Astromania 1.25" Multiple 5-Position Filter Wheel for Telescope User Manual

Introduction

The Astromania 1.25" Multiple 5-Position Filter Wheel for Telescope is a high-quality and durable accessory designed to make it easy for you to switch between different filters during your astrophotography or visual observing sessions. This manual will guide you through the steps to assemble, attach, and use the filter wheel with your telescope.

Package Contents

• 1× 1.25" Filter Wheel
• 1× Filter Position Indicator
• 1× 1.25" Nosepiece
• 1× Threaded End-Cap
• 1× Rotation Lock Ring
• 1× Camera Adapter
• 1× Eyepiece Adapter
• 1× Gift Hex Wrench

Assembly and Installation

Attaching the Filter Wheel to a Telescope

There are two ways to attach the filter wheel to your telescope:

1. Using the 1.25" Nosepiece: Thread the nosepiece onto the front plate of the wheel assembly. Insert the nosepiece into your telescope's 1.25" focuser or accessory and secure by tightening the thumbscrew.
2. Using T-Threads: If your telescope features focus adapters with exterior T-threads, attach the Multiple Filter Wheel clockwise to the T-threads without using the 1.25" nosepiece.

Installing Filters

Before you can use the filter wheel, you need to install your filters:

1. Note the reference number of each filter during installation.
2. Rotate the knurled wheel until the desired number is displayed in the small notch in the filter wheel housing.
3. The filter wheel comes with 3 sets of bearings (3 metal balls, 3 springs, and 3 brass bushings), which are suitable for the rotation of the filter tray.

Attaching an Eyepiece

For visual use, thread the 1.25" adapter onto the back plate of the wheel assembly. Once the adapter is completely attached, unscrew the knurled thumbscrew until it is flush with the inside surface of the adapter and insert a 1.25" eyepiece. Secure the eyepiece by tightening the thumbscrew.

Attaching a Digital Imager or Camera

If you are using a digital imager or camera with T-threads, you can attach it directly to the Multiple Filter Wheel. Remove the 1.25" nosepiece from your digital imager or camera to expose the T-threads. Thread the imager or camera onto the camera adapter, and then thread the adapter onto the rear plate of the filter wheel assembly. Lock your camera or digital imager in a preferred position using the camera adapter's locking ring.

Troubleshooting Tips

• If you experience difficulty in rotating the filter wheel, ensure that the bearings are properly installed and that the filters are securely tightened.
• If the filter wheel does not attach properly to your telescope or camera, double-check that you are using the correct adapter and that it is securely tightened.
• If you cannot achieve focus with the filter wheel, ensure that you have allowed for the required 23mm of inward focus travel. This may be a problem for some Newtonian reflectors.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I leave my filters installed in the wheel during storage?

Yes, you can leave your 1.25" filters installed in the wheel during storage. To avoid excessive dust buildup, be sure to attach the dust caps prior to storing and use a foam-lined accessory case. The foam-lined box your Multiple Filter Wheel arrives in also acts as a convenient storage container.

What is the weight and dimensions of the filter wheel?

The filter wheel weighs 12.8 ounces and has dimensions of 5.97 x 5.33 x 2.91 inches.

Is the filter wheel compatible with 2-inch filters?

No, this filter wheel is designed for use with 1.25" filters only.

Can I use the filter wheel with a DSLR camera?

Yes, you can use the filter wheel with a DSLR camera by attaching the included camera adapter and an optional T-ring for your DSLR model.

Q: What is the Astromania 1.25" Multiple 5-Position Filter Wheel for Telescope?
A: The Astromania 1.25" Multiple 5-Position Filter Wheel for Telescope is a high-quality filter wheel that allows you to quickly and easily change between up to 5 different filters, making it a huge time-saver for filtered planetary and lunar observation using different color filters or for tri-color astrophotography pursuits.

Q: What comes with the filter wheel?
A: The filter wheel comes with a 1.25" eyepiece adapter, 1.25" focuser nosepiece, T-2 camera adapter, locking ring, and a gift hex wrench.

Q: How do you attach the filter wheel to a telescope?
A: If your telescope features a 1.25” focuser, adapter, or diagonal, the easiest way to attach the Multiple Filter Wheel is by using the included 1.25" nosepiece. Thread the nosepiece onto the front plate of the wheel assembly. Now simply insert the nosepiece into your telescope's 1.25" focuser or accessory and secure by tightening the thumbscrew. Some telescopes feature focus adapters with exterior T-threads. If you are using such a telescope, you can attach the Multiple Filter Wheel clockwise to the T-threads without using the 1.25" nosepiece.

Q: Can you use this filter wheel with a binoviewer?
A: Using a binoviewer eats up some of your focuser travel. Using a filter wheel uses up more. Both items also add weight and can throw off the balance of your scope. These are the issues you need to deal with, and depending on how much focuser travel you have and how much extra weight you can deal with, they may make the combination unworkable.

Q: Will this filter wheel work with a reflector type telescope?
A: It will not work for some reflectors because it takes up some of the distance between the secondary diagonal mirror and the eyepiece. You will need to measure how much "in travel" the focuser has, which is the distance the focuser can travel inward from the position where the eyepiece is in focus. That distance needs to be more than the thickness of the filter wheel, keeping in mind that any filter also adds slightly to the required distance (about 1mm).

Q: How do you install filters into the filter wheel?
A: You can slide them in or remove the hex screws in order to insert them more easily. It takes about 5 minutes to install filters in slots.

Q: What is included in the T2 adapter?
A: The included T2 adapter comes with a locking ring, whereby high-precision distance regulation becomes possible. Its very sturdy aluminum housing makes it also suitable for heavy cameras.

Q: Can you use this filter wheel with a Celestron Nexstar 6E Schmitt-Cassegrain?
A: Yes, it will fit.

Q: What is the inward focus travel required for this filter wheel?
A: Keep in mind that use of the Multiple Filter Wheel requires 23mm of inward focus travel. This will not be a problem for most telescope designs, but could be a problem for Newtonian reflectors.

Q: How do you care and store this filter wheel?
A: Feel free to leave your 1.25'' filters installed in the wheel during storage. To avoid excessive dust buildup, be sure to attach the dustcaps prior to storing, and use a foam-lined accessory case. The foam-lined box your Multiple Filter Wheel arrives in also acts as a convenient storage container. Simply unthread the 1.25'' nosepiece from the filter wheel and place the wheel and nosepiece in the diecut foam. Now you can safely store your filter wheel without worrying about dust.