alternatives to the usual filter wheels

[graham.hobart]

Just canvassing info really. Have an FLI Microline mono (thanks Greg!) and have been looking at filter wheel options. The major difficulty as I see it is the non standard nose on the camera.
So far I have emailed FLI and Starlight xpress as regards options and adaptors preserving the distance to sensor etc
I am considering the Starlight xpress standard filter wheel with five 2" filters and mini OAG.
I think the FLI is too expensive for me when budgeting in filters as well.
Anyone else have any thoughts?
Appreciated:thumbsup:
Graham

[graham.hobart]

my reply from SX...
If you go for the full size wheel, then we have an SC type adaptor as one of our standard options. With a back focus of 16 mm, our OAG should focus OK, so all looks good.
Ask for a standard wheel with slim OAG and SCT adaptors on both sides.

Best regards,
Terry

From: Graham Stevens (grashie69@gmail.com)
Sent: Friday, March 13, 2015 2:35 AM
To: Terry Platt (tplatt@starlight.win-uk.net)
Subject: Re: Starlight Xpress Cameras: adaptors for FLI to SX mini USB FW with OAG




Hi Terry, the line diagrams on the FLI website label the thread as a 2.013-24UNS-2B 0.371 max "SC " thread. If that makes any sense to you. The back focus of the camera is 16mm.
I am looking to get 2" filters of LRGB + Ha so I think the mini FW might be too small. In that case, is there a way of attaching the camera to the standard USB FW with OAG with an off the shelf coupler which maintains the correct back focus, or would I be getting one machined from precise parts? I already have a lodestar for the OAG.
Thanks again for your help (and excellent products!)

[graham.hobart]

my reply from FLI....
Gary McAnally

Mar 14 (12 days ago) [





Hi Graham
If your ML has the standard 45mm front, it has a 2" internal thread. Our AD3 adapter converts 2" to T-thread internal. $50 plus shipping.
Cheers

[graham.hobart]

Now does the Microline have the standard thread?

[Amaranthus]

Do you need it to be automated? If not, an alternative to consider is the TS Filter slider. If you also get a spare tray, then you can quickly swap them out, and leave the other filters safe in their boxes. Its key advantage to me was the small backfocus (only 15mm).

[LewisM]

FLI microline has standard 2" SCT thread. I had my machinist turn up adapters as I needed them.

Best CCD I have EVER used. STUPIDLY sold mine :(

[gregbradley]

The SX filter wheel is quite well made and easy to use.
Their OAG is OK not great. - a bit flimsy but probably does the job.
The prism is a bit small as well which does not help. I'd give the OAG a 4 out of 10 and the wheel an 8. A MOAG is much more solid and the prism larger.

The FLI filter wheels are good but pretty expensive for what they are.
I had an Apogee FW50 filter wheel once and I liked that. Well made, fast. Had odd adapters though. A plate on the front.

I may get another one though as its probably close to half the price of the FLI filter wheel so long as it can be attached without too much bother.

Greg.