, and a spectrograph attached and parfocal, ready for use at a moment's notice. For public observatories, a camera can remain on the main telescope during visual tours, making the instrument instantly available for imaging after guests leave without any setup time.

    The entire unit is built from a massive, CNC-machined housing of dural aluminium, engineered to carry the heaviest imaging loads without flexure. The possibilities are as diverse as astronomy itself, transforming a single telescope into a multi-purpose analytical tool.

    The Uncompromised Main Imaging Path of Port 1

    Unlike other instrument selectors that place a rotating mirror in the primary light path, the IMP85 features a completely unobstructed, straight-through focus for Port 1. This means your main imaging camera receives the full, unaltered light cone from the telescope with zero light loss from an intervening mirror. This design also ensures the primary, and typically heaviest, instrument is mounted centrally for optimal balance.

    When you need to use a secondary instrument, one of two individually adjustable quartz mirrors slides into the light path to redirect focus to Port 2 or Port 3. These mirrors feature Baader's BBHS silver coating for maximum reflectivity across a broad spectral range, ensuring even your spectrograph or planetary camera receives a brilliant, high-fidelity image.

    Network Control with 12V Power and Web Interface

    The IMP85 is built for modern remote operation, connecting to your observatory network via an RJ45 Ethernet port. Control is managed through an intuitive web interface, allowing you to switch ports from anywhere with an internet connection. For local control, a small manual port selector switch is also located on the side of the unit.

    Power is supplied either through the network cable via Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) or a standard 12V DC hollow plug. While ASCOM is not currently supported, ASCOM-Alpaka drivers are in preparation to integrate the IMP85 into wider observatory control software ecosystems.

  • How do I control the IMP85 port selection?

    The IMP85 is primarily controlled remotely over a network. You connect it via an Ethernet cable and access a simple web interface from a PC or mobile device to switch between the three ports. For hands-on control at the telescope, a manual selector switch is also located on the housing.

    What is the main advantage of the IMP85's straight-through Port 1?

    The primary benefit is zero light loss for your main camera. Because there is no mirror in the optical path for Port 1, 100% of the telescope's light reaches your sensor. This is critical for faint-signal deep-sky imaging. It also provides a more stable, balanced mounting point for your heaviest camera.

    Does the IMP85 come with adapters for my telescope and cameras?

    No, the IMP85 is delivered without adapters to allow for maximum flexibility. Due to the wide variety of telescopes and instruments it can support (from PlaneWave Hedrick focusers to Alluna systems), you will need to select the specific telescope-side and camera-side adapters for your setup. This ensures a rigid, parfocal connection for all three instruments.

    My remote observatory uses a PlaneWave CDK with a large format camera. How does the IMP85 support this setup?

    The IMP85 is ideal for this scenario. Its massive, CNC-machined dural aluminium body is designed to handle heavy loads from large cameras and filter wheels without flexure. You would mount your large format camera on the central, straight-through Port 1 for an uncompromised signal, while a secondary instrument like a guide camera or spectrograph can be placed on Port 2 or 3, ready to be switched in electronically.

    I run public outreach with a large SCT. How can the IMP85 improve my workflow?

    The IMP85 allows you to keep an eyepiece on a side port (e.g., Port 2) for public viewing while your primary imaging camera remains attached and ready on Port 1. After your outreach session ends, there's no need to break down the visual setup and re-attach the camera. You can simply switch the IMP85 back to Port 1 via the web interface and begin imaging immediately.

    Does the IMP85 work with ASCOM drivers?

    Currently, the IMP85 does not have standard ASCOM support. However, ASCOM-Alpaka drivers are in preparation. Alpaka is the next-generation, network-native ASCOM standard, which aligns perfectly with the IMP85's Ethernet-based control system.

  • Baader Planetarium Warranty