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SBIG STX 5 x 65mm Square Filter Wheel
The SBIG FW5-STX is a motorized 5-position filter wheel engineered specifically for large-format 65 mm square filters and SBIG STX series cameras. It mounts directly to the camera body and is controlled via a single I2C interface, keeping cabling simple. The entire assembly weighs 1973 g.
A 5-Position Carousel for 65mm Square Filters
The FW5-STX carousel accepts 5 separate 65mm square, unmounted filters. Diffraction Limited chose this size so that the built-in guider of STX cameras (if equipped) can be used while imaging through LRGB filters. The motorized operation allows for automated filter changes during an imaging sequence, all managed through your control software. Note that filters are not included.
Enabling Integrated Guiding with 65mm Filter Coverage
The primary advantage of the 65mm square filter format in the FW5-STX is integrated guiding. The large filters allow the STX camera's built-in guider (if equipped) to be used while you image through LRGB filters. For 50mm square photometric and narrowband filters and external guiding, use the FW7-STX with the StarChaser SC-4 instead.
A 1973g Body with Seamless I2C Integration
Designed as a native component of the SBIG ecosystem, the 1973 g FW5-STX bolts directly to the front of SBIG STX cameras (and STXL with the STX Guider setup). A single I2C cable connects the wheel to the camera's I2C port, providing both power and control commands. This design eliminates the need for a separate power supply or an additional USB cable running to your computer, simplifying cable management at the telescope.
SBIG FW5-STX vs. FW7-STX: Choosing Your Filter Size
Diffraction Limited offers two filter wheel options for the STX platform, with the choice depending entirely on your filter size and guiding method.
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FW5-STX (This Model): Designed for 65mm square filters. Its purpose is to allow the STX camera's integrated guider to function correctly when imaging through LRGB filters. This is the choice for users who want a fully integrated guiding solution.
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FW7-STX: Designed for smaller 50mm square filters, which are common for photometric and narrowband imaging. This wheel is intended for systems using an external guider, such as the SBIG StarChaser SC-4 Off-Axis Guider Camera.
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What is the main advantage of the SBIG FW5-STX's 65mm square filter size?
The 65mm square format is large enough to fully illuminate the STX camera's main sensor while also allowing use of the camera's built-in guider (if equipped). This means you can self-guide while imaging through standard LRGB filters.
Which cameras are directly compatible with the SBIG FW5-STX filter wheel?
The SBIG FW5-STX is designed to mount directly to SBIG STX series cameras. It is also compatible with the SBIG STXL series when using the STX Guider setup.
How is the SBIG FW5-STX powered and controlled?
The filter wheel uses a single I2C interface cable that connects directly to the STX camera. This one cable provides both power and control signals, eliminating the need for a separate power brick or an extra USB cable running from the filter wheel to your computer.
Does the SBIG FW5-STX come with filters?
No, filters are not included. The wheel is designed to accept your own set of 5 unmounted, 65mm square filters.
I have an SBIG STX camera with the built-in guider. Will the FW5-STX let me guide while shooting through my Luminance filter?
Yes. The 65mm square filters allow use of the built-in guider (if equipped) while imaging through LRGB filters, which includes your luminance filter.
When should I choose the SBIG FW7-STX instead of this FW5-STX?
You should choose the FW7-STX if your imaging strategy involves 50mm square filters and an external guiding solution, like the SBIG StarChaser SC-4. The FW5-STX is the correct choice if you plan to use 65mm square filters and the camera's own integrated guider.
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| Filter Positions |
5 |
| Accepted filters |
65 mm square |
| Motorized |
Yes |
| Interface / Control |
I2C |
| Direct mount to cameras |
SBIG STX series, SBIG STXL (with STX Guider setup) |
| Weight |
1973 g |
| Warranty |
1 year |
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Diffraction Limited 1-Year Warranty
