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QHYCCD CFW3
QHYCCD CFW3
QHYCCD CFW3
QHYCCD CFW3
QHYCCD CFW3
QHYCCD CFW3
QHYCCD CFW3

QHYCCD CFW3

by QHYCCD
SKU QHY-110040
CA$391.00 - CA$1,679.00
CA$391.00
CA$391.00 - CA$1,679.00
CA$391.00
Price Match Policy!
  • Multiple carousel options for 1.25", 36mm, 2", and 50mm filters
  • Direct-drive motor with shortest-path seeking logic
  • Thin body profile enables use with camera lenses
  • Tricolor LED for visual confirmation of filter position
  • Threaded 12V DC power port for secure connections
1 in stock
Qualifies for FREE Shipping in Canada on orders over $500.
  • Description
  • FAQ
  • Specifications
  • In the Box
  • Downloads
  • Warranty

  • QHYCCD CFW3 Motorized Filter Wheel

    The QHYCCD CFW3 series offers robust filter management in 8 different configurations, supporting carousels for filters ranging from 7-position 1.25-inch to 9-position 2-inch formats. Powered by a 12-volt direct-drive motor, the CFW3 uses bidirectional, shortest-path logic to minimize filter change time during automated LRGB or narrowband imaging sequences.

    Shortest-Path Logic: Faster Changes with a 12V Direct-Drive Motor

    Unlike conventional filter wheels that must rotate fully to cycle through positions, the QHYCFW3's motor drive is bidirectional. When you command a filter change, the wheel intelligently calculates the shortest path—clockwise or counter-clockwise—to reach the target filter. This small optimization saves significant time over the course of an imaging session, especially during automated sequences that frequently switch between filters.

    Power is supplied via a 12V DC input located on the backplate. The port is threaded to mate securely with compatible power cables, preventing accidental disconnection that could interrupt an exposure or damage equipment.

    8 Carousel Options: Integrate 1.25" to 2" Filters with Camera Lenses

    The QHYCFW3 is available in multiple "thin" and "standard" body configurations, with 8 distinct carousel options available for filters from 1.25" mounted to 50mm unmounted. The thin profile is specifically designed to preserve critical back focus, making it possible to pair the filter wheel with QHY COLDMOS cameras and optional Canon or Nikon lens adapters. This combination lets you shoot wide-field, filtered images through high-quality camera lenses—a capability often impossible with thicker filter wheels.

    Tricolor LED: At-a-Glance Confirmation of up to 9 Filter Positions

    To provide clear, immediate feedback on the wheel's status, the QHYCFW3 incorporates a tricolor LED indicator. The LED assigns a unique color or color combination to each of the filter positions, with carousels supporting up to 9 filters. This allows you to visually confirm that the wheel has moved to the correct position without having to check your control software, giving you confidence that your imaging plan is proceeding as expected.

  • How does the QHYCFW3 save time compared to other filter wheels?

    The QHYCFW3 uses a direct-drive motor with shortest-path logic. Instead of only rotating in one direction, it can move clockwise or counter-clockwise to reach the next filter in the fewest steps. For example, moving from position 7 back to 1 is a single step, not a full seven-step rotation, saving valuable time during automated imaging.

    What do the different colors on the QHYCFW3's LED mean?

    The tricolor LED on the QHYCFW3 assigns a unique color or combination of colors to each filter slot in the carousel. This provides instant visual confirmation of the active filter position without needing to consult your software, which is useful for verifying your sequence is running correctly in the dark.

    Can I use the QHYCFW3 with a Canon or Nikon camera lens for wide-field imaging?

    Yes. The "thin" models of the QHYCFW3 are specifically designed with a minimal profile. This short optical path, when combined with the short back focus of QHY COLDMOS cameras, allows you to install optional lens adapters and achieve focus with Canon or Nikon lenses for wide-field filtered astrophotography.

    What power supply does the QHYCFW3 require?

    The QHYCFW3 operates on 12V DC power. It features a threaded power port on the backplate to ensure a secure connection that won't accidentally pull out during an imaging session.

    Which QHYCFW3 model should I choose for my QHY268M camera with 36mm unmounted filters?

    For that combination, you would select the QHYCFW3M-US model. It is a "thin" version designed to hold seven 36mm unmounted filters, which is a perfect match for the sensor size and filter requirements of the QHY268M monochrome camera.

    How do I know which QHYCFW3 model I am buying?

    The QHYCFW3 is sold in 8 different versions. Please check the product title and selection on the page to ensure you are purchasing the correct model for your filter size (1.25", 36mm, 2", or 50mm) and capacity needs (5, 7, or 9 positions).

  • Available Configurations QHYCFW3S-US (Thin) 7 x 1.25", QHYCFW3S-SR (Standard) 7 x 1.25", QHYCFW3M-US (Thin) 7 x 36mm, QHYCFW3M-US (Thin) 5 x 2", QHYCFW3L 7 x 2", QHYCFW3XL 9 x 2", QHYCFW3M-SR (Standard) 5 x 2", QHYCFW3M-SR (Standard) 5 x 50mm

    • Contents may vary depending on the specific model configuration selected.

  • QHYCCD Warranty