SBIG AFW Filter Wheels are ultra-thin filter wheels for large format cameras. With a thickness of only 0.55″ (14 mm), they add minimal back focus to your system.
AFW series wheels are compatible with all SBIG cameras using “STX” style adapter plates. This includes Aluma AC Advanced CMOS models as well as legacy STX and STXL models.
Compatible with all Large Format SBIG Cameras
The AFW-12-50R is recommended for use with our SBIG Aluma AC2020 cameras, and legacy STXL series cameras
Improved Filter Compatibility
In order to accommodate the most popular filter sizes, convenient spacers are included:
- 3 mm filters – do not use spacer
- 2 mm filters – align notches in spacer with mounting screws
- 1 mm filters – flip over spacer so notches face the filter
Easy Installation
The AFW series filter wheels are designed to be quickly installed onto the camera without removing the carousel or individual filters. Removing a single access cover provides access to the filter slots and camera mounting screws.
Two mounting screws are “captive” under the carousel, and can be accessed by turning the carousel by hand to align access holes with the screw heads. The two remaining screws are freely accessible. This makes installation and removal quick and easy.
Once the wheel is attached to the camera, a single cable is connected to the camera’s AUX port. This single cable provides all necessary power and control functions.
Dual Wheel Support
For those users requiring more filters, AFW series wheels include the ability to control two filter wheels. Currently, this requires an Aluma AC series camera and MaxIm LT or MaxIm DL Pro software. A special adapter is used to stack two AFW series wheels. A matching three-port low-profile cable is included to connect the two wheels to the camera’s control port.
The MaxIm LT and MaxIm DL Pro software allow you to configure “virtual” filter slots, that map to specific slots on wheel 1 and wheel 2. Usually, one slot is left blank in each wheel, allowing you to select filters from one wheel or the other. It is also possible to arrange for two filters to be used per slot, depending on your requirements.
With one blank slot in each wheel, a pair of AFW-12-50R wheels will allow you to use 22 filters.
StarChaser Autoguider and AO-X Compatibility
AFW series wheels are compatible with StarChaser SC-3, providing self-guiding in front of the filters. They also work with our popular AO-X Adaptive Optics unit, providing the tightest possible star images.
