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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.
Shelyak Uvex Motors Module
Shelyak Uvex Motors Module
Shelyak Uvex Motors Module
Shelyak Uvex Motors Module
Shelyak Uvex Motors Module

Shelyak Uvex Motors Module

by Shelyak
SKU SHK-PF0074
$1,778.00 - $1,778.00
$1,778.00
$1,778.00 - $1,778.00
$1,778.00
Price Match Policy!
  • Motorizes your existing Shelyak UVEX Spectrograph
  • Enables remote control of central wavelength via motorized grating
  • Provides remote fine-focus adjustment for optimal resolution
  • Adds only 1.46 kg to the UVEX assembly (without camera)
  • Integrates control for an external calibration module
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  • Description
  • FAQ
  • Specifications
  • In the Box
  • Downloads
  • Warranty

  • Shelyak Uvex Motors Module

    The Shelyak Uvex Motors module transforms your manually-operated spectrograph into a fully remote instrument, adding just 1.46 kg to your optical train. Housed within a 153 x 154 x 133 mm frame when installed, this upgrade provides precise, repeatable motorized control over both the grating for central wavelength selection and the fine focus mechanism for achieving optimal spectral resolution from your observatory control room.

    Remote and Automated Spectroscopy with the UVEX Motors Module

    This module is a direct upgrade for the Shelyak UVEX spectrograph, converting it from a hands-on instrument to a fully automated component of your imaging setup. By motorizing the critical adjustments, you can now operate the UVEX remotely, eliminating vibrations and enabling long, scripted observation sequences without being physically present at the telescope.

    Motorized Grating and Focus: Precision Control in a 1.46 kg Package

    The core of this upgrade lies in its two primary motorized functions. The motorized grating allows you to remotely select the central wavelength of your spectrum, making it possible to study different spectral features of a target in a single session. The motorized focus is critical for compensating for temperature changes throughout the night, ensuring your spectra remain perfectly sharp for the highest possible resolution.

    • Wavelength Selection: Remotely scan different areas of the spectrum without touching the instrument, ideal for variable stars or objects with complex spectral features.
    • Focus Adjustment: Achieve and maintain critical focus to resolve fine spectral lines, a task that is nearly impossible to perfect manually on a remote system.
    • Minimal Footprint: The entire motorized system adds 1.46 kg to the UVEX, a manageable weight that typically requires only minor rebalancing of your mount.

    Automated Calibration: 4-Position Control for Sky, Dark, Flat & Cal Frames

    Beyond mechanical control, the Uvex Motors module integrates the logic for a complete, automated calibration workflow. It includes the same control features as the SPOX module, allowing it to manage an external calibration unit. This enables you to seamlessly switch between acquiring data from the sky and capturing necessary dark, flat, and calibration lamp frames for professional-grade data reduction.

    • Software Integration: The module is fully supported by Shelyak's DEMETRA software for a plug-and-play experience.
    • Open Protocol: For users with custom observatory software, Shelyak has published the USIS communication protocol, allowing for deep integration into any control environment.

  • What is the primary benefit of adding the Uvex Motors module to my spectrograph?

    The primary benefit is remote operation. The Uvex Motors module allows you to control the spectrograph's grating (central wavelength) and focus from a computer, eliminating the need to be physically at the telescope. This is essential for automated observatories and for maintaining optimal focus as temperatures change during the night.

    Do I need a separate calibration module to use all the features of the Uvex Motors module?

    Yes. The Uvex Motors module includes the electronic control system for an external calibration module, but the calibration unit itself is a separate item. This feature allows you to automate your entire data acquisition sequence, from capturing the target's spectrum (Sky) to taking Flat, Dark, and reference lamp (Calibration) frames.

    Can I control the Uvex Motors module with software other than DEMETRA?

    Yes. While it is designed for seamless integration with Shelyak's DEMETRA software, the module uses an open communication protocol called USIS. Shelyak provides documentation for this protocol, allowing advanced users to write their own scripts or integrate control into third-party observatory software like N.I.N.A. or SGP via custom drivers.

    How does the Uvex Motors module help when observing a Be star like Gamma Cassiopeiae?

    Be stars like Gamma Cassiopeiae (gamma Cas) have dynamic emission lines (like H-alpha) that change over time. The Uvex Motors module allows you to precisely and repeatedly center your grating on these specific lines night after night. You can also remotely check focus to ensure you achieve the highest possible resolution to measure subtle changes in the line profiles, which is crucial for this type of scientific work.

    Will I need to rebalance my telescope after installing the 1.46 kg Uvex Motors module?

    Most likely, yes. The module and the UVEX spectrograph together weigh 1.46 kg (without a camera). This additional weight will almost certainly require you to rebalance your mount in both axes to ensure accurate tracking and guiding.

    I use an 8" SCT at f/10. How does motorized focus on the Uvex Motors module improve my results?

    On an SCT, temperature changes can cause significant focus shift. The motorized focus control of the Uvex Motors module is a major advantage. It allows you to make tiny, precise adjustments to the spectrograph's internal focus remotely throughout the night, ensuring your spectral lines remain sharp and narrow without having to touch the telescope's primary focuser, which can introduce mirror shift.

  • Motorized Grating Control Allows remote selection of the central observation wavelength.
    Motorized Focus Control Allows remote fine-tuning of focus for optimal optical quality.
    Calibration Module Control Remotely controls an external calibration unit, switching between Sky, Dark, Flat, and Calibration light sources.
    Dimensions (with UVEX) 153 x 154 mm, Height: 133 mm
    Weight (with UVEX, no camera) 1.46 kg

    • Uvex Motors Module

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  • Shelyak 1-Year Warranty