The Version 2 model is here now. Axial design to mitigate off axis torque that is inherent in 4 screw set radial designs. 1/8 NPT threaded port for folks that need a desiccant plug access.
Placing the adjusting screws in the corners works great on a 3 point mechanism as 3 points of contact create a plane but when using 4 points there is always going to be a screw either in the way or not contacting the camera clamp like a short or long leg on a 3 leg stool vs a short or long leg on a 4 leg stool.
When using a 4 point unit you will want to use two opposing screws as pivots such as the left and right (x axis or y axis) to act as a hinge and flatten the field by tightening the top while loosening the bottom and by doing it this way then there is always full screw contact. The axial design allows the pivot points to be on axis without the constraints that are created by the off axis torque that is a byproduct of the radial design.
To adjust the z axis for back focus, leave the y axis screws loose and adjust the x axis screws in or out until the FWHM is at a minimum then adjust the y axis screws to flatten the field and ASTAP works great for this purpose.
When using HF, you should use the corner numbers to picture which way each side of the sensor is out of plane and adjust the two sides that share that corner and by doing so there will be full contact with the screws. If you adjust just one corner on a 4 point system then we are back at the 4 leg stool conundrum.
Axial design
Radial design
"Necessity is the mother of invention."
These large CMOS astro camera's coming to market are sure nice but unfortunately some may be a challenge to align orthogonal with the sensor . To make that task simpler, we have designed a precision tilt and back focus adjuster with ultra fine opto-mechanical systems that are used to position the camera in it's proper position in 3d space to allow you to place the camera on the telescope where it should be and can be seen in real time. These units have a typical back focus of about 3 mm minimum and adjust to about 10mm maximum. There are units available for folks with refractors also and units designed to mount to a filterwheel . Feel free to contact us if you have another need.
From prototype to production. This model can be used on a RASA or a Refractor and a SCT.
A production 4 tab adjuster.
Now available ready to attach to a Baader UFC.
Models for different filter wheels.
A different view with the photo negative so you can see the difference between models.
Camera interfaces for a QHY600m on a QHY filter wheel and a QHY461 on a FLI filter wheel. The knobs are not used on current models.
ASI 6200 on a ASI filter wheel. Back focus is 3mm-10mm with a minimum of 3mm back focus and a design of 6mm for centering. The knobs are not used on current models.
A couple samples from my camera on first test run.