Estimated launch: January 2024
The Falcon Rotator v2 is our new large aperture (M68) camera field rotator that impresses with its lightweight, low-profile design. Despite its slim profile, it possesses the remarkable capability to manage and accurately position even heavy image trains.
Operating the Falcon Rotator v2 is a seamless experience, thanks to its compatibility with classic ASCOM, native ASCOM Alpaca drivers and the Unity Platform software. This user-friendly design simplifies the process of automatically and precisely orienting your camera field, making your astrophotography endeavors significantly more convenient and efficient.
Precise Rotation
A powerful geared, low backlash stepper motor ensures that rotator will be precisely positioned to the designated degrees.
One Cable Operation
The rotator can be connected with a USB-C cable for both power and data, reducing complexity in your telescope setup. Additionally, it’s Wi-Fi enabled, allowing you to control your field rotation remotely from your mobile phone.
Rated Load
Falcon Rotator v2 has been tested at 6Kg or 13 lbs of imaging setup. The mechanical design allows to custom tighten internall bearing that can easily handle high payloads with nearly zero flexure.
Quick Overview
Description
Large Aperture in a Slim Design
The Falcon Rotator 2 has an impressively low profile, slim 15.5mm backfocus thickness and features openings on both sides with an M68 (2.67 inches) x 1mm pitch thread.
The motor has been strategically positioned away from the optical axis to ensure it does not interfere with your equipment.
Field De-Rotation support for Alt-Az mounts
Rotator has the mechanical precision to achieve field de-rotation. Supplied Unity Platform calculates Rate of Rotation (RoR) based on the site latitude, target altitude and azimuth position.
By fine-tuning the micro-step drive control of the motor, derotation can achieve an resolution as precise as 5 arc-seconds.
Examples of images taken with Falcon Rotator & Derotation with a Dobsonian Telescope
https://www.astrobin.com/iejxza
https://www.astrobin.com/j07lm3
ASCOM Alpaca Native Support
Falcon Rotator v2 offers Alpaca native support and a convenient web interface for easy smartphone control of your device.
ASCOM Alpaca outshines classic ASCOM drivers with its platform independence, modern web standards, streamlined installation, remote control capabilities, extensibility, and open-source options. This ensures superior compatibility and user-friendly performance, making it the preferred choice for advanced astronomy applications.
Falcon Rotator v2 comes equipped with an integrated web server that seamlessly communicates with Alpaca clients natively. This integration enhances the user experience by providing easy access to image-rotation control through ASCOM Alpaca but also monitoring from any device with a web browser such as a smart phone.
Cable Wrap Prevention
Rotator does not allow a clockwise turn above 220 degrees. It will turn anti-clickwise when it has to be moved above 220 degrees.
A nice cable wrap/snag prevention feature out of the box.
Available Adapters
You can purchace the adapters below:
from Left to Right:
Female Adapters
- M68M to M42F (ADAPT-M68MM42F)
- M68M to M48F (ADAPT-M68MM48F)
- M68M to M54F (ADAPT-M68MM54F)
Male Adapters
- M68M to M68M (ADAPT-M68MM68M)
- M68M to M54M (ADAPT-M68MM54M)
- M68M to M48M (ADAPT-M68MM48M)
- M68M to M42M (ADAPT-M68MM42M)
Specifications
Physical Size | 180mm x 140mm x 56mm |
Material | Anodised Aluminium |
Clear Aperture | M68 / 1mm pitch thread |
Steps per degree | Supports micro-stepping (x2,4,8,16,32) |
Payload | 6Kg / 13.2lbs |
Telescope Side | M68 Opening |
Camera Side | M68 |
Back Focus | 15.5mm |
Weight | 0.7Kg / 1.54 lbs) |
Connectivity | USB 2.0 with USB-C |
Operating Power | 5V, 0.9A |
Buy risk-free: When it’s time to trade up you’ll get the most value for your used gear.