What types of sensors is the Player One Phoenix 7x50mm filter wheel designed for?
The Player One Phoenix 7x50mm is specifically designed for cameras with full-frame (36x24mm) or larger astronomy sensors. The 50mm filter size is necessary to prevent vignetting (darkening of the corners of the image) that would occur with smaller 2" or 1.25" filters on these large sensors.
Can I use 2-inch mounted filters in the Phoenix 7x50mm wheel?
No. This filter wheel is designed for 50mm round, unmounted filters. Mounted 2-inch filters, which typically have M48 threads, will not fit into the carousel slots designed for unmounted filter disks.
How would I set up the Phoenix 7x50mm for imaging the Andromeda Galaxy (M31) with a full-frame monochrome camera?
For a galaxy like M31, you would typically load the Player One Phoenix 7x50mm wheel with Luminance, Red, Green, and Blue (LRGB) filters. You could use the remaining three slots for narrowband filters like H-alpha to capture star-forming regions within the galaxy's arms, all within a single automated imaging plan controlled by software like N.I.N.A. or Sequence Generator Pro.
What software is compatible with the Player One Phoenix filter wheel?
The Player One Phoenix filter wheel is controlled via a USB connection to a PC. It is compatible with all major astrophotography software suites that support the ASCOM platform. This includes popular applications like N.I.N.A., Sequence Generator Pro (SGP), SharpCap, and TheSkyX.
Is the weight of the Phoenix 7x50mm a concern for a mount like the Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro?
A 7-position, 50mm filter wheel is inherently larger and heavier than smaller format wheels. While a robust mount like the EQ6-R Pro can handle it, you must account for the total weight of your entire imaging train—including the camera, filter wheel, off-axis guider, and telescope. Ensure your total payload is well within the mount's recommended imaging capacity and that the system is properly balanced.
Does the Phoenix filter wheel require external power?
Motorized filter wheels typically draw power through their USB connection for basic operation. However, for reliable performance, especially when connected through a USB hub, using a separate 12V DC power supply (if supported) is often recommended to ensure the motor has sufficient power to rotate the carousel without issue. Please refer to the product manual for specific power requirements.