What is the main purpose of the UFC S70 Base Connector?
The main purpose of the UFC S70 Base Connector is to physically join two or more Baader UFC filter bases together. This allows you to stack filter sliders, creating a custom, multi-filter setup tailored to your specific imaging needs.
How does the 2 mm optical height of the UFC S70 Base Connector affect my imaging train?
The 2 mm optical height is the amount of back focus this connector consumes. Its minimal profile is a significant advantage, as it allows you to stack UFC bases without drastically altering your imaging train's length. This is crucial when working with systems that have very little back focus to spare, such as those using reducers or correctors.
Can I use the UFC S70 Base Connector on the telescope side of the UFC base?
No, this connector is specifically designed for the camera side of the UFC base. It provides an S70 dovetail output to connect to the next UFC base in the stack, which then requires its own camera-side adapter to connect to your camera.
Why would I stack UFC bases with the S70 Connector instead of using a filter wheel?
Stacking UFC bases offers a modular alternative to a traditional filter wheel. It can be advantageous for imagers who need to combine filter types that don't fit in a single wheel, or for creating very specific, rigid setups for remote observatories. While a filter wheel is faster for automated LRGB sequences, a stacked UFC setup provides greater flexibility in filter size and type combinations.
Is the UFC S70 Base Connector compatible with other filter systems?
No, this is a proprietary component designed exclusively for the Baader Planetarium UFC (Universal Filter Changer) system. It utilizes the S70 dovetail standard specific to UFC components and will not connect to hardware from other manufacturers.
What problem does stacking UFC bases with this connector solve for an astrophotographer?
This connector solves the problem of needing more filter capacity than a single UFC base provides. For example, an imager might stack two bases to keep both a full LRGB filter set and a trio of narrowband filters (H-alpha, OIII, SII) ready in the optical path without having to manually swap sliders in the dark.