{"product_id":"wanderer-astro-snowflake-filter-wheel-8-x-36mm-super-low-profile","title":"Wanderer Astro Snowflake Filter Wheel - 8 x 36mm Super Low-Profile","description":"\u003cul class=\"DAV-feature-list\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHolds 8 x 36mm unmounted filters\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUltra-low profile design, as thin as 14mm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGear-driven mechanism with anti-backlash for repeatability\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDedicated 8th slot for a dark frame filter\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e12V DC power input with a 12V hub output\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOperational down to -30℃\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 36mm Super Low-Profile\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Wanderer Astro Snowflake 7+1 Filter Wheel accommodates 8 unmounted 36mm filters in a housing that starts at a mere 14mm thickness, solving critical back focus challenges in complex imaging trains. Its gear-driven system operates reliably down to -30℃ and is powered by a 12V input, which also provides a convenient 12V hub output to simplify 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 14mm Design for Tight Imaging Trains\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWith a body thickness starting at just 14mm, the Snowflake is one of the thinnest filter wheels available, making it a viable option when back focus is extremely limited. This minimal profile allows you to fit a camera angle adjuster or other accessories where it would otherwise be impossible. The included 2mm spacers allow you to increase the thickness up to 20mm, providing the flexibility to match conventional back focus requirements.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eReduced Vignetting:\u003c\/strong\u003e The slim design places filters closer to the sensor, which increases their effective aperture and helps minimize vignetting, especially with fast optical systems.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCentral Mounting Screw:\u003c\/strong\u003e Unlike conventional designs that use only perimeter screws, the Snowflake adds a central mounting screw. This doubles the structural rigidity, reducing mechanical flexure by half under load.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eComplete Light Sealing:\u003c\/strong\u003e Stepped light-blocking grooves and an included self-adhesive foam sealing ring for specific cameras ensure no stray light compromises your exposures.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-bg-light\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-section\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eGear-Driven System with 0-Backlash for Flat-Frame Repeatability\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Snowflake filter wheel employs a robust gear-driven system paired with a damping anti-backlash mechanism. This engineering ensures that the filter position is precise and extraordinarily repeatable over the long term. You can trust that your flat frames, taken days or weeks apart, will align perfectly with your light frames, eliminating calibration artifacts.\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 8th Slot: Integrated Dark Frames and Simplified Mounting\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis 8-position wheel is designed as a 7+1 system, with the 8th slot configured for a dedicated dark filter, which comes standard. This allows you to capture dark frames at any time during your imaging session without needing to cap the telescope. The 8th filter slot is also uniquely designed to allow mounting screws to pass directly through the filter disk, letting you attach the camera without disassembling the wheel first.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOne-Piece Filter Mask:\u003c\/strong\u003e An innovative single mask holds all filters securely with half the number of screws of traditional designs, preventing accidental drops into the housing.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSimplified Installation:\u003c\/strong\u003e The pass-through mounting design eliminates a tedious and risky step, streamlining the process of connecting your camera and getting your rig ready.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-bg-light\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-section\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eBroad Compatibility with ZWO, QHY, and PlayerOne\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWanderer Astro designed the Snowflake with versatile mounting holes to support cameras and off-axis guiders from ZWO, QHY, ToupTek, and PlayerOne. A recessed groove is specifically machined to accommodate QHYCCD cameras without increasing the back focus. The ASCOM driver supports the simultaneous connection of multiple Snowflake filter wheels, allowing for complex imaging setups with more than 7 filters.\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 benefit of the Snowflake Filter Wheel's 14mm low-profile design?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe ultra-low 14mm profile is critical for imaging setups with very limited back focus, such as those using reducers or correctors. It creates space for other essential accessories like off-axis guiders or camera angle adjusters that might not otherwise fit within the required optical distance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eHow does the 8th slot on the Snowflake Filter Wheel work for dark frames?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 8-position wheel is intended as a 7+1 system. The 8th position is designed to hold an included dark\/opaque filter. This allows you to rotate to a fully blocked position and capture dark frames at any point during your session without physically covering your telescope or waiting until the end of the night.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eWill the Wanderer Snowflake Filter Wheel work with my QHY camera and OAG?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes, the Snowflake is designed for broad compatibility. It features mounting patterns for most ZWO, QHY, ToupTek, and PlayerOne cameras and their OAGs. It also includes a specially machined recessed groove to fit QHY cameras without consuming any additional back focus.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eWhy is the Snowflake filter wheel noticeably loud during operation?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe audible noise is a normal characteristic of the Snowflake filter wheel and is due to its powerful motor and robust gear-driven mechanism. This design choice prioritizes torque and positional accuracy, especially for reliable operation in cold conditions down to -30℃, over silent operation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eHow does the gear-driven system in the Snowflake improve my astrophotography flat frames?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe gear-driven system, combined with an anti-backlash mechanism and high-precision sensors, delivers exceptional positional repeatability. This means every time you switch to a specific filter, it lands in the exact same position. This consistency is vital for flat frames, as it ensures that dust motes and other optical artifacts are in the same location as in your light frames, allowing for perfect calibration.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eCan I use the Snowflake Filter Wheel for imaging winter targets like the Orion Nebula (M42)?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbsolutely. The filter wheel is engineered with a powerful motor and zero-flex design specifically to ensure smooth, reliable operation in winter conditions, tested down to -30℃. You can confidently image targets like the Orion Nebula (M42) or the Horsehead Nebula (Barnard 33) on the coldest nights without worrying about the mechanism failing.\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\u003eSFW36S\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n      \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eThickness\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e14 mm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n      \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSupported Filters\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eØ36 mm unmounted filters (1.9-3.5 mm)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n      \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eWeight\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e555 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 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\"\u003eDark Frame 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\"\u003e2mm Back Focus Spacers\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"DAV-item-subtitle\"\u003e× 3\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\u003cli class=\"DAV-grid-item\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"DAV-item-title\"\u003eIndividual Filter Masks\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"DAV-item-subtitle\"\u003eIncluded\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":52940810191133,"sku":"WA-WSFW36S","price":517.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0753\/5280\/1565\/files\/WandererAstro-Snowflake-7-1-Low-Profile-Filter-Wheel-1_2d365518-73b7-461e-bd4a-fe141f9f9513.jpg?v=1789569202","url":"https:\/\/davidastro.com\/products\/wanderer-astro-snowflake-filter-wheel-8-x-36mm-super-low-profile","provider":"David Astro","version":"1.0","type":"link"}