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FF65APO 0.75× Full Frame Reducer

ZWO has released a brand-new FF65APO 0.75× full frame reducer with a four-element optical design. It has a reduction factor of 0.75x, which gives the FF65APO f/6.4 astrograph a shortened focal ratio of f/4.8 and a shorter focal length of 312mm. This allows for less total integration time and a wider field of view, bringing more convenience and possibilities for your wide-field deep sky imaging. The back focus distance is the standard 55mm. It also comes with two thread adapters of M54 and M48, and a built-in M48x0.75 2” filter thread, which makes the connection work simple and convenient.

Connection steps:

1. Prepare the FF65APO telescope tube and the focal reducer.
2. Unscrew the eyepiece holder at the end of the FF65APO telescope tube.
3. Unscrew the end cap of the 0.75X reducer.
4. Insert the reducer into the focuser and tighten.

FF80APO 0.76X Full Frame Reducer

ZWO has also released a new 3-inch FF80APO 0.76X full frame reducer with a three-element optical design, including one element made of ED glass. Its reduction factor is 0.76x, which gives the FF80APO f/7.5 astrograph a shortened focal ratio of f/5.7 and a shorter focal length of 312mm. This allows for less total integration time and a wider field of view, bringing more convenience and possibilities for your wide-field deep sky imaging.

The reducer has a rear interface that attaches to the FF80APO telescope tube’s included four-segment camera extension tube. The back focus is the standard 55mm, and it has a built-in M48X0.75 2-inch filter thread for easy attachment.

Connection steps:

1. Prepare the FF80APO telescope tube and the focal reducer.
2. Unscrew the four-segment connector at the end of the FF80APO telescope tube.
3. Unscrew the end cap of the 0.76X reducer and attach it to the M68 thread of the four-segment connector.
4. Unscrew the front cap of the reducer, insert it into the focuser inner tube, and tighten it.

FF107APO/FF130APO 0.7× Universal Reducer

ZWO has released a new 3-inch 0.7× full frame reducer that is compatible with the FF107APO and FF130APO telescopes. It has a three-element optical design, including one element made of ED glass. Its reduction factor is 0.7, which gives the FF107APO a shortened focal ratio of f/4.9 and a shorter focal length of 524mm. This allows for less total integration time and a wider field of view, bringing more convenience and possibilities for your wide-field deep sky imaging.

The reducer has a standard 55mm back focus and comes with M68, M54, and M48 threaded adapters for easy attachment.

Connection steps:

1. Prepare the FF107APO telescope tube and the focal reducer.
2. Unscrew the M86 to 2-inch adapter at the end of the FF107APO telescope tube.
3. Unscrew the end cap of the 0.7X reducer.
4. Insert the reducer into the focuser inner tube and tighten it.

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Compatible Camera Types: ASI2600 Pro Series/ASI6200 Pro Series/ASI2400MC Pro

 

The 3 points from the rear make tilt adjustment much easier than removing the tilt plate from the camera.

Mechanical Diagram

Installation steps for the M54-Tilter

1. Remove the M54-Tilter from the packaging box and use an Allen wrench to remove the three cylindrical screws on the top.
2. Remove the original sensor tilt plate from the cooled camera.

3. Place the base of the M54-Tilter onto the cooled camera and fasten it with six Phillips flat-head screws (specification: M2.5*6).

4. Cover the top of the M54-Tilter, turn the camera over, and fasten it with three cylindrical screws from the back.

Congratulations! The M54-Tilter is now successfully installed.

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The traditional equatorial mount requires heavy counterweights. It can be very difficult to keep balance in RA and DEC directions, and also inconvenient for transit and storage, which brings amateur astrophotographers a lot of pain when they are out for imaging.

Some of the strain wave geared drive mounts are relatively simple in functions, insufficient in load capacity, and also not very stable in use.

To solve the above issues, ZWO developed the ASI Mount series. No need for a counterweight. With a self-weight of 3.9kg, AM3 has a large load capacity from 8kg to 13kg. While portability is very important, stability is also essential in use. Instead of blindly pursuing the lightweight of the mount body, ZWO is more so along the lines of stability for an entire use. The internal structure of the body is optimized with the strain wave gear reducer and synchronous belt, bringing more accurate control and an amazing reduction ratio of 300:1. It is also multi-functional that can be used as both an equatorial mount or an altazimuth mount. You can either control the mount via Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, or a hand controller.

Portable and stable

The internal structure of the body is optimized with the strain wave gear reducer and synchronous belt, bringing more accurate control and an amazing reduction ratio of 300:1.

Customized Strain Wave Gear

ZWO developed the special strain wave gear based on the actual needs for astrophotography.  It comes with very low periodic error and high torque. Each mount is tested and equipped with an exclusive PE curve before it leaves the factory so that the quality can be guaranteed.

3.9kg Net Weight

Instead of blindly pursuing the lightweight of the mount body, ZWO is more so along the lines of stability for an entire use.

8kg-13kg payload

The load capacity of AM3 without the counterweight is 8kg, and 13kg with the counterweight.

* The counterweight should be secured on a counterweight bar of no more than 20cm in length.

According to the engineering calculations, we can calculate the maximum load capacity of the AM3 mount:

8kg without the counterweight

13kg with the counterweight.

Supported counterweight:≤5kg

The counterweight should be secured on a counterweight bar of no more than 25cm in length.

Equatorial Mode / Altazimuth Mode

Can be switched via ASI Mount App or hand controller

Equatorial Mode: Suitable for tracking and photographing objects

Altazimuth Mode: Suitable for visual astronomy

All-round 0°-90° Pitch Angle

Gear 1: Allow you to adjust the pitch angle grip to achieve a degree between 0 and 60.

Gear 2: You can loosen the hex-head screw and then adjust the pitch angel grip to achieve a degree between 30 and 90.

Wireless Control

Tonight’s Target, GOTO, Live Preview and so many great functions can all be achieved with your phones.

Rocker-style Hand Controller

Comfortable touch and easy to use. Integrated with Wi-Fi network allowing for wireless control. You can easily upgrade the firmware of the hand controller and mount it on the webpage.

Seamless Linkage with ASIAIR

ASIAIR can control AM5 via a wired or wireless connection. The ASI package gives customers the best astrophotography experience.

What’s in the box

Accessibility tools

① Pier Extension

With the pier extension, the telescope with a long focal length will be greatly avoided from hitting the tripod legs.

② Carbon Fiber Tripod

1. Short and portable. Easy to transport inside your hand luggage.
2. Carbon fiber material: High strength and high impact resistance.
3. Adjustable height: 470-800mm. Dual-section legs provide a stable and rigid platform for telescopes and cameras.
4. Spreader plate: Increase the stability of the tripod.
5. Weight bag: Provides additional stability by filling it with suitable weights such as stones or your telescope battery pack.
6. Fixed spread angle: Easy to use.
7. 

The ASI2600MC Duo combines imaging and guiding sensors in one compact body. The main sensor is the Sony IMX571 coming with a native 16-bit ADC,14stops dynamic range, and a 3.76um square pixel array. The readout noise is as low as 1.0e, and the full well capacity reaches an incredible level of 80ke. And it has no amp glow!

The guide sensor is the Type 1/1.8 SC2210 with excellent NIR sensitivity. The sensor size is 7.68mm x 4.32mm. It has 4umx4um pixels with an array of 1920×1080 and a full depth of 8780e.

The stars on the corner of the guide images affected by reducers back focus distance might not be very round. It is not due to the sensor tilt and will not affect normal use.

Two-in-one design

Thanks to the compact design, the ASI2600MC Duo only needs one USB cable for control. It reduces potential cabling issues and improves setup speeds. You don’t need a separate OAG and guide camera.

Tilt Adjustment from Rear （Optional）

The 3 points from the rear make tilt adjustment much easier without the trouble of removing the tilt plate from the camera.

Performance improvement comparison

Guide sensor

The SC2210 sensor taken from the ASI220MM Mini camera features very high sensitivity. The QE peak value reaches 92% at 500nm. The readout noise is as low as 0.6e. As the new generation of guide sensor, it has achieved great results in guiding, proved by hundreds of astrophotographers.

Main sensor

The main sensor IMX571 features an APS-C format and 26MP total pixels. The size is 23.5mm in width x 15.7mm in height, and the diagonal is 28.3mm. The 3.76um x 3.76um small pixel size accommodates an impressive full depth of 50ke. With the new hardware technology, it is even extended to 80ke.

STARVIS technology

ASI2600MC DUO is based on Sony STARVIS technology. Sony’s back-illuminated CMOS image sensor improves sensitivity and noise reduction – the key factors to enhancing image quality.

Camera performance

Native 16bit ADC

This 16-bit ADC is not a CCD 16-bit ADC. It can really achieve a dynamic range output of 14stops, which will significantly improve the image sharpness and contrast, and also create smoother and more natural color transitions.

FPS

ASI2600MC Duo’s max FPS in RAW 8 mode at full resolution is 15FPS, which is even quicker compared to ASI2600MC Pro.

Extended full well mode

The full well capacity of ASI2600MC Duo is extended to 80ke, which is 1.6x larger than ASI2600MC Pro.

USB 3.0 & 512MB DDR3 buffer

With the match of USB 3.0 and 512MB DDR3 buffer, ASI2600MCDuo provides stable and secure data transmission that can effectively avoid frame-dropping issues during long exposures.

No amp-glow

Traditional CMOS sensors produce a weak infrared light source during operation quite often seen in the corner of uncalibrated images. It is the tell-tale sign of amp glow. As the ASI2600MC Duo uses zero-amp glow circuitry, you won’t have to worry about amp glow even when using high gain, long exposure imaging.

QE (Quantum efficiency)

Based on our testing results, the QE peak value of ASI2600MC Duo is over 91%.

Two-stage TEC cooling

Thanks to the two-stage TEC cooling, ASI2600MC Duo can lower the CMOS sensor temperature to more than 35 degrees Celsius below ambient temperature, which can greatly reduce dark current generation and sensor noise even during extended exposure times.

*The Delta T 35℃ is tested at 30℃ ambient temperature. It might get down when the cooling system is working for a long time. Also, as the ambient temperature falls, the Delta T would decrease.

Dark current noise

Anti-Dew heater

There is a polyimide heater completely fitting the protective window in the ASI2600MC Duo camera. It can help avoid any potential annoying dew or icing issues depending on the environment in which you capture images.

The power of the heater is around 5W. You are free to turn it off anytime in your photography software if you want to save power.

Product details

Connection to external devices

Connection to Nikon/Canon lens

① Niko-T2 adapter

② EOS-T2 adapter

③ 2″ filter

④ Nikon lens

⑤ Canon lens

Mechanical Diagram

What’s in the Box

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ZWO Darkening ring D88

Darkening ring set for regular EFW

EFW-5*2 / EFW-7*2 / EFW-7*36 / EFW-7*36-II

Specifications for the darkening sets:

External diameter: 88mm. Inner diameter: 55mm (2pcs) & 58mm (2pcs). Thickness: ≤0.2mm. 4pcs in total.

* The darkening sets is to help solve the light leaking issue occurring in the gap of the filter wheel and camera.

How to install the darkening sets:

ZWO Darkening ring D90

Darkening ring set for ASI461MM-P set

Specifications for the darkening sets:

External diameter:90mm(2pcs)& 106mm (2pcs) . Inner diameter: 72mm (2pcs）. Thickness: ≤0.2mm. 4pcs in total.

* The darkening sets is to help solve the light leaking issue occurring in the gap of the filter wheel and camera.

How to install the darkening sets:

The 50mm electronic filter wheel is CNC milled from an aircraft-graded aluminum block. Quality guaranteed!

Adopting the quality step motors produced by NPM, Japan, features very high precision and reliable performance.

Can be rotated in both counterclockwise and clockwise directions for filter selection in use.

Power supply method: USB 2.0

Control method: ASCOM and SDK

Driver: Free of driver

Module: 7 positions, 50mm*50mm

Weight: 1kg

Also, can be directly connected to the USB 2.0 ports of the ASI cooled cameras.

Requirements for Filters

1) Square;

2) 50*50*3mm (Thickness supported: 3~4mm).

What’s in the Box?

1. EFW
2. 0x75mm cross screwdriver
3. 2m USB 2.0 right-angle cable
4. 0.5m USB 2.0 right-angle cable
5. 50mm*50mm filter masks (10pcs)
6. Darkening rings set
7. M2.5*6 screws (12pcs)
8. M3*8 screws(6pcs)
9. M2*4 screws (26pcs*2bags)

Mechanical Diagram

Connection Methods

New 2″ filter drawer featuring the anti-light-leaking design that can effectively solve the light leaking issue under long exposure.

Two sizes available: M42 and M54.

 

Double strong magnets adopted for stronger adsorption, easier installation and pulling out.

 

Lock screw on the side for you to adjust the tension of the holder to eliminate gap. Double insurance.

 

 

Additional adapters provided with the filter drawer for equipment connection.

The differences between the old and new filter drawer

What’s in the Box?

M42 filter drawer:Filter drawer *1M48-M42F adapter *1

 

M54 filter drawer: Filter drawer *1M54-M48F-2mm *1

Mechanical Diagram

M42 filter drawer:

Diameter 70mm * Thickness 21mmM42 * 0.75 male(external) thread (camera side)M48 * 0.75 female(internal) thread (filter end)M48 * 0.75 female(internal) thread (telescope side)

Suitable for 2-inch astronomical filters。

M54 filter drawer: Diameter 70mm * Thickness 20mmM54 * 0.75 male(external) thread (camera side)M48 * 0.75 female(internal) thread (filter end)M54 * 0.75 female(internal) thread (telescope side)

Suitable for 2-inch astronomical filters and full frame cameras, such as ASI6200 and ASI2400.

Can be used to connect Sony NEX lens and ASI cameras with small sensor formats, such as ASI1600, ASI294, ASI183, ASI174, ASI432 and ASI585.
Only support manual lenses supported, not compatible with automatic lenses.

E-mount lenses with 18.5mm back focus length are supported (Only manual lenses).

Mechanical Diagram

Connection Methods

 

STARVIS Technology

The STARVIS Technology brings better imaging performance to the camera in low light conditions.

 

DDR3 Memory

The camera is equipped with a USB 3.0 transmission interface and a built-in 256MB DDR3 memory to ensure stable and secure data transmission. Under long exposure, it effectively avoids frame dropping and greatly reduces the glow effect caused by slow reading speed.

Note that the DDR3 memory is NOT available in the first 200 early-bird cameras. It’s only available in the official version.

We do not provide DDR3 memory version replacement or upgrade for the early-bird batch.

 

USB 3.0 & ST4 Port

USB 3.0 Port: Provides 5Gb bandwidth to let the camera run at 136.1fps (10bit, high speed mode) or 63.9fps (12bit, normal mode) at full resolution (2Mega).

ST4 Port: Can be used to connect with auto guide port of mount for guiding.

 

ASI462MM vs ASI290MM

As the upgraded version of ASI290MM, ASI462MM has achieved great improvements regarding QE and readout noise.

 

Camera Performance

Low readout noise & high QE value

ASI462MM is integrated with HCG mode, which can effectively reduce readout noise at high gain and allow the camera to maintain the same high dynamic range as it does at low gain. At gain 80, the HCG mode is automatically turned on; the dynamic range reaches a level close to 12stops, and the readout noise can be as low as 0.47e.

QE value and readout noise are some of the most important specifications for astronomical cameras. High QE and low readout noise are essential to improve image SNR(Signal to Noise Ratio).

The QE peak value of ASI462MM is around 89% (Relative response).

 

AR Protective Window

ASI462MM features the AR(Anti-Reflective) coating on its protective glass. Diameter of the window: 21mm. Thickness: 1.1mm.

 

Product Details

 

Connection Methods

 

Structural Dimension Diagram

 

What’s in the Box?

 

 

 

 

   

Dovetail Groove for ASIAIR PLUS

The dovetail groove is designed for ASIAIR PLUS to connect Vixen dovetail plate. It can help achieve more convenient and flexible installation methods compared to the original dovetail plate of ASIAIR PLUS.

The way how to connect it to your ASIAIR PLUS:

Connection tips:

1. Remove the original dovetail plate of ASIAIR PLUS.

2. Fix the dovetail groove to ASIAIR PLUS with the screws you just take off from the plate.

3. It’s recommended to put the bolt towards the box side as shown in the pictures above and not to block the USB ports and status indicators.

 

Read more: https://astrobackyard.com/zwo-am5-review/

 

The ZWO M54 adapter is an adapter designed specifically for ASI cooled cameras. Instead of using the 20mm ZWO EFW, you can directly connect the adapter to OAG-L with the addition of 5mm sensor tilt adapter to reach 55mm back focus.

It has a thickness of 15mm. You can also insert an ZWO 2”filter into it.

The adapter supports 2” filters from third-party. Below are the requirements for the filters.

Mechanical Diagram

What is in the box?

1. M54 adapter (15mm)
2. M54M-M48F adapter
3. 5-L8 screws * 8

The best solution of 55mm back focus length

Please note the following solutions are premised on that you are using the OAG-L with the cooled camera.

Detailed Connecting Guide

Connecting with ASI2600MM Pro as the example.

1. Fix the filter to M54M-M48F adapter via threads.

2. Fix the filter unit to the M54 adapter.

3. Here we have an ASI2600MM Pro camera and an adapter unit. The four holes circled in red in the sensor tilt plate are the ones you are going to use to fix the adapter unit to the camera.

4. Take 4 screws from the package, and use them to fix the M54 adapter to the camera.

5. Remove the M48 plate from OAG-L.

6. Align the hole positions in OAG-L to the smaller holes in the adapter, then use the rest 4 screws to fix OAG-L to the M54 adapter.

7. Reinstall the M48 plate on OAG-L.

8. Work done!

 

The ASI485MC is one of the latest OSC planetary cameras released by ZWO in 2021. Packed with Sony sensor IMX485, this camera has some very great highlights, including a large resolution of 3840*2160, compatible with USB 3.0 interface, large full-well depth of 13ke-, extremely high sensitivity and super low read out noise, etc.

1/1.2” 8MP backlit sensor

ASI485MC shares the same pixel size of 2.9um with ASI462MC, but when it comes to resolution, ASI485MC is 4 times bigger than ASI462MC. The total number of pixels is 8.28 million. The sensor length and width are 11.13mm*6.26mm. The diagonal is 12.86mm.

 

Extremely high sensitivity

One benefit of the back-illuminated CMOS structure is the reduced readout noise and improved sensitivity. Sony particularly uses the STARVIS™ technology on the IMX485 sensor, bringing it excellent visibility at low illumination. You may get very high light efficiency when taking astrophotos, also realize high picture quality in the visible-light and near infrared light regions.

This, combined with the large FOV provided by the big sensor format, makes ASI485MC not only ideal for solar, lunar and planetary imaging, also can be used as the live streaming camera, or all-sky camera to observe or monitor weather condition.

HCG Mode

ASI485MC has a built-in HCG mode which can effectively reduce the readout noise at high gain and keep the same wide dynamic range as you would expect at low gain. When the gain is 80, the HCG mode will automatically turn on. The read out noise fall off a cliff while the dynamic range still can reach close to 11 stops. The minimum read noise is 0.7 e.

 

QE curve

We assume the QE peak value of ASI485MC is 85% at 530nm.

 

USB 3.0 Port & ST4 Port

USB 3.0 Port: Like other ASI cameras, the ASI485MC is powered and controlled via USB 3.0. It provides 5Gb bandwidth to let the camera run at 39fps (10bit, high speed mode) or 27.2fps (12bit, normal mode) at full resolution(8.2Mega).

ST4 Port: Can be used to connect with auto guide port of mount for guiding.

Mechanical Diagram

What’s in the box?

 

ASI482MC

The ASI482MC is one of the latest OSC planetary cameras released by ZWO in 2021. Packed with Sony sensor IMX482, this camera has some very great highlights, including a large pixel size of 5.8um, compatible with USB 3.0 interface, large full-well depth of 51.5ke-, extremely high sensitivity and super low read out noise, etc. It is considered as one powerful iteration of ZWO after years of developing process in the field of planetary cameras.

1/1.2”format 2 megapixel sensor

The IMX482 sensor adopts back-illuminated CMOS structure. In resolution it is approximately the same as IMX462, but with 4 times the sensor size, it accordingly has a larger pixel size of 5.8*5.8um.

The sensor length and width are 11.13mm*6.26mm. The diagonal is 12.86mm.

SNR1s=0.08lx

Sony is introducing SNR1s [lx] as an index used to quantitatively evaluate picture quality at low illumination. SNR1s [lx] is an acronym consisting of “SNR” (Signal-to-Noise Ratio), “1” (represents that the signal level when noise = 1 is 1), and “s” (for Security). The lower this value is, the greater the image quality will be at low illumination.

The 5.8um large pixel size allows unprecedentedly low SNR1s value of 0.08lx for ASI482MC. While ASI385MC is 0.13lx, you may see it is almost 2 times better, which brings the camera a fantastic nickname – “The King of the Night”.

 

51.5ke- full well capacity

With the full well capacity of 51.5ke-, ASI482MC displays rich star details when taking astrophotos. Coupled with the ultimately low SNR1s, the efficiency of date acquisition can be really high. This is particularly helpful for solar, lunar and planetary imaging, also makes the camera perfect for DSO lucky imaging (taking multiple photos in short exposure times and stack them to improve SNR.)

Moreover, thanks to the features above, ASI482MC can also be an ideal EAA camera or all-sky camera.

HCG Mode

ASI482MC has a built-in HCG mode which can effectively reduce the readout noise at high gain and keep the same wide dynamic range as you would expect at low gain. When the gain is 80, the HCG mode will automatically turn on. The read out noise fall off a cliff while the dynamic range still can reach close to 12 stops. The minimum read noise is 1.5 e.

QE curve

We assume the QE peak value of ASI482MC is 85% at 530nm.

USB 3.0 Port & ST4 Port

USB 3.0 Port: Like other ASI cameras, the ASI482MC is powered and controlled via USB 3.0. It provides 5Gb bandwidth to let the camera run at 82.5fps (10bit, high speed mode) or 57.5fps (12bit, normal mode) at full resolution (2Mega).

ST4 Port: Can be used to connect with auto guide port of mount for guiding.

Mechanical Diagram

What’s in the box?

 

Note:

Kindly note that the power adapter is not included, please click this link to buy a 12V power adapter. There are 4 different standards for different countries, please make sure you selected the correct adapter when placing the order.

https://astronomy-imaging-camera.com/product/acdc-adapter-12v-5a-for-cooled-cameras

For the manual, please click the link to get it:

https://www.yuque.com/zwopkb/asiair

OAG-L has a large prism size of 12*12mm, far bigger than M68 OAG. The bigger clear aperture brings wider field of view in guiding. It is easy to use, and suitable for users who are interested in long focal length photography.

To take the most advantage of it, we recommend you to match it with large format guiding cameras.

OAG-L-68 shares the same prism size of 12*12mm as the OAG-L. It’s specially designed for ASI461 and ZWO 50mm square filter wheel.

Features:

1. Lightweight and exquisite, 17.5mm thickness.
2. Prism size: 12*12mm.
3. The effective light-passing aperture is 11.7mm*8.3mm.
4. Can be used to connect the main camera and guide camera simultaneously. No guide telescope required.
5. Packaged with an M48 sensor tilt plate (5mm).

Operating Guide:

1. For guiding, OAG-L can only work with ASI Mini cameras like ASI174MM Mini, ASI290MM Mini and ASI120MM Mini.
2. Considering the large prism size, we don’t recommend you use OAG-L with telescopes whose clear aperture is smaller than M48.
3. Yet it is recommended to use with 2” EFW or 7x36mm EFW, and with APS-C cameras (ASI2600) or full-frame cameras (ASI6200/2400). The large clear aperture supports full-frame cameras without vignetting.
4. The major differences between OAG-L and M68 OAG are about the prism size and the threads. OAG-L removed the inner threads so you can directly use the screws to connect it to other equipment.
5. If the thread of your telescope side is M48, then you don’t need to remove the M48 sensor tilt plate coming with OAG-L. On the contrary, you need to remove it and use some other sensor tilt plate at the corresponding thread of your telescope.
6. While adding OAG-L into your optical train, please make sure the prism won’t block the camera sensor.
7. You can use the guiding screw to adjust the guiding camera’s focus length. Please make sure the distances from the prism to the main camera and to the guide camera are the same. To ensure the result, it is better to do this during the daytime for the adjustment will be very difficult at night.

The pictures below show how to remove the sensor tilt plate:

 

How to adjust the position of the prism of OAG-L?

1.Use an M2 hex wrench to anticlockwise loosen the M4 screw in the through hole of the sensor tilt plate

2.Pinch the prism on both sides and then pull it to the proper position.

3.Then re-tighten the M4 screw with the M2 hex wrench.

OAG-L Mechanical Diagram

OAG-L-68 Mechanical Diagram

OAG-L & OAG-L-68 Connection Methods

 

You may find the M54 and M68 sensor tilt plates on the ZWO website.

 

Please Note:

While adding OAG-L into your optical train, please make sure the prism won’t block the camera sensor.

You can use the guiding screw to adjust the guiding camera’s focus length. Please make sure the distance from the prism to the main camera and to the guide camera are the same. To ensure the result, it is better to do this at daytime for the adjustment will be very difficult at night.

The thickness of the M42M-M48F 22.5mm extender is 22.5mm. It is an important astronomical accessory for ASI2600MM Pro users who want to connect the camera to 7x36mm filter wheel to reach 55mm back focus distance while without the involvement of OAG-L.

Connection Guide:

When connecting the ASI2600 to 36mm EFW, you need to screw off the sensor tilt plate coming with the camera first, then use the screws to fix them. This can help you get the distance between the filter and the sensor much closer.

 

Mechanical Diagram:

The filter adapter ring that allows you to use the filter with a smaller filter thread size.

No need for buying another set of filter drawers, the 2”-1.25”filter adapter ring will help you directly fit the 1.25”filter onto 2” filter drawer or filter wheel.

Supported list:

ZWO 5×2”EFW

ZWO 7×2” EFW

ZWO filter drawer series, including M42 filter drawer and M54 filter drawer

The effect when connecting 2”filter drawer:

The effect when connecting 2”EFW:

We recommend you use ASI533, ASI183, ASI294 and ASI1600 with this filter adapter ring since cameras with bigger sensors may lead to vignetting when matching the 1.25” filters.

Connecting drawing:

Mechanical drawing:

The M48 sensor tilt plate is independently developed by ZWO and specially made to match telescope with M48 thread. The thickness is 5mm. It has several screw holes on the surface so that you can easily connect it to the M68 OAG and APS-C & full frame camera like ASI2600/ASI6200/ASI2400.

The best solution of 55mm back focus length:

The latest connection methods for the M48 sensor tilt plate can be found here:

The best solution of 55mm back focus length.

Mechanical drawing:

Introducing 5V EAF, this electronic focuser, like its previous version, enables precise, dynamic focus control for planetary and deep-sky imaging, while only connected to a 5V USB-port.

Features:

1. Highly integrated design
2. Support ASCOM platform and various ASCOM-compatible third-party software
3. Support INDI
4. Support original software such as ASIAIR and ASIStudio
5. Support automatic focusing for DSO imaging
6. Support handle controller and manual focusing
7. Support temperature sensor
8. USB HID device and driver-free
9. Stable and durable

Compared to the old version of the EAF focuser, the main change of the 5V EAF is to eliminate the need for a 12V power supply port. Now you can directly connect it to your camera, laptop or ASIAIR PRO via the USB 2.0 port and use a cable for both data transmission and power supply! This makes the cable management much easier, as well as reducing the need for additional power outlets.

The innovative decorative pattern on the EAF is inspired by the changes of Airy disk during focusing showing how the focusing curve gives a local minimum at best focus – giving an easy explanation on how the EAF works just with a glance on the cover!

There are two variants of the 5V EAF:

Standard Version: EAF body, flexible coupling, motor bracket, USB2.0 cable.

Advanced Version: EAF body, flexible coupling, motor bracket, USB2.0 cable, hand controller, temperature sensor.

You could purchase the standard version first, and then buy other accessories to upgrade in the future.

The casing of the hand controller uses environment-friendly ABS-material.  It has a 3.5mm female socket. The design aims at giving you the best ergonomic grip, so that you focus (pun intended J ) on capturing images!

The hand controller provides an easy method of focusing the telescope, featuring IN- and OUT-buttons, a 2-gear display, slow and fast speed rate control.

A “must-have” option for EAF users!

Support list:

SkyWatcher Astrophotography Reflectors, SkyWatcher Black Diamond, SkyWatcher Dobsonians, SkyWatcher Maksutov-Newtonians.

SharpStar telescopes,

SkyRover telescopes,

TS Optics,

Astro Tech,

Feather Touch,

Please be aware that not all models from the brands above are supported.  You can read the following instruction for the full supported list of telescopes and the different connection methods:

ZWO EAF Compatible Focuser List & Connecting Methods

More models will be supported in the future. Please stay tuned.

Parameters:

Size: 59mm x 52mm x 41mm

Moter: Step moter, 35mm diameter, 7.5° step angle

Reduction ratio: 120

Power/Data port: USB2.0 port, Type-B

Weight: 277g

Capacity: 5kg

 

Connecting diagram

Mechanical diagram

What’s in the box？

ZWO EAF bracket for Takahashi Scope

(this part is defined as optional accessories for ZWO EAF)

Support List:

Takahashi FSQ85

Takahashi FSQ106 (except for the first generation)

Takahashi TOA-130NFB

Mechanical diagram：

The detailed supported list:

Mechanical Diagram：

What’s in the box?

1. For Celestron C8 and C9.25

Flexible coupling x1

Motor bracket x1

M4-8mm x2

M3-14mm x3

2. For Celestron C11 and C14

Flexible coupling x1

Motor bracket x1

M4-8mm x2

M3-35mm x3

M4-35mm x3

The ZWO WiFi extender is released for ASIAIR PRO to improve WiFi coverage and expand its signal. It offers a more stable and more comfortable using experience for all ASIAIR users. Watch TV, lie on your sofa, spend time with your family… now you can just stay in your house with your gear setup outside and take as many astrophotos as you like (if the clouds decide to give you a break) without worrying about dead zones or dodgy signals!

Some features:

• WiFi intelligent bridge & repeater, which can provide wireless to wired, wired to wireless function;
• Support both 2.4G and 5G WiFi band;
• Support connecting more than 20pcs WiFi terminal at the same time;
• WiFi transmission rate: 300Mbps (2.4G) + 900Mbps (5G);
• Point to point no-barrier transmission distance: 300 meters (802.11A);
• Can be powered by DC 12V power supply and USB 5V.

Recommended connection method: AP Mode

Step 1

Since the USB 5V might not be enough to power the WiFi extender, we recommend you use DC 12V power supply. You can directly connect the WiFi extender to ASIAIR PRO via ASIAIR PRO’s DC 12V output port and Ethernet port.

When the green indicator is flashing rapidly, it indicates the WiFi extender is working properly.

 

Step 2

Connect your phone to the WiFi extender. The code can be found at the back of the WiFi extender. It is recommended to choose 5G because the signal of 5G is stronger than 2.4G and the transmission speed is also faster.

Open the App and confirm the network your phone connected to. Hit Next to move on.

Scan ASIAIR and connect your phone to it.

There you go, you can now start astrophotography with comfort!

Except from AP mode, you can also login in to the configuration site of the WiFi extender to set station mode. For detailed instruction, please refer to the quick guide of the ZWO WiFi extender.

 

What’s in the box?

By popular demand, we now introduce the ASI294MM, the monochrome version of the ASI294MC. Some of the highlights include:

• Back-illuminated sensor – improving sensitivity and reducing noise.
• 4/3” format with 4.64 um pixel size – ideal for many types of telescopes.
• 14-bit ADC – giving high dynamic range.
• An impressive 66ke- full well capacity.
• 4144*2822 high resolution – with the Bin1 mode the camera can operate at a resolution of 8288*5644 and pixel size of 2.3 um.

On top of this, not only does it have a very high QE value with a peak at about 90%, but also feature an ultra-low readout noise of 1.2e. If you are looking for a small-format monochrome camera for planetary imaging, you can’t go wrong with the ASI294MM.

Sensor length*width: 19.1*13.0mm. Diagonal: 23mm.

HCG Mode

The full well capacity of 66387e of ASI294MM is near the top of all ASI planetary cameras. It ensures a very high dynamic range of up to 13 stops that will greatly reduce the issue of overexposed images and also help to collect richer color information.

When the gain value is set to 120, the HCG high gain mode is turned on. We’re not saying it’s magic…but we’d like to think it is pretty close. With the HCG-mode turned on, the readout noise is greatly reduced, and the dynamic range is basically unchanged.

Unlocked Bin1 Mode

Yet another perk of the ASI294MM is that the pixel size is switchable – you can switch between unlocked Bin1 mode and Bin2 mode anytime in your astrophotography software. The unlocked Bin1 mode changes the pixel size into 2.3um and increases resolution to 8288×5644. The ability to unlock bin1-mode was a popular request from our customers. Of course we listened to you and worked quickly to make it possible.

Remember that using Bin1 mode will decrease the full well capacity compared to the standard bin2-mode.

Unlocked Bin1: 12bit ADC, 2.3um pixel size, 47 megapixels, 8288*5644 resolution, 14k full well capacity.

Bin2: 14bit ADC, 4.6um pixel size, 11.7 megapixels, 4144*2822 resolution, 66k full well capacity.

You can learn more differences between unlocked Bin1 and Bin2 modes by comparing the performance charts.

If the sampling accuracy you get with the 2.3um pixel size falls within a reasonable range, then the unlocked Bin1 mode will help you get more object details. However, you will lose dynamic range and ADC bit depth. Also the image files you get at Bin1 will probably be around 4 times bigger than Bin2.

So in the end the unlocked Bin1 mode is double-edged, you may choose to use it or not depending on the specific circumstances during your imaging sessions.

QE Value

As ZWO’s latest BSI (backside illuminated type) mono camera, ASI294MM has very high QE performance, not only higher than its color version, but even ASI1600MM. It is estimated that the QE peak value is about 90%.

ASI294MM vs ASI1600MM

USB 3.0 Port & ST4 Port

USB 3.0 Port: Providing 5Gb bandwidth to let ASI294MM run at 19fps (12bit, high speed mode) or 16.3fps (14bit, normal mode) at full resolution (11.7Mega, Bin2).

ST4 Port: Can be used to connect with auto guide port of mount for guiding.

Mechanical Diagram

What’s in the box?

The new 36mm EFW (Electronic Filter Wheel) independently developed by ZWO for astronomical mono cameras. With the larger body and the newly-added screw holes on the covers, it will give a much easier and more fixable way to connect to ASI cameras.

There are 7 slots inside the EFW and we recommend you use the ZWO 36mm LRGB and SHO filter set with it.

The body is CNC milled from an aircraft graded aluminum block. It is made with high quality and thin with the thickness of only 20mm. The heart of the EFW uses the quality stepmotors produced by NPM, Japan, which can be very trustworthy. When photographing, you can rotate the EFW in both counter clockwise or clockwise direction for filter selection. The whole operation process is rather convenient and efficient.

Comparing to the original 36mm EFW, you may find the new EFW has a bigger size. The screw holes on the front and back covers shall not only allow us directly connecting the 36mm EFW to the camera and bringing the filters closer to the camera sensor, also making the it possible to match it with M68 OAG.

There are no need for multiple cables to power this filter wheel up, just one USB cable does the trick. The power consumption of this EFW is approximately 120mAh @5V, which can be operated from the Cooled CMOS’s USB hub.

All ZWO 36mm filters can be perfectly supported by this EFW. But if you use filters from third party, then please make sure the thickness of the filter should be between 1.5mm and 3.0mm (the thickness of the filter frame is 1.8mm).

What’s in the box?

Specifications for the darkening sets(4pcs):

External diameter: 88mm. Inner diameter: 55mm (2pcs) & 58mm (2pcs). Thickness: ≤0.2. 4pcs in total.
* The reason for including the darkening sets is to help solve the light leaking issue occurring in the gap of the filter wheel and camera.

How to install the darkening sets: 

Mechanical diagram

The best solution of 55mm back focus length

The latest connection methods for the new 36mm EFW and ASI cameras can be find here: The best solution of 55mm back focus length.

If you are using ASI2600, then directly head over to this instruction: [ASI2600 Guide] 4 Connection methods to get 55mm back focus length.

Q & A

1. My EFW tries to move but gets stuck and cannot arrive at the right position.

1) Filter is too thick: Filters (not including the threads) must be less than 7mm in thickness and threadsmust be less than 3mm in thickness.

2) The M2 screw used to secure the filter is too long and causes the wheel to jam.

3) The M42 thread of the scope or the camera is too long and protrudes into the filter wheel, hitting the filter or wheel, causing it to jam.

2. My EFW spins but never stops, or stops at the wrong position.

ZWO EFW uses an infrared sensor to check wheel position.  If the sensor malfunctions, you can usually resolve by recalibrating the EFW in the ASCOM driver. Simply click “ReCalibrate” in ASCOM driver interface. It can take up to 60 seconds to perform this action.

3. I use 7-position EFW, normally I had slots 1, 2, 3, 4 filled and slots 5, 6, 7 empty, but then I got the error below and the EFW stopped working. I checked the carousel. It was not too tight or loose.

When using the filter wheel it is very important to keep its internal balance. The weight and distribution of the filters will affect balance. Thus we recommend you space the filters out and evenly distribute them. In this case, install them in slots 1, 3, 5 and 7, then the EFW will work again.

A set of Fan for 2600,6200,2400 cameras