SBIG AFW Filter Wheels are fast and quiet, and are designed to be compatible with our full line of SBIG cameras. Two size formats are available:
Large Format AFW wheels are ultra-thin, minimizing back focus distance. The standard version, which accommodates filters ranging from 1 mm to 3 mm thick, uses only 0.55″ (14 mm) back focus. The tall version, which accommodates 5 mm thick filters, uses only 0.65″ (16.5 mm) back focus.
Compact Format AFW wheels are a lower-cost option for our compact Aluma CCD and STC-428 cameras. For users needing more filter slots, an adapter is also available to interface our compact format cameras to a Large Format AFW-16-36R.
SBIG AFW Filter Wheels are fast and quiet, and are designed to be compatible with our full line of SBIG cameras. Two size formats are available:
Large Format AFW wheels are ultra-thin, minimizing back focus distance. The standard version, which accommodates filters ranging from 1 mm to 3 mm thick, uses only 0.55″ (14 mm) back focus. The tall version, which accommodates 5 mm thick filters, uses only 0.65″ (16.5 mm) back focus.
Large Format AFW wheels are compatible with all SBIG cameras using our “STX” style adapter plates. This includes our popular Aluma AC Advanced CMOS models as well as our legacy STX and STXL models.
Large Format AFW wheels can also be used on our compact cameras using our AFW to Small Format Camera Adapter. This option provides more filter slots than our Compact Format wheels.
Compact Format AFW wheels are a lower-cost eight filter slot option for our compact Aluma CCD and STC-428 cameras. They also work with most legacy STF and STT models.
Multiple Versions Available
- AFW-16-36R Large Format
- 16 Filter Slots
- 36 mm Round Filters
- Accommodates 1 mm, 2 mm, and 3 mm thick filters
- AFW-16-36RT Tall Large Format
- 16 Filter Slots
- 36 mm Round Filters
- Accommodates 1 mm, 2 mm, 3 mm, and 5 mm thick filters
- AFW-12-50R Large Format
- 12 Filter Slots
- 50 mm Round Filters
- Accommodates 1 mm, 2 mm, and 3 mm thick filters
- AFW-10-50SQ Large Format
- 10 Filter Slots
- 50 mm Square Filters
- Accommodates 1 mm, 2 mm, and 3 mm thick filters
- AFW-10-50ST Tall Large Format
- 10 Filter Slots
- 50 mm Square Filters
- Accommodates 1 mm, 2 mm, 3 mm, and 5 mm thick filters
- AFW-8-36R Compact Format
- 8 Filter Slots
- 36 mm Round Filters
- Accommodates 3 mm thick filters
- Lower cost option for compact cameras
Stackable
Two Lage Format AFW wheels can be stacked to add even more filter slots, using the available Dual AFW Filter Wheel Adapter. “Virtual Slots” can be assigned, which map to different slots on the two wheels. If you leave one slot empty in each wheel you get almost double (less two) available filter slots. If you sometimes need to stack filters then you can have even more virtual slots.
Fast Operation
AFW wheels switch filters quickly, requiring just 1 second to change to an adjacent slot. They can slew in either direction, but when stopping they always approach the filter slot in the same direction to ensure repeatability. If the requested slot is on the far side of the carousel the maximum transition time is approximately 5 seconds.
Improved Filter Compatibility
Large Format AFW supports 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
- 5 mm filters – AFW-10-50ST only – adds tall spacers and mounting screws
The lower-cost Compact Format AFW supports 3 mm thick filters.
Easy Installation
The AFW series filter wheels are designed to be quickly installed onto the camera without removing the carousel. Removing a single access cover provides access to the filter slots and camera mounting screws. Large Format AFW can be installed without removing filters; the Compact Format will require one filter to be removed.
For the Large Format AFW wheels, 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.
For the Compact Format AFW wheels, the two mounting screws under the carousel can be accessed through a filter slot by gently moving the carousel off-center.
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, the AFW Large Format series wheels include the ability to control two filter wheels. The filter wheels can be stacked using our AFW Dual Adapter. A matching three-port low profile cable is included to connect the two wheels to the camera’s control port.
Currently software support is available via an Aluma AC series camera and MaxIm LT or MaxIm DL Pro software. Alternatively, the dual wheel can be controlled via our SBIG USB to Filter Wheel Adapter using its associated ASCOM driver.
The software allows 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-10-50SQ wheels allow you to use 18 filters. Similarly a pair of AFW-12-50R wheels will allow you to use 22 filters, and a pair of AFW-16-36R wheels will allow you to use 30 filters.
StarChaser Autoguider and AO Compatibility
Large Format AFW series wheels are compatible with SBIG StarChaser SC-4, 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.
Compact Format AFW wheels are compatible with SBIG StarChaser SC-4C, providing self-guiding in front of the filters. They also work with our popular AO-8A Adaptive Optics unit.
Large Format Camera Model Compatibility
Please note that when smaller filters are used they may vignette larger sensors. Compact models will require the AFW to Small Format Camera Adapter. Some cameras will require an 11066 cable adapter. Some older products are not electrically compatible and need to use the USB-FW adapter.
Small Format Camera Model Compatibility
The lower-cost Small Format AFW-8-36R is compatible with all small format cameras, including Aluma CCD and STC-428. It is also compatible with legacy models including STF-8300, STF-4070, STF-8050, STF-1603, STF-3200, STT-8300, STT-1603, and STT-3200.
Additional compatibility notes:
STC-7 and STC-428-P: The built-in filter wheel prevents the camera from controlling an external wheel. Options are (a) to replace the built-in wheel with an STC-428-M front plate, or (b) stack the AFW on top and control the second wheel via a USB-FW adapter. The two wheels can be operated together using MaxIm DL’s Dual Filter Wheel feature. ACC14 is required.
ST series: Not officially supported. Requires an ACC14. May work directly with camera but this is not guaranteed, as ST cameras have not been tested with AFW. If there is an issue controlling the wheel than a USB-FW adapter will be required.
STL series: Not officially supported. The built-in filter wheel prevents the camera from controlling an external wheel. It is possible to attach an AFW wheel to the STL using the ACC10 STL to StarChaser Adapter and use a USB-FW to control it. Since STL also has an internal filter wheel the combination is best supported using MaxIm DL’s Dual Filter Wheel feature.
