To meet the needs of the ever increasing CCD size used in astro-imaging, Optec
has designed a larger cousin to the IFW 2-inch. The new IFW 3" (full 3-inch
clear aperture) supports a large variety of filter sizes with the ease of selection
that is the hallmark of the IFW 2-inch. Three different types of interchangeable
filter wheels are available: 58mm square with 5 positions, 50mm square with
6 positions and 50mm round with 9 positions. The 58mm square filters are a new
standard available only from Optec. All filters are mounted using convenient
delrin plastic tabs and spacers.
When used with the 3-inch couplings
to the telescope and instrument package, either 58mm or 50mm square filter wheels
can be used. These adapters and couplings are the same as what is used with
the TCF-S3 and the Pyxis 3-inch instruments. Removing and installing a different
wheel is as easy as with the IFW 2-inch. A side door is opened and the wheel
removed after releasing the center axis hub. After the HOME serial function
or HOME button is pressed, the wheel ID is identified and the new stack of filter
names are available to the control program or display on the control box. For
the 50mm and 58mm square filters, three filter wheels with unique ID are possible.
There are two wheels available for the 9-position 50mm round filters
The 50mm round filter wheels are intended for 2-inch adapters and couplers for
both the telescope and instrument package. These adapters are the same as what
is used with the IFW 2-inch and TCF-S products. The 50mm round filter wheel
with 9 positions is not intended for use with the 3-inch adapters.
The
IFW 3" is a massive unit that measures 10-inches on a side and is 2.5-inches
thick including both the telescope and camera side adapters. At 7 pounds, a
large telescope with capable telescope mount is required.
