{"product_id":"wanderer-astro-snowflake-filter-wheel-8-x-50mm-super-low-profile","title":"Wanderer Astro Snowflake Filter Wheel - 8 x 50mm Super Low-Profile","description":"\u003cul class=\"DAV-feature-list\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAccommodates 8 x 50mm unmounted filters\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUltra low-profile body for systems with limited back focus\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGear-driven mechanism with anti-backlash for repeatability\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCentral mounting screw provides double the rigidity of conventional designs\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e12V DC power input with a 12V hub output for cable management\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBroad compatibility with ZWO, QHY, ToupTek, and PlayerOne cameras\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 50mm Super Low-Profile\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Wanderer Snowflake 7+1 Low-Profile Filter Wheel accommodates up to eight 50mm filters in an ultra-slim, professional-grade chassis. Its gear-driven mechanism is powered by a robust 12V motor, ensuring precise, repeatable filter positioning for consistent flat frames. The innovative 8-position design includes a dedicated slot for a dark filter, allowing you to capture calibration frames without disassembling your imaging train.\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\u003eA 2x More Rigid, Ultra-Low Profile Body\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn complex imaging trains with limited back focus, every millimeter counts. The Snowflake's ultra-low profile design creates critical space for accessories like rotators or off-axis guiders where conventional filter wheels might not fit. To maximize structural integrity, it incorporates a central mounting screw in addition to perimeter screws, creating a unified structure that doubles rigidity and reduces flexure compared to conventional designs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOne-Piece Mask:\u003c\/strong\u003e An innovative, single-piece mask prevents stray light and simplifies filter installation with fewer screws.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eIncluded Spacers:\u003c\/strong\u003e Comes standard with back focus spacers, allowing you to increase the body's thickness to accommodate different back focus requirements.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLight-Blocking Grooves:\u003c\/strong\u003e Stepped, interlocking grooves provide a complete seal against any potential light leaks, protecting your data.\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\u003e8-Position Gear Drive with a Dedicated Dark Frame Slot\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Snowflake filter wheel holds up to eight 50mm filters, driven by a gear system with a damping anti-backlash mechanism for high-precision repeatability. This ensures your flat frames remain perfectly aligned session after session. The eighth filter slot is uniquely shaped to serve as a dedicated dark filter position or to allow mounting screws to pass directly through the filter disk, simplifying camera attachment without disassembly.\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\u003e12V Power Hub and Broad ASCOM Compatibility\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA powerful 12V motor drives the filter wheel, providing reliable operation even in cold winter conditions down to -30℃. To simplify cable management, the wheel features a 12V hub output, letting you power another device from the same source. The Snowflake supports a wide range of cameras from ZWO, QHY, ToupTek, and PlayerOne, and includes a recessed groove to accommodate QHY cameras without increasing back focus. Full ASCOM support allows for simultaneous connection and identification of multiple Snowflake filter wheels in your setup.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eA Note on Operation:\u003c\/strong\u003e The high-power motor required for reliable cold-weather performance may produce noticeable operational noise, which is normal for this design.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\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\"\u003eHow does the Wanderer Snowflake's low profile help my imaging setup?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe ultra-low profile design is critical for imaging trains with limited back focus. It provides the necessary space to add other accessories like an off-axis guider (OAG), camera angle adjuster (CAA), or electronic focuser between your flattener\/reducer and camera sensor, which might be impossible with a thicker filter wheel.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eWhat is the purpose of the 8th filter slot on the Snowflake Filter Wheel?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 8th slot has a dual purpose. It can hold the included \u003cstrong\u003ededicated dark filter\u003c\/strong\u003e, allowing you to capture dark frames at any time without capping your telescope. Its unique shape also allows screws to pass through the filter disk, letting you attach your camera without having to first remove the disk, which simplifies setup and reduces risk.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eIs the Wanderer Snowflake Filter Wheel compatible 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 directly supports most ZWO, QHY, ToupTek, and PlayerOne cameras and their OAGs. It also features a \u003cstrong\u003erecessed groove\u003c\/strong\u003e specifically designed to accommodate the body of QHYCCD cameras without increasing the overall back focus of the imaging train.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eWhy is my Wanderer Snowflake filter wheel so loud during operation?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe audible noise from the motor is a normal characteristic of the Snowflake filter wheel. It uses a \u003cstrong\u003epowerful motor\u003c\/strong\u003e to ensure reliable, zero-flex filter changes even in very cold temperatures. This robust design choice results in more operational noise compared to less powerful filter wheels.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eI'm using a fast refractor with a flattener that has critical back focus. Can the Snowflake filter wheel fit in my imaging train?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is precisely the scenario where the Snowflake excels. Its super low-profile body is often the only option that can fit within the strict back focus requirements of flatteners and reducers for fast refractors or astrographs, especially when you also need to include an OAG.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eI want to automate imaging of the Orion Nebula (M42) with LRGB filters and then capture darks. How does the Snowflake wheel help?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Snowflake is ideal for this workflow. You can load your L, R, G, and B filters into four of the eight slots. In the eighth slot, you can install the included dark filter. Your ASCOM-compatible software can then cycle through the LRGB filters for imaging M42, and once complete, automatically switch to the dark filter position to begin capturing your dark frames without any manual intervention.\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\u003eSFW50S\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\u003eØ50 mm unmounted filters (1.9-3.5 mm)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n      \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFilter Shims\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eRequired for filters thinner than 2.5 mm (sold separately)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n      \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eWeight\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e719 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\"\u003eDedicated Dark 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\"\u003eBack Focus Spacers\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"DAV-item-subtitle\"\u003e× 1 Set\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\"\u003eConventional Individual Filter Masks\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"DAV-item-subtitle\"\u003e× 1 Set\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\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:\/\/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":52940809699613,"sku":"WA-WSFW50S","price":769.0,"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_fdab93f3-56bd-4185-86c6-4a102a8cf9e5.jpg?v=1789569192","url":"https:\/\/davidastro.com\/products\/wanderer-astro-snowflake-filter-wheel-8-x-50mm-super-low-profile","provider":"David Astro","version":"1.0","type":"link"}