Wanderer Astro Snowflake Filter Wheel (Choose Model) — 7+1 Eight-Slot Design

The Wanderer Astro Snowflake is the filter wheel for people who are tired of backfocus compromises, stray light gremlins, and “why do I need to take half my rig apart to mount this?” moments. It’s ultra-thin (starting at 14mm), fully enclosed, built like a brick, and has a genuinely clever 7+1 layout where the 8th slot can be used for an extra filter or the included dark filter—so you can grab dark frames wherever you are, whenever you want, without playing musical chairs with your filters.

• 7+1 (8-slot) layout for maximum flexibility

  • The 8th slot accepts an extra unmounted filter or the included dedicated dark filter

  • Dark frames on-demand: capture them anytime, anywhere

• Ultra-thin design starting at 14mm (see model dimensions)

  • Huge win when backfocus is tight or focus travel is limited

  • Especially helpful if you need to fit a CAA or ETA in the train

  • Shorter filter-to-sensor distance increases effective filter aperture, helping reduce vignetting

• Backfocus spacers included so you can increase thickness up to 20mm for conventional spacing needs

  • 16mm model: includes two 2mm spacers

  • 14mm model: includes three 2mm spacers

• High positioning accuracy & repeatability

  • Gear-driven system + damping anti-backlash mechanism

  • High-precision sensors for consistent return-to-position (great for reliable flats over time)

• Fully enclosed, premium build

  • No exposed motors or circuit boards

  • One-piece filter mask blocks stray light from filter edges/openings and looks clean

  • Requires about half the screws of typical masks—faster installs and fewer “dropped screw into the abyss” incidents

• Conventional filter masks included too

  • Useful for mixing unmounted and 2" filters or other special setups

• Stepped light-blocking grooves + sealing design to prevent stray light intrusion

• Easier camera connection (smart 8th-slot geometry)

  • Screws can pass through the filter disk and attach to the camera without removing the filter disk

• Exceptional rigidity

  • Adds a central mounting screw (not just perimeter screws)

  • Deformation reduced by about half vs conventional designs under similar conditions (effectively doubling rigidity)

• Self-adhesive foam sealing ring included

  • Some cameras need a gasket for full sealing; install it or skip it depending on your camera

• Compatible with major ecosystems

  • Mounting support for ZWO, QHY, ToupTek, plus Player One APS-C and full-frame cameras and most of their OAGs

  • Includes a recessed groove designed to accommodate QHYCCD cameras without increasing backfocus

• Built for winter imaging

  • Operates down to -30°C with a powerful motor and zero-flex structure

  • 12V motor supply required

  • Includes a 12V hub output to simplify wiring

  • Note: the high-power motor can be noticeably loud during operation (normal behavior)

• ASCOM + INDI compatible

  • ASCOM drivers support multiple Snowflake wheels connected at once, each identifiable independently

Specifications

• Product type: Motorized filter wheel (model selectable)

• Slot count: 8 total (7+1 design)

  • 8th slot: extra filter position or included dark filter

• Thickness: Starts at 14mm (varies by model; see dimensions)

• Spacer support: Included spacers allow thickness up to 20mm

  • 16mm model: 2 × 2mm spacers

  • 14mm model: 3 × 2mm spacers

• Drive system: Gear-driven with damping anti-backlash mechanism + high-precision sensors

• Enclosure: Fully enclosed (no exposed motor/PCB)

• Light control: One-piece mask + stepped light-blocking grooves + optional foam sealing ring

• Structural rigidity: Perimeter screws + central mounting screw for increased stiffness

• Cold tolerance: Rated for operation down to -30°C

• Power requirement: 12V (motor)

• Wiring aid: Integrated 12V hub output (simplifies routing)

• Compatibility: ZWO, QHY, ToupTek, Player One APS-C/Full Frame + most matching OAGs; recessed QHYCCD groove to avoid adding backfocus

• Software control: ASCOM and INDI compatible; multi-wheel identification supported via ASCOM drivers

What’s in the box?

• Wanderer Astro Snowflake Filter Wheel (selected model)

• Dedicated dark filter (standard)

• Backfocus spacers (quantity depends on model: 14mm or 16mm version)

• One-piece filter mask installed/included

• Conventional individual filter masks (for mixed filter setups)

• Self-adhesive foam sealing ring (optional install based on camera)

Software and Docs

• ASCOM driver support (multiple wheels supported with individual identification)

• INDI compatibility for supported control environments

Note: Any images showing filters are for installation demonstration only; filters shown in photos are not included (except the included dark filter).