{"product_id":"baader-planetarium-imp85-adapter-s120a-to-ft3-5-inch","title":"Baader Planetarium IMP85 Adapter S120a to FT3.5\"","description":"\u003cul class=\"DAV-feature-list\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThree-Port Electronic Instrument Selector\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUnmirrored, Zero Light-Loss Main Imaging Port (Port 1)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTwo Mirrored Ports for Ancillary Instruments (Ports 2 \u0026amp; 3)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDesigned for Remote Observatory Automation\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAttaches Directly to a 3.5\" FeatherTouch Focuser\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRequires Separate Telescope \u0026amp; Camera Adapters\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\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\u003eIMP85 Adapter S120a to FT3.5\"\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe IMP85 is an electronically controlled 3-port instrument selector designed for direct attachment to a 3.5\" FeatherTouch focuser, eliminating the need for manual equipment changes. Developed from remote observatory applications, it allows you to keep a primary deep-sky camera, a planetary camera, and a spectrograph or eyepiece simultaneously mounted and parfocal. This solid, compact unit brings professional-level automation to any advanced imaging setup, ending the cycle of reconfiguring your optical train between sessions.\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\u003eThree Instruments, One Focuser: Instant Electronic Switching\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe core function of the IMP85 is to switch between three different instruments at the touch of a button. Once configured, you can move from imaging a galaxy with your main camera to capturing a high-frame-rate video of Jupiter or performing a spectroscopic analysis without ever touching the telescope. This capability transforms observatory workflow, saving critical time and preventing the mechanical risks associated with repeated equipment changes in the dark.\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\u003eThe Unmirrored Main Imaging Path via Port 1\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUnlike instrument selectors that use a rotating central mirror for all ports, the IMP85 features a unique, unmirrored straight-through light path for its primary port. This design choice ensures that your main imaging camera receives 100% of the incoming light with no degradation from an intervening mirror. It also maintains a stable, symmetrical weight distribution on the focuser, a critical factor for consistent tracking and focusing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor the two ancillary ports, the IMP85 electronically inserts two high-quality, fused silica mirrors into the light path. These mirrors redirect the beam with repeatable precision, allowing you to bring secondary instruments into focus as needed.\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\u003eEngineered for Remote and Public Observatory Use\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe IMP85 is a direct solution for the challenges of multi-purpose telescope operation. For a remote observatory, it means no longer needing on-site staff to swap instruments, enabling a single telescope to serve multiple research or imaging goals seamlessly. For a public observatory, a guide can switch from a live camera view of an object to an eyepiece for visual observation without dismantling the primary imaging setup—and switch back for serious astrophotography instantly after guests have left.\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\u003eCustom Integration for the 3.5\" FeatherTouch Focuser\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis version of the IMP85 is built to integrate specifically with a 3.5\" FeatherTouch focuser. The system is delivered as a central hub, requiring separate adapters for both the telescope side and the camera\/instrument side for all three ports. This modularity allows you to create a rigid, parfocal setup tailored to your exact equipment. The backfocus for each port is clearly defined, simplifying the process of selecting the correct adapters to ensure all instruments reach focus without needing major focuser adjustments.\u003c\/p\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 main advantage of the IMP85's unmirrored Port 1?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe unmirrored, straight-through path of \u003cstrong\u003ePort 1\u003c\/strong\u003e is designed for the primary imaging camera. It guarantees maximum light transmission and image contrast by not placing a mirror in the optical path. This also provides superior mechanical stability and balance compared to designs that rely on a central rotating mirror.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eHow does the IMP85 selector benefit a remote observatory setup?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor a remote observatory, the IMP85 provides complete automation of the instrument selection process. An operator can switch between a deep-sky monochrome camera, a high-speed planetary camera, and a spectrograph without any physical intervention at the site. This dramatically increases the scientific or imaging return from a single telescope by allowing it to perform multiple roles during a single night.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eCan I use an eyepiece with the IMP85 while my main camera is attached?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. You can leave your primary camera attached to Port 1 and connect an eyepiece via a standard diagonal to Port 2 or 3. By electronically activating the mirror for that port, you can instantly switch to visual observation and then switch back to imaging just as quickly.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eWhat adapters do I need to connect my telescope and camera to the IMP85?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe IMP85 is sold as a central unit and does not include any adapters. You will need to purchase separate adapters for the telescope-side connection to your focuser and for each of the three instrument ports. The specific adapters depend on the threads and back-focus requirements of your focuser, cameras, and other instruments.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eFor a public outreach event, how can the IMP85 improve workflow?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe IMP85 allows a seamless transition between public viewing and serious imaging. You can have an eyepiece on Port 2 for guests to look through, showing them Jupiter visually. Moments later, you can electronically switch to a planetary camera on Port 3 to show them a live video feed on a monitor. Once the event is over, you can switch back to your primary deep-sky camera on Port 1 without any teardown or setup time.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eIs the IMP85 a standalone focuser or an accessory?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe IMP85 is an accessory, not a focuser. It is an instrument selector that attaches to an existing high-capacity focuser, such as the 3.5\" FeatherTouch model this adapter is designed for. All focusing is handled by your telescope's focuser.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ctable class=\"DAV-specifications\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"DAV-grid\"\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/davidastro.com\/pages\/baader-planetarium-warranty-policy\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eBaader Planetarium Warranty Policy\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Baader Planetarium","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52913130832157,"sku":"BAA-2451314","price":288.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0753\/5280\/1565\/files\/BaaderPlanetarium-IMP85-Adapter-S120a-to-FT3-5-1_4d9bd3ca-1fce-4638-be7c-254c49cb292b.jpg?v=1789086526","url":"https:\/\/davidastro.com\/fr-us\/products\/baader-planetarium-imp85-adapter-s120a-to-ft3-5-inch","provider":"David Astro","version":"1.0","type":"link"}