The Falcon Rotator v2 is our latest large aperture (M68) camera field rotator, notable for its light weight and slim design. Despite its slender build, it is remarkably adept at handling and accurately positioning heavy imaging trains.
Ease of use is a key feature of the Falcon Rotator v2, offering compatibility with classic ASCOM, ASCOM Alpaca drivers, and the Unity Platform software. This user-friendly setup greatly simplifies the task of automatically and precisely orienting the camera field, enhancing the convenience and efficiency of astrophotography pursuits. A powerful, low-backlash geared stepper motor ensures precise positioning to the desired degrees. The rotator connects via a USB-C cable for both power and data, streamlining your telescope setup. It also boasts Wi-Fi capability, allowing remote control of field rotation from your mobile device. The Falcon Rotator v2 is tested for imaging setups weighing up to 6Kg or 13 lbs. Its mechanical design features adjustable internal bearings that can handle high payloads with minimal flexure. The Falcon Rotator 2 showcases a remarkably low profile, with a slim 15.5mm backfocus thickness and M68 (2.67 inches) x 1mm pitch thread openings on both sides. It is mechanically precise enough to achieve field de-rotation. The included Unity Platform calculates the Rate of Rotation (RoR) based on site latitude, target altitude, and azimuth position. ASCOM Alpaca outperforms classic ASCOM drivers with its platform independence, use of modern web standards, ease of installation, remote control capabilities, extensibility, and open-source availability, ensuring superior compatibility and user-friendly performance for advanced astronomy applications.
The Falcon Rotator v2 includes an integrated web server, allowing seamless communication with Alpaca clients and providing easy control of image rotation through ASCOM Alpaca, as well as monitoring from any web browser-enabled device like a smartphone.
Its micro-step drive control finely tunes the motor, achieving a derotation resolution as precise as 5 arc-seconds.
The motor's strategic placement away from the optical axis ensures it doesn't interfere with other equipment. A range of adapters are available for purchase, including both female and male variants for different connections:
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)
The Falcon Rotator v2 is scheduled for release in January 2024, and an introductory price of 690 USD.
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Specifications
Rotator
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De-Rotation support: For Alt-AZ field derotation
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USB-C Connectivity: Single cable for power and data.
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Rotates heavy imaging gear. Up to 6Kg
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Wi-Fi Enabled: Hotspot and Wireless 2.4GHz client support.
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ASCOM Alpaca Support: Seamless integration with popular software.
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Firmware Upgradability: Future-proof with software updates
Adapters
- Backfocus Thickness: 1.40 mm
- Thread Length: 4.0 mm
- M48 adapters have internal M42 thread.
- M54 adapters have internal M48 thread.
