Astromania SKU_AM_AFM Astrophotography Flip Mirror Operational Guide

October 27, 2023
Astromania

Astromania SKU_AM_AFM Astrophotography Flip Mirror

Astromania-1.25-Astrophotography-Flip-Mirror-with-Eyepiece-Adapter-
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Specifications

  • DIMENSIONS: 98 x 5.27 x 3.09 inches
  • WEIGHT: 9 ounces
  • CONNECTOR (at camera end): T2
  • CONNECTION (to the telescope): 25”
  • MATERIALS: Aluminum Alloy
  • COLOR: Matte Black

Introduction

Accurate focusing is simply one component of taking successful astrophotography images of the night sky. Finding the precise focus point and the ideal positioning for your astronomy photos is quite simple with the Astromania flip mirror. This tiny black contraption has a flip mirror that can be moved and can either shunt light 90 degrees upwards or allow it to travel through unhindered.

The object will appear in the eyepiece and you can precisely focus it as usual if you tilt the mirror to a 45° angle. You may precisely parfocal the eyepiece and camera using the flip mirror’s helical focuser. This implies that both aspects will be in sharp focus at once. A subject that is precisely centred in the eyepiece will also be centered in the field of vision of the camera. The object will be correctly positioned on the chip, so you don’t need to bother about it anymore.

Neither common webcams nor astronomical CCD cameras come with a finder to aid in positioning the object on the chip. Sharp focus and the proper object position can only be achieved through test exposures. The object has already been centred and “remotely” focused on the chip via the eyepiece, thus the flip mirror comes in quite handy in this situation.

The 1.25″ diameter Astromania flip mirror “connector that may be attached to any common telescope. Any regular 1.25 focuser will fit the helical focuser “eyepiece. The typical fitting for all cameras is a T-2 thread, which is provided on the camera side.

WHAT YOU GET

  • Flip Mirror
  • Camera Adapter
  • Rotation Lock Ring
  • 5mm Hex Wrench
  • Camera Adapter Dust Cap
  • 25″ Nosepiece
  • Dust Caps
  • 25″ Eyepiece Adapter
  • 25″ Eyepiece Holder with Helical Focus Mechanism

TIPS: How to Change the Camera Orientation?

  1. Release the camera counterclockwise and adjust it to the proper direction.
  2. Rotate the knurled lock ring counterclockwise to make it fit the camera tightly.

PLEASE NOTE- Flip-mirrors are not suitable for use with Newtonian telescopes, as the focal point can no longer be reached. Their use on refractors or catadioptric systems- SCs, ACFs, Maksutovs- is no problem however.

Adjusting the Flip Mirror Stop Angle

To adjust the flip mirror stop angle:

  • Locate the socket head set screw on the bottom of the flip mirror body.
  • If the subject is above the center of the field of view (when facing the rear of the flip mirror), turn the set screw clockwise. If the subject is below the center of the field of view, turn the set screw counter-clockwise.
  • Check your adjustment by comparing the CCD camera view with the eyepiece view. The subject should be centered in both views.

Adjusting the Lever Tension

Keep the flip mirror lever in the “up” position to let the telescope focus on the camera. Flip the mirror to the “down” position to let the telescope focus on the eyepiece. With the flip mirror lever in the “up” position, focus your CCD camera using your telescope’s focuser.

  • Locate the two silver socket head set screws (one on each side) located above the lever.
  • Using the 1.5mm hex key (not included), loosen or tighten the set screws as needed to reach the desired lever tension.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Will this function with 1.25″ nosepiece NexImage solar system cameras?****

No, it won’t. Camera’s eyepiece is out of focus.

Can I focus an eyepiece (with an integrated helical focuser) using the Astromania flip mirror without moving the telescope focus knob?****

Yes. The eyepiece includes a separate threaded barrel that enables independent focusing. A knurled screw allows you to lock that setting. When using a crosshair eyepiece, it will rotate as you focus, but once you have it in focus; you may turn it to the angle you choose.

It is made out of plastic or metal?****

It is made of metal.

Will this work with a Canon T3i camera and a Celestron 70mm travel telescope?****

Yes, it will work with Celestron 70mm travel scope and Canon T3i camera.

What is a telescope flip mirror?****

The light from an object can be sent in new directions using a flip mirror unit, which uses a small mirror that can be shifted into the light beam, which is employed on quite astronomical telescopes and other thermal devices.

What is the function of the flip mirror in the camera?****

You can change your perspective between the camera and the eyepiece by flipping a mirror up or down. It is a mirror-diagonal. It is utilized to assist you focus and center the subject in your camera.

Why can I see the secondary mirror in my telescope?****

The telescope is not focused if the secondary mirror’s shadow (a black circle) or spider vanes are visible when looking through the eyepiece.

What is the function and purpose of the flip mirror in the camera?****

The Flip/Mirror Scan Direction feature is designed for multi-camera arrays where at least one (1) camera is positioned upside-down and all sensors are synced. The array cameras’ line scan directions can be matched by using this capability.

How do you make a non-reverse mirror?****

By joining two normal mirrors at their edges at a 90 degree angle, one can create a non-reversing mirror. An observer looking into the angle will see a non-reversed image if the join is placed so that it is vertical.

How do you know if a telescope is out of collimation?****

You want to see concentric circles form a diffraction pattern all around it. In essence, this refers to rings that could appear a little wavy as they surround the star. Your telescope has to be collimated if the circles you see are not all concentric.

Can you use a reflector telescope in daylight?****

Any reflector can be used for terrestrial viewing, but even with an erecting lens, they aren’t very well suited to the job. Due to local seeing problems, the pupil of the eye is frequently smaller than the secondary’s shadow at low power throughout the day.

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