Designed for Modern Fast Optical Systems
Modern astrophotography systems are no longer forgiving of excess back focus, mechanical flex, or poor filter placement. Fast optics, large sensors, rotators, tilt adjusters and complex imaging trains demand absolute precision.
The Snowflake filter wheel is not an evolution of older designs—it is a ground-up rethink of what an electronic filter wheel must be to protect optical performance, preserve back focus, and maximise image output.
If your system is constrained by back focus, sensitive to vignetting, or carrying heavy cameras and accessories, Snowflake is engineered to be the limiting factor you never hit.
Why Snowflake Outperforms Conventional Filter Wheels
| Feature | Snowflake Filter Wheel | Typical 20–22 mm Filter Wheel |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Thickness | 14 mm / 16 mm | 20–22 mm |
| Filter-to-Sensor Distance | Ultra-short (maximised aperture) | Significantly longer |
| Vignetting Control | Minimised, even on fast optics | Often requires larger filters |
| Mechanical Rigidity | Central + perimeter mounting | Perimeter screws only |
| Structural Deformation | Up to 50% lower | Higher under identical load |
| Dark Frame Capability | Integrated 8th dark slot | Requires camera removal |
| Installation Risk | No filter disk removal required | Filter disk must be removed |
| Cold-Weather Reliability | Rated to –30 °C | Often unspecified |
Ultra-Thin Architecture. Maximum Optical Output.
The Snowflake filter wheel is engineered from the ground up with one overriding goal: to extract the maximum possible optical performance from modern imaging systems. With a body thickness starting at just 14 mm, it sets a new benchmark for ultra-low-profile electronic filter wheels.
In imaging trains where back focus or focus travel is critically limited—particularly when using a CAA or ETA—Snowflake is often the only electronic filter wheel that allows the system to reach focus without sacrificing sensor coverage, filter size, or mechanical stability.
By placing the filters exceptionally close to the sensor, Snowflake increases the effective filter aperture, improving light transmission and significantly reducing vignetting. This directly translates into better corner illumination, cleaner flats, and more consistent data across the entire sensor—especially important for APS-C and full-frame cameras and fast optical systems.
Included back-focus spacers allow total thickness to be increased up to 20 mm for conventional imaging trains. The 16 mm model includes two 2 mm spacers, while the 14 mm models include three.
Filter Configuration Designed for Real Imaging Workflows
Snowflake’s 7+1 filter architecture is not a gimmick—it is a practical solution for serious imaging workflows. The dedicated 8th slot accepts either an additional unmounted filter or the included dark filter, enabling dark frame capture at any time without removing the camera or disturbing back focus.
The specially engineered 8th slot geometry allows mounting screws to pass directly through the filter disk into the camera body. This eliminates the need to disassemble the filter disk during installation—reducing risk, saving time, and protecting both filters and sensor.
For users with specialised requirements—such as mixing unmounted filters with 2-inch filters— conventional individual filter masks are included, providing complete configuration flexibility.
Mechanical Precision That Protects Image Quality
At the heart of Snowflake is a precision gear-driven mechanism with an integrated damping anti-backlash system. High-resolution position sensors ensure repeatable, accurate filter alignment over long imaging sessions, preserving flat-field consistency and eliminating frame-to-frame variation.
Unlike conventional filter wheels that rely solely on perimeter screws, Snowflake incorporates a central structural mounting screw, creating a unified, load-bearing assembly. Under identical conditions, measured deformation is reduced by up to 50%, effectively doubling structural rigidity and maintaining precise optical alignment even with heavy cameras and accessories.
Sealing, Light Control & Build Quality
Snowflake features a fully enclosed body with no exposed motors or circuit boards. A one-piece filter mask provides a clean, professional finish while preventing stray light from entering through filter edges or openings.
The one-piece mask uses half the number of screws required by conventional designs, simplifying installation and eliminating the risk of dropped screws entering the filter wheel or camera.
Precision-machined stepped light-blocking grooves ensure complete sealing against stray light, preserving contrast and calibration accuracy. A self-adhesive foam sealing ring is included for cameras that require additional light blocking.
System Compatibility Without Compromise
Compatible with ZWO, QHYCCD, ToupTek and Player One APS-C and full-frame cameras, as well as most compatible off-axis guiders.
A recessed mounting groove allows direct installation on QHYCCD cameras without increasing back focus, preserving critical optical spacing.
Reliability When Conditions Are Not Forgiving
A powerful motor combined with Snowflake’s zero-flex structural design ensures smooth, reliable operation even in extreme cold, down to –30 °C.
The system operates on 12 V, with a built-in 12 V hub output to simplify cable management and reduce complexity in demanding imaging setups.
