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ACE offers a broad range of filter wheels up to 102mm capacity .  These products are completely different from the flimsy boxes offered by others.  ACE filter wheel boxes are machined from a single block of 6061-T6 aluminum, have integral light-lock seals and are designed to take heavy detectors without flexing.  They can be found in research laboratories and observatories all around the world, on telescopes up to 8-m aperture. 

Key Benefits

bulletSingle or double-stack wheels
bulletHoused in a box or available for bench-mounting with or without the box
bulletLow profile and low mass due to CNC machining
bulletAbsolute encoder system with precision bearing spring detent lock
bulletMost ACE models are available with 10 µm repeatability for perfect flat fielding
bulletOversized axles with precision radial bearings (40 mm bore or larger typical)
bulletAvailable for control through Maxim-DL image processing and data acquisition software
bulletAvailable with motors specified by customer for integration into other equipment
bulletACE SmartFilter™ controller uses RS232 communications for custom integration
bulletCustom interface plates to telescope and camera, or use standard T-thread mount
bulletVery high speed filter change available upon request (0.3 to 1 second)

 

Single Filter Wheel

A single wheel in a dust and light-tight box machined from a solid block of 6061 aluminum. 

The model shown here has a custom-designed interface for a small telescope and CCD camera.

It is also available with a standard T-thread mount.

Total weight is only 1200 grams (excluding filters).

Low profile (20 mm for model shown)

Available with custom engraving for easy identification and theft deterrent.

 

Dual Filter Wheel

Two stacked wheel with 14 filter capacity, 2-inch square. Full computer control.

Filters accessible through a change door.

Repeatability typical < 10 µm for perfect flat fielding.

Low profile (50 mm for double stack wheel)

Designed for mounting heavy detectors without flexing

 

 

Optical Bench Models

Two stacked wheels designed for use on an optical bench.

Filters jackets accessible through a change door.

Photograph shows filter box custom designed for a major defense contractor.

Filters are housed in removable jackets and are inclined at 1.5° to prevent spurious reflections.

Rear side of box has polished surface to reflect heat from black-body source.

Complete custom design - we can do the same for your project and welcome your phone call.

 

Custom design and manufacture

The box shown here was designed for Gettysburg College Observatory.  It comprises two wheels and allow a diagonal mirror (mounted in the upper wheel) to direct light to an eyepiece port for public viewing.  In order to maintain the back focal distance of the telescope a chimney arrangement was designed.  ACE provides its customers with 3-D solid models before custom machining commences.

We can provide control of the wheels through SmartFilter™ or through a multi-axis control card or by using intelligent servo motors such as Silvermax.  We work with your requirements to produce the finest astronomical instrumentation.  ACE filter wheels can be found at telescopes around the world and have been incorporated into instruments for 8-meter class observatories. 

Custom designs include "box-less" models for use inside Schmidt cameras, ultra-thin models for use at prime focus or other limited space applications, and numerous other design concepts.  Please call to see what we can do for your application.

 

 

ACE SmartFilter™

The ACE SmartFilter™ is an embedded controller that permits RS-232 command and control of ACE filter boxes.

Highlights:

bulletTalks with Maxim-DL image processing and data acquisition software application.
bulletUsed for custom integrating into control system with RS-232 or G.P.I.B. interface.
bulletReal-time LCD readout of filter positions and system status.
bulletControls single or dual stacked wheels.

The most common commands are:

Syntax Command Notes
CS Check System Move to filter 0 then cycle through all filters and back to 0.  Repeat for second wheel if present.
HM Home Move wheel to a detent position if it is out of detent
n UW Using Wheel For dual wheel systems select the current filter wheel (1 ≤ n ≤ 2)
n MV Move Move to filter n where (0 ≤ n ≤ 9)
n EX Exercise system Used for Certificate of Inspection.  Visit 50 random positions and report back status.  Timeout if any errors.  Repeat n times.
? Short Status Prints out a short status report (see below)
+ Long status Prints out a long status report (see below)
RS Reset Resets the CPU (equivalent of cold restart)
HELP Help Prints out a complete list of available commands with instructions
> Prompt Returned when a command has completed

The output from the ? and + commands permits real-time robotic instrument control

>?

W1 = 3

W2 = 0

UW = 1

>

where:

            W1 = Filter position for Wheel 1

            W2 = Filter position for Wheel 2 (only reported for dual wheel systems)

            UW = Using Wheel (only one wheel is active at a time - reported only for dual systems)

The + command is used to get a full status report:

>+

W1 = 3

W2 = 0

UW = 1

NF = 8

NW = 2

EO = 2

FL = 0

Version: 28-Sep-02 Copyright(c) A.C.E.

Type HELP for a list of all valid commands

>

The first three lines are identical to the short status report (? command).

Thereafter:

            NF = Number of Filters (4 <= NF <= 10)

            NW = Number of wheels (1 <= NF <= 2)

            EO = engraving offset - factory set - do not adjust

            FL = FAULT (TRUE when last move failed, else FALSE)           

For single wheels the W2 and UW lines are omitted.

 

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Last modified: 03/16/05