February 23, 2022

New Products in February 2022

Baader FCCT (Filter Changer and Camera Tilter)

The first new product is the Filter Changer and Camera Tilter (FCCT) for use on the Celestron RASA 8" with a range of QHY cameras.

This all-in-one filter holder with camera tilt mechanism has been designed to give the largest possible usable image field, sharp image corners and lightning-fast fine corrections. The FCCT (Filter Changer Camera Tilter) has a range of filter slider accessories that enables both quick exchange of filters and easy correction of image tilt – without having to remove the camera from the RASA 8″. Importantly the tilt adjustment can be done conveniently from the side meaning that the camera does not need to be removed! Two versions of the FCCT are available depending on the model/size of your QHY camera.

FCCT Variations

Baader FCCT I for RASA 8" – suitable for Ø 77 mm QHY-Cameras (e.g. QHY 174 / 163 / 183)
Baader FCCT II for RASA 8" – suitable for Ø 90 mm QHY-Cameras (e.g. QHY 268 / 294)
FCCT I to FCCT II Expansion Kit for QHY 268 / 294

Learn more about the Baader FCCT for RASA 8" and QHY cameras

FCCT Key Features

Filter changer and Tilter (mechanical image-plane corrector), specially designed for Celestron RASA 8" Astrograph and QHY cameras
The Baader FCCT (Filter Changer Camera Tilter) allows the use of filters as well as the image position correction / fine adjustment of camera and filters.
Depending on the camera model, you will need one of the following FCCT versions:

FCCT I for RASA 8" – suitable for QHY cameras with 77 mm diameter (e.g. QHY 174 / 163 / 183)
FCCT II for RASA 8" – suitable for QHY cameras with 90 mm diameter (e.g. QHY 268 / 294)

The Baader FCCT (Filter Changer Camera Tilter) allows the use of filters as well as the adjustment of camera plus filter to the optical path
With the FCCT, a very fast adjustment or finest readjustments are possible - without having to unscrew the camera each time. This makes working with the RASA 8 a pleasure
3D-printed filter sliders are available for the FCCT, which exclusively accommodate unmounted filters with diameters of 31 mm / 36 mm and 2" (w/o cell)
Baader offers selected 2" filters specifically for the FCCT in an unmounted variant, but basically all Baader 2" filters will work when removed from the filter cell

Baader FCCT I

Baader FCCT II

Baader FCCT Extension Kit

FCCT Filter Sliders

To support different sized filters within the FCCT there are new 3D-printed filter sliders, which exclusively accommodate unmounted Baader filters with diameters of 31 mm / 36 mm and new 2″ (without cell). Baader offers selected 2″ filters especially for the FCCT in an unmounted version. The filter sliders are available single units or in packs of 4.

The standard 31mm and 36mm LRGB and high speed f/2 narrowband filters that are currently available will fit the appropriate sized FCCT sliders and Baader has now released a selection of unmounted 2″ mounted filters.

FCCT Filter Slider Variations

Baader FCCT Filter Sliders 2", 31mm and 26mm

Compatible Filters

Note that any 2" Baader filter can be used with the FCCT providing it is unmounted from it's Filter Cell. Baader also offers a 47.4 mm variation of the CMOS-optimized filters. 47.4 mm filters are available in the following products:

Baader SunDancer II

The Baader SunDancer II (with its heated H-alpha Etalon from SolarSpectrum) transforms an existing telescope quickly and easily into a professional H-alpha telescope! For telescopes up to 80mm aperture, you do not need any further accessories: The SunDancer II already includes a compact achromatic (!) 3x telecentric which connects to the Etalon with T2 threads; the entire SunDancer is simply plugged between star diagonal and eyepiece and connected to a power source. It then automatically heats up to the optimum operating temperature. No readjustment is necessary even during long observation sessions. Finetuning the transmission line e.g. to adapt to different telescope systems is possible via the control box; the micrometer screw can be used to quickly shift the transmission line into the blue wing of the H-alpha line to compensate for the Doppler effect during fast H-alpha events on the sun.

Baader SunDancer II Key Features:

Silently heated H-alpha-Filter includes a compact new 3x telecentric system with 2nm hard-coated blocking filter
Half-width (FWHM) of 0.6±0.1Å at an effective focal ratio of f/30
Resistant to aging: The dielectric coating of the blocking filter and the airtight storage of the SolarSpectrum Etalon filter in oil prevent the aging process
The complete disk of the sun as well as prominences are visible in telescope with focal lengths up to about 600mm shows prominences and solar surface details for visual observations as well as for photography and bino-viewers
For telescopes with 80mm aperture or less, no additional D-ERF (energy rejection filter) is necessary
User friendly electrical temperature control; additional micrometer screw for observing fast changes in the blue wing of the H-alpha-line
Dual Nosepiece: 2", 1,25"

Learn more about the Baader SunDancer II H-alpha Filter

Baader SunDancer II Telecentric TZ-3S

This achromatic 3x telecentric four-lens optical design features BBAR (Broad-Band Anti-Reflection) coating, anti-reflective thread and blackened lens edges against reflections and for maximum contrast. The image circle 35mm in 65 mm distance to T-2 threaded base and has 1¼” and 2″ nosepiece with 1¼” filter thread (T-2 thread on camera side). The achromatic SunDancer 3x telecentric is designed for the entire visible spectrum and can therefore not only be used on H-alpha systems, but can also be used as a high-quality telecentric multiplier that is superior to standard Barlows.

Baader SunDancer II Telecentric System TZ-3S

Baader SunDancer II Telecentric TZ-3S Key Features:

Achromatic 3x telecentric system
Four-lens optical design, BBAR (Broad-Band Anti-Reflection) coating
Anti-reflective thread and blackened lens edges against reflections and for maximum contrast
Image circle 35mm in 65 mm distance to T-2 threaded base
1¼" and 2" nosepiece with 1¼" filter thread, T-2 thread on camera side
The optical design places the telescope's focal point 28 mm behind the end of a 1¼" nosepiece
5-year warranty if handled properly

Learn more about the Baader SunDancer II Telecentric System TZ-3S

UFC Accessories

Adding to the range of UFC accessories is the UFC dark slider and the UFC seal. The former slider aids in obtaining dark frames with the latter being used to help seal the UFC slider opening against light and dust when a filter (and slider) are not being used.

Filed in: Baader CMOS Optimized Filters, FCCT, Highspeed Filters

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