The WandererAstro Snowflake 7+1 is a motorized filter wheel designed for astrophotography. Its eight slots allow you to select the filters needed for an exposure sequence. The eighth slot can hold an additional unmounted filter or the included opaque filter, which is useful for taking calibration images without removing the camera.
Price range: CHF 416.11 through CHF 609.58
The WandererAstro Snowflake 7+1 is a motorized filter wheel designed for astrophotography. Its eight slots allow you to select the filters needed for an exposure sequence. The eighth slot can hold an additional unmounted filter or the included opaque filter, which is useful for taking calibration images without removing the camera.
The low-profile versions differ in filter diameter: the SFW36S is designed for 36-mm unmounted filters, and the SFW50S for 50-mm unmounted filters. The SFW50S is not compatible with 2-inch mounted filters. For these filters, the SFW50 version is compatible; it is already listed on a separate product page at Deep Space Astronomy. Check the diameter and thickness of your filters, as well as your camera’s mount, before choosing a filter wheel.
The manufacturer's drawings show a thickness of 14 mm for both low-profile versions. The manufacturer includes three 2-mm spacers with the 14-mm models to adjust the flange focal distance up to 20 mm. This feature helps you prepare for installation when your corrector and camera require a specific distance. Any rings and accessories already present in the optical train must also be taken into account.
The Snowflake uses a one-piece mask to hold the filters in place and limit light transmission. Standard individual masks are also included with the wheel for setups that require them. The manufacturer also provides a self-adhesive foam gasket to use if the camera requires an additional seal.
For the SFW50S, WandererAstro offers the following separately: spacers intended for 50-mm unfitted filters that are too thin to ensure they are properly secured in their holders. The manufacturer specifies a holder depth of 2.5 mm and notes that some thinner filters may require these spacers. The imaging filters shown in the photos are examples and are not included; the opaque filter for darks is included.
The wheel uses a gear drive and a backlash compensation mechanism, combined with position sensors. Its design includes a central mounting point in addition to the peripheral mounts. This additional mounting point allows screws to be inserted to attach the wheel to the camera without removing the disc, according to the manufacturer’s assembly instructions.
The motor requires a 12 V power supply. The manufacturer states that it supports ASCOM and the individual identification of multiple wheels; it notes that the INDI driver will be released at a later date. The motor may produce audible noise during operation. Check for mechanical compatibility with your camera and optical splitter, as well as with the software you are using, before finalizing your setup.
| Models | Snowflake SFW36S and SFW50S |
|---|---|
| Number of positions | 8, including one slot for an additional, uninstalled filter or the included opaque filter |
| SFW36S | Unmounted 36-mm filters; wheel thickness: 14 mm |
| SFW50S | 50 mm unmounted filters; not compatible with 2-inch mounted filters; wheel thickness: 14 mm |
| Pull Spacers | 3 2-mm spacers included with the 14-mm models; adjustment range up to 20 mm |
| Engine Fuel Supply | 12 V |
| Control | ASCOM; INDI driver to be announced at a later date by the manufacturer |
| Included accessories as advertised | Opaque filter, spacers, individual masks, and self-adhesive foam gasket |
