{"product_id":"wanderer-astro-snowflake-filter-wheel-8-x-50mm-2","title":"Wanderer Astro Snowflake Filter Wheel - 8 x 50mm\/2\"","description":"\u003cul class=\"DAV-feature-list\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAccommodates 8 x 50mm round (or 2\" mounted) filters\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUltra low-profile design for tight back focus requirements\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGear-driven with anti-backlash mechanism for high precision\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCentral mounting screw for doubled structural rigidity\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e12V DC power input with a 12V hub output to power another device\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c!-- more --\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"tabs\"\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"active\"\u003eDescription\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFAQ\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIn the Box\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDownloads\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWarranty\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"tabs-content\"\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"active\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-bg-light\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-section-center\"\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWanderer Astro Snowflake Filter Wheel - 8 x 50mm\/2\"\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Wanderer Snowflake 7+1 Low-Profile Filter Wheel is engineered for complex imaging trains where back focus is the limiting factor. Its ultra-slim body is designed to fit a Camera Angle Adjuster (CAA) or Electronic Tonal Adjuster (ETA) into optical paths with minimal spacing. The gear-driven system provides exceptional repeatability for reliable flat frames, while a 12V power hub simplifies cable management at the telescope.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-bg-light\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-section\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eUltra-Low Profile: A Solution for 0 Back Focus Constraints\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn many modern imaging setups, the available back focus is consumed by correctors, off-axis guiders, and other accessories. The Snowflake filter wheel addresses this by minimizing its own thickness, creating critical space that allows for the addition of other vital components. For imagers struggling to fit everything within their telescope's focal plane, this slim design can be the only viable solution.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTo further enhance stability, the Snowflake abandons the conventional perimeter-only screw pattern. A central mounting screw is added to create a unified, rigid connection to the camera, reducing deformation by half compared to standard designs. This doubles the structural rigidity, directly combating flexure that can tilt sensors and ruin sub-exposures.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-bg-light\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-section\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e7+1 Slots \u0026amp; Zero Light Leaks: A Professional, Gear-Driven System\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Snowflake holds eight 50mm or 2\" mounted filters, with a unique 7+1 configuration. The eighth slot can be fitted with an extra filter or the included dedicated dark filter, allowing you to capture dark frames at any time without removing the camera. The filter wheel is driven by a high-precision gear system with a damping anti-backlash mechanism, ensuring your filters return to the exact same position every time for flawless flat-field calibration.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLight leaks are eliminated through a multi-faceted design. An innovative one-piece filter mask blocks stray light from entering through filter sides, simplifies installation with fewer screws, and prevents hardware from falling into the housing. Stepped light-blocking grooves around the body provide a complete seal, ensuring the integrity of your calibration frames.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-bg-light\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-section\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e12V Power Hub: Simplified Wiring and Broad Camera Compatibility\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDesigned for robust, all-weather operation, the powerful motor operates reliably in winter conditions. This high-power motor requires a 12V supply, and to simplify your cable management, Wanderer Astro has included a 12V hub output. This lets you power another device directly from the filter wheel, reducing the number of cables running to your mount.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBroad Compatibility:\u003c\/strong\u003e Mounting holes support cameras and OAGs from ZWO, QHY, ToupTek, and PlayerOne, with a recessed groove to accommodate QHY cameras without increasing back focus.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eASCOM Support:\u003c\/strong\u003e The ASCOM driver allows for simultaneous connection and individual identification of multiple Snowflake filter wheels on a single system.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOperational Noise:\u003c\/strong\u003e The powerful motor produces audible operational noise, which is a normal characteristic of the Snowflake's high-torque design.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eWhat is the purpose of the 8th slot on the Wanderer Snowflake Filter Wheel?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe eighth slot in the 7+1 design provides flexibility. It can be used for an additional imaging filter, or you can install the included \u003cstrong\u003ededicated dark filter\u003c\/strong\u003e. This allows you to capture dark frames during your imaging session without having to cap the telescope or remove the camera, streamlining your workflow.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eHow does the Snowflake Filter Wheel's low-profile design help my imaging setup?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMany telescopes, especially those with reducers or correctors, have very strict back focus requirements. The Wanderer Snowflake's ultra-slim profile consumes minimal space in the optical train. This is critical when you need to add other accessories like an \u003cstrong\u003eOff-Axis Guider (OAG)\u003c\/strong\u003e or a \u003cstrong\u003eCamera Angle Adjuster (CAA)\u003c\/strong\u003e and still achieve perfect focus.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eIs the Wanderer Snowflake Filter Wheel compatible with my ZWO or QHY camera?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes, it is designed for broad compatibility. The filter wheel features versatile mounting holes that directly support most cameras and OAGs from major brands including \u003cstrong\u003eZWO, QHY, ToupTek, and PlayerOne\u003c\/strong\u003e. It also includes a recessed groove specifically designed to fit QHY cameras without adding to the back focus distance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eHow does the Snowflake Filter Wheel prevent light leaks when taking flats with my RASA?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFast optical systems like a Rowe-Ackermann Schmidt Astrograph (RASA) are extremely sensitive to stray light. The Snowflake Filter Wheel uses two key features to ensure a perfect seal: a \u003cstrong\u003eone-piece filter mask\u003c\/strong\u003e that covers any gaps between filters and \u003cstrong\u003estepped light-blocking grooves\u003c\/strong\u003e in the housing. This combination prevents any internal or external light from reaching the sensor, ensuring clean, accurate flat frames.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eWhat makes the gear-driven system in the Snowflake Filter Wheel reliable?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe filter wheel uses a precision \u003cstrong\u003egear-driven system\u003c\/strong\u003e combined with a \u003cstrong\u003edamping anti-backlash mechanism\u003c\/strong\u003e and high-precision sensors. This ensures remarkable repeatability, meaning the filter consistently stops at the exact same position. This is vital for using flat frames, as any slight deviation in filter position between your flats and light frames can introduce calibration errors.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eDo I need to disassemble the Snowflake filter wheel to attach it to my camera?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo. The 8th filter slot is uniquely shaped to allow mounting screws to pass directly through the filter disk and attach to the camera. This innovative design eliminates the need to take the filter wheel apart for installation, simplifying the process and reducing the risk of dropping screws or dust onto your filters or sensor.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ctable class=\"DAV-specifications\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n      \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eModel\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSFW50\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n      \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eThickness\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e16 mm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n      \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSupported Filters\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e2\" mounted filters (filter ≤ 6 mm, thread ≤ 3 mm); Ø50 mm unmounted filters (1.9-3.5 mm)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n      \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSlot 8\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e2\" mounted filters not supported\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n      \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFilter Shims\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eRequired for filters thinner than 2.5 mm (sold separately)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n      \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eWeight\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e758 g\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n      \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFilter Slots\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e8 (7+1 design - the 8th slot takes an extra unmounted filter or the included dark filter)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n      \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDrive System\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eGear-driven with damping anti-backlash mechanism\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n      \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eData Interface\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eUSB 2.0 Type-B\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n      \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePower Supply\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e12 V DC5521, 1 A consumption\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n      \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBuilt-in Power Hub\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e12 V DC, 10 A maximum output\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n      \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eThickness Adjustment\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBack focus spacers included, adjustable up to 20 mm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n      \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eOperating Temperature\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDown to -30 °C\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n      \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCamera Compatibility\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eZWO, QHY, ToupTek and Player One\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n      \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSoftware\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eASCOM (multiple wheels individually identifiable); INDI driver to be released\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"DAV-grid\"\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"DAV-grid-item\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"DAV-item-title\"\u003eSnowflake 7+1 Low-Profile Filter Wheel\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"DAV-item-subtitle\"\u003e× 1\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"DAV-grid-item\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"DAV-item-title\"\u003eConventional Individual Filter Masks\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"DAV-item-subtitle\"\u003e× 1 Set\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"DAV-grid-item\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"DAV-item-title\"\u003eDedicated Dark Filter\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"DAV-item-subtitle\"\u003e× 1\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"DAV-grid-item\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"DAV-item-title\"\u003eSelf-Adhesive Foam Sealing Ring\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"DAV-item-subtitle\"\u003e× 1\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"DAV-grid\"\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"DAV-grid-item\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0753\/5280\/1565\/files\/Wanderer_Astro_Wanderer_Snowflake_Filter_Wheel_Manual.pdf\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003csvg class=\"DAV-img-box\" viewbox=\"0 0 512 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"\u003e\u003cpath d=\"M0 64C0 28.7 28.7 0 64 0L224 0l0 128c0 17.7 14.3 32 32 32l128 0 0 144-208 0c-35.3 0-64 28.7-64 64l0 144-48 0c-35.3 0-64-28.7-64-64L0 64zm384 64l-128 0L256 0 384 128zM176 352l32 0c30.9 0 56 25.1 56 56s-25.1 56-56 56l-16 0 0 32c0 8.8-7.2 16-16 16s-16-7.2-16-16l0-48 0-80c0-8.8 7.2-16 16-16zm32 80c13.3 0 24-10.7 24-24s-10.7-24-24-24l-16 0 0 48 16 0zm96-80l32 0c26.5 0 48 21.5 48 48l0 64c0 26.5-21.5 48-48 48l-32 0c-8.8 0-16-7.2-16-16l0-128c0-8.8 7.2-16 16-16zm32 128c8.8 0 16-7.2 16-16l0-64c0-8.8-7.2-16-16-16l-16 0 0 96 16 0zm80-112c0-8.8 7.2-16 16-16l48 0c8.8 0 16 7.2 16 16s-7.2 16-16 16l-32 0 0 32 32 0c8.8 0 16 7.2 16 16s-7.2 16-16 16l-32 0 0 48c0 8.8-7.2 16-16 16s-16-7.2-16-16l0-64 0-64z\" fill=\"#0047a7\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003c\/svg\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"DAV-item-title\"\u003eDownload Manual\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"DAV-grid-item\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.wandererastro.com\/en\/h-col-106.html\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003csvg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 640 512\" class=\"DAV-img-box\"\u003e\u003cpath fill=\"#0047a7\" d=\"M128 32C92.7 32 64 60.7 64 96l0 256 64 0 0-256 384 0 0 256 64 0 0-256c0-35.3-28.7-64-64-64L128 32zM19.2 384C8.6 384 0 392.6 0 403.2C0 445.6 34.4 480 76.8 480l486.4 0c42.4 0 76.8-34.4 76.8-76.8c0-10.6-8.6-19.2-19.2-19.2L19.2 384z\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003c\/svg\u003e \n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"DAV-item-title\"\u003eDownload Software\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/davidastro.com\/pages\/wanderer-astro-warranty-policy\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eWanderer Astro 2-Year Warranty\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Wanderer Astro","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52940808716573,"sku":"WA-WSFW50","price":469.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0753\/5280\/1565\/files\/WandererAstro-Snowflake-7-1-Low-Profile-Filter-Wheel-1_173ffcd8-d987-4b16-b4b0-a0381f51dd9f.jpg?v=1789569182","url":"https:\/\/davidastro.com\/fr-int\/products\/wanderer-astro-snowflake-filter-wheel-8-x-50mm-2","provider":"David Astro","version":"1.0","type":"link"}